By: Clare Buchanan

Jackie Kennedy and her horse, Sadar. Photo Credit: An Equestrian Life

The new year is upon us, and 2026 is the year of the horse! Following 2025’s the year of the snake, which was one of deep introspection, reflection, and contemplation, the year of the horse seeks to turn newfound revelations into tangible change. The year of the horse officially starts Feb. 17 and in honor of the year of the horse, I am going to give each astrological sign a moment in pop culture history in which horses were rightfully mentioned, and given their “roses”, so to speak. 

Aries: “Beer For My Horses” by Toby Keith, featuring Willie Nelson

(March 21-April 19)

2026 is going to be all about recognition for you, Aries. It’s time to recognize your hard work, and recognize the work of others. In 2026, take time to celebrate even the small wins. The journey towards what you deem as success is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. In a world that is often muddled with fear and hate, it’s important to remember, in the wise words of Toby Ketih and Willie Nelson, “Let’s raise up our glasses against evil forces, whiskey for my men! And beer for my horses.”

Taurus: SNL’s “Tiny Horse” Skit featuring Timothee Chalamet

(April 20-May 20)

In this SNL skit from 2021, Timothee Chalamet has big dreams for his tiny horse. 2026 will bring you grand opportunities, Taurus, but they won’t become tangible unless you believe you deserve them. You might feel like the underdog (or under-horse) towards the beginning of this year, but you will gain confidence as the months trot on. The year of the horse does warn that some friends might become foes, dear Taurus, so keep an eye out for that and remember to protect the dreams of your tiny horse.

Gemini: That One Time The Greeks Built A Giant Wooden Horse And Hid In It

(May 21-June 20)

Gemini, the year of the horse for you is going to be all about being present, but in an ambiguous way. Sort of like how during the Trojan War, the Greeks were very clearly outside the city of Troy, but they disguised themselves as a big, giant, wooden horse. No one saw it coming. Especially the Romans! There’s an element of chicness to this, and there’s an element of surprise, which I know you love, Gemini. You are likely going to find yourself in a situation this year, Gemini, where a Trojan horse is going to be needed. Don’t show everyone your cards just yet, you’ve got something up your sleeve. Or should I say hoof? Ha!

Cancer: Miley Stewart And Her Horse, Blue Jeans.

(June 21-July 22) 

In the iconic 2009 blockbuster film, “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” Hannah Montana infamously returns home to Tennessee as Miley Stewart, and is conflicted as she navigates her secret status as a global superstar while trying to save her hometown from a hostile corporate takeover. Dearest Cancer, I see you in Miley here. But what is most important for you in 2026, is Miley’s relationship with her childhood horse, Blue Jeans. Blue Jeans serves as a symbol for Miley’s free-spirited soul, and a sign that she is returning to herself. You will be returning to yourself this year, Cancer.  

Leo: Carrie Bradshaw’s Untamed Monologue

(July 23-August 22)

“Sex And The City.” Season 2. Episode 18. Carrie meets her ex humilitation-ship, Big, outside the Plaza Hotel after his engagement party to stick-bug-looking-freak, Natasha. Carrie places her hand on Big’s cheek and she smiles, turns, and walks away, leaving Big to stand there, gooped and gaffed. And then Carrie says one of the most iconic lines in all of TV: “Maybe some women aren’t meant to be tamed. Maybe they just need to run free until they find someone just as wild to run with them.” And you know, it gets to a point, Leo…you have got to stop going for the emotional leeches in 2026. Not worth your time. Let’s move forward!!! 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Virgo: Jackie Kennedy Brings Horse On Military Plane in 1962

(August 23-September 22)

There is nothing more Virgo than Jackie Kennedy convincing her husband to allow her to let her newly gifted horse, Sadar, past customs and onto a military plane in 1962. Jackie was exuding confidence in this moment; she took initiative in a really major way. This is how I foresee 2026 for you, Virgo. A lot of people are gonna tell you it can’t be done. But did Jackie get it done? Yes. Yes, she did. And, she was left with a really great Persian horse when all was said and done. Excellent!

Libra: Beyoncé’s Renaissance Album Cover

(September 23-October 22)

Two years after the darkness of the pandemic, when the world needed her most, she returned, reborn. Beyoncé released the cover for her album, “Renaissance”, in June 2022, signaling a new era. Some say the image of Beyoncé riding a sparkling, white horse naked was an allusion to Lady Godiva, a British noblewoman who seemingly rode her horse through the streets of her city to protest her husband’s insane taxes. Others note the significance of Beyoncé’s history with horses, calling back to her upbringing in Houston. Regardless, Libra, 2026 calls for fearlessness, vulnerability, and bravery. It’s time to take a stand and lose yourself to creativity this year, Libra. Ride that horse, naked or clothed!

Scorpio: Horse Head In Bed from “The Godfather”

(October 23-November 21)

While this might seem like a really ominous omen, Scorpio, hear me out. As we should all be familiar with, there is an infamous scene in “The Godfather” where Luca Brasi places the decapitated head of a horse in Jack Woltz’s bed. Woltz ends up waking up, covered in blood, his horse’s head at his feet. Not a great moment for horses in cinema, but an important one nonetheless. 2026 for you, Scorpio, signals a year of vengeance and confrontation. As Fran Lebowitz says, “I have two main activities in life: smoking and plotting revenge.” Be kind to your lungs this year, Scorpio, and consider engaging in the latter. 

Sagittarius: “Wild Horses” by The Sundays

(November 22-December 21)

Dearest Sagittarius, while originally written by The Rolling Stones, your vibe for 2026 is going to mirror The Sundays’ version of “Wild Horses,”  a dreamy, instrumental forward take on a rock classic. You might have felt a bit stuck in 2025. Perhaps you spent too much time overthinking relationships or your future career, but in 2026, it is important you get rid of all distractions and, like Fernando Mendoza, make your way to the end zone. Hopefully, this year, Sagittarius, even wild horses couldn’t drag you away from your ambitions.

Capricorn: Billy Crystal Riding A Horse In A Mets Cap In The Film “City Slickers”

(December 22-January 19)

Hello, Capricorn! 2026 is going to feel a bit like Billy Crystal riding a horse in a Mets cap in the film “City Slickers.” If you are unfamiliar with this iconic cult classic, Billy Crystal (Harry from “When Harry Met Sally”) and a few of his friends head out West for their annual boys’ trip. As is expected, Billy and his friends, who are all from NYC, encounter a bit of a culture shock out West. This year might start off feeling a bit off for you Capricorn, but it is important you stick with it, and stay true to yourself. Case in point: Mets Ball Cap While Riding Horse! 

Aquarius: White Horse In Living Room From David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks”

(January 20-February 18)

Aquarius, the only way to really describe 2026 for you is that still of the white horse in Laura Palmer’s living room from David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks.” 2026 is gonna feel like: “Woah, what is that horse doing here?” Prepare yourself for a year of oddities, strange behaviors, and a bizarre series of events. But Aquarius, you know you can handle it. In fact, you were made for this. Search for meaning in everything this year, and find revelations at every corner. The universe is trying to tell you something, listen to it!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Pisces: That One Time In February of 2024 When Someone Brought Horses To Town Hall

(February 19-March 20)

If you’re not a junior or a senior, this was before your time, but in February of 2024, during town hall, two horses were brought into Hanes Auditorium. Eyewitnesses say there didn’t seem to be a reason why these giant animals were brought to the town hall, but there seemed to be a general fear among audience members that one of the horses might defecate on the carpet. Luckily, there is no evidence of reports of horse defecation. Pisces, I feel that your 2026 will resemble this unforgettable moment in Salem College history, one that signals a year of risks and rewards, both equally important.