Have you ever dreamed of galloping across open fields, caring for your own horse, or competing in high-stakes showjumping tournaments, but lack access to a real stable? Horse games bring all that excitement to your screen. 

From richly detailed simulations on PC to console exclusives packed with exploration and adventure, the games have never been more diverse.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best horse games to play on PC and console in 2025, breaking down their features, strengths, and what makes each one worth saddling up for.

Best Horse Games to Play on PC and Console: Key Takeaway

• Star Stable Online – MMO Classic with Massive Community
• Rival Stars Horse Racing – Realistic Racing & Breeding Sim
• Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch – An Open-World Adventure
• Riding Club Championships – Multiplayer Showjumping & Dressage Game
• My Horse Stories – A Story-Driven Stable Life
• Equestrian the Game – Next-Level Realism
• The Sims 4: Horse Ranch – Creative Casual Play
• Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch – A Multi-Platform Favorite
• Windstorm Series – Emotional Storyline on Console
• Spirit: Lucky’s Big Adventure – A Family-Friendly Game
• My Riding Stables: Life with Horses – Classic Stable Management Game
• Howrse – Strategy and Breeding Comes to Console
• Red Dead Redemption 2 – For Realism Enthusiasts
• Horse Club Adventures 2: Hazelwood Stories – Cozy Exploration Within a Stable Life

Why are Horse Games so Popular?

Horses have always held a special place in human culture. They’re symbols of freedom, power, companionship, and adventure. It’s no surprise, then, that this fascination has found its way into the digital world. 

Horse games tap into our deep love for these majestic animals, letting players experience the thrill of riding, training, and bonding with their own virtual companions – all without leaving the comfort of home.

For many, the appeal lies in the adrenaline of competitive racing, where precision, timing, and training decide who crosses the finish line first.

What to Look for in a Great Horse Game 

Unfortunately, not all horse games are created equal. Here are the key features to look for when choosing the best horse game for your style and preferences.

Realism and graphics quality

High-quality graphics, natural animations, and lifelike horse behavior can make all the difference. Consider games that simulate authentic riding physics, realistic movement, and responsive controls.

They allow you to connect more deeply with the virtual world.

Gameplay depth and variety

The best horse gaming titles encompass a range of activities, including training, grooming, breeding, and competing.

These features enable players to explore various aspects of equestrian life, rather than limiting them to basic roles. 

Open-world exploration and freedom

For many players, part of the magic lies in exploring vast, beautifully designed environments. Open-world horse games let you ride through forests, deserts, ranches, and even bustling towns, often with hidden quests or secrets to discover. 

Storyline and emotional connection

Narrative-driven gameplay adds emotional weight and purpose to every ride.

Whether it’s helping a struggling ranch recover, training for a championship, or forging a lifelong bond with your mount, it boosts the thrill.

Multiplayer and community features

Many modern horse games feature online multiplayer modes. This means you to compete with friends, trade horses, or join riding clubs.

These social elements add replay value and create lasting connections with fellow players.

Best Horse Games to Play on PC in 2025 

PC remains the best platform for horse games. It offers greater graphical fidelity, mod support, and expansive worlds that consoles often struggle to match. 

Fortunately, you have endless options to pick from. Below are the top seven horse games for PC in 2025 if you’re looking for exceptional gameplay, realism, and replay value.

1. Star Stable Online – MMO Classic with a Massive Community

Star Stable Online remains one of the most beloved and enduring horse games on PC. This massively multiplayer online (MMO) adventure excels in social interaction, storytelling, training, and exploration.

Players start by creating their own rider and horse. Then you dive into the world of Jorvik, a vast island full of quests, competitions, and mysteries. 

You can train your horse, compete in showjumping, and explore scenic trails. Successful players even participate in seasonal festivals. 

Pros:

• Massive, constantly updated world
• Deep customization options
• Strong community and multiplayer features

Cons:

• Requires a subscription for full content
• Graphics slightly dated compared to newer titles

2. Rival Stars Horse Racing – Realistic Racing & Breeding Sim

If competitive horse racing is your passion, Rival Stars Horse Racing is the gold standard. It blends stunning graphics with strategic depth, delivering one of the most realistic equestrian experiences available on PC.

You’ll breed, train, and race your horses while managing every aspect of your stable, from facilities to finances. The breeding system is impressively detailed, with traits and bloodlines influencing performance. 

There’s also a story mode with customizable rider and horse appearances.

Pros:

• Highly detailed breeding and genetics system
• Beautiful, realistic visuals
• Engaging career and story modes

Cons:

• Can feel repetitive over long sessions
• Some features are locked behind microtransactions

3. Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch – An Open-World Adventure

For players who love the freedom of exploration and adventure, Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch offers a refreshing take on the genre. Combining open-world riding with ranch management and storytelling, it’s one of the most immersive horse games.

You inherit a neglected family ranch and must restore it to glory by caring for horses, breeding new bloodlines, and improving your facilities. Exploration is a major focus – you can gallop through forests, beaches, and mountains without restrictions.

Pros:

• Beautiful, open-world design
• Strong emphasis on ranch building and discovery
• Relaxed, non-linear gameplay

Cons:

• Occasional bugs and performance issues
• Lacks competitive features

4. Riding Club Championships – Multiplayer Showjumping and Dressage Game

For players who crave online competition, Riding Club Championships offers a dynamic and challenging multiplayer experience. Focused on showjumping and precision riding, it’s perfect for those who enjoy testing their skills against real players.

The game features a range of arenas, obstacles, and competitions. Riders can customize their horses, practice different courses, and climb the leaderboards through ranked events.

Pros:

• Skill-focused multiplayer gameplay
• Competitive leaderboards
• Active community

Cons:

• Limited story or exploration elements
• Graphics are basic compared to newer titles

5. My Horse Stories – A Story-Driven Stable Life

If you’re more interested in story and character development than pure simulation, My Horse Stories delivers a charming, narrative-focused adventure.

You play as a city girl who moves to a struggling family farm and works to restore it through training, competitions, and community events. 

Along the way, you’ll form friendships, overcome challenges, and grow alongside your horse. Choices shape the story, adding replay value.

Pros:

• Engaging story and characters
• Choices affect outcomes
• Perfect for casual players

Cons:

• Gameplay mechanics are fairly simple
• Limited customization options

6. Equestrian the Game – Next-Level Realism

Originally a hit mobile title, Equestrian the Game makes its long-awaited PC debut in 2025 with enhanced graphics, deeper simulation, and expanded features.

This game focuses on authenticity. You’ll manage every aspect of your equestrian career, including breeding, conditioning, nutrition, and showjumping performance. The new PC version also features online events and improved customization.

Pros:

• Unmatched realism and depth
• Expanded gameplay systems
• Gorgeous graphics and animations

Cons:

• Still in early access (occasional bugs)
• Steeper learning curve

7. The Sims 4: Horse Ranch – A Creative Casual Play

For players who love creativity and customization, The Sims 4: Horse Ranch is a must-play. It brings horses into one of gaming’s most beloved life simulators.

You can build your dream ranch, adopt and train horses, breed new foals, and participate in competitions – all while managing your Sims’ lives. Moreover, the sandbox nature allows endless creativity, from designing stables to creating entire equestrian communities.

Pros:

• Infinite customization and creativity
• Horses feel naturally integrated into gameplay
• Perfect for casual players
  

Cons:

• Requires base game and expansion purchase
• It’s not as detailed as dedicated horse sims

Best Horse Games for Console (PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch)

While PC horse games tend to focus on realism and depth, console titles emphasize adventure, storytelling, and accessibility. Here are the seven best horse games to play on consoles in 2025.

1. Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch – A Multi-Platform Favorite

Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch is a fan favorite on both PC and console. It offers an unmatched open-world experience centered on exploration, ranch-building, and horse care. 

Players inherit a neglected ranch. You must restore it by breeding horses, building facilities, and exploring the wilderness. You’ll uncover hidden locations, complete side quests, and collect resources to upgrade your property.

Pros:

• Gorgeous environments and open-world freedom
• Engaging ranch-building mechanics
• Suitable for both casual and dedicated players

Cons:

• Occasional performance issues on older consoles
• Not focused on competition or racing

2. Windstorm Series – An Emotional Storyline on Console

Windstorm games are known for their emotional storytelling and cinematic presentation. Based on the beloved German film series, they focus on the bond between horse and rider and are perfect for players who value story over mechanics.

You’ll care for Windstorm, train together, and explore scenic landscapes as you progress through a heartfelt narrative. Challenges range from timed rides to obstacle courses, all woven into a story of friendship, trust, and growth.

Pros:

• Touching story and character relationships
• Relaxing, low-pressure gameplay
• Beautiful landscapes and environments

Cons:

• Limited replay value
• Less challenging for advanced players

3. Spirit: Lucky’s Big Adventure – A Family-Friendly Ride

Inspired by DreamWorks’ Spirit franchise, this charming adventure is designed for families. It’s all about exploration, friendship, and lighthearted fun – perfect for introducing younger players to horse games.

Players join Lucky and her horse Spirit on an open-world journey and engage in quests and side activities. The focus – exploration, light puzzles, and caring for Spirit, but with fewer complex mechanics and a friendlier learning curve! 

Pros:

• Kid-friendly and educational
• Easy to pick up and play
• Colorful, engaging world

Cons:

• Too simple for experienced gamers
• Short main story

4. My Riding Stables: Life with Horses – A Classic Stable Management Play

For players who prefer management and simulation over action, My Riding Stables delivers a traditional stable-building experience. It’s all about running your own equestrian business from the ground up.

You’ll care for horses, train them, enter competitions, and expand your stables. Breeding is also a major feature, allowing you to create and raise new generations. Though it doesn’t boast flashy graphics, its depth and detail are impressive.

Pros:

• Deep and rewarding stable management
• Includes training, breeding, and competitions
• Long-term progression

Cons:

• Outdated graphics
• Slower pace may not appeal to everyone

5. Howrse – Strategy and Breeding Comes to Console

Originally a massively popular online browser game, Howrse has been reimagined for console players, with upgraded visuals and new gameplay layers. It’s a strategy-heavy title focused on breeding, genetics, and horse management rather than riding.

Players manage breeding programs, train champions, and trade horses in a dynamic economy. Thus, strategic planning and genetics play a crucial role. Indeed, success depends on creating and managing superior bloodlines.

Pros:

• Deep breeding and genetics systems
• Large online community
• Strategic and replayable

Cons:

• Minimal riding gameplay
• Learning curve can be steep

6. Red Dead Redemption 2 – For Realism Enthusiasts

While not a dedicated horse game, Red Dead Redemption 2 delivers arguably the most realistic and immersive horse-riding experience ever created in gaming. Its attention to equine detail has set a new benchmark.

Horses are central to gameplay; you bond with them, care for them, and rely on them for travel and survival. Each breed has unique stats and personalities, and building trust affects performance. 

Read also: Unique RDR2 Horse Names. 

Pros:

• Industry-leading horse AI and realism
• Huge, beautifully crafted open world
• Deep bond and care mechanics

Cons:

• Not a pure horse game
• Requires time investment to unlock features

7. Horse Club Adventures 2: Hazelwood Stories – Cozy Exploration Within a Stable Life

This charming sequel builds on the original Horse Club Adventures. But you get richer storytelling, better graphics, and more exploration. It’s a laid-back experience perfect for players who want to combine stable life with gentle adventures.

You’ll train horses and participate in competitions. But more importantly, you get to complete story missions and explore Hazelwood’s vibrant world. 

Pros:

• Relaxing, low-pressure gameplay
• Accessible and beginner-friendly
• Colorful, inviting world

Cons:

• Not as deep as more advanced sims
• Repetitive side quests over time

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Horse Games

Horse games offer a rewarding mix of challenge, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re diving into a realistic stable simulator or embarking on an adventure, it’s a thrilling experience.

However, to truly enjoy everything they have to offer and keep the experience fresh for the long haul, a few simple strategies can make all the difference.

• Focus on bonds, not just goals

Spend more time grooming, training, and interacting with your pet. Not only does this often improve performance, but it also makes the entire experience feel more immersive and meaningful.

• Explore every corner of the world

Many horse games, especially open-world titles like Horse Tales or Red Dead Redemption 2, reward curiosity. Taking the time to explore beyond the story missions can significantly deepen the gameplay.

• Experiment with playstyles

Don’t limit yourself to one approach. Try focusing on breeding and genetics in one playthrough, then pivot to competition or exploration in another. 

• Engage with online communities

Joining forums, Discord servers, and Reddit groups can help you troubleshoot challenges. You may also connect with other players who share your love for horses.

• Customize and personalize

Personalization options deepen immersion. From stable layouts and horse appearances to riding outfits and equipment, they make the game feel uniquely yours.

FAQs

Best Horse Games to Play on PC and Console: Conclusion

Horse games have evolved far beyond simple riding simulators. Today, they offer rich, immersive experiences. Above all, they capture the beauty, intelligence, and spirit of these incredible animals in ways that appeal to every type of player. 

Whether you’re looking to manage a stable, master the art of breeding, or simply enjoy a heartfelt rider-horse story, there’s a title out there that’s perfect for you.