Even a world champion needs a bit of a pep talk sometimes.

And, after a tough day in the saddle, who better to give Zara Phillips some timely advice than her mother?

The Princess Royal, herself an Olympic class horsewoman, was on hand yesterday to have a word with her daughter as she endured a torrid time at the Festival of British Eventing.

Disappointed: Zara looked upset after completing the show jumping stage

Advice: Princess Anne gives her daughter some words of wisdom

Zara's face was a picture of frustration after her best efforts in the showjumping round on Glenbuck and Ardfield Magic Star left her horses placed in 16th and 18th place respectively in the 35-strong field.

Zara's brother, the newly-married Peter, was also among those watching the three-day trial at the family home Gatcombe Park, in Gloucestershire.

Hanging on: Zara Phillips attempts to keep control at the water jump

High tail: Zara Phillips competes in the cross country on Tsunami II

But, it was her concerned mother, dressed casually in a pale blue fleece and baseball cap, who stepped in to offer some sympathetic words from the sidelines.

A spokesman for the Festival of British Eventing said: 'Her mother is an immense support to Zara, and she and Peter were watching her performance today.

'All the top riders are here, and Zara did extremely well on both her horses, finishing 18th and 16th out of approximately 35 riders.

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Come on, girl: Princess Anne looks on with Peter Phillips and his new wife Autumn

Yesterday's result compounds the disappointment for the Queen's granddaughter after she was forced to pull out of the Beijing Olympics following injury to her champion horse Toytown.

Many of her team-mates are already in Hong Kong, where the Olympic eventing will be held, as is her father Captain Mark Phillips, who is coaching the American squad.

Eventing is made up of three disciplines  -  dressage where the horse and rider show off their style and grace, showjumping and cross country.

Zara, 27, won the world eventing championship in 2006 and went on to be voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Concentration: Zara takes a jump