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Pregnant Zara Phillips will not continue horse-riding after change of heart

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Zara Phillips will not continue horse-riding until after she has given birth, it has been announced.A spokesperson for the Queen's grand-daughter said that Zara's pregnancy – it is thought that she is in her third month with her first child with husband Mike Tindall – is progressing 'happily and healthily'.But she confirmed that the royal equestrian is being ‘sensible’ and has cancelled all trials until after the birth early next year.

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"The fact is that all of Zara’s horses have now qualified for the events she wishes to enter them for next year," said the spokesperson. "She has done so well already this season, she does not actually need to compete any more. Given that she is pregnant, she has decided to cancel the rest of her entries for the year. "Zara's representative emphasised that there are no complications with the pregnancy. "As we said previously, she is feeling fine and is following all medical advice from her doctors. She is just being sensible about this. "The pregnant royal has clearly had a change of heart as just days ago it was confirmed by Buckingham Palace that "It's business as usual at the moment", and that the 32-year-old would continue to compete in horse-riding events.While the NHS advises women not to take part in 'inherently risky' sports while expecting, Zara competed at the Barbury International Horse Trials just one day before the Palace announced the happy news that she and Mike were expecting their first baby together.

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She went on to take part in the Brightling International Horse Trials in Sussex after the revelation. Her representative said at the time that she would continue to do so for several weeks at least.

The new arrival, due in the New Year, will be 16th in line to the throne, and a fourth great grandchild for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh — the others are Savannah and Isla Phillips, daughters of Zara's older brother Peter, and Kate Middleton's expected baby .Zara does not hold a royal title and is not an HRH. After her marriage to Mike in July 2011, she decided to keep her maiden name, and her children will be titled Miss or Master Tindall.

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