Top 5 Horse Simulation Apps That Let You Ride, Care, and Compete Virtually

 

Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world, and even though people think it is some kind of relic, we can clearly see the advancements that are happening in the industry.

 

One of the biggest changes in the past couple of decades was the introduction of horse simulation apps. But what is so special about horse simulation apps?

 

Well, everybody can get a ball and see what it is like to be a professional football player, and the same thing goes for basketball, cricket, and so on. But with horse racing, things are different. You cannot jump on a Thoroughbred horse and see what it is like to become a jockey.

 

So, these simulation apps allow horse enthusiasts to become jockeys, take care of their horses, and compete with their friends virtually.

Fortunately, there are plenty of games and simulation apps that capture the spirit of becoming a racehorse owner, so let’s highlight the best ones.

 

Rival Stars Horse Racing

First, we have the most popular horse racing app in the world - Rival Stars Horse Racing. This is basically a game that allows you to become a racehorse owner and a jockey.

 

The most impressive thing about Rival Stars Horse Racing is the number of features that the game comes with. You can buy, breed, train, and racehorses and at the same time manage your stable, fix things up, and upgrade your entire ranch.

 

So, it is a full-on horse management game. Plus, this is not a game where things happen randomly. There is a perfectly balanced system for horse racing breeding, where horses come with unique traits and coat colors, as well as abilities. They can be trained, but some have higher potential than others.

 

This app also has care tasks, including feeding and grooming your horse, while riding feels very smooth and gives you an idea of what it is like to become a real jockey.

 

So, it is a blend of racing, care, and management game that most horse racing fans would appreciate. Plus, the graphics are great, which is rare for a niche game like horse racing.

 

The most impressive part is that the app comes with its own betting system. What’s horse racing without betting, right? Okay, you might not have a chance to place a bet on the current 2025 Preakness Stakes contenders and real-world events, but having betting even on virtual races makes the process even more fun.

 

Horse Riding Tales

Next up, Horse-Riding Tales offers a vibrant world where you tame wild horses, care for them, and compete in show-jumping events.

Rated 4.4/5 with over 10 million downloads, it lets you craft saddles, groom horses, and ride through meadows to level up. Multiplayer races and a story about mystical sky riders add depth.

 

It’s loved for its colorful graphics but noted for occasional glitches, like race joining issues. Ideal for players who enjoy social gameplay and horse bonding, it’s a charming equestrian escape.

 

Horse Racing Manager

 

If you are someone who’s not interested in handling your horse and becoming a jockey, and someone who is more drawn to management, stats, and data, this is the perfect app for you.

 

Horse Racing Manager 2024 is an app with more than 1 million downloads, and there is a good reason for that. This app allows you to own racehorses and race them with your friends in online events.

 

But you also need to train your horses, have the ability to breed your own horse, manage finances, look at traits, create strategies, and analyze horse stats like rest time, weight, and form.

 

This is one of the most complete horse racing management apps that will give you a proper idea of what it is like to own a racehorse.

 

iHorse GO

For racing enthusiasts, iHorse GO delivers real-time PvP races against up to 12 players, earning a 4.1/5 rating with 100,000+ downloads.

You train and care for champion horses, recruit legends like Frankel, and compete in seasonal fixtures or campaign modes. Care involves equipping horses with gear and managing stamina, while riding skills shine in strategic races.

 

The graphics and movement of the horse are not really good, especially when compared to other apps like Rival Stars Horse Racing, but it is still a good simulation game that can bring you some fun.

 

Horse Racing 3D

Horse Racing 3D focuses on authentic racing and jumping, with a 4.1/5 rating and over 10 million downloads. You ride horses through 60+ challenging courses, balancing speed and stamina, and perform care tasks like feeding to maintain health. 

 

The game emphasizes skill-based obstacle navigation over stable management. It’s praised for 3D graphics but criticized for control issues, like swipe sensitivity.

 

It’s perfect for players who want fast-paced races and minimal management.

 

My Horse Herd Care Simulator: Farm and Breed

Rounding out the list, My Horse Herd Care Simulator lets you run a farm, breed horses, and train them for races or jumps, rated 3.6/5 with 1 million+ downloads. You groom, feed, and comfort horses in a 3D academy, with activities like raising foals or crafting gear.

 

The most negative thing about this game is that it comes with plenty of in-app purchases, making it unplayable for free users.

 

It’s appreciated for HD animations but noted for heavy ad presence. This app appeals to players who love nurturing a herd and building a farm.