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

It is well documented that Olympic host cities divert resources—and, in some cases, even raze the homes—of those who need them most, in favor of equestrian events or to see who can jump over the highest bar. —Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 21 July 2024

Anne took part in her first equestrian competition at the age of 11, and also won gold at the 1971 European Championships. —Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 19 July 2024

Noun

Anne’s first husband, Mark Phillips, and her daughter, Zara Tindall, also participated in the Olympic event, albeit in different years; only the youngest of the three equestrians won a medal, with Tindall earning a team silver at the 2012 London Games. —Rosemary Counter, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 July 2024

There are also 15 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians to enjoy. —Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 18 July 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

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