By Lizzie Smith
Last updated at 7:07 PM on 06th September 2008

The moment Zara Phillips was flung headlong from her horse

She may be one of the most accomplished horsewomen in the world but 2008 just hasn't been Zara Phillip's year.

After being ruled out of the Olympics, her latest mishap was a spectacular tumble from her mount during a competition.

The Queen's grand-daughter was flung headlong from Ardfield Magic Star, drawing gasps of horror from onlookers.

Horror: Zara Phillips's horse begins to fall

Luckily, both Zara, 27, and her horse escaped serious injury.

But the incident will bring home just how dangerous the sport can be.

Two of Zara's close friends have died after being involved in riding accidents in recent years.

Zara, the daughter of Princess Anne, was taking the 25th jump during cross country day at the Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford when the accident happened.

The crowd gasp in horror as Zara is flung into the air from her falling horse

It is not the first time Zara and Ardfield Magic Star have taken a tumble.

The last occasion, however, was far more serious

Four years ago she was knocked unconscious in a fall from the same horse, Ardfield Magic Star, at a three-day event at Lulworth Castle in Dorset.

And in June last year she crash-landed on her neck and shoulders after her horse, Tsunami II, stumbled over a 7ft fence at the Bramham International Horse Trials near Wetherby, North Yorkshire.

The two horses are among seven she keeps at the Gatcombe estate in Gloucestershire where she lives with her boyfriend, England rugby player Mike Tindall.

The horse and Miss Phillips hit the ground hard

In November last year a close friend of Miss Phillips was killed during an equestrian competition when the horse she was riding stumbled and crushed her.

Eleanor Brennan, 21, one of Britain's most promising young three-day event riders, was crushed when her horse Mr Barnabus stumbled at a jump and tumbled on top of her during an event in Florida.

And in August 2006 Miss Phillips' close friend Sherelle Duke, 28, was killed when her falling horse crushed her during a competition.

Superman actor, the late Christopher Reeve, was paralysed after falling from a horse in 1995 during a three-day event in the US.

Dirty but unhurt: Both Zara and her horse seemed to have avoided injury

Article: HERE