If equine is your bag, you can embark on a virtual horse racing adventure by choosing from the finest horse racing sims that fuse excitement and strategy in equal measure.
In this digital realm, the thundering hooves and nail-biting finishes come alive as you navigate through a myriad of gaming options. If you’re a newcomer to the virtual turf, we’ll guide you through the best equine-related simulations where realism meets thrilling gameplay.
Starters Orders is one of the finest horse racing simulations of all time. This franchise has dominated the PC horse racing management simulation scene for well over a decade. Starters Orders 7 is the latest edition and it’s an impressive version. Available exclusively on desktop PC, you can train your very own stable of horses, breed new superstars and send your thoroughbreds to all four corners of the globe to compete in the biggest races.
Virtual reality (VR) gamers with Oculus Rift headsets can also enter 3D races on board their own horses and there’s also a 2D version of the game for those with low-spec devices. Racing Ahead Magazine described Starters Orders 7 as the “undisputed Frankel of horse racing games”.
The leading online slot games look and feel like some of the latest console games, such as the quality of their visuals and audio. Powered by HTML5 technology and featuring high-definition (HD) content, the newest horse racing-themed slot titles offer an immersive equine experience on the reels.
Design Work Gaming recently released a slot titled Hold Your Horses, a 40-payline, five-reel game with respins, free spins and a chance to double your paytable multipliers. The Hold Your Horse slots experience is also designed to be fully compatible with mobile devices, offering responsive gameplay on iOS and Android as well as desktop.
As real-time virtual horse racing sims go, Stable Champions is up there with the best of them for casual gamers on Android devices. With realistic training and stable building simulations, it’s a fascinating strategy game. You can channel your inner horse racing trainer – buy and sell thoroughbred horses at auction and even breed horses from previously successful racehorses to race or sell on for a profit.
When it comes to race day, you can also hop aboard and get the jockey’s view of the race. There are real-life jockeys within the app, who you can employ to ride your best prospects. Rack up trophies and silverware along the way to becoming one of the most respected racehorse stables in the sport.
You can also enjoy horse racing gaming on your smartphone with PikPok’s Rival Stars Horse Racing. Available on iOS and Android as well as desktop, this simulation allows you to take the reins in your quest to become an equestrian icon.
You can take to the saddle in single-player story mode or log online to take part in multiplayer races staged at some of the biggest and most historic racecourses on the planet. You can even enter you and your steed into Cross Country events and compete to finish top of the worldwide leaderboard.
Although horse racing may not have the same commercial appeal as the likes of soccer and American football, it’s still proven a very successful sport for virtual sims over the years.
Subscribe today and receive latest Livery List news and guides direct to your inbox