According to the zodiac, the horse is the significant animal representing 2026,
Here is AI's version: 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare, high-energy year occurring once every 60 years that combines the Horse’s natural energy with the fire element, symbolizing passion, speed, and transformation. It is associated with courage and bold action, but also brings intense, "double fire" energy.

Which means… whatever you want.

I’m not going to pretend to know if it means something globally. But it’s fun to think about, and useful to consider that you could make something personal of its meaning.

How would you grow, and coach your horse to grow, this year? Just speaking of your horse, what skills or character traits would you like to see improve this year?

Does your horse struggle with cantering? Jumping? Flying changes? Does he refuse to go into the ring? Does he get too excited around certain stimuli? Pick something and make this year your year, for you and your horse.

My goals: canter fitness, lateral sensitivity to rider cues, flowing and floating gaits.

What’s your goal for your horse?

Each year, my horses go through many skill-development exercises. It’s useful to highlight them and put pointed energy toward improving them one at a time. It’s amazing how we overestimate what we can do in a month, but underestimate what we can do in a year.

Let’s give our horses the year of their life—full of bonding, skills, and foundations for a great relationship that leads to a long, healthy life full of joy.

Here’s to the horse!

​Don Jessop