Galloping through cultures: How horses connect humanity

As the Year of the Horse approaches, the horses that once propelled civilization forward still carry global significance. Chen Ziqi reported.

ALWAYS the As Chinese New Year approaches, I find myself paying more attention to the animal of the year. Not just the symbolism, but also the stories behind it, where these meanings come from and why they still resonate today.

This curiosity feels especially alive as February enters the Year of the Horse.

Although the horse holds a special place in Chinese tradition, symbolizing vitality and progress, its meaning extends far beyond national borders. From ancient civilizations to modern societies, the horse has emerged as one of humanity’s most enduring global symbols; It was shaped by its vital role in transportation, warfare, culture and social development.

Even today, in a world powered by engines and algorithms, the bond between humans and horses continues to evolve.

Although modern societies no longer depend on horses for survival, the human-horse connection remains highly visible in contemporary life. In Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and many parts of Asia, equestrian culture continues to thrive, encompassing elite sport and recreational riding. Together, these practices reflect the enduring ideals of grace, discipline, courage, and harmony between man and animal.

Horses also play an important role in shaping tourism and local identity. In China, ethnic communities in Xinjiang and Xizang (Tibet) have preserved strong equestrian traditions in which riding and racing are an integral part of cultural life. When I spoke to locals while researching this story, many described horses not as tools but as companions passed down through generations.

The Ili Horse Culture and Tourism Festival in Xinjiang provides a vivid example of this.

Riders demonstrate their excellent skills at the 2025 Xinjiang Province Celestial Horses Culture and Tourism Festival in Zhaosu County, Xinjiang on July 19, 2025 (Photo provided)

With a history of more than thirty years, the festival attracts urban visitors to an unforgettable sight. The galloping of dozens of horses on the shores of Tekes Stream, the sound of hoofs hitting the ground and piercing neighs, and the spraying of water into the air are among the most anticipated events. Beyond the races, visitors experience local cuisine, music, dance and equestrian performances, transforming centuries-old traditions into a living cultural encounter.

The enduring appeal of the horse is reflected in popular culture and design. As the Year of the Horse approaches, products featuring horse images are gaining popularity. A recent example is a stuffed horse toy called the “Cry-Cry Horse” featuring an accidentally created aggrieved expression that went viral. Young people were attracted by his imperfect appearance; they found it relatable, entertaining, and emotionally authentic. In a way, the toy reflects what many people feel today: determined, a little jaded, but still pushing forward. Its popularity carries a powerful message: Even when life is imperfect, there is power to continue the journey.

Like the British “Sad Keanu” meme or the Jellycat characters, plush toys that are unexpectedly popular in Europe and North America, China’s “Crying Horse” illustrates how animals are reimagined as emotional shorthand in popular culture.

Beyond sport and culture, horses now play a surprising role in people’s well-being. Equine-assisted therapy allows individuals with mental health issues, post-traumatic stress, or developmental disabilities to connect with these gentle animals, emphasizing trust, interaction, and sensory experience.

Studies in China have investigated how horseback riding may benefit children with autism. The horse’s smooth, rhythmic gait creates movement patterns that help improve balance, coordination, and hand-eye coordination. More importantly, with professional guidance, children often exhibit greater focus and emotional expression while riding, revealing the subtle resonance between people and horses.

China’s exploration of equine-assisted therapy mirrors programs in countries such as Germany, the United States and Australia, where therapeutic horsemanship has been used for decades to support veterans with PTSD and children with developmental challenges. The calming presence of the horse consistently proves to be a powerful therapeutic partner across cultures.

This deep bond between humans and horses has turned into an important economic value. According to the Equine Business Association, the global horse industry, which includes breeding, racing, equestrian sports, equipment and tourism, generates approximately US$300 billion in revenue annually and supports millions of jobs worldwide. Europe accounts for roughly US$133 billion of this impact, while the United States contributes approximately US$102 billion, highlighting the ongoing importance of the horse to modern economies.

China’s growing equestrian economy parallels the well-established horse industries in Europe and the United States. What sets China apart is how quickly traditional horsemanship has integrated into modern tourism and cultural industries.

Horses have become a common cultural symbol due to their important role in social progress. Archaeological evidence indicates that horses were first domesticated at the Botai culture sites in northern Kazakhstan around 3500–3000 BC; Here, traces of horse milk on ceramic shards indicate that these animals were carefully managed for food and subsistence.

Over time, horses became much more than a source of nutrition. They were vital partners in horseback riding, farming, long-distance travel and trade. They expanded human mobility and with it communication, trade and cultural exchange. In many societies, horses also came to symbolize wealth, prestige and social status; Valuable breeds or ceremonial horses signaled the power and rank of their owners.

The Chinese reverence for horses across all civilizations reflects the global pattern in which horses are both trusted companions in battle and sacred figures in belief systems. From Alexander the Great’s legendary horse Bucephalus in the Mediterranean world to the Celtic goddess Epona in Europe, horses have consistently occupied the space between the human and the divine.

Throughout history, horses have been effective in wars. On the battlefield, horses were not just mounts but also companions whose lives were closely tied to those of their riders.

In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a 14th-century historical novel, during the Battle of Wancheng in 197 AD, warlord Cao Cao’s horse Jue Ying carried him across enemy lines even after he was wounded by arrows. A Spanish epic throughout Europe tells how the knight El Cid was carried safely through dangerous battles by his faithful horse Babieca. These stories show how horses symbolize loyalty, courage, and the deep closeness between humans and animals.

A stone relief depicting one of Emperor Taizong’s faithful warhorses is on display at the Xi’an Beilin Museum in north-central China. The emperor commissioned six such statues to honor the warhorses (Image provided)

Horses also carried spiritual meanings. During China’s Qin Dynasty (221 BC), people honored horse gods or spirits every spring to pray for the protection of their horses, fertility, and a good harvest. In many other societies, horses symbolized a bridge to the spiritual world, carrying prayers or blessings between realms. For example, in ancient India, Ashvamedha or royal horse sacrifice was one of the most important rituals confirming kingship, prosperity and fertility.

Horses have carried humanity’s labor, imagination and aspirations across deserts, rivers and mountains. From festivals to rituals, from therapy sessions to popular culture, they have become a common cultural fabric that transcends borders.

Just as horses once connected distant peoples and civilizations, people can choose to be friends rather than rivals, moving together toward a common future.