equestrian

1 of 2

adjective

eques·​tri·​an i-ˈkwe-strē-ən 

1

a

: of, relating to, or featuring horseback riding

equestrian Olympic events

b

archaic : riding on horseback : mounted

c

: representing a person on horseback

2

: of, relating to, or composed of knights

equestrian

2 of 2

noun

: one who rides on horseback

Did you know?

Equestrian comes from equus, Latin for "horse". Old statues of military heroes, like the famous one of General Sherman on New York's Fifth Avenue, are frequently equestrian. In these sculptures the man always sits nobly upright on a horse, but the horse's stance varies; depending on whether the rider was killed in battle or survived, was victorious or defeated, the horse traditionally stands with four, three, or two hooves on the ground. Equestrian statues have been popular through the centuries, because until the 20th century almost every officer in Europe and America was trained in equestrian skills and combat.

Examples of equestrian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For equestrian enthusiasts, the property includes a 14-stall stable, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, six fenced paddocks, and grooms’ quarters. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025

After the initial plans for a temporary facility in the Sepulveda Basin were nixed, equestrian was supposed to be headed to Temecula’s Galway Downs. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2025

Noun

Other Lugano members include Sheila Johnson, the billionaire cofounder of BET, who backs the Aspen Institute and Trust for the National Mall; and Georgina Bloomberg (daughter of former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg), a professional equestrian. —Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

In addition to luxury shops and fine dining, Old Westbury is an equestrian’s paradise that offers 18 miles of rails and is home to the U.S.’s oldest continuing polo club. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin equestr-, equester of a horseman, from eques horseman, from equus horse — more at equine

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1774, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for equestrian

• pedestrian

Kids Definition

equestrian

1 of 2 adjective

eques·​tri·​an i-ˈkwes-trē-ən 

: of or relating to horses, horseback riding, or people who ride horses

equestrian

2 of 2 noun

: one who rides on horseback