There was double cause for celebration for the Royal Family this weekend, as Zara Tindall won an impressive championship the day her mum, Princess Anne, celebrated her 76th birthday. Both women are accomplished equestrians, with Zara following in her mum’s footsteps to take up the sport competitively. This weekend saw her secure a prestigious win, which was surely the best birthday present a proud parent could have hoped for.

On the Princess Royal’s birthday on Saturday (15 August), her daughter Zara competed in the Hartpury International Horse Trials and British Championships. She rode 17-year-old horse Class Affair expertly to become the British open champion. According to The Express, the achievement is her first major championship title in nearly 20 years, after she helped Britain secure team gold at the 2007 European Eventing Championships.

Princess Anne chose not to give her children (Zara and brother Peter Phillips) official titles to become working royals. Instead, the pair have pursued their own interests and careers, although they do still join the Royal Family for key events and gatherings, such as Easter, Christmas, Royal Ascot and Coronations or Jubilee celebrations. For Zara, her chosen path was becoming an equestrian, following her mother who was also a competitive rider. Zara has spent decades competing.

Although no longer actively competing, Princess Anne still rides for leisure and as part of official ceremonies. At Trooping the Colour events, for example, Princess Anne often rides on horseback as part of the official parade, wearing full military dress.

Many of the Royal Family are known to be equestrian fans, with the annual Royal Ascot horse-racing event having been attended by royals for hundreds of years. Prince William, too, is an active polo player and still competes in charity events.

Last month, the Prince’s team won the DMMI Royal Charity Polo Cup in Windsor Great Park and his wife, the Princess of Wales, was there to cheer him on. Kate was also there to present the awards, and was able to award her husband’s winning team the cup.