Anyone can kick a football and find what it’s like to play soccer, or anyone can shoot a basketball and get a feeling of what it’s like to be an NBA player. But with horse racing, things are different. Yes, you can ride horses casually, but it’s not like everyone can hop on a fast Thoroughbred horse and experience what it’s like to be a jockey.
So, there is a problem. How do we get the true feeling of being in one of the oldest and most exciting sports on the planet? Well, we have VR games.
Over the last couple of years, VR has drastically improved. It’s not only more affordable, but game developers are making it feel ultra-realistic. So, in reality, you can strap on a pair of VR goggles and be teleported to the Kentucky Derby, where you play the jockey.
Sounds fun, right? But before we get all excited, let’s address the elephant in the room. Normal horse racing games alone are very niche, meaning that there are only a few good ones. On top of that, they have to be VR. Well, that narrows down the choice to one or maybe two decent games to try.
Equestrian VR Experience
When you put on a VR headset, the first thing you notice isn’t the graphics. It’s the sense of presence. You really feel like you are in a different world, maybe operating a stable or positioned on the starting line with scary thoroughbreds breeding beside you.
That’s truly what separates VR horse racing games from their flat-screen counterparts.
In terms of VR horse racing games, there is one main, and probably best, game out there. We’re talking about Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition. This is an immersive simulation created by a company that has specialized in horse racing games for decades.
Plus, the regular Rival Stars Horse Racing game is also one of the most popular horse racing games on the market, so it’s good to see they have a VR version of it. The graphics are very good, and yes, it truly feels like you’re riding a horse.
You can simulate your own races and get your friends to join. This means that you can host your own Kentucky Derby as a warm-up before the actual race. Maybe you and your friends can place a bet on which horse will win as a test trial before you bet on horse races with TwinSpires.com.
This game is created specifically for virtual reality platforms like Meta Quest and SteamVR.
On top of that, Rival Stars VR is much more than just racing. You get to take care of your horses, feed them, groom them, breed them, and of course, line up for an immersive race.
You can also raise foals, watch them grow, customize your stable, and bond with your horses.
In other words, it is the closest thing that you get to feeling like an equestrian champion without mounting an actual horse. And the sounds and visuals are also amazing.
Games Beyond the Racetrack
Not all VR horse games are about racing. Some mainly focus on farm life and casual riding. Yes, they are not in the racing category, but they might still be appealing to people who want to know what it’s like to ride a horse.
Titles like Horse Rider VR are the top choice for casual equestrian activities. Yes, this game is not as polished or as good as Rival Stars Horse Racing VR, but it is still an immersive experience. You get to travel through beautiful landscapes, complete challenges, and explore the world at your own pace.
It’s more of a laid-back action that’s really different from racing but still good if you love horses in general.
Riding Makes the World’s Difference
Traditional horse racing games lean more towards you taking the role of a manager, trainer, or bettor. You select a horse, adjust the stats, keep an eye on the bankroll, and try to win more races.
Well, VR flips that perspective. Instead of managing all the things from above, you’re suddenly in the saddle. The riding feels immersive, and the only difference from an actual horse ride is the motion (your body is not moving). If you get a horse simulation rig, that’s exactly how it feels to ride a real horse.
Platforms like SteamVR and Meta Quest already host equestrian simulators and riding-focused experiences (the ones we covered) that emphasize immersion over arcade-style gameplay. Some focus on realistic riding mechanics; others lean into competitive racing environments.
The difference is simple.
You’re not observing the race. You’re inside it.
Realism vs. Arcade Style
Now, let’s be honest.
VR racing games are still developing as a niche. To be honest, VR games in general still haven’t reached mainstream popularity. There is only one decent horse racing game that provides that experience right now. But things will change in the future as VR technology becomes more accessible.
Plus, there isn’t another way to feel what it’s exactly like to become a jockey other than putting on a VR headset. So, in the future, we expect demand to increase and more VR horse racing games to be released.
