hippophile

American  

[hip-uh-fahyl, -fil] / ˈhɪp əˌfaɪl, -fɪl /

noun

1. one who loves horses.

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Etymology

Origin of hippophile

First recorded in 1850–55; hippo- + -phile

Explanation

A hippophile is a horse enthusiast. If you know someone who's always drawing horses and reading books or watching movies about horses, they're probably a hippophile. The word hippophile is derived from the Greek roots hippo, meaning "horse," and phile, meaning "one who loves." Someone who is a hippophile loves all things horse. They may own one or more horses, go horseback riding, or participate in equine sports, such as dressage, barrel racing, or show jumping. Some hippophiles just enjoy reading about, learning about, and watching horses. They may volunteer at a horse stable or advocate for horse welfare.