Saddling up for the Year of the Fire Horse
The Year of the Fire Horse arrives on 17 February 2026, and for a team with as much love for all things equestrian as ours, we couldn’t let the moment pass us by without a mention!
Horses have always been part of life at The Juniper Co, shaping our story and the work we’ve been lucky enough to do with organisations across the equestrian world, including The British Equestrian Federation, British Dressage, British Eventing, The Showing Council and The Pony Club, to name a few. Alongside several members of the Juniper team’s own lifelong passion for all things equestrian, we have also proudly supported our sponsored rider, Ginny Howe, since 2010, through many seasons of competition.
It's no surprise that we see horses as a symbol of curiosity, momentum, and possibility. The year of the fire horse feels like the universe is speaking our language.
Why the year of the fire horse?
In the Chinese zodiac, each year pairs an animal sign with one of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water, creating a 60-year cycle. Unlike the Western calendar, the Chinese zodiac follows the lunar cycle. Therefore, each animal-element combination appears only once every six decades.
The fire horse is known for its spark: a blend of energy, ambition and forward momentum. It is lively, imaginative and wonderfully inclined toward new ideas. That spirit feels familiar to us as much of our work is about helping leaders and teams find and define their own spark, whether that’s through a moment of courage, a shift in perspective or a renewed sense of direction.
Traditionally, horse years are associated with opportunity, with many believing they favour economic confidence and growth. Fire adds spark to the mix, reminding us that movement can be joyful, and that momentum often begins with a single brave step.
Traits of the fire horse
Because the fire horse only appears once every 60 years, 2026 carries a rare sense of freshness. A horse year is traditionally seen as a time when people feel ready to explore, experiment and be bold!
We like to think of it as an invitation to pair enthusiasm with intention. Rather than racing ahead, it encourages us to channel that energy with clarity and purpose, much like a powerful horse guided by a steady hand.
The fire horse is often described as charismatic and determined, with a love of freedom and a dislike of constraint. In a workplace context, this translates into a year that encourages creativity, collaboration, fresh thinking and a willingness to challenge old habits.
What 2026 could bring
Horse years are often associated with optimism and forward movement, and 2026 is already shaping up to be a year of innovation, particularly in technology and organisational change. In Chinese culture, the Horse is also linked with vitality and swift success, captured in the phrase “mǎ dào chéng gong”, which translates to “success upon the horse’s arrival.”
It’s a reminder that progress doesn't always need to feel heavy. Sometimes, especially when we have dedicated time to finding our rhythm, it can feel like a good canter across open ground. This year offers opportunity to:
- Reignite ambition and discover what feels exciting
- Strengthen communication and trust within teams
- Explore new ways of working with curiosity rather than caution
- Invest in personal and professional growth with a sense of play.
These are the spaces where we do our best work at Juniper, helping people find confidence in their own stride and supporting organisations as they navigate change with confidence.
Embracing the energy of what’s next
As we step into the year of the fire horse, we’re looking forward to the sense of purpose and renewal it brings. We’re excited to help the organisations we work with harness this spirit in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.
If this year is stirring new questions, ambitions or possibilities in your own team, we would love to explore them with you and see where that spark might lead.