Best Horse Racing Games For Nintendo Switch

Horse games have grown in popularity among gamers due to their immersive gameplay, difficult races, and realistic horse-riding simulation.

It is one of the few ways you can really experience what is like to become a jockey.

Horse games provide a variety of possibilities for players seeking an equestrian experience, ranging from virtual horse racing to training and care simulations.

So, in order to warm up before the big races come, apart from browsing the best tips on TwinSpires, you can also enjoy some horse racing games.

In this article, we will look at some of the top horse games available for Nintendo Switch.

Phar Lap

Ladies and gentlemen, saddle up for an exciting ride through the world of horse racing with “Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge.”

To begin with, this game is not for the faint of heart. You’ll be on the edge of your seat, sweating bullets as you race across the racetrack for the coveted title of champion. The graphics are outstanding, transporting you to the racetrack and delivering the intensity and thrill to your fingertips.

But don’t forget about the show’s main stars: the horses. Each horse has its own personality and qualities, making each race unique and exciting. Not to mention the jockeys, who will go to any length to ensure their horses’ success.

The gameplay is straightforward but hard, with numerous options for customizing and changing your horse’s attributes to suit your playstyle. And, as any informed horse racing fan knows, it’s not just about the horse; it’s about the plan as well.

This game brilliantly portrays it, allowing you to make split-second decisions that can either make or break your race.

Farming Simulator

Farming Simulator is a well-known simulation game that lets you dive into the intricate yet gratifying realm of farm management. Although it’s not entirely focused on horses, the game still has a significant horse-related component, making it an engaging and picturesque experience once you get the hang of it.

To accommodate your horses, you’ll need to acquire a stable and then purchase the horses themselves. You can either transport an existing horse to your farm using a trailer or buy one directly from an animal dealer. Proper horse care is essential, which includes feeding, grooming, and exercising them to maintain their well-being. It might sound demanding, but it’s all part of the authentic farming simulation experience.

My Riding Stables: Life with Horses

To begin with, this game is not for the casual equestrian. It will have you grooming, feeding, and riding your way to the top of the equestrian world with a grin on your face and a spring in your step.

The pictures are superb, wonderfully capturing the majesty and beauty of these magnificent creatures (for a horse racing game).

The gameplay is simple but enjoyable, with a variety of tasks to do and obstacles to overcome. From caring for your horses to competing in local events, this game offers a well-rounded equestrian experience.

And, as any horse enthusiast will tell you, it’s about more than just riding; it’s about the bond between horse and rider.

Champion Jockey: G1 Jockey and Gallop Racer

Get ready to gallop into the world of horse racing like a pro jockey with this magnificent Nintendo switch game! With a career mode that’s both challenging and rewarding, you’ll be able to determine your own destiny – will you stick to casual races or strive for greatness as the best jockey in the world?

This isn’t just any horse racing game. It’s the epitome of complexity and comes packed with features that’ll leave you sweating after a few intense races. But don’t worry, there’s always the option to take it easy and go for a leisurely ride.

And get this, the horses in this game have stats that’ll blow your mind! Each equine athlete has their own unique set of stats that can be improved through completing various challenges. Plus, the breeding and training options are top-notch, giving you a taste of what it’s like to be a horse owner and trainer.

Champion Jockey has an online mode where you can show off your skills and compete with other players from around the world. Win races, earn prizes and trophies, and upgrade your horse with the points you earn.

Spirit: Lucky’s Big Adventure

The game Spirit: Lucky’s Big Adventure is ideally tailored for those 10 years old or younger. However, if you were a fan of Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron or the more recent Spirit: Riding Free, you might enjoy it for nostalgic reasons.

The game’s storyline revolves around a girl named Lucky and her horse Spirit as they explore the town of Miradero, completing quests for NPCs and attempting to defeat the antagonist, Hendricks the horse wrangler.

The riding mechanics in Lucky’s Big Adventure resemble those in early Legend of Zelda games, with a gallop speed meter included. The game mostly consists of fetch quests, with occasional stealth missions where you need to follow the villain without being detected.

While the graphics are not exceptional, the music features a charming country/western style reminiscent of the original movie, complete with harmonica, banjo, and steel guitar. Overall, Lucky’s Big Adventure is perfect for Spirit fans who now have children and want to introduce them to their favorite horse through a shared experience.

My Little Riding Champion

If you’re tired of the typical horse racing games and want something with a little more substance, My Little Riding Champion is here to save the day! This horse adventure game is perfect for all the horse lovers out there who want to learn about taking care of these majestic creatures.

Not only will you learn about different horse breeds and their unique qualities, but you’ll also be challenged with tasks that test your horse-riding skills.

The game takes place in a charming local village where you’ll complete missions that involve navigating obstacles and showcasing your horse-riding prowess. So, saddle up and get ready for a horse-filled journey with My Little Riding Champion!

Windstorm: Start of a Great Friendship

The first Windstorm game, based on the 2013 film of the same name, was designed as a companion to the movie. While the storyline is not particularly rich, the game is still enjoyable for those who appreciate horse-related gameplay.

In this game, the protagonist Mika forms a bond with a wild horse named Windstorm. The graphics are satisfactory, but the mechanics can be somewhat rigid and clumsy.

The user interface could also be improved, as all features must be accessed through the Estate Menu, making it difficult to discover quests naturally within the game world.

However, the game’s true merit lies in the high production value of its environments. The developers clearly put a lot of effort into designing the game world, making it one of the most visually appealing horse games available.

Horse Club Adventures

Looking for a relaxed, visually appealing game with straightforward quests? Horse Club Adventures might be the perfect choice for you. This easy-to-learn RPG, based on the Horse Club franchise from Schleich, is available on the Switch and other consoles like the PS4.

Set during a summer adventure at Lakeside Riding Stable, the game is inspired by the Horse Club characters and storyline. It features a standard RPG format, complete with a main story, optional side quests, horse racing, and mini-games for horse care.

The quests cater to a younger audience and primarily involve riding between locations and searching for objects or NPCs. Although the story takes some time to develop, it has a few surprising elements, such as a mysterious illness affecting local residents.

Players can customize their character and horse with various clothing, hair, and accessory options, unlocking more as they progress through the game. A noteworthy detail is the game’s LGBTQ+ representation, seen when Mr. O’Neill mentions his husband in a dialogue box – a subtle yet authentic way to include LGBTQ+ characters.

Despite initial glitches and bugs reported at launch, the game has been well-received by the online community and offers a smooth gameplay experience.

Overall, Horse Club Adventures is an enjoyable, casual RPG for horse enthusiasts, targeting younger players but providing a laid-back experience for older players as well.

Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch

Launched in December 2022, Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch was promoted as a truly open-world horse game; however, it falls short in terms of narrative aspects.

Despite the expansive open world, the game offers little in the way of an engaging story. While there are NPCs to interact with, the storyline remains largely uninteresting.

The game’s strength lies in its ability to let players create their own journey. An open world is ideal for a horse game, and Emerald Valley Ranch delivers in this regard.

With numerous areas to discover, your horse will lead you to rare crafting materials, activities, and experiences. Nevertheless, the mechanics are somewhat lacking.

Managing the horse at high speeds can be challenging, and horse races, which are crucial for progressing the main story, can be tedious and difficult.

Overall, exploring the beautiful world of Emerald Valley Ranch is rewarding, but players must overcome a few frustrating elements to fully enjoy the experience.

Windstorm: Ari’s Arrival

Ari’s Arrival, a significant title in its franchise, has undergone numerous updates and enhancements over the years, with visible improvements. This adventure RPG offers a wealth of story quests and exploration to keep players engaged.

The storyline follows Ari, who is trying to save the ranch from an indifferent owner while bonding with her horse. Though somewhat clichéd at times, the story is captivating and well-matched with the game’s pace.

A notable feature of this game is its authentic open-world experience, which, despite being expected in horse games, is rare in this specific genre. While the graphics aren’t revolutionary, the game is visually appealing with a fitting soundtrack.

The developers clearly aimed to create immersive and beautiful environments, making the open-world exploration highly enjoyable. Additionally, the game includes a collectible feature, which makes travel quests more interesting.

Overall, Ari’s Arrival is among the best games on this list. Unlike some previous Windstorm titles that disappointed fans, this game feels refreshing and entertaining. It offers smooth gameplay with a variety of attractions to discover and enjoy.