The Princess Royal joined global horse sport industry leaders on the eve of Royal Ascot, Britain’s most valuable race meeting, to receive the Longines Ladies Award which celebrates women who have made major contributions to the equestrian industry.

Known for her life-long love of horses, Princess Anne served as International Equestrian Federation (FEI) President from 1986 to 1994 and is now an FEI honorary President.

At the age of 21, she won individual gold at the FEI European Eventing Championships at Burghley in 1971 on the home-bred gelding Doublet, and four years later took team and individual silver at the same event in Luhmühlen in Germany.

In 1976, she became the first member of the British Royal Family to compete at an Olympic Games as part of the British eventing team in Montreal on the Queen’s horse Goodwill.

The jury for the 2016 Longines Ladies Award comprised FEI President Ingmar De Vos as well as Louis Romanet, chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), and Nathalie Bélinguier, President of the International Federation of Gentleman and Lady Riders (FEGENTRI).

"The Longines Ladies Award is a fitting tribute to The Princess Royal, who has inspired generations of athletes in equestrian sport and has been a role model for all our athletes aiming for the pinnacle of the Olympic and Paralympic Games," De Vos said.

"As we count down to the Rio 2016 Games, it is important that we remember how much The Princess Royal has inspired not just our female athletes but generations of women around the world.

"Countless communities globally have also benefited from The Princess Royal’s focus through her many charitable organisations.

"It is a real honour for our global equestrian community, together with Longines, to celebrate The Princess Royal’s tireless efforts."

Juan-Carlos Capelli, vice-president and head of international marketing at Longines said: "We are delighted to honour Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as the recipient of this year’s Longines Ladies Award.

"She is a formidably talented horsewoman and deserves huge praise for her achievements and contributions in the equestrian world as both a competitor and administrator.

"Longines is thrilled to present her with this special award."

Princess Anne has been President of the British Olympic Association since 1983 and became an International Olympic Committee member in 1988.

She was part of London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games and was a member of the Organising Committee.

London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe said Princess Anne's award capped "a herculean career, both competitively and administratively".

"I think The Princess Royal’s contribution to sport has been enormous," he added.

"She is somebody that is passionate about sport and enjoys sport for all the right reasons.

"We need more of those people."

Princess Anne has also served as President and patron of more than 300 global charities and organisations, including Save the Children UK and World Horse Welfare, the FEI’s partner for more than 30 years.

In 1971, she was voted BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year by the British public.

Jordanian Princess and former FEI President Haya bint Al Hussein was the recipient of last year's Longines Ladies Award.