Celebrity Equestrians – Famous People Who Love Horse Riding

By Editor1SYS | March 21, 2025 0 Comments

There’s something undeniably majestic about horseback riding. Whether it’s the thrill of galloping through open fields, the precision of dressage, or the elegance of show jumping, horse riding has long been a passion for people from all walks of life—including celebrities. And while many of them are more accustomed to luxury cars and private jets, some prefer a more traditional mode of transport: a trusty steed.

Let’s take a look at some of the most famous celebrity equestrians who swap the red carpet for the riding arena.

Queen Elizabeth II – The Ultimate Royal Equestrian

Best known for: Being, well… the Queen! 

Equestrian connection: Horse breeding, racing, and riding for over nine decades

You can’t talk about celebrity equestrians without mentioning Queen Elizabeth II. Horses weren’t just a hobby for Her Majesty; they were a lifelong passion. She started riding as a young girl and continued well into her 90s. The Queen was a keen breeder of racehorses and took a personal interest in their training and performance. Her love for horses was so strong that she reportedly read the Racing Post before her morning briefings—because priorities.

Tom Selleck – Magnum P.I. on Horseback

Best known for: Magnum P.I., Blue Bloods

Equestrian connection: Owns a horse ranch in California and has competed in Western riding

Tom Selleck isn’t just the guy with the iconic mustache; he’s also a dedicated horseman. He owns a ranch in California where he breeds and raises horses, and he’s often spotted riding in Western competitions. His love for horses extends beyond leisure—he’s serious about the lifestyle. And let’s be honest, could there be a better image than Tom Selleck in a cowboy hat, riding into the sunset?

Madonna – The Queen of Pop (and Dressage?)

Best known for: Like a Virgin, Vogue, being a music icon

Equestrian connection: Took up riding after a fall and became an accomplished dressage rider

Madonna isn’t just a pop legend; she’s also an avid equestrian. After falling off a horse and breaking several bones, most people would probably stay far away from the saddle. Not Madonna. She came back stronger and developed a love for dressage—one of the most elegant and disciplined forms of horse riding. If she brings even half the dedication to dressage as she does to her music career, we wouldn’t be surprised if she’s secretly training for the Olympics.

Viggo Mortensen – Aragorn, King of the Riders

Best known for: The Lord of the Rings trilogy

Equestrian connection: Kept his movie horses and continues to ride

Playing Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings meant spending a lot of time on horseback, and Viggo Mortensen took to it like a natural. He formed such a strong bond with his equine co-stars that he actually bought several of them after filming ended. Unlike some actors who ride just for roles, Viggo is the real deal—he rides regularly and supports various horse welfare initiatives. If Middle-earth had a Hall of Fame for horsemen, he’d be at the top.

Kaley Cuoco – The Big Bang Theory of Horse Riding

Best known for: The Big Bang Theory

Equestrian connection: Professional show jumper and horse owner

Kaley Cuoco might be known for her comedic chops, but she’s also a serious equestrian. She’s competed in professional show jumping events and owns several horses. In fact, she’s been so dedicated to the sport that she has said horses are her true passion outside of acting. And with the number of ribbons and trophies she’s won, it’s clear she’s got more than just talent—she’s got serious skill.

Jamie Foxx – From Django to Dressage

Best known for: Ray, Django Unchained, being ridiculously talented

Equestrian connection: Loves Western riding and even did his own horseback stunts

Jamie Foxx doesn’t just play tough cowboys on screen—he lives the life off-screen too. While filming Django Unchained, he performed many of his own horseback stunts and even rode his personal horse, Cheetah, in the film. He’s been an avid rider for years and has a deep love for the Western riding tradition. If Hollywood ever runs out of scripts, he could probably make a career as a professional cowboy.

Bella Hadid – Fashion Meets Show Jumping

Best known for: Supermodel and Instagram sensation

Equestrian connection: Competitive show jumper

Before she became one of the biggest names in fashion, Bella Hadid was a competitive equestrian with dreams of competing in the Olympics. Unfortunately, illness derailed her professional riding ambitions, but she still rides whenever she can. Even with a jet-setting modeling career, she finds time to bond with horses—proving that no matter how glamorous life gets, a true rider never forgets their roots.

William Shatner – From the Enterprise to the Equestrian World

Best known for: Star Trek’s Captain Kirk

Equestrian connection: Owns and breeds horses, competes in Western riding

William Shatner may have spent most of his life boldly going where no man has gone before, but his heart belongs to horses. The Star Trek legend owns a ranch where he breeds and trains American Saddlebreds and Quarter Horses. He’s also a competitive rider, having won several awards in Western riding events. Who knew Captain Kirk was also a cowboy at heart?

Why Do Celebrities Love Horse Riding?

There’s something about horses that captures the hearts of even the most high-profile stars. Maybe it’s the connection with nature, the thrill of riding, or just the sheer joy of being around these incredible animals. Whatever the reason, these celebrities prove that horse riding isn’t just a sport—it’s a passion that brings people together, no matter their background.So, next time you see a celebrity on a red carpet, just remember: they might be just as comfortable in riding boots as they are in designer heels!