She’s known for her love of horses, and is regularly seen at the races.
But the Countess of Wessex showed her fondness for another animal today, as she was seen inspecting a donkey at the Burghley Horse Trials.
She was joined by daughter Lady Louise, 13, to hand out rosettes to the riders taking part in the driven donkey parade.
The mother-of-two was later seen indulging in a spot of retail therapy as she enjoyed a day out at the popular event in Lincolnshire.
Sophie Wessex looked to be in very high spirits as she and daughter Lady Louise (left) handed out rosettes at the Burghley Horse Trials today
The royal inspected one of the donkeys that took part in the parade at the popular event
Sophie opted for a casual ensemble as she made an early entrance at the Burghley Horse Trials this morning, dressing down in a chic navy jacket and khaki trousers.
Wearing her hair back in a pony tail, she finished off the look with brown knee-high boots and a taupe shoulder bag.
Louise meanwhile wore a grey blazer jacket, which she teamed with a printed white blouse and bright blue jeans.
Sophie looked to be in high spirits as she arrived at the horse trials with friends, later picking up a jacket at one of the outlets on site.
The donkey wasn’t the only creature that Sophie got up close to, greeted by a pack of beagles later in the afternoon
Sophie, 52, opted for a country chic ensemble as she enjoyed the final day of the horse trials
The royal was later seen indulging in a spot of retail therapy at the Land Rover store
Sophie was accompanied by daughter Louise, who wore a grey blazer jacket with blue jeans
Sophie looked very animated as she chatted to one of the riders in the donkey parade
The royal was seen stroking one of the donkeys as she took a closer look at the animal
The Burghley Horse Trials is popular with members of the royal family, with Zara Tindall competing at this year’s event.
Her husband Mike and daughter Mia have been there to cheer her on over the course of the weekend, as she competed on her horse High Kingdom.
Unfortunately, Zara took a painful-looking tumble while taking part in the cross-country event on Saturday.
She was thrown into the water after going over a jump, while going around a cross-country course designed by her father Captain Mark Phillips.
Sophie looked relaxed as she arrived for day four of the horse trials in Lincolnshire
She flashed a big smile as she got out of her car while arriving at the event
The royal was joined by friends as she made an early entrance at the horse trials in Lincolnshire
Louise, who is the eldest child of Sophie and Prince Edward, also attended the horse trials with friends
She looked relaxed as she enjoyed the remainder of her summer holiday before going back to school next week
While her daughter was wandering around the event with her friends, Sophie used to opportunity to look around some of the shops
Sophie was seen picking up a navy jacket at the Land Rover shop at Burghley
The royal looked relaxed as she looked at the various wares on offer at the event
Sophie was seen enjoying a chat with a friend as she took a walk around the site
The 36-year-old was left soaked but appeared otherwise unhurt as she was met by medical staff.
The Burghley Horse Trials were established in 1961, with Burghley House as a backdrop.
The event, which is finishing today, showcases the best in the world in the equestrian disciplines of Eventing.
It is also famous for its extensive shopping avenues and is a major international equestrian and social event.
Zara Tindall, who has been competing at Burghley, took a painful-looking tumble off her horse on Saturday