On Tuesday 17 February, we enter the Chinese Year of the Horse. Not just any horse, but the Fire Horse, an event that won’t happen again for sixty years. With this in mind, the China Horse Industry Association (CHIA) is launching a global video campaign, Chinese New Year, Year of the World Horse.
Eric Ran Xu, Secretary-General of China Arabian Horse Promotion Association (CAHPA), explains the significance of this year. “As a breeder in China, entering the Year of the Horse carries deep cultural and symbolic meaning. In Chinese tradition, the Horse represents strength, intelligence, endurance, elegance, and forward momentum. For those of us devoted to the Arabian horse – a breed that so perfectly embodies beauty, spirit, and nobility – this alignment feels especially powerful.
“The Year of the Horse is not simply a zodiac cycle. It is a reminder of the horse’s historic role in Chinese civilisation, from ancient trade routes to cultural identity. Personally, I see this year as a moment of renewed responsibility – to elevate standards, strengthen international cooperation, and further integrate Arabian horses into China’s evolving equestrian landscape.”
CHIA adds: “In Chinese culture, the horse is a profound symbol of positivity, vitality, and progress. As one of the most beloved animals in China, the horse represents passion, strength, and beauty.
“In today’s complex international landscape, the horse remains a ‘Messenger of Peace’, a creature that transcends borders and languages to connect hearts worldwide. The Year of the Horse occurs only once every twelve years, presenting a significant opportunity to showcase the horse as a bridge for fostering and consolidating international friendships.”
An invitation
CHIA continues, adding that in recent years: “China’s equine industry has witnessed rapid development, becoming one of the world’s most active regions for horse events and activities. To celebrate this milestone, CHIA cordially invites equine organisations, enterprises and institutions, and individuals from around the world to participate in our video greeting campaign, themed Chinese New Year, Year of the World Horse. Let us join hands to wish for a Year of the Horse where the world becomes a better place through our shared passion.”
People are invited to submit a video in one of the following two categories by 15 February:
- Official greeting messages – leadership, professionals, and youth.
Participants: Representatives of equine organisations, breeders, trainers, jockeys/riders, as well as horse enthusiasts among teenagers and children who represent the future of our industry.
Core Content: Self-introduction; Chinese New Year greetings to the Chinese people, the global Chinese community, and horse lovers worldwide; a brief introduction to your national equine industry and culture; and a message of looking forward to cooperation with the Chinese and global equine community in the Year of the Horse.
Duration: Maximum three minutes
- Creative vision videos
Content: We encourage creative expressions, such as horse shows, cultural integration, or artistic editing, to convey the spirit of the Year of the Horse.
Themes: Emphasise the values of diligence, friendship, love, and peace. Depict the beautiful harmony between humans and horses, delivering a message of positivity and optimism.
Duration: Maximum three minutes.
Technical requirements and guidelines
- Audio and scripts must be provided in English or Chinese only.
- Please record using a phone or camera in landscape mode (16:9 aspect ratio).
- Minimum resolution of 1080p (1920×1080). Please ensure a well-lit, quiet environment with a clean background.
- Audio and Post-Production – please ensure the voice is clear. If the video includes a mix of voice and music, we strongly recommend providing separate files for the vocal track and the music track. This will allow our production team to ensure the highest quality for bilingual subtitling and final mixing.
- Please include the full transcript of the speech to ensure accurate subtitling.
Please submit your video by WeTransfer to international@chinahorse.org by 15 February. If you have any questions, please use the same e-mail address.
“Selected videos will be broadcast across major Chinese equine industry media and mainstream national media,” explains CHIA. “We also encourage you to post the video on your social media channels and tag our Facebook account @chiachinahorse.”
The Year of the Horse
Looking further ahead, Eric shares that there will be open houses across China to mark the Year of the Horse. “In addition, our focus this year is strongly centred on professional development and structural growth within the industry.
“Professional initiatives, such as the ECAHO Judges Training Workshop and specialised breeding workshops, are being organised to further strengthen education and standards. Last month, we successfully held the 2025 Breeders’ Annual General Meeting together with a Celebration of the Year of the Horse, bringing breeders from across the country into meaningful dialogue. We also published the first edition of the China Arabian Horse Yearbook to commemorate the New Year and to document the continued progress of the Arabian horse community in China.
“For us, the Year of the Horse is not only symbolic: it represents professionalism, unity, and forward movement.”
Much of this will be reflected in the two major shows being held in China this year – the China Arabian Horse National Championship and the Emirates Arabian Horse Global Cup, taking place in June and September, respectively.
“We aim to combine the refinement of international Arabian halter competition with elements of traditional Chinese heritage, creating an atmosphere that honours both global standards and local cultural context,” expands Eric. “It will be more than a show; it will be a cultural statement about the role of the Arabian horse in modern China.
“As we enter the Year of the Horse, the global Arabian community should look to China not only for symbolism but for measurable growth.From 2013 to 2023, the total number of newly registered Arabian foals in China was approximately 190. In contrast, in 2024 alone, more than 200 foals were newly registered within a single year. In 2025, registrations exceeded 300 new foals, and projections for 2026 suggest that China may reach 500 newly registered foals annually.
“This acceleration represents a structural shift rather than incremental growth. It reflects increasing breeder confidence, expanding investment, improved education, and stronger alignment with international standards.
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“Beyond numbers, China offers something unique: a combination of rapid development and deep cultural heritage. The horse has been central to Chinese civilisation for thousands of years. As we enter the Year of the Horse, there is a natural synergy between cultural symbolism and industry momentum.
“For international breeders, organisations, and investors, China is no longer simply an emerging possibility. It is becoming an active growth engine within the global Arabian horse community.”
As 17 February comes ever closer, Eric sums up the spirit of the Year of the Fire Horse well: “The Fire Horse symbolises passion, strength, and transformative energy. I believe this year will mark a new chapter, not only for Arabian breeders in China, but for stronger dialogue between East and West within the global Arabian horse world.
“The horse has always connected civilisations. In the Year of the Horse, that connection feels especially meaningful.”
