According to the Chinese Zodiac signs, 2026 is the year of the horse.
The horse is the 7th animal in the 12-year Chinese calendar. Technically the year of the horse will begin on Feb. 17 and ends Feb. 5, 2027, per following the lunar year cycle. The horse is known for symbolizing energy, independence and passion. People born in a year of the horse (like 1990, 2002 and 2014) are considered to be strong, lively and free-spirited.
Each horse year is tied to one of the five elements. In 2026, we’re being dealt the rare “Fire Horse,” which only comes around once every 60 years. That means be sure to lunge it before we all kick on into the new year.
The next year of the horse, in 2038, will be an Earth Horse. That sounds much more reasonable.
We’ve spent the last few weeks peering at the stars and waiting for mercury to be retrograde so we can analyze what this means for us horse girls. Here’s some of our rambling thoughts.
The Year Of The Chestnut Mare
It is perhaps the most basic, overused equestrian stereotype: the firey, ornery chestnut mare. But what better symbol to represent the year of the fire horse than these ultimate redheaded queens? I think the stars are telling us, horse girls, that 2026 is the year to be our unapologetic best selves.
No longer should we feel guilty about the time we spend at the barn and with said chestnut mares. No longer are we beholden to financial constraints that limit how many colorful saddle pads we can afford to buy. You only live once, and truly, will we ever live through another Year of the Fire Horse? If there was ever a year to book the trip, send in the entries, add to cart, or do something new even if it scares you, it’s now in 2026!
Success And Good Fortune
Being born in a horse year on the Chinese calendar generally means success and good fortune follows you. This is almost laughable, if you are indeed a horse person as well, cause we all known our fortune is forked over to our horses. But according to Chinese lore, wearing a symbol of a horse is meant to bring good luck. So if there was ever a time to be a fashionable horse girl, it’s in 2026.
Pull out the field boots, the fox hunter vests and jodhpurs and feel fabulous while wearing them in the grocery store – we’re about to be the ‘it’ girls of 2026, y’all.
Increase Your Luck
Whether you were born in a year of the horse or just want to embrace 2026 as the year of the fire horse, there are a few fun ways to participate, according to the Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese spiritual guide.
Keep the “south end” of your home clutter-free, because it represents fame and recognition. Add plants or flowers to your living area to invite in growth and harmony. And avoid mirrors, especially if they directly face your bed, as that can cause restless sleep. These sound like all good luck horse show omens to me, friends.
If you really want to lean in for good luck: Add a frog to entrance of your home (aka a “money frog”) to bring prosperity and financial success. A dragon tortoise will boost your career. Mandarin ducks strengthen love and romance.
And lucky colors? Stick with blue, green and red. Avoid black and “dull gray,” which can bring on bad vibes.
Good luck to you in 2026, horse girls! Enjoy the Year of the Fire Horse.