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

• 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.

Example Sentences

Horse Inn serves as a crucial node in the global equestrian transport network.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

With reports of attacks spreading, much of the equestrian world was anxiously following the horses’ ordeal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

The property spans more than 8,600 square feet and is made up of a main residence, guesthouse, pool house, and a five-stall barn complete with a tack room and a private equestrian arena.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

A hockey stadium, a swimming stadium, an equestrian stadium, an enormous and monolithic exhibition hall, a gymnasium, a Greek amphitheater, tennis courts, restaurants, and sprawling administrative buildings were all in various stages of completion.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown