ABSTRACT Physical activity and its influence on wellbeing are evident. It is an open question if the recommended activity levels can be reached by middle-aged and older (45+ years) horseback riders. Therefore the aim of the study was to assess physical activity (horseback riding) in horseback riders in comparison with dog owners (dog walking) and people without pets (non-animal-related activities) and its relation to physical, mental, and social wellbeing. The FAHW12- (self-assessment for habitual wellbeing of Wydra) and a self-designed questionnaire were used to determine overall wellbeing and its component dimensions. The study was carried out in Austria. Overall 178 people aged 45+ years answered a questionnaire about physical activity and wellbeing within the physical, mental, and social wellbeing domains. Comparisons were made using a general linear model, with activity group (riders, dog owners, controls) as the main variable of interest. Physical activity levels were not significantly different between riders (107.4±62.0 metabolic equivalent-hours per week; MET-h/week) and dog owners (137.4±116.7 MET-h/week), but were significantly higher compared with controls (without pets) (21.6±19.9 MET-h/week). Overall wellbeing scores of riders were not significantly higher compared with dog owners (15.5±0.8 vs. 13.3±0.9; p = 0.071), but statistically significantly higher compared with controls (11.6±0.9; p = 0.002). The physical wellbeing of riders was significantly higher (1.5 times, p = 0.024) compared with dog owners, and 1.7 times higher compared with controls (p = 0.006). Mental wellbeing scores of riders were significantly higher compared with controls but not compared with dog owners. Horseback riding is a means to reach recommended physical activity levels. This activity is associated with greater physical and mental wellbeing, when compared with non-pet owning people, and is similar to that seen in dog owners.