Galloping across cultures: Embracing the Year of the Horse

As the Year of the Horse approaches, people from China, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom talk about how horses are regarded in their cultures, highlighting shared values and distinct historical experiences.

From the horse’s role in Britain’s industrial revolution and its sporting traditions, to its foundational place in New Zealand’s developmental history, and its significance in South Africa’s resistance narratives, the horse emerges as a unifying figure that has shaped human societies in different ways.

A Chinese equestrian professional also speaks about his personal bonds with horses, emphasizing trust, patience and mutual growth. Together, these voices form a cross-cultural dialogue that goes beyond national borders, showing how the spirit of the horse continues to resonate in contemporary life.