Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has long been known for her passion for horseback riding, a love that has led her to some of the most thrilling and, at times, terrifying moments in her equestrian career. From her early days riding ponies to competing at the Olympic Games, Anne’s journey has been marked by both triumphs and accidents that showcase her fearless spirit.
Recently, the royal family was reminded of the risks associated with horseback riding when Princess Anne was hospitalized after an incident at her Gloucestershire estate. On June 23, she was reportedly kicked by a horse while out for a walk. Buckingham Palace confirmed that she sustained minor injuries, including a concussion, and was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for observation. Thankfully, her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, was by her side during her recovery.
Witnesses near her estate described a scene of concern when they saw an air ambulance land and a police helicopter circling overhead. One neighbor expressed their fears, thinking the worst had happened. Fortunately, the princess is expected to make a full recovery, and her determination to return to her royal duties is well-known.
Princess Anne’s history with horseback riding is filled with both remarkable achievements and notable accidents. Her love for the sport was nurtured from a young age, thanks to her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who encouraged her to explore the joys of riding. By the age of 11, Anne was already galloping across palace grounds, and as she grew older, she began to compete in equestrian events.
Her competitive spirit shone through as she participated in various competitions, showcasing her fearlessness and skill. However, this bravery often led to dangerous situations. One of her earliest accidents occurred when she was just 14 years old. While riding, she accidentally tangled her finger in the rein, resulting in a cracked bone. Despite the injury, Anne quickly returned to riding, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to the sport.
As she continued to compete, Anne faced more challenges. In 1973, during the European Equestrian Championships, she and her horse, Goodwill, encountered a difficult jump. Goodwill tripped, causing Anne to fall hard to the ground. Remarkably, she managed to get back on her feet and walk the remaining distance of the course, although they were ultimately disqualified.
In 1975, another incident occurred when Anne was thrown into the River Avon while riding a horse named Mardi Gras. The horse stumbled during a tricky jump, sending the princess tumbling into the water. This incident garnered significant media attention, but Anne remained unfazed by the press coverage, focusing instead on her performance.
The same year, Anne and her then-husband, Captain Mark Philips, experienced a collision during a cross-country event. Their horses collided, resulting in Anne being thrown from her mount. Thankfully, she emerged unscathed, but the incident highlighted the unpredictability of equestrian sports.
In April 1976, Anne faced a serious accident at the Portman Horse Trials. While riding her horse, Candlewick, she was thrown to the ground, and the horse rolled over her, causing her to lose consciousness and suffer a broken vertebra. This injury raised concerns about her ability to compete in the upcoming Olympic Games, but she made a swift recovery and returned to riding.
Later that year, Anne made history as the first British royal to compete in the Olympics, riding Goodwill in Montreal. Unfortunately, during the competition, Goodwill’s foot became stuck in the mud, leading to another fall that resulted in a concussion for the princess. Despite the injury, she continued to ride, showcasing her determination and bravery.
Throughout her equestrian career, Princess Anne has faced numerous challenges and accidents, but her love for horseback riding has never wavered. Her resilience and commitment to the sport have made her a respected figure in the equestrian community. As she continues to recover from her recent incident, there is little doubt that she will return to her beloved horses and the sport that has defined so much of her life.
Source: Express, Daily Mail, New York Times, ITV, The Telegraph
