Giddy up! Millennials are saddling up for the Year of the Horse – here’s what’s in store

Today is the start of the Chinese New Year — but of course, if you’re a millennial on TikTok, you already know that.

Also known as Lunar New Year, the annual festival, which is steeped in history and tradition, has been celebrated across Asia and beyond for thousands of years.

But a new cohort of millennials are taking on the title of ‘honourary Chinese baddies’ and embracing the start of the Spring Festival, which this year falls on Tuesday, February 17.

The symbolism of the incoming Year of the Horse all appears to be too much of a draw for the 30-somethings to resist.

As 2025 — the Year of the Snake — drew to a close, social media explained that we were ‘shedding old layers’, and entering into a rather more equestrian-themed era of ‘risk, rebellion and courage’.

Videos on the topic have amassed millions of views a piece, and different superstitions (do we wear red, or not?) have caused much debate.

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Year of the horse 2026. Are you excited for the new year? Leave a comment if your zodiac sign is the horse. #yearofthehorse #chineseastrology #spirituality #lunarnewyear #2026

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If you follow the Gregorian calendar — which saw the year begin on January 1 — 2026 has already been a bit of a doozy. We’ve had the Epstein files, the US attack on Venezuela, continuing conflict in Ukraine and Gaza, and the UK has had the longest continuous spell of rainy days in almost 120 years.

It’s perhaps no surprise then that we’re looking for a fresh start.

So as the Year of the Horse has trotted off from the start line, it’s time for us to consider what it might have planned out for us.

What will we achieve this year? Will it be the start of a little more positivity? And most importantly, which celebrities will manage to stay uncancelled for a full 12 months?

Metro spoke with Joy Thompson-Daley, or as she’s better known online Astrology Joy, to unpack exactly what lies ahead.

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The Year of the Horse is about forward motion

‘The Year of the Snake was all about shedding which involved turning inward to focus on what old patterns needed to be released and then looking around your life and see what or who no longer serves you,’ Joy explains.

In contrast, the Year of the Horse, which officially begins on February 17, is going to be ‘energetic and action-oriented year where time for planning is over and time for doing is here. We are going to feel more inspired than ever pursue our goals with unstoppable energy and determination.

‘After a year of letting go, the Horse year pushes us to move forward with purpose and speed.’

Also, if you needed any more celestial signs that it’s time to place a bunsen burner under your arse, 2026 is actually the rare Year of the Fire Horse – something that Joy notes only happens once every 60 years.

So, it’s actually double fire – talk about a sign from the universe.

Although, Joy does warn that it’s important to be wary of impulsiveness this year: ‘I’d say continuously check in with your intuition before acting, will be key. Theres also a risk of overcommitting to things as high motivation can make it tempting to say yes to everything which is why focusing on your truest priorities matters the most.

‘Communication will need extra care too, as the Horse’s love of freedom can lead to speaking before thinking and potential accidental misunderstandings.’

Which star signs will have the best year?

Unsurprisingly, given the fact that this year will be all about bold, fast-moving energy, Fire signs will likely thrive (as an Aries myself, I’m personally thrilled).

‘Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius may feel especially energised,’ Joy explains, ‘finding it easier to take quick action, chase opportunities and step into leadership roles.’

Interestingly, this increased momentum should also benefit the Air signs –Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, who might themselves ploughing forward in communication, networking, and acting on bringing new ideas to life.

‘It will be interesting to see the challenge that will face the Water and Earth signs as this Fire Horse energy will require them to come out of their comfort zone and step up to take bold action,’ Joy notes.

Which celebrities are going to have a great year?

To the juicy stuff – which A lister is going to thrive this year?

The girlies will be happy to hear that Joy foresees a lot of goodness coming the way of some of our favourite baddies.

She shared: ‘Celebs like Kristen Stewart and Jennifer Lawrence, both born in 1990 in the Year of the Horse, embody independence, fearlessness and most notably, major career reinvention, making this a year where taking bold risks can pay off.

‘For Kristen Stewart, this energy could show up through exciting new projects that pull her back into the spotlight in an unexpected way, while Jennifer Lawrence may also experience a fresh career chapter, with creative moves that signal a confident shift in direction.’

And our musical ladies are also going to thrive. Both Addison Rae and Rihanna were both in Dragon Years (one Earth, one Metal) and according to Joy, this mean they should reach a full gallop this year.

‘Their unapologetic confidence, rising influence and fearless approach to success align perfectly with the Horse’s forward-moving and high-visibility energy,’ she notes.

Interestingly, for anyone who happens to be born in a Year of the Rooster, 2026 also yield good fortune.

One person who might benefit from this shift in the universe is Zayn Malik, someone who Joy notes ‘tends to thrive when he can channel his confidence, precision and creativity into meaningful expression.’

The Year of the Horse might push him to take bolder steps and embrace opportunities that demand both courage and clarity, drawing attention for his assertive yet refined presence.

Joy predicts that we could see Zayn exploring new creative ventures, possibly branching further into the world of fashion or design, where his individuality truly shines.

All speed ahead people, the Year of the Horse is well and truly upon us.

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