Zara Phillips will be amongst the field of world class riders competing at the EQ Life Houghton International Horse Trials next month, it has been confirmed.

The Queen's granddaughter and former world and European champion and Olympic silver medallist gave birth to her first child Mia on January 17.

Ms Phillips has competed at the Burnham Market International Horse Trials for several years, but did not compete this year.

She made her debut at Houghton last season and event director Alec Lochore confirmed today that Ms Phillips is due to take part in this year's competition, which will be at Houghton Hall, near Fakenham, between May 22 and May 25,

Mr Lochore said: 'She started competing again last week, 12 weeks after she had her baby, which is quite normal.

'I'm sure she will have wanted to get back to competing as soon as possible as she will be aiming for selection for the World Championships at the end of the year.'

He added: 'Zara has been a world and European champion and an Olympic silver medallist, and on top of that the Queen's granddaughter, and with Norfolk's close connection to the royal family, she is a really big attraction.

'But in the eyes of everyone who knows her, she is just a rider, who trains exceptionally hard like everyone else.

'You don't achieve what she has achieved in the sport, simply because of who you are.'

The Houghton International Horse Trials, along with last week's Burnham Market International Horse Trials, are sponsored by equine magazine EQ Life, with the Eastern Daily Press as official media partners and Norfolk and Waveney's Big C as the official charity.

The Burnham Market competition attracted record crowds with numbers up more than 15pc on previous years.

Mr Lochore said: 'It went incredibly well and everyone is now working hard to ensure Houghton is also a big success.'

Tickets are now available by going to www.houghtoninternational.co.uk

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