I found this to be a remarkable thing, as Princess Anne is 72 years old and still really a badass equestrian to ride in this grand procession and lead the military contingent of the coronation. For those who wonder where does the bight go, why hold the reins in the left hand, etc the answers are here I think in the photo. The right hand is kept free to draw the sword, which hangs on the left, and the bight goes on the right so as not to become entangled. The Royal family always continues to demonstrate the horsemanship that is part of their heritage.
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I was watching on BBC stream and one comment was that she was the best rider in the parade.
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I just ordered myself a ānewā copy of this book:
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31397195100&cm_sp=snippet--srp1--tile7&searchurl=ds%3D10%26kn%3DPrincess%2Banne%2Bmark%2Bphillips%26sortby%3D17
It was my absolute favorite as a horsey pre-teen, came from my family friend and horsey mentor who had gotten it when it was new back in the early eighties!
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Didnāt she do the Olympic three day event in her youth? Iām guessing nobody else who rode in the parade could say that.
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Yes. Her event record is in the following article.
She later also served for a time as president of the FEI.
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She rode in the Montreal Olympics, I think it was '76.
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Wow, I did not realize she also rode in races. Thanks for posting the link!
I also remember the old saying that riding is the only sport royals really learn, since the horses donāt know or care who they are. Lol.
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HRH Princess Anneās memoir āRiding Through My Lifeā is a great read.
Not only was she a three day event rider, but she was also a jockey.
Her daughter Zara Phillips also events internationally.
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Where she fell off (at the water I think), got a concussion, remounted and finished the course, with no memory of anything after her fall.
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Thatās really pretty remarkable. I hope the horse got an appropriate amount of carrots.
Very impressive!
I was equally in awe of the musicians playing their instruments while astride!
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I know, right?
I wonder if all their horses wear earplugs.
They donāt. The BBC commentators were talking about the horsesā training and the horsemanship of their riders including when they get spooked.
I bet the Princess Royal and the King and Queen would enjoy the stories here on COTH about COTHersā sleeping horses. I wonder how many of the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays and others are sleeping flat out tonight dreaming about the parade ā¦ 
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The Princess Royal is probably the hardest working member of the Royal Family and a farmer of rare breed livestock. She is very popular with the troops, as she mucks in on her visits. Rides horses on the beach, drives tanks etcā¦
Article;
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Holyš©!
Are there current day fences this intimidating/solid on the Badminton course today?
Honest ask from a former weenie Eventer (competed BNH, schooled to Training)
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The sword on the left further explains why the postillions are only riding on the left.
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Princess Anne is living her best life.
While the rest of the family was inside Buckingham Palace prior to the balcony appearances, she was out on the back lawn reviewing/directing the thousands of troops assembled there. (Charles came out on the portico briefly to take a look, but didnāt stay long).
I wonder if, after the death of the Queen, she feels more free to opt out of the high-heels-and-pantyhose brigade and do the horse and military stuff. I also wonder who will embrace that focus if/when she retires. All the royals have military appointments, but do any of the others have the enthusiasm and credibility that Anne does?
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I think she is now one of my new favorite female role models. I know she has had a life of incredible privilege but with that comes incredible pressure and responsibility. She handles it all with grace, poise and individuality. Her extensive horsemanship, integrity and ability to command respect without being overbearing are qualities of natural leadership and watching her easy comfort on her horse yesterday in the midst of all the pomp and circumstance gave me chills. What an amazing person she seems to be, and the things we could probably all learn from her.
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She is honestly amazing. I have met her at a few horse events over the years and through RDA, which she is a huge supporter of.
She attended a ceremony at a care home here, just a few days after she lost her mum 
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This was probably the top horse of her career who sadly broke a leg out galloping one day 
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