Zara Tindall avoided a major blunder "by the skin of her teeth", according to an attendee at an equestrian event.
The royal, who is a professional equestrian, is taking part in the Burghley Horse Trials where her horse was almost late to the first inspection.
Zara, 43, is competing in the Lincolnshire competition from September 5 to September 8 on her horse, Class Affair.
However, Zara made it to the arena "by the skin of her teeth" for the first inspection on Wednesday, where each horse is 'trotted up' in front of a panel to ensure they are fit to compete.
Zara Tindall avoids major blunder 'by the skin of her teeth'PAAn onlooker told Hello!: "They were calling for Zara and she was double-checking the time as she had got to the arena with lots of time to spare as she had ridden up on her bike.
"She then sprinted off down the hill to her horse, quickly took the rug off him and then ran up to the arena where she made it to the inspection by the skin of her teeth.
"You would have never known though once she was in the arena for the inspection."
Wearing a navy suede top by Fairfax and Favor, with white jeans, and trainers also by Fairfax and Favor, Zara beamed as she trotted her horse down the track.
Zara Tindall with Class Affair during the horse inspection ahead of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials
PA
Princess Anne's daughter has had a busy season of competitions.
She participated in the Wellington International Horse Trials in Hampshire over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
In addition, Zara took part in the Hartpury International Horse Trials in early August.
The mother-of-three was supported by her husband and former rugby star, Mike Tindall, and their children, Mia, 10, Lena, six, and Lucas, three, at Hartpury.
Zara Tindall rides a bike on her way to the horse inspection ahead of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials
PA
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Zara Tindall aboard Class Affair, competing in the dressage event, during the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials
PA
The family also turned out to cheer on Zara at the Badminton Horse Trials in May.
Mia, Lena and Lucas appeared alongside their mother as she spoke about her performance.
Zara pursued an equestrian career from a young age, following in her parents' footsteps.
Her biggest achievements to date include finishing as runner-up at Burghley Horse Trials in 2003, winning the Eventing World Championship in Aachen in 2006 and taking home a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics.
