Zara Tindall has spoken about how much she treasures motherhood, despite not feeling maternal before the birth of her first child Mia. The Olympic-winning equestrian, who welcomed her daughter with husband Mike Tindall in January, also spoke about her and Mia's special bond. "I've really enjoyed it," Zara, 33, told CNN of her first-time role as a mum.
Zara Tindall gave birth to baby Mia in January
"In a funny kind of way it's like having another type of high-performance horse on your hands," she joked. "You've got to get them in a schedule and feed. "I wasn't maternal at all before I had Mia but it's an incredible bond you have. I'm lucky she's very good." Despite friends warning her not to make a quick return to the sport, Zara got back up on a horse about five weeks after welcoming Mia, for a brief ten minutes. The accomplished medallist, who won silver at the London 2012 Olympics, was retraining her muscle groups.
Zara Tindall with baby Mia and husband Mike Tindall
"You know when you come out of the Olympics you just go 'let's just do it all again,'" said Zara. In two years' time, The Queen's granddaughter is aiming to take part in Rio and go for gold. With an equestrian upbringing and the sport running in the family, it would come as no surprise if Zara encouraged her daughter to ride from a young age. The Queen herself still rides at the age of 88, and Zara added that she was "grateful" for the passion the royals have for their horses.
Zara Tindall said she hoped to take part in Rio 2016 and win gold
The athlete and her former England rugby captain husband Mike Tindall, 36, have previously revealed that they would like to pass on one of their favourite sports, sailing, to their firstborn. "We used to sail as kids," said Zara. "It's nice to get back on the water and have some fun. "We have always had sport in our lives and through our childhood. I think that really is important in every child's life to have that opportunity. I think we have got it off our parents and hopefully we can pass that on to Mia."