Creature Feature – Galloping into the New Year

Based on the Chinese Zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, beginning with the Lunar New Year on February 17th. Some key themes associated with the Fire Horse are passion, freedom, and an ambitious drive in the year ahead, the main focus being pursuing goals with intensity, confidence, and courage. These admirable traits reflect the fiery spirit and powerful drive found in our equine friends.

The horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese Zodiac; and while there are different stories associated with its placement, the following legend sparks the imagination. 

Long ago, the Jade Emperor, ruler of the cosmos, declared a race to determine which animals would be chosen for the Chinese Zodiac; the first twelve finishers who arrived at the Heavenly Palace would earn a year named in their honor, in the order they placed. The horse was swift, powerful, and confident and quickly took the lead along with the dragon and rabbit. 

When they reached a wide celestial river, the dragon flew across easily, and the rabbit hopped on a floating log to reach the distant shore. The horse was a brave and strong swimmer, but as it entered the river, it heard distressed cries for help from the goat, rooster, and pig who were too frightened to enter the water. Rather than race onwards, the horse turned back and carried each of its friends safely across the river. This noble act of kindness delayed the horse, however, and by the time it reached the palace, several other animals had already arrived; and so the horse finished in seventh place.

According to Chinese culture, people born under the sign of the Horse are said to be spirited, hardworking, courageous, kind, quick-witted, and enthusiastic — but their generosity and desire to help others can sometimes slow them down. 

Article & photo by Margie Manthey