As the Lunar New Year approaches and the Year of the Horse begins on February 17, 2026, luxury brands are actively revisiting equestrian symbolism to connect with Chinese culture and appeal to luxury consumers. The horse occupies the seventh position in the Chinese zodiac and is widely recognised as a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, strength and courage. Historically, horses played indispensable roles in imperial life and warfare as loyal and fearless companions, making them powerful cultural icons for this annual transition.
For luxury houses, the return to zodiac themes is not merely decorative. It serves as a strategic expression of cultural alignment and market intent, particularly in parts of Asia where these traditions retain deep resonance. Brands are marking the Year of the Horse with limited-edition products and artistic tributes that draw on the horse’s enduring meaning.
Equestrian Symbolism In Watches
Swiss watchmakers have long acknowledged the emotional and cultural power of the horse. Vacheron Constantin, for example, has included the horse in its Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection, introducing two limited editions dedicated to the Year of the Horse. These watches combine detailed hand engraving and miniature painting to reinforce the maison’s commitment to fine decorative craftsmanship.
Similarly, Jaeger-LeCoultre is marking the Lunar New Year with the Reverso Tribute Enamel Horse, a highly exclusive limited edition produced in the Métiers Rares atelier. The Reverso’s original swivelling case was designed in 1931 for polo players, reinforcing the model’s intrinsic link to equestrian sport. Such timepieces highlight how craftsmanship and heritage intersect with cultural symbolism.
Hermès And Equestrian Design Heritage
Hermès, a brand whose origins lie in harness and saddle making, continues to leverage equestrian codes as defining elements of its identity. When Thierry Hermès established his Paris workshop in 1837, his early clientele were horses, not people. This history has left a lasting imprint on the house’s design vocabulary.
In 1927, Hermès introduced its first jewellery piece, the Filet de Selle bracelet, which drew directly from bridles and bits. Today, equestrian motifs such as galloping horse heads, harnesses and reins remain visible across Hermès’ collections. Under the direction of Pierre Hardy, the Galop line distils these functional origins into sculptural forms that express refined energy.
Contemporary Jewellery Inspired By Equestrian Experience
The influence of the horse extends beyond established heritage brands into contemporary jewellery design, where personal experience with horses often shapes creative direction. Brazilian jeweller Graziela Kaufman unveiled an equestrian collection inspired by her years of riding. She worked with her trainer to create pieces that embody movement, realism and power, and she directs a portion of sales to support horse rescue initiatives.
Similarly, New York-based Lionheart places the horse at the centre of its Legacy collection. Founder Joy Haugaard says equestrian jewellery often opens personal dialogues with clients about legacy, protection and meaningful connection. Proceeds from the Legacy collection support horse rescue efforts in upstate New York, where Haugaard also volunteers.
Los Angeles-based designer Brooke Gregson recalls watching racehorses trained by her father. Her equestrian pieces feature carved boulder opal horse heads and motifs inspired by western saddles and cowboy boots, capturing both power and fragility in gemstone and gold forms. Claudia Kronfeld’s Claudia Mae brand draws from weekend experiences on her grandparents’ farm, producing horse silhouettes refined over time and accented with coloured gemstones.
For Samantha Jackson, horses recall childhood birthdays spent around ponies. She sees equestrian imagery as representing skills riders develop, including overcoming fear, perseverance, and emotional connection. Palm Beach designer Karina Brez bases her entire brand on equestrian inspiration, using elements such as bits and hooves to inform form, balance and movement in 18-carat gold.
Horse As A Symbol Of Movement And Continuity
Across these varied expressions from limited-edition watches to contemporary jewellery the horse continues to captivate as a symbol of movement, freedom and continuity. These qualities resonate strongly as a new lunar year begins, making the horse an especially fitting emblem for luxury design and cultural celebration in 2026.
In reflecting on how luxury brands interpret the Year of the Horse through symbolism and craftsmanship, we see both heritage and personal experience shaping products that speak to tradition and modernity alike.
Do write and share your reflections upon this matter and how the Year of the Horse may influence luxury design in the year ahead.
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