For many, equestrianism is not just a sport but a true labor of love! Remember when horses were the backbone of transportation for over a millennium, ever since humans began domesticating animals at the dawn of civilization? Times have changed, and horses have galloped into a new role—they’re now a source of inspiration, a form of therapy (equine therapy) that’s worth its weight in gold, and indeed, the game of royalty known as equestrian.

Initially, equestrian sports made their Olympic debut in Paris in 1900 and became a staple at the London Games in 1908. For a sport that once was only playable by male military officers, it opened up to all competitors starting with the Helsinki Games in 1952. And now it will be part of the Paris Olympics too! Do you know horses even find their way into popular culture, featuring in songs like Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” and Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” both released in 2012? But who are the celebrities who share the love for equestrian sports in real life?

Bella Hadid, Jeremy Irons, Richard Hammond, and other celebrities who love horse riding

Bella Hadid, known for her modeling career, is also a passionate equestrian. This year, she competed at a National Cutting Horse Association event at Bosque Ranch, Texas, riding stallion Metallic Tito and earning eighth place. Hadid, who grew up on a Beverly Hills horse ranch, has been riding since childhood, inspired by her mother’s love for horses. Despite a Lyme disease setback, she remains devoted to the sport, finding it as grounding as yoga.

Jeremy Irons, the Oscar-winning British actor renowned for his roles in “Assassin’s Creed” and “Batman vs. Superman,” has been a passionate rider since childhood and now owns his own horse. His love for horses is evident from the numerous photo shoots he has done with them. In 2023, Irons’ enthusiasm for equestrianism shone through his role as the legendary trainer Sir Henry Cecil in a film about Frankel’s unbeaten career. With a deep-seated affection for horses, Irons praised Cecil’s story as one of remarkable love.

Richard Hammond, known for his expertise in cars as one-third of the former Top Gear team, also loves horses. Remember in 2023, when he stepped out of his comfort zone to support his wife, Mindy, at Sandown Park? Dressed stylishly, Hammond was there to cheer on Farinet, a horse co-owned by Mindy, which won the Read Nicky Henderson’s Unibet Blog Handicap Chase. Although he admitted to being more at home with cars, Hammond and his family are avid equestrian fans, with several horses on their farm. In fact, he has even been seen riding on Top Gear, chasing Jeremy Clarkson on horseback. Despite his limited knowledge of horse racing and betting, Hammond enjoyed the day, celebrating his first win with a bet on Farinet and praising the atmosphere and his wife’s success. But the list doesn’t end here!

Kaley Cuoco, known for her role in “The Big Bang Theory,” is a devoted rider who owns several horses and competes in jumping events. Madonna, the iconic pop star, has also been a keen horse enthusiast for years, even training with the renowned William Fox-Pitt. Kiefer Sutherland, the star of “24,” is a skilled roper who has competed at a high level and even won the US Team Roping Championships twice. Viggo Mortensen, famed for his role in “The Lord of the Rings,” is a skilled horseman who purchased the horses he rode in both “The Lord of the Rings” and “Hidalgo” due to his deep affection for them. Mary-Kate Olsen, known for her acting and fashion career, is also an avid equestrian who has competed in shows like the Hampton Classic. Russell Crowe, the acclaimed Australian actor, shares a deep love for horses and owns a ranch in Nana Glen, outside Sydney. He has even built stables for films like “Australia.” Lastly, Jamie Foxx, known for his diverse acting roles, is a surprising horse lover who learned to ride for his role in “Django Unchained,” even bringing his own horse, Cheetah, to the set. However, this love for horses extends beyond Hollywood’s leading ladies and men and into the world of fashion and reality TV as well.

The list also includes Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham, and Nicole Kidman

Kim Kardashian might not be the first person you’d associate with equestrianism, but she has developed a genuine passion for horseback riding, which she shares with her children, North and Chicago. Her ex-husband, Kanye West, once bought a 5,000-acre ranch in Wyoming, where the family practiced riding their horses. Kim has also often showcased her love for horses in her business ventures, including appearing on horseback in a striking ad for her beauty line, KKW Beauty.

On June 30, 2020, Kim Kardashian shared a picture of North with her Friesian on Twitter (now X), mentioning that they own a ranch that consists of 14 Friesian horses, a rare and expensive breed. Friesians can cost between $7,000 and $600,000, as reported by the U.S. Friesian Referral, while the average cost of other horses in the U.S. is around $3,000. Originating in the Netherlands, Friesians were reintroduced to North America in the latter half of the 20th century, with numbers increasing from just 5 in 1970 to around 2,000 by 2002.

Even Victoria Beckham has a deep love for all things equestrian. She even passed this passion on to her daughter Harper, her sons Cruz, Brooklyn, and Romeo, and even her husband, David. The Beckhams are frequently spotted horseback riding in upscale equestrian centers in LA and Italy. Back in 2019, when Victoria turned 45, she had a horse-themed party, reflecting her new passion for riding. At 39, she joined a Los Angeles riding club and was often seen riding through the Hollywood Hills. For her milestone, she planned two parties—one in LA with an afternoon of horseback riding with friends, and another in London.

Nicole Kidman, one of Australia’s most glamorous exports, discovered her passion for horses while working on the 2008 epic “Australia” with Hugh Jackman. To prepare for the role, she rode across Australia, honed her ranch-hand riding skills, and performed her own stunts, including riding among a stampede of 1,500 wild horses. Her profound experience in the film led her and her husband, country star Keith Urban, to buy a rural Australian ranch where they keep horses and spend time whenever they visit. Do you share a passion for equestrian sports as well?