Zara Tindall ditches glam for natural look after Aintree weekend

Ben McCaffrey
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:51:27 +0000

Zara Tindall swapped glamour for grit this weekend as she took to the arena at the FEI Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials in Norfolk.

The 44-year-old Olympic silver medallist, who is King Charles's niece, was photographed tackling jumps aboard her grey gelding Classicals Euro Star, affectionately known as Casper.

Princess Anne's daughter opted for practical attire befitting a serious competitor, wearing white jodhpurs paired with riding boots and a protective helmet.

In a departure from her polished appearances at royal engagements, the mother-of-three went entirely without makeup, displaying her natural complexion.

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She secured her blonde hair beneath a net to keep it clear while riding.

The Norfolk event ranks among the most significant equestrian competitions on the British calendar, drawing top riders from across the country.

Following her time in the saddle, the professional equestrian was seen strolling around the event grounds with what appeared to be a small black working Cocker Spaniel.

The Tindall family are known to have three dogs at home: black Labradors Storm and Pepper, a mother-daughter pair, along with Blink, a brindle boxer.

For her post-competition walkabout, Zara swapped her riding boots for trainers while keeping her knee-high socks on.

She completed her relaxed ensemble with a cap, sunglasses and an oversized parka coat, cutting a decidedly casual figure.

The accomplished horsewoman appeared in excellent spirits throughout the day, beaming broadly while competing on Casper.

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Her schedule has been particularly demanding in recent weeks, with the royal having also competed at the Barbury Horse Trials on March 27 and attended every day of the Cheltenham Festival as a spectator.

The appearance at Burnham Market stood in stark contrast to her elegant turn at the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse earlier this month.

On day two of the prestigious racing event, Zara cut a striking figure as she was joined by husband Mike and daughter Mia, with the mother and daughter bringing a touch of elegance with suits for Ladies Day.

Zara sported an elegant, dusty pink blazer paired with the matching trousers and hat.

Mia, 12, looked similarly dapper, donning a pinstripe royal blue suit.

The youngster proved quite the entertainer during the racing, displaying animated reactions that drew comparisons to her cousin Prince Louis's famously spirited public appearances.

Zara was photographed sharing a playful moment with her daughter, jokingly frowning at Mia's theatrical responses to the action on the track.