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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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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.

Equestrian, which she started aged three, was her main activity though.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

The Live Nation-produced event at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center was booked as a compendium of cutting-edge composers to showcase their film work in an unorthodox live setting.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025

A theatrical procession running this month at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, “The Cortège” promises to explore grief, loss, mourning and our collective disconnection from one another.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2025

Equestrian initially was slated to take place at a temporary facility built in the Sepulveda Basin, but the plan shifted toward Galway Downs, where there was existing infrastructure to host dressage, eventing and jumping.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2025

She had been president of the school’s Equestrian Club.

From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith