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

This discrepancy, per the report’s projection, will worsen in the 2026-27 school year when STUNT replaces equestrian as a varsity sport. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026

The development will also restore September Ranch, the only public equestrian center in Monterey County, with indoor and outdoor arenas, boarding facilities, and more than 12 miles of riding trails. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 June 2026

Noun

Andrew is an avid equestrian, but he was reportedly banned from riding horses on the grounds after he was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct on February 19. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 30 June 2026

While her career as an equestrian first got traction in the early 1990s, Kraut continues to ride and jump competitively in her 60s. — Mariah Alanskas, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

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

1730, 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