How to Say "Riding" in French

équitation

Riding in French is translated as équitation.

équitation is a standard term used to describe horseback riding or equestrian activities in general.

Which one should you use?

While équitation is the noun for the activity, the verbal phrase used to say one 'does' riding is faire de l'équitation.

When someone describes their riding style as à l'anglaise, they are referring to the English saddle and style, whereas à l'américaine refers to Western riding.
The concept of équitation in France is deeply tied to the 'tradition française', a specific historical style of riding taught in elite military schools.
While équitation is the general sport, a professional horse rider is called a cavalier for a man or a cavalière for a woman, regardless of whether they are competing or just riding for leisure.

Je ne connais rien à l'équitation.
I don't know anything about riding horses.
Tatoeba #2504216 by sacredceltic, translation #2317482 by CK
L'équitation est un passe-temps coûteux.
Horse riding is an expensive hobby.
Tatoeba #3487312 by sacredceltic, translation #3476650 by Hybrid
Je pratique l'équitation
I practice horseback riding
J'ai chevauché un cheval magnifique
I rode a magnificent horse
On va monter à cheval ce week-end?
Do you want to go horseback riding this weekend?
Je fais du vélo pour me rendre au travail
I ride a bike to go to work
Hier, j'ai chevauché un cheval sauvage pendant des heures!
Yesterday, I rode a wild horse for hours!
On va faire du vélo en bord de mer?
Shall we ride bikes along the seaside?
Elle pratique l'équitation tous les samedis.
She goes riding every Saturday.
1 more sentence on Tatoeba

Nathan and Léa are talking about their weekend hobbies.

Sources

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