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

Today, the American Royal still hosts its annual rodeo, equestrian show, livestock show, and the World Series of Barbecue, but gone are the days of horses, cattle, and marching bands parading through downtown Kansas City — or anywhere else. —Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025

Known for its golf, pleasant weather, equestrian community, and outdoor opportunities, this small Southern town has been named America’s safest and wealthiest retirement town. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025

Noun

The lifelong equestrian decided at the time to leave her staid corporate job behind to finally realize her dream of educating people on how to become better horse owners. —Grace Hase, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025

The ordinance also includes provisions pertaining to parking, yielding to pedestrians and equestrians, and a prohibition in playgrounds, parks and school grounds not designated as a bicycle path or route. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Oct. 2025

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