This article discusses the deep crisis of equestrian sport in Russia at its current stage of development. The author analyzes the organizations providing services in the sports and leisure direction of equestrian sport, derives the basic principles of rational use of horses. Using the example of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, factors are analyzed that make up the total amount of horse maintenance in these constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The effectiveness of the equestrian coaching staff is analyzed. The author shows the process of aggravation of the equestrian crisis, possible ways of solving the crisis situation are given. The article considers the development prospects of equestrian sweepstakes in Russia.