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Synonyms

equestrian

American  
[ih-kwes-tree-uhn] / ɪˈkwɛs tri ən /

adjective

  1. of or relating to horseback riding or horseback riders.

    equestrian skill.

  2. mounted on horseback.

    equestrian knights.

  3. representing a person mounted on a horse.

    an equestrian statue.

  4. pertaining to or composed of knights or mounted warriors.

    an equestrian code of honor.

  5. of or relating to the ancient Roman equites.


noun

  1. a person who rides horses.

equestrian British  
/ ɪˈkwɛstrɪən /

adjective

  1. of or relating to horses and riding

  2. on horseback; mounted

  3. depicting or representing a person on horseback

    an equestrian statue

  4. of, relating to, or composed of Roman equites

  5. of, relating to, or composed of knights, esp the imperial free knights of the Holy Roman Empire

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a person skilled in riding and horsemanship

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of equestrian

1650–60; < Latin equestri ( s ) (compare eques horseman) + -an

Explanation

An equestrian is an expert horseback rider. If you only go riding for an hour while on vacation you aren't an equestrian, but the person leading the group and riding the flashy horse probably is. When you know that equus is the Latin word for "horse," the meaning of equestrian becomes clear. An equestrian is someone who is involved with horses. You can also use it as an adjective to describe anything having to do with horseback riding. An aspiring equestrian may have to give up socializing with friends in favor of equestrian duties like grooming horses.

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Vocabulary lists containing equestrian

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The annual Royal Windsor Horse Show sees international equestrian competitions and military displays, take place on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Many of the victims, like Katie Simpson, were just starting off in the equestrian world.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

The external equestrian spaces have been, Yolanda previously revealed, a “favorite place” for Gigi and Bella to ride their horses.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Authorities also issued a warning for the equestrian stables at El Rodeo Equestrian Center.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

This Jean Shepherd Show theme song had been recorded by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops orchestra, and the equestrian feel to the piece made Bobby feel good the instant he heard it.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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