There’s been a lot of talk among horse lovers about 2026 being the Year of the Horse. However, it isn’t just any horse year—it is specifically the year of the Fire Horse. That puts an entirely different spin on things!
People have wondered if 2026 will be easy-going like a bay gelding or dominant like a chestnut mare. Since it’s the year of the Fire Horse, I can pretty much guarantee it’s going to be the year of the chestnut mare.
Lessons from a Heart Horse
Those who know me know that I came into the horse world late in life, after I retired. When I was younger, I didn’t particularly like horses. Then, in my nearly sixties, I rode Button, a Missouri Fox Trotter chestnut mare. The first time I rode her, I felt an instant connection.
Button was my favorite lesson horse, and she chose me as her human. I don’t know why—maybe she thought I would be easy to boss around, or maybe she saw someone as stubborn as she was. Either way, Button was my “heart horse.” She taught me so much: how to love sharing my life with a thousand-pound prey animal with a mind of her own, and how to fight for respect from a different species.
Her official registered name was Patriot Push Button, and she could definitely push my buttons! While she’d occasionally let me think I was in charge, I knew she would fight any danger fiercely while still acquiescing to take me along for the ride. Though cancer eventually claimed her, she is still with me today. Whenever my current horses—like Napoleon or Poncho—give me guff, I simply remind them that I was trained by Button.
Embracing the Energy of 2026
What should we expect from the year of the Fire Horse? In many cultures, horses represent power, nobility, and ambition. The fire element increases the intensity of these traits, making this a year of progress, energy, and enthusiasm.
I’m encouraged to be passionate about my writing and my riding, though I’m also mindful of the need for caution. Whether you are pursuing a new goal or just enjoying the journey, embrace the Year of the Horse. We’re in for a wild ride—so live fiercely!
Is your young adventurer a fan of horses or desert wildlife? Check out my latest books and workbooks to keep the learning going!