When we think of celebrities, it’s easy to picture red carpets, designer outfits, and glamorous events. But off the stage and away from the cameras, some of the world’s biggest stars have a surprisingly down-to-earth passion, horses. For these celebrities, riding isn’t just a hobby, it’s a full-on love affair that lets them escape the spotlight and reconnect with something real.
Below I dive into the lives of twelve famous faces who absolutely adore horses. From competitive riders to those who simply enjoy the quiet peace of a trail ride, these stars find joy, comfort, and freedom in the saddle. They might be used to luxury, but with horses, they keep it refreshingly real.
1. Bella Hadid
Supermodel Bella Hadid is an avid equestrian, sharing her love for horses with her sister, GiGi. Hadid was nationally ranked as a teenager, with her eyes set on the 2016 Olympic Games. However, a bout with Lyme disease postponed her dream of being a member of the showjumping team.
Despite her struggles with Lyme disease, Hadid is still dedicated to riding. While she competed in show jumping for many years, she decided to try her hand at Western riding. She now competes in cutting competitions, showing a number of horses including Metallic Tito, Imma Be Smooth, and Whippish. Hadid is also dating performance horse trainer, Adan Banuelos, further cementing her place in the equine world.
2. William Shatner
Best known for his role in Startrek, William Shatner is a life-long equestrian. He is a long-time owner and exhibitor of Saddlebreds, Standardbreds, and Quarter horses. Some of his most notable horses include Sultan’s Great Day, Call Me Ringo, and Revival.
In 2001, Shatner married horse trainer Elizabeth Anderson Martin, with the couple splitting time between their Saddlebred farm, Belle Reve, in Kentucky and their Quarter Horse farm in Los Angeles. Though the couple is no longer married, Shatner still remains active in the horse industry.
Shatner has competed in reining, western pleasure, five-gaited, fine harness and roadster to bike divisions. He has taken home numerous world titles at the Kentucky State Fair World Championship Horse Show with his Saddlebreds and Standardbreds.
William Shatner has also received the 2018 National Reining Horse Association Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2023 he was inducted into the American Road Horse & Pony Association Hall of Fame. Even in his 90s, Shatner remains active with his horses.
3. Kaley Cuoco
Kaley Cuoco, best known for her role as Penny on The Big Bang Theory, is a devoted horse girl. When she’s not on set, she spends her time at her Los Angeles barn, riding and caring for her horses.
She owns several horses and competes in show jumping events, showcasing her skills and dedication to the sport. Kaley loves sharing her equestrian life with fans; her Instagram is filled with photos of her beloved horses and moments from competitions.
Beyond her show horses, she has a big heart for rescue animals, owning miniature horses, donkeys, and goats. Kaley was also the face of the FEI campaign #ForTheLoveOfEquestrian, promoting the joys of horseback riding.
She was previously married to Karl Cook, a professional equestrian and Grand Prix rider who competed at the Longines World Cup™ Jumping Finals in Omaha. The couple shared a deep love for horses and often rode together. Even after their separation, Kaley continues to pursue her equestrian passions with enthusiasm.
4. Madonna
When not performing, Madonna likes spending her free time with her horses. The Queen of Pop has been a horse lover for many years, though she didn’t start riding until her 40s.
In 2006, Madonna experienced a serious fall while riding that resulted in three cracked ribs and a broken collarbone. The fall left her shaken up, but she eventually found the confidence to get back in the saddle. Madonna still enjoys spending her time at the barn with her children.
5. Kendall Jenner
Supermodel Kendall Jenner has always held a special place for horses in her heart. She started riding as a young girl and quickly became hooked.
While Jenner has competed in show jumping, she now also enjoys the laidback cowgirl lifestyle. Jenner finds horseback riding to be therapeutic. To her, it is a great way to clear her mind and get outside.
“It’s just something you’ve gotta feel. From the moment I rode [Arizona] I remember just feeling extremely comfortable and I knew he was the one for me the second I sat on him,” Jenner said about her Paint gelding in an interview with Vogue.
6. Shania Twain
Country music star Shania Twain is a passionate equestrian, often sharing her love for horses with others. Not only has she had her horses featured in interviews, but she has even included them in her performances and music videos.
Below is a Video of Shania performing in Las Vegas in 2014 on her horse:
In 2012, Twain rode down the Los Vegas Strip with a group of 40 riders to announce her residency at Caesars Palace. In addition to riding, Twain also does liberty work with her horses to create a deeper connection with them.
7. Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman has become one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood, famous for his distinctive voice. Outside of his prosperous acting career, Freeman is a long-time horse owner.
Freeman’s love for horses began when he was a child, as he would ride in the fields near his home in Mississippi. He credits his friend’s horse named Socks for helping him gain confidence in the saddle.
His love affair with horses also carried over to his acting career. While filming Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Freeman rode an Andalusian horse named Fury. He credits Fury with teaching him humility and deepening his respect for horses. Later on, he returned to Mississippi and purchased a 124-acre ranch, where he got his first Quarter Horse, Sable. By 2004, his herd had grown by seven more horses.
When he’s not filming, Freeman enjoys the simple pleasure of spending time with his horses, embracing the peace they bring to his life.
8. Mary-Kate Olsen
Horses have been a major part of actress and fashion designer Mary-Kate Olsen’s life. Olsen began riding at the age of six and never looked back.
An avid showjumper, Olsen began competing internationally in 2019. Aboard her Belgian Warmblood, Fatum, she won a 1.25m two-phase showjumping class at Longines Global Champions Tour in her first year of international competition. Since then, she has continued to find success in the show ring, competing on her various mounts.
Olsen’s background as an equestrian has influenced her fashion design. With comfort and style in mind, she has designed blazers inspired by show coats.
9. Julia Roberts
Actress Julia Roberts has a notable career in the film industry, including her iconic scene in Runaway Bride where she gallops on a horse in a wedding gown. Outside of acting, she enjoys spending time with her horses at her ranch in New Mexico.
Roberts grew up riding horses and competed in barrel racing at local rodeos. Her love of horses stuck with her through adulthood and in 2000 she starred in Wild Horses of Mongolia with Julia Roberts. In the documentary, Roberts traveled to Mongolia where she discovered the special relationships the nomads of Mongolia have with their horses.
10. Kiefer Sutherland
Coming from a family of actors, Kiefer Sutherland has established himself as a household name in Hollywood. Outside of the big screen, Sutherland is a talented equestrian.
Sutherland’s first real exposure to riding was in the 1988 film Young Guns. He became hooked on riding and even bought the horses he rode in the film and its sequel. A talented rider, Sutherland has taken home two US Team Roping Championships. He has attributed his success to having good horses.
11. Victoria Beckham
Fashion designer and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham is known for her impeccable style, but she’s also a proud mom supporting her children’s passions. Her daughter, Harper, has developed a keen interest in horseback riding. Victoria frequently shares adorable snapshots of Harper’s riding lessons and achievements, beaming with pride.
While Victoria herself isn’t typically seen in the saddle, she wholeheartedly encourages Harper’s equestrian pursuits. The Beckham family often spends time together at the stables, with even dad David joining in to support Harper. These moments have become cherished family experiences, highlighting how a love for horses can bring loved ones closer and create lasting memories.
12. Lady Gaga
When she’s not topping the charts or making bold fashion statements, Lady Gaga finds peace on the back of a horse. Her equestrian journey began in 2015 when she received a beautiful white mare named Arabella as a Christmas gift from her record label. Despite having no prior experience, she didn’t hesitate to hop on Arabella, grabbing her mane and riding bareback, a spontaneous act that ignited her love for riding.
Gaga was often spotted exploring the trails around Malibu with Arabella. Wanting her beloved mare to have a companion, she got a “boyfriend” for Arabella in 2016, a horse she named Trigger. The two horses expanded Gaga’s equine family by welcoming two foals, Gracie and Sandy.
Tragically, Arabella passed away in 2019. The loss deeply affected Gaga, who left the Critics Choice Awards early to be by her horse’s side. Her heartfelt connection with Arabella touched fans worldwide, showcasing the profound bonds we can form with our animal companions.
