Developers love the English discipline. Dressage, show-jumping, and cross-country have all seen numerous titles dedicated to exploring this cornerstone of equestrian sport. But sometimes, we just want something a bit more… fun.
With Camp Western released in SSO and Horse Club: Riding West on the way, it felt like the perfect time to celebrate the often neglected cousin of English riding—western riding! So, grab your hat, pull on your jeans, and let’s take a lope down the western trail.
Evergreen Equine – RedM Server
RedM equestrian servers are wildly popular amongst horse gamers. Starting with The Rift Trails all the way back in 2020, many other servers have appeared on the horizon, each offering a dang fun experience. Now, because they are set in the Red Dead Online world, they have that unmistakable western flair. Whichever server you choose, you’re in for a good time.
Evergreen Equine is still a tenderfoot in terms of servers still breaking in those boots, but so far the players have been having a blast! They are aiming for a friendly and realistic RedM community. Their focus is “everything equestrian—done right with realism and quality. We welcome you into the stables!”
In the game, you can capture wild horses, take part in races and other events, and of course those ‘take ‘er easy’ trail rides! Although not a hard-hitting western game, Evergreen Equine still has that western heart that all RedM servers beat. And, they’ve recently added breeding! So grab a lasso and go catch some beautiful horses!
Please note: RedM servers require Red Dead Redemption 2, which is an 18+ game.
Let’s Ride! Silver Buckle Stables
Released over twenty years ago, Let’s Ride! Silver Buckle Stables is the OG of western horse games! Combining a myriad of western riding events, the game became the sweetheart of us horse lovers for its fun gameplay and gentle charm. Your goal is to rise through the ranks until you can become a top-tier, AAA rider. It’s not a hard game by any means, but it sure makes up for it with variety!
Events include barrel racing, single barrels, speed ball, keyholes, and big T. More events are unlocked as you progress through the rankings, and when you’re not racing around barrels, you’re taking care of your horses. Grooming, feeding, watering, and giving them lots of love is your job in the stable. Once you’re done, you can take a relaxing ride out into the pony-sized open world around your barn.
Time has not been kind to the visuals of Let’s Ride! Silver Buckle Stables. It’s not easy on the eyes anymore, but the gameplay still holds up as fun and engaging. Even years after its release, horse gamers still play this little gold nugget.
Star Stable Online: Camp Western
Star Stable Online (SSO) is a magical horse adventure game, with a heavy emphasis on the horse part. They have over eighty breeds of horses, with the newest Generation 4 American Quarter Horse released in celebration of the Camp Western event! Inviting all cowboys and cowgirls to the Starshine Ranch to partake in some classic western-themed fun!
Dust-churning races, spur-jangling trailblazers, and a high-paced gold rush make up just some of the fun to be had in the event! And of course, there are lots of beautiful horses to buy and pets to collect. Although the event has changed significantly this year, it still has that fun western vibe we’re looking for!
Camp Western was first launched in August 2023, and since then it’s become one of the most anticipated events in SSO.
Barbie: Horse Ride & Rescue
The newest bronc on the block, Barbie: Horse Ride & Rescue has hit the ground at full gallop and doesn’t seem to have any plans of slowing down! Developed and released by PikPok Games, it marks the first horse game in a long time to return to form in the Barbie franchise. Here you can catch horses, barrel race, explore the expansive plains, and ride, ride, ride!
Your goal is to rescue horses, of course. They are scattered across the beautiful world of Moonrise Valley, waiting to be found. But don’t get too comfortable, as there is a mystery to be solved on this ranch!
On the surface, it’s a game about rescuing pretty horses, but at its core, it’s about looking good while doing it. Boasting a huge closet of stunning outfits and gear, Barbie: Horse Ride & Rescue is a fun western game that lets you look great while playing!
The Ranch of Rivershine
The coziest of ranch games, The Ranch of Rivershine has pretty ponies, cross-country races, and a cozy atmosphere you just can’t resist. Released fully in 2023, The Ranch of Rivershine has quickly rocketed up to the top of beloved horse games, and for good reason.
Apart from being set in a charming frontier-like town, the game has an excellent breeding feature that lets you breed unique and absolutely stunning coats. You can also catch wild horses, tame them, train them, and sell them. You have foals to nurture, sick horses to take care of, and dozens of competitions to win to save the town of Rivershine!
There is a lot more, but really it’s about that calm, cozy atmosphere you can just sink into. Plus, the ponies are adorable!
Those are our top five picks for western games! Let us know which one is your favourite!
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