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.

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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

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noun

1. a person skilled in riding and horsemanship

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• equestrianism
  noun
• nonequestrian
  adjective
• unequestrian
  adjective

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.