Gallop Into the Lunar New Year: Celebrating Horses Across Canada
- Feb 11, 2026
- CELEBRATE
- 5 min
Are you ready to ride into the Lunar New Year? 2026 marks the Year of the Horse and we’re celebrating with precious pieces that symbolize the unrivalled energy of these majestic animals.
An icon of strength, resilience, and freedom across many cultures, horses have helped shape Canada’s history and continue to be an enduring presence in our modern society.
From the world-famous horses of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to the national horse of Canada and the beautiful wild horses roaming across our landscapes, these majestic animals embody the spirit of our country. So saddle up, and let’s explore a few chapters of the horse’s story in Canada.
Are you ready to ride into the Lunar New Year? 2026 marks the Year of the Horse and we’re celebrating with precious pieces that symbolize the unrivalled energy of these majestic animals.
An icon of strength, resilience, and freedom across many cultures, horses have helped shape Canada’s history and continue to be an enduring presence in our modern society.
From the world-famous horses of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to the national horse of Canada and the beautiful wild horses roaming across our landscapes, these majestic animals embody the spirit of our country. So saddle up, and let’s explore a few chapters of the horse’s story in Canada.
Timeless Tradition
The image of a Mountie on horseback has been recognizable across the globe for nearly a century. While vehicles have since replaced most policing transportation, the Musical Ride is keeping the RCMP’s equestrian tradition alive.
A showcase of precision and horsemanship, the Musical Ride features up to 32 riders and horses who perform choreographed formations set to music. The RCMP’s breeding program uses Hanoverians, chosen for their strength, elegance, and temperament. These horses undergo rigorous training to perform in this presentation of classic Canadiana.
A National Treasure
While the RCMP’s Musical Ride may feature Canada’s most well-known horses, there is another horse that is an official symbol of our nation. With origins dating back to 17th century France, the Canadian horse has been a staple of Canada’s agriculture landscape since before Confederation.
Working through the harsh conditions of winters in New France, the horse population developed separately from other breeds and gradually became the Canadian horse or le cheval canadien. In 2002, it was recognized as the national horse of Canada by the National Horse of Canada Act.
Wild Beauty
Canada’s wilderness is home to an abundance of biodiversity, from the massive moose to the delicate deer mouse. One animal you may not think of roaming parts of our nation is the wild horse.
“Wild horses are a source of pride for Canadians from coast to coast. From the eastern shores of Nova Scotia’s Sable Island to the western landscapes of Saskatchewan, Alberta, B.C. and Yukon, the wild horses of Canada are woven into the fabric of the unique wild spaces we call our own. They are living symbols of freedom in the vastness of this beautiful country,” shares equine photographer Sandy Sharkey.
Carry their Spirit into the New Year
From the grace of the RCMP’s Hanoverian horses to the strength of the Canadian horse and the resilience of wild herds, horses in Canada reflect qualities that define our nation. As you step into the new year, embrace their unbridled spirit with one of 2026-dated Lunar Year of the Horse products.