As an equestrian, your life likely revolves around horses. Although ideally, we would spend our days at the barn, this is not always a possibility. While there are many ways to enhance your equine knowledge including books, podcasts, and more, sometimes it is fun to just relax. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of video games that feature horses, allowing you to care for, ride, and train your virtual equine companions.

So, what are some of the best horse games to play? Some of the best horse games to play include Star Stable, Red Dead Redemption 2, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Horse Riding Tales, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Shadow of the Colossus, Riding Club Championship, Farming Simulator 19, and My Riding Stables: A Life with Horses.

Whether you are a gaming enthusiast or simply looking for a way to pass the time, a horse video game can be both fun and educational. Horse games are also an excellent, low-cost way for a budding equestrian to experiment with equine care.

With such a wide range of video games on the market for many platforms, it can be challenging to select a horse game that you enjoy. In this article, we have compiled ten of the most fun horse games to play on multiple video game platforms.

10 Best Horse Video Games for Equestrians

Are you looking for a new horse video game to enjoy? While there are many horse games available for horse lovers of all ages, some are better than others. Let’s take a closer look at some of our favorite horse video games.

Star Stable

Star Stable is by far one of the most popular horse games for players of all ages. This game is an MMO, or Massively Multiplayer Online game, where you can compete and interact with players around the world. Players of this game will have the ability to work their way through the gameplay as they level up both horses and characters.

While you can race against the leaderboard in an attempt to improve your own times, you can also compete live in races with other players. Join a club with other players to participate in quests, providing you with the opportunity to level up your characters. Throughout your gameplay, you will notice your horse improving in both ability and speed, allowing you to more effectively complete your tasks.

Explore the beautiful island of Jorvik as you progress through the gameplay. Not only can you participate in activities, competitions, and races but you can also collect gear, equipment, and clothing to outfit your horse and rider as you see fit.

Although you start the game with one horse, you can purchase more horses from a variety of unique horse breeds, owning as many horses as you would like.

Horse Breeds in Star Stable

There are an incredible variety of horse breeds that are featured in Star Stable, each with their own characteristics and abilities. Some of the real horse breeds that are currently featured include:

Akhal-Teke
American Paint Horse
American Quarter Horse
Andalusian
Appaloosa
Arabian Thoroughbred
Chincoteague Pony
Clydesdale
Connemara
Curly Horse
Danish Warmblood
Dutch Warmblood
English Thoroughbred
Fjord
Friesian Horse
Friesian Sport Horse
Haflinger
Hanoverian
Icelandic Horse
Irish Cob
Knabstrupper
Lipizzaner
Lusitano
Morab
Morgan
Mustang
North Swedish Horse
Oldenburg
Pintabian
Selle Francais
Shirt
Trakehner
Welsh Pony
Westphalian

There are also several fictional horse breeds unique to Star stable including:

Ayla
Brinicle
Fawncy
Jorvik Warmblood
Jorvik Wild Horse
Pepita
SuperShire
Star Horse
Umbra
Vega
Woodear
Zony

Star Stable Gameplay Difficulty

Star Stable is truly a horse game for all ages. Players as young as age 7 can enjoy the basics of gameplay while adult equestrians will still find enjoyment in the game. With so many tasks, adventures, and mysteries, there is truly always something to do within the game.

Star Stable Gaming Platforms

Star Stable is currently available for play on PC and Mac, although a mobile version is coming to the iPhone soon! With the launch of the Star Stable mobile, players will be able to enjoy a seamless sync between platforms, playing Star Stable wherever they may be.

Cost of Playing Star Stable

Star Stable is free to play up to level 5, allowing you to experience the game before making a purchase. Once you reach level 5, you can continue to play at that level although you will be unable to access new areas of the map. Alternatively, you can purchase a lifetime membership to Star Stable for $74.99, a 3-month membership for $20.99, or a 1-month membership for $8.49.

There are also optional in-app purchases that allow you to purchase new horses, updated gear, and other extras. You can start playing Star Stable by clicking here.

Red Dead Redemption 2

One of the newest horse games to the scene is Red Dead Redemption 2. While horses were featured in Red Dead Redemption, the sequel dedicated much more time and attention to the realism of the horses. Although Red Dead Redemption 2 is not a strictly equestrian game, it caters to older equestrians, providing incredibly accurate horse anatomy, movements, and interactions.

Throughout gameplay, you will bond with your horse as you feed, water, clean, and interact with them. As in real life, building trust with your horse unlocks a broader range of movements and abilities. Unlike Star Stable, you can only have one primary horse in Red Dead Redemption 2.

Horse Breeds in Red Dead Redemption 2

There are currently 19 unique horse breeds in Red Dead Redemption 2, each with its own set of attributes and physical characteristics. The horse breeds you can own in this game include:

American Paint Horse
American Standardbred
Andalusian Horse
Appaloosa
Arabian Horse
Ardennes
Belgian Draft Horse
Breton Horse
Criollo Horse
Dutch Warmblood
Gypsy Cob Horse
Hungarian Halfbred
Kentucky Saddler
Kladruber
Missouri Fox Trotter
Morgan Horse
Mustang
Nakota Horse
Norfolk Roadster
Shire Horse
Suffolk Punch Horse
Tennessee Walker
Thoroughbred
Turkomen Horse

Red Dead Redemption 2 Gameplay Difficulty

Red Dead Redemption 2 certainly caters to older gamers, rated for ages 18 and up. In addition to the mature Western themes of this game, the gameplay style is one that younger players would simply not find enjoyable.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Gaming Platforms

Red Dead Redemption 2 was initially released for console play on both Xbox and PlayStation. Since its initial release, Red Dead Online was introduced in beta for PC play. Red Dead Online officially launches on December 1, 2020.

Cost of Playing Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 currently costs around $24.99 for both Xbox and PlayStation. Red Dead Online will sell for an introductory rate of $4.99 but after February 2021, will run for $19.99.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Another game that is not strictly equestrian in nature but features strong equestrian themes is Assassins’ Creed Odyssey. One of the first tasks you will accomplish in this game is to select your horse from the stables at Markos’ vineyard. Unlike other games we’ve mentioned, you are unable to select a specific horse breed. Rather, you will choose your faithful steed from one of three options.

Once you select your horse, you can customize its coloring, one of the only features that differentiate the horses. Although you may assume that each of the three horses has unique abilities, they all perform similarly once you are in the game. Throughout the game, you will use your horse as a primary means of transportation.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Gameplay Difficulty

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey does contain many mature thematic elements. Because of this, and the difficulty of gameplay, it is rated for players over the age of 17.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Gaming Platforms

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is available on a wide range of gaming platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Because of this, many gamers enjoy this exciting game!

Cost of Playing Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

There are several editions of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey with various additional features that impact the cost. The standard cost for PC is $59.99, PlayStation and Xbox both charge $49.99 for the game.

Horse Riding Tales

Horse Riding Tales is another horse game that is excellent for equestrians both young and old. Similar in many ways to Star Stable, Horse Riding Tales is a Massively Multiplayer Online game.

Horse Riding Tales is unique in that you have to catch your first horse. This task requires you to create horse taming orbs from materials like iron, wood, cotton, stone, amber, and opal. You will also create a stable or stall for your horse, allowing you to remove them from the paddock.

Throughout the gameplay, you will work your way through various quests and competitions such as horse shows, dressage competitions, cross country races, and more. Like Star Stable, you can own more than one horse in this game. Unlike Star Stable, the playing environment is not expansive. Because of this, the game includes much repetition which older players may find tiresome.

The horses in Horse Riding Tales are characterized by their color and unique abilities rather than breeds. Current horses are split up into categories such as Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Fantasy.

Horse Riding Tales Gameplay Difficulty

This game certainly caters to a younger generation of players, rated for players 4 years of age and older. While older players may find this game amusing for a short time, the repetition and lack of variety will quickly grow old.

Horse Riding Tales Gaming Platforms

Horse Riding Tales is currently available on a variety of PC gaming platforms including Amazon, Apple Store, Google Play, and Steam.

Cost of Playing Horse Riding Tales

Although the game itself is free to download, the in-game purchase required to progress through the game quickly becomes expensive. While you can find or earn gems while playing the free version, it will take forever which can discourage players from playing the game.

Horse Riding Tales does feature additional areas outside of the main town. However, these are only available for players with a lifetime subscription, which costs $79.99.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Similar in many ways to Red Dead Redemption 2, the main character of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt travels by horse. As you play this game, you will use, train, and care for Geralt’s horse named Roach. Players can upgrade certain pieces of equipment such as saddles and blinders. In this game, the primary use of your horse is for transportation and carrying gear. However, you can tame wild horses with the use of Geralt’s special abilities.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Gameplay Difficulty

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt does contain several mature themes. Because of this, it is rated for players over the age of 18. There are four difficulty levels that a player can select before they begin the game ranging from easy to incredibly hard.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Gaming Platforms

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is currently available on several gaming platforms including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Cost of Playing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ranges in cost depending on the edition. Costs for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation range from $14.99 to $39.99 for the complete edition.

Shadow of the Colossus

Shadow of the Colossus is another game that doesn’t focus solely on equestrian tasks but does feature a horse as a primary character. The horse in this game certainly does feature many favorable qualities. However, as an equestrian, you may quickly notice many unrealistic aspects of movement, positioning, and responses. Regardless of these facts, it is still an enjoyable horse game for older equestrians.

Shadow of the Colossus Gameplay Difficulty

Players will select one of three difficulty levels at the beginning of the game, it is important to choose carefully as this can not be changed once the game begins. Because of relatively mature thematic elements, this game is recommended for players over the age of 12.

Shadow of the Colossus Gaming Platforms

Unlike other games on this list, Shadow of the Colossus is only available for PlayStation.

Cost of Playing Shadow of the Colossus

An older game, Shadow of the Colossus costs $19.99, although it is frequently on sale for as low as $9.99.

Riding Club Championship

Riding Club Championship is shockingly similar to Horse Riding Tales, although it has fewer features. Like the others, Riding Club Championship is a Massively Multiplayer Online game allowing you to compete against other people. There are no specific breeds featured in Riding Club Championship, just one generic horse that all players ride in a variety of colors.

Throughout gameplay, players can groom their horses, build courses, participate in competitions against others, judge competitions and obstacle courses, and collect riding gear and equipment. Unlike other games, you are only able to have one horse at a time. Since there are only three competition locations, older players may find this game to be quite repetitive.

Riding Club Championship Gameplay Difficulty

Riding Club Championship provides straightforward gameplay, catering to younger players. This game is appropriate for equestrians over the age of 10. While older players may enjoy it for a short time, they will quickly grow bored with the repetition and lack of variety in the game.

Riding Club Championship Gaming Platforms

Riding Club Championship is currently available for play on PC and Mac.

Cost of Playing Riding Club Championship

One of the best features of Riding Club Championship is that it is free to play! While there are numerous opportunities for in-game purchases, they are not necessary for enjoying the gameplay. Click here to play!

Farming Simulator 19

Likely not the first game you would think of when naming horse games, Farming Simulator 19 is quite different from the other games on this list. During gameplay, players can purchase horses to add to their farm. You must care for the horse, paying attention to their health, fitness, and cleanliness. Players accomplish this through a variety of tasks such as feeding, grooming, and riding their horses.

There are no specific horse breeds featured in Farming Simulator 19, only 8 different horses to choose from varying in color. While horses are the most expensive animal to purchase in the game, you can sell your horses after improving their stats for incredible profit.

Farming Simulator 19 Gameplay Difficulty

There are four difficulty levels from which players can select their map at the beginning of the game. While this game is rated E for everyone, younger gamers will not enjoy the gameplay of Farming Simulator 19 as it caters to an older crowd.

Farming Simulator 19 Gaming Platforms

Farming Simulator 19 is available on almost all gaming platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Google Play, PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch.

Cost of Playing Farming Simulator 19

While Farming Simulator 19 is free to download on your phone, there is a charge for the PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox versions. Farming Simulator 19 costs between $19.99 and $49.99 depending on your gaming platform of choice.

Sims 3 Pets

Equestrians and animal lovers alike gravitate to Sims 3 Pets as a single-player simulation game. It is important to note that you will need the Sims 3 base game to enjoy this expansion pack. In this game, you can control all aspects of both your character and horse.

Breed, train, and participate in competitions with your horses within the comfort of your customized horse farm. Although you are unable to directly control your horse while riding, you can tell them where to go.

Horse Breeds in Sims 3 Pets

While you can select a horse breed during the creation of your horse, the breed does not alter much of the horse’s personality or abilities. The list of horse breeds in Sims 3 Pets includes:

Akhal-Teke
American Quarter Horse
American Standardbred
Andalusian
Anglo Arab
Appaloosa
Arabian
Australian Stock Horse
Barb
British Warmblood
Clydesdale
Friesan
Gelderlander
Gypsy Vanner
Hanoverian
Holstein
Irish Draught
Lipizzaner
Lusitano
Morgan
Mustang
Paint
Palomino
Pinto
Salerno
Selle Francais
Shire Horse
Thoroughbred
Trakehner
Welsh Cob

Sims 3 Pets Gameplay Difficulty

While the gameplay of Sims 3 Pets is not necessarily challenging, there are mature elements of the game. For this reason, Sims 3 Pets is recommended for players over the age of 18.

Sims 3 Pets Gaming Platforms

Sims 3 Pets is available on a variety of gaming platforms including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, Mac, and PC.

Cost of Playing Sims 3 Pets

As mentioned previously, Sims 3 Pets is an expansion for the Sims 3 base game. Assuming you already own the base game, the Sims 3 Pets expansion pack sells for around $40.

My Riding Stables: A Life With Horses

My Riding Stables: A Life With Horses is not a casual game, it requires much time and effort to progress through the gameplay. However, because it is a single-player game, you can progress at your own speed.

As you begin the game, your character inherits an old horse farm and a horse that you must care for. As you repair the farm, you can invite guests to come to stay on your farm, board other horses, or rent out your horses. Players also have the ability to breed and train horses, eventually selling them once they are of age.

If you are willing to invest time in this game, it can be highly enjoyable for horse lovers.

My Riding Stables: A Life With Horses Gameplay Difficulty

As mentioned previously, My Riding Stables is not a challenging game. However, it does require a great amount of effort and patience. It is rated E for everyone although younger players will likely not enjoy the style of gameplay.

My Riding Stables: A Life With Horses Gaming Platforms

My Riding Stables: A Life with Horses is available on a variety of gaming platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Wii, and PC.

Cost of Playing My Riding Stables: A Life With Horses

My Riding Stables: A Life with Horses ranges in price depending on the gaming platform. Prices range from $14.99 to $34.99.

Finding a Horse Game You Enjoy

With so many enjoyable horse games for all ages, you are sure to find a horse game that you enjoy! Horse games are an excellent way to enjoy your favorite pastime, even when you are unable to spend time at the barn. From games focused solely on equine care and competitions to games where your trusty steed aids you in accomplishing unrelated tasks, there is something for every gamer.

If you have not played horse games in the past, it is best to select a game that is free to play or consider renting a copy to try before investing to discover your preferred game style. Enjoy!

Looking for more fun horse articles? Check out the ones below!

P.S. Save this article to your “Equestrian Lifestyle” board!

Top 10 Horse Games To Play (Picked By A Real Equestrian)