Celebrate Chinese Year of the Horse

Chinese New Year is the biggest traditional holiday in Chinese culture and 2026 will celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse, the first day of the lunar new year which falls on February 17.

As one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, the Fire Horse is a symbol of strength, freedom, energy, confidence and bold action. In Chinese culture, the horse represents forward movement, courage and embracing opportunities with dynamism, mirroring the spirit of adventure and equestrian culture worldwide.

Horse-loving travelers have the opportunity to connect with horse experiences around the world that celebrate equestrian traditions, historic riding estates and immersive horseback experiences and celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse:

The Oberoi, Wadi Safar | Diriyah, Saudi Arabia

The resort, opening in the second half of 2026, will be the luxurious and premier home base for exploring Diriyah and the region’s world-class equestrian and polo offerings. Just 30 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, the property features 60 rooms and 10 private villas designed for privacy, modern comfort and understated luxury.

Guests can step directly into the heart of the Royal Equestrian & Polo Club, a hub for dressage, show jumping, and elite equine competitions, boasting four outdoor arenas, an indoor arena with seating for 1,000, 263 stables, riding schools, lunging arenas, training tracks, and paddocks.

Polo enthusiasts can enjoy two dedicated polo fields, a clubhouse with lounges, cafés, restaurants and a pro-shop, all set within a self-contained facility designed for horses and riders alike.  

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Lombok | Lombok, Indonesia

Set on the white sands of Medana Beach within 24 acres of tropical gardens, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Lombok blends traditional Indonesian charm with modern luxury, offering ocean-faced dining, an infinity pool, a private jetty, and access to vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Guests can embrace the spirit of adventure and celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse.with guided horseback rides along the shoreline, suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike. The experience allows travelers to connect with nature, explore the stunning coastline, and embody the vitality, freedom, and courage that the horse represents, making every beachside ride a memorable reflection of Lombok’s natural beauty and the resort’s genuine hospitality.

Three Camel Lodge | Ömnögovi, Mongolia

Deep in the heart of Mongolia’s vast Gobi Desert, Three Camel Lodge offers one of the world’s most unique riding experiences. Guests begin their journey on horseback, across the sweeping dunes and plains of the desert to arrive at a nomadic family home, where they are warmly welcomed with traditional milk tea and introduced to life on the Mongolian steppe.

Visitors can try hands-on activities such as ropemaking, with skills passed down through generations. For more experienced riders, the Mongolia’s Ultimate Horseback Expedition by Nomadic Expeditions provides an unforgettable 15-day adventure through northern Mongolia, leading riders across dense forests, rolling meadows and rugged mountain trails, culminating at the pristine Lake Hovsgol, often called Mongolia’s “dark blue pearl.”

Travelers can meet the Tsaatan, a nomadic Tuvinian people who herd reindeer in remote mountains and forests and spend nights in cozy tents along the serene Dood Sailig River, immersed in the rhythm of Mongolia’s wilderness.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge | Vancouver Island, Canada

Located in 600 acres of pristine, UNESCO-protected rainforest in remote Clayoquot Sound, this off-grid luxury retreat offers an authentic equestrian program capturing the spirit of the Year of the Horse. Guests aged 12+ channel their inner cowboy or cowgirl by pulling on cowboy boots and helmets, saddling up with the lodge’s dedicated herd (stabled up the valley), and joining guided western-style rides led by an experienced equine team.

The 3.5-hour adventures traverse lush, diverse landscapes, river valley meadows, ancient old-growth forests, Jurassic fern gardens, and even glacial river crossings– in an untouched wilderness. Younger visitors can meet and interact with the horses up close.  

Tierra Patagonia | Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Nestled on the shores of Lake Sarmiento, overlooking the dramatic Paine Massif and bordering the iconic Torres Del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, this all-inclusive luxury eco-lodge offers an authentic gaucho-inspired horseback riding program.

Guests saddle up with local Chilean gauchos at nearby Estancia Lazo for a peaceful half-day adventure across mixed terrain, winding through ancient lenga forests, open pampas, and clearings dramatically revealing astonishing panoramic views of the towering granite peaks and glaciers. Led by skilled local guides, these immersive rides evoke Patagonia’s rich ranching heritage, blending freedom, cultural connection, and the raw power of one of Earth’s most dramatic wildernesses.

Turtle Island | Yasawa Islands, Fiji

Hosting only 14 couples at a time, Turtle Island blends barefoot luxury with adventure offering a rare chance to connect with powerful, intuitive animals in one of the most romantic settings in the world. Guests can experience sunrise beach horseback riding along Turtle Island’s white-sand shores — a signature adventure reflecting the island’s spirit of freedom and connection.

With Wi-Fi limited to one area and no TVs in the bures, Turtle Island creates space to slow down, unplug and fully immerse in the rhythm of the island. Beyond horseback rides, couples are welcomed into the Turtle Island family through immersive all-inclusive experiences — from private beaches and personalized picnics to nightly dinners sourced from the day’s catch and the island’s five-acre garden, along with kava ceremonies and dancing.

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | San Diego, California

Situated in the hills of one of San Diego’s most exclusive communities steeped in equestrian heritage, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe offers a timeless retreat rooted in tradition. The area’s identity has long been shaped by its rural elegance, private bridle trails, and deep-rooted horsemanship, preserved through its historic Protective Covenant and celebrated by local riding clubs and ranches.

Honoring this legacy, The Inn invites guests to discover the beauty of Rancho Santa Fe on horseback with expert-guided trail riding through rolling hills and eucalyptus-lined pathways. Intimate 60- and 90-minute rides offer a serene journey through sun-dappled trails and scenic vista points, providing a unique perspective on the countryside that has drawn visitors for over a century.

Just minutes from the world-famous Del Mar Racetrack, a cornerstone of Southern California’s Thoroughbred racing tradition, The Inn’s central Village location and estate-style setting seamlessly connect guests to the pastoral charm of Rancho Santa Fe and the enduring excitement of the region’s storied equestrian culture.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to plan a trip to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse.