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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

  • 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.

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.

Empty-nesters and former rodeo competitors are selling the compound, which includes several barns and an indoor equestrian facility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Buyers are drawn to the privacy, large lot sizes and proximity to golf and equestrian facilities, said Meza.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

It comes with horses, barns, and equestrian trails.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

The witness said he agreed to fly from his home in Arizona to meet with Grillo at the equestrian center that same month.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

He was twelve years her senior and glamorous in the way only an equestrian director can be.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen