But when it comes to racing a horse, it's a big hard, almost impossible to participate in a horse race, especially if you've never ridden a horse before.
This doesn't mean that your dream of knowing what is like to become a jockey is gone.

Thanks to horse racing simulators, we can now get in the saddle, choose our horse, and participate in a virtual race. You can become a virtual jockey and learn all the ins and outs of the sport, from breeding to taking care of horses, stable management, and finances.
The simulation games have come a long way. Now they are much more realistic and they provide a real-world experience, especially if you combine them with VR and horse simulation seats.

The only thing that is missing from these horse racing simulation games is the betting side of horse racing. Perhaps you can prepare for the Kentucky Derby and anticipate TwinSpires futures odds.
This inspired us to go on a search for the best horse racing simulation games that every horse racing enthusiast should try.

Phar Lap Horse Racing Challenge
The first one is Phar Lap: Horse Racing Challenge. This is a game playable on all consoles, and it might not be the best simulation game in terms of providing the right sensation, it is definitely one of the most visually pleasing games.

The realism is not on the Red Dead Redemption 2 level, but it is quite good for a horse racing game.
The best thing is that it features all the things that are present in horse racing as a sport. You get to breed your own horses, take care of your own horse racing facility, train horses, earn rewards, and compete in races.
It is a complete horse racing game that will give you an idea of what is like to become a jockey and a racehorse owner.

Rival Stars Horse Racing
Rival Stars Horse Racing, like Phar Lap Horse Racing Challenge, assigns players the duty of managing a ranch inherited by the grandson of a well-known rancher.
With a large duty to bear, players must pick which aspects of the ranch to prioritize, while still having the option of working as a jockey or establishing a breeding facility that the community can be proud of. This game is all about making decisions: breed, train, or race your horses to keep the ranch prospering.
Its lifelike visuals make the virtual world of horse racing come alive. If you've always wanted to manage a stable of champions, now is your opportunity.

Starters Orders 7 Horse Racing
When it comes to realistic simulation games, no other game gets close to Starter Orders 7, due to its VR capabilities.
The other ones we mentioned so far are good, but if you want to get a feel of what is like to become a real jockey, then you must put on your VR goggles.

Now before we build up the hype around this game, let's get one thing straight. The graphics are not from this century.
Nonetheless, most VR games don't come with good graphics. It is more about the experience of riding a horse down the finish line.
Additionally, this simulation game is not only about racing. It also includes breeding, training, finances, management, and more.
The best thing about Starters Orders 7 is that it is still in development, and new updates will be accessible on Steam. A massive horse racing game universe featuring thousands of horses, hundreds of riders, and trainers. The most realistic races in any racing game.
It is probably one of the most realistic games in terms of feeling what is like to become a jockey and therefore the best simulation game out of all.

G1 Jockey 4
G1 Jockey 4 takes horse racing to the next level, offering accurate controls and tough action.
If you've ever wanted to be a jockey but didn't want to deal with the risk or the horses' nasty attitudes, this game is a great alternative.
The G1 Jockey 4 game, published around the same time as Gallop Racer in 2006, was an instant hit among PlayStation 2 users.
In addition to professional racing, betting, and horse care, you may also breed horses.
It also has a training mode to help you hone your virtual riding abilities. Just don't expect to be showered with flowers as you cross the finish line, as the audience in this game is entirely synthetic.

Winning Post Series
The Winning Post is one of the most popular horse racing gaming brands, as well as the most regularly updated game. With the latest version last year, Winning Post 10, this is certainly one of the greatest horse racing games thanks to recent enhancements.
The popular "Winning Post" series focuses on the tactical side of horse racing games. These Koei Tecmo games, which focus on horse management and growth, let players immerse themselves in the exciting world of horse ownership, breeding, and racing.
The 'Winning Post' games, with their complicated gameplay mechanics and strategic decision-making, provide a unique perspective on the sport of kings.