In combination with a computer and software, a horse riding simulator includes a horse body apparatus which imitates an appearance of a real horse. A control device manually operable by a rider is provided for selecting at least one of a surrounding environment, a horse ride setting, a riding discipline and a skill level. A display responsive to the control device for displaying the surrounding environment and for displaying an image of at least a predetermined portion of a horse body and a predetermined portion of a rider body positioned within the surrounding environment.