Equestrian sports in Malta have been active since the 1970s when equestrian events were held under the auspices of La Valette Riding Club, which was originally affiliated with the British Horse Society (BHS). Olympic sports including dressage, show jumping and even cross-country competitions were held regularly as well as fun events that were particularly enjoyed by the younger competitors – gymkhana games, fancy dress rides, handy hunters and the like were always well attended. At its most popular, the club enjoyed memberships of over a hundred riders with most events centred around the facilities granted to them by the Malta government in Marsa. 

 As Marsa became more congested, riders moved further afield with two new riding clubs established in Maghtab; Sunflower Riding Club, Tal-Maghtab Riding Club and Cross Riding Club. Competitions were held on a monthly or bi-monthly basis mostly at facilities in both Maghtab and Marsa. 

 The Malta Equestrian Federation (MEF) was set up in 1999 to govern the growing sport and affiliated with the international governing body of the sport, the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). 2012 saw the opening of a new equestrian centre at Montekristo Estates. The larger facilities allowed the sport to grow significantly between 2013 and 2016 with monthly shows that attracted more than 100 entries at a time.

Malta joined the international leagues in the World Dressage Championships in 2010. This competition was organised by the FEI for equestrian federations in small countries, where judges travelled to the riders, rather than the usual international format where riders travel to a competition. Malta was placed in Zone 4 and competed with riders in Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Israel. Local riders enjoyed some success in the five years that the competition was held with a number of riders taking to the podium in the individual competition and claiming second place in 2010 and 2015 in the team event. See full results here.

Malta still enjoys the spotlight at international events with a number of riders (holding a Maltese passport) competing under the Maltese flag.  

Today The MEF hosts a number of competitions throughout the year at various venues all over the island, with the season culminating in the Championship Cup at the end of May or early June. The MEF is committed to the codes of conduct laid down by FEI with regards to the welfare of the horse, the environment and fair play.