Famous Female Horse Riders In History

Horse riding, which has been around since the Stone Age, has always been considered to be an attractive and impressive sport. Many notable female figures from all over the world have made their mark on history by mastering horseback riding and competing in tournaments, races, and other contests.

Riding horses has been popular in the United States and Europe for centuries, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been women who have followed in the hoof steps of their male counterparts. In fact, history is filled with women who made names for themselves on horseback, especially in the earlier years when equestrianism was considered more of a sport than just a hobby.

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 10 of the most famous female horse riders in history.

10 Famous Female Horse Riders In History

Here is the list of top famous female horse riders in history

1) Queen Elizabeth I

2) Martha Washington

3) Anne of Cleves

4) Marie Antoinette

5) Nellie Bly

6) Florence Nightingale

7) Isabella Bird Bishop

8) Annie Oakley

9) Calamity Jane

Riding has been an important part of human history since the beginning of civilization, and women have played an important role in that history. Whether they were great leaders or famous entertainers, these women were all notable figures in their fields who excelled at riding horses and made their mark on history with their talents.

Whether they’re called jockeys, cowgirls, or other related titles, women who ride horses are an important part of the equestrian world. These women may not be as well-known as people like Lassie or the horse from My Little Pony, but they each made their own mark on horse riding and the horse world in general.

Horse riding has long been considered a male-dominated sport and hobby, but there are more than a few notable women who have proven that this is simply not the case. Some of the most famous horse riders in history were women, proving that gender doesn’t need to limit your chances of success in any field, including the equestrian world. Keep reading to learn about the most influential female horse riders in history you need to know about!

1) Queen Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth, I was one of the most famous female horse riders in history. She was an excellent equestrian and enjoyed riding her horse around her kingdom. She was also a skilled jouster and often rode in tournaments. Queen Elizabeth I was a very popular queen and is still remembered today as one of the greatest British monarchs.

2) Martha Washington

Martha Washington was one of the most famous female horse riders in history. She was the wife of George Washington and rode horses throughout her life. Martha was an excellent rider and won many competitions. She was also known for her horsemanship skills, which she used to teach other women how to ride. Martha Washington is an important figure in American history and helped shape the country we know today.

3) Anne of Cleves

Anne of Cleves was the fourth wife of King Henry VIII and is known for being one of the prettiest women in England at the time. She was an excellent horsewoman and often went riding with her husband. Anne eventually divorced Henry after six months of marriage but remained on good terms with him until his death. She is an excellent example of a female horse rider in history.

4) Marie Antoinette

Born in 1755, Marie Antoinette was the last Queen of France before the French Revolution. A controversial figure during her lifetime, she’s now best known for her luxurious lifestyle and her famous statement, Let them eat cake. But Marie Antoinette was also an accomplished horse rider. As a child, she was given riding lessons by renowned equestrian trainer François de la Guérinière.

5) Nellie Bly

Nellie Bly was born in 1864 in Cochran Mills, Pennsylvania. At the age of 19, she began working as a journalist for the Pittsburgh Dispatch. It was there that she came up with the idea to travel around the world in less than 80 days, inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days.

6) Florence Nightingale

As a woman who defied the norms of her time, Florence Nightingale is an icon of strength and resilience. Born in 1820 into a wealthy family, she was well-educated and could have had a traditional life as a wife and mother. But Florence felt called to help others, and she used her privileged background to get training as a nurse.

7) Isabella Bird Bishop

Isabella Bird Bishop was born in 1831 in Yorkshire, England. She was a Victorian adventurer and travel writer who rode horses throughout her life. Her most famous work, A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains, detailed her experiences living and riding in the Rockies. Bishop was also an accomplished photographer and many of her photographs were published alongside her writing.

8) Annie Oakley

Annie Oakley was an American sharpshooter and folk heroine who rose to fame as a star attraction of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. She is believed to have been born in 1860 in Ohio, and she died in 1926. Oakley learned to shoot at a young age and soon became an expert markswoman. She toured with several different Wild West shows before joining Buffalo Bill’s troupe in 1885.

9) Calamity Jane

Calamity Jane was born in Missouri in 1852 and was orphaned at a young age. She moved west as a teenager, living a life of adventure on the frontier. She rode horses and worked as a stagecoach driver, becoming famous for her fearless riding. Calamity Jane also served as a scout for the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars. She died of pneumonia in 1903.

10) Elizabeth Custer

Elizabeth Custer was born in 1842 and married General George Armstrong Custer in 1864. She was an accomplished horsewoman and often rode with her husband during his military campaigns. Elizabeth wrote several books about her life with George, including Tenting on the Plains (1887) and Following the Guidon (1890). She died in 1933.

Final Thoughts

From princesses to Olympians, these ten famous female horse riders have made their mark in history. They each had a passion for riding and worked hard to achieve their goals, whether it was winning a competition or simply enjoying a leisurely ride.

Today, they continue to inspire riders of all levels and serve as an excellent reminder that anyone can reach their potential with enough dedication and practice. The next time you hop on your favorite horse, take a moment to think about these incredible women who paved the way for future generations of female riders.