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Kylie Knott

From auspicious horse-themed phrases and couplets to whether your luck is in, check out our Year of the Horse 2026 series to discover all you need to know about the coming Lunar New Year.
The horses are in their element as they run and roll around the spacious indoor sand arena nestled in a peaceful corner of Hong Kong’s Pok Fu Lam neighbourhood.
The space is part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Pokfulam Public Riding School, which this year completed a three-year, HK$375 million (US$48 million) renovation.
The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), a charity that teaches riding skills to disabled children and adults, operates at the state-of-the-art facility. The association also has schools in Tuen Mun and Lei Yue Mun in Hong Kong.
Founded in 1975 by Lady MacLehose, the wife of the then Hong Kong governor Murray MacLehose, the RDA – which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary – offers equine therapy for those with mental or physical disabilities.

Instructor Joelle Scott watches the horses. She started working with the RDA 30 years ago and is passionate about the welfare of the animals, speaking about them as though they were her children.
“That is Roxy and Rosie,” she says, pointing out two of the horses as she gives a tour of the upgraded stables. “They are absolute superstars and will let anybody sit on them. They’re patient, calm and kind.”
Scott then introduces another horse, Daisy, who she says is also very well behaved. “When a child is on Daisy’s back, she’s as good as gold – she’s very playful.”
Toby, a new arrival – most horses come from England and Ireland around the age of four or five – “is settling in well”, Scott says.
Knowing each horse – there are currently 23 in the RDA programme, 10 of them in Pok Fu Lam – is vital as each one is carefully selected for its temperament and trained for specific roles that best match a rider.
During her time with RDA, Scott, who was born and raised in Canada, has seen a shift in the type of disabilities riders live with.
“Most of the challenges that we saw 30 years ago were physical – kids with spina bifida and Down’s syndrome,” she says. “Now we’re seeing an increase in kids with mental disabilities, particularly autism.”

Riding is widely recognised as one of the most beneficial forms of therapy for disabled people, and “is far more than just time on a horse”, Scott says.
“Riders gain improved balance, coordination and muscle tone, while also building confidence, focus and emotional resilience,” she says.
The RDA’s sessions are designed to challenge each rider at their own pace.
“Every element is tailored, from the horse chosen to the exercises used, so that each participant can progress safely and meaningfully,” Scott says.
“Goal-setting is reviewed weekly with our team of volunteers to ensure riders are moving forward. Some respond best to music or games, while others prefer a quiet, calm atmosphere, and we adapt accordingly to meet each rider’s needs.”
Many riders arrive with limited mobility or confidence, often feeling isolated, Scott says. For a child with a physical disability, even sitting upright can be challenging.
“After therapy, we see remarkable changes: greater independence, joy and self-esteem, and in many cases, a new sense of belonging within the community,” she says. “You can see positive changes after about six sessions.”

Scott has seen incredible things happen.
“I have witnessed the magic of the horse’s gentle nature,” Scott says. “I have heard the first words spoken to a pony from a child who had been non-verbal their whole life. I have watched children become strong when they previously couldn’t hold themselves upright.”
She adds that one of the most common misconceptions people have about horse therapy is that it is simply recreational.
“It’s actually a structured rehabilitation method. Every session is designed with therapeutic goals in mind, and the benefits are measurable both physically and psychologically,” she says.
Therapeutic riding is effective for people of all ages and across many different disabilities.
“In Hong Kong, we place particular focus on children and young adults with physical disabilities, developmental delays or learning challenges,” Scott says.
“Everyone benefits, whether it’s improved confidence, greater mobility or enhanced emotional well-being.”
As with any non-profit organisation, volunteers are vital: they are the backbone of RDA, Scott says.
“They lead horses, assist riders during sessions, and help with essential tasks such as fundraising and event support.
“Their dedication ensures that every rider can participate safely and meaningfully, and without them, the programme simply could not operate.”
In a full-circle moment, former student Chi Tat returned to RDA to volunteer and has become known as something of a horse whisperer.
“He’s a kind and gentle soul, and the horses love him,” Scott says. “We always give him the most challenging horse, and they don’t put a foot wrong with him.”

Horses’ instinct as prey and herd animals makes them uniquely suited for working with people with disabilities.
These traits result in a high degree of sensitivity, empathy and responsiveness to human emotions and body language, creating a powerful therapeutic environment.
As prey animals, they are hyper-vigilant and highly sensitive to their surroundings, including human micro-expressions, posture, breath and energy levels. This sensitivity means horses provide an immediate, non-verbal response to a person’s emotional state.
Scott says witnessing this special bond develop between a rider and a horse is heart-warming.
“What I love about horses is that when we bring the kids around them, they are so gentle with them. They understand that they need extra care.
“I have seen every child benefit from our therapy and have seen big changes in their behaviour and in their confidence. They become less anxious because a horse is able to calm them.”
For details about the RDA, visit its website here.


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Chinese culture

How Hong Kong horse riding charity’s equine therapy helps people with disabilities

An instructor for Hong Kong’s Riding for the Disabled Association guides a child on a horse. The non-profit organisation teaches disabled children and some adults to ride a horse to the best of their ability. Photo: RDA

Students ride horses guided by instructors from the Riding for the Disabled Association at the Pokfulam Public Riding School. Photo: RDA

Joelle Scott has been working with the RDA for 30 years. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Scott demonstrates how to ride on a horse model. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Former RDA student Chi Tat (centre) recently returned to work as a volunteer. Photo: RDA

Mongolia’s child jockeys are key to its nomadic heritage, but are they in danger?

Horse rider Dolgorsuren Batoyun (centre) is pictured as a child. Now grown up, the first woman member of Mongolia’s national polo team looks back fondly on the “cultures and customs” her father (right) taught her. Photo: Dominique Backhouse

Genghis Khan Retreat director D’Artagnan Giercke is pictured as a child. Photo: Dominique Backhouse

Dorjpalam Battumur, known as Palam, is a member of the Mongolian national polo team who started horse racing at the age of four. Photo: Dominique Backhouse

Batoyun is pictured riding a horse as a child. Photo: Dominique Backhouse

Tourists enjoy horseback riding near the iconic Turtle Rock outcrop at the Gorkhi Terelj National Park outside Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Photo: AP

People play polo in Mongolia. Photo: Ghenghis Khan Retreat

Batoyun (right) with her husband and son. In recent years, she has observed changes in laws and regulations that are “better for both jockeys and the horses”. Photo: Dominique Backhouse

5 of the best-known horses in Chinese legend, from the Red Hare to qilin

Warlord Lu Bu and his famous horse Red Hare are depicted in the 2013 video game Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends.

Horse-Face (right) and Ox-Head are guardians of the underworld in Chinese folklore. Photo: Zhihu

A stone sculpture of a horse stands near the entrance to the White Horse Temple in Luoyang, in China’s Henan province. Photo: May Tse

The daughter and her horse from a story in the Chinese folk legend collection In Search of the Supernatural. Photo: Baidu

Colourful qilin decorate the roof of a Chinese temple. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Horse 2026: 5 famous works of equine art through the centuries

A scene from War Horse, performed at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2019. The award-winning British play is one of many artworks made over the centuries with a strong equine focus. Photo: Winson Wong

One Hundred Horses, by Giuseppe Castiglione. Photo: Taiwan National Palace Museum

The cover of a modern edition of Anna Sewell’s 1887 novel. Photo: Amazon

A visitor takes a photo of Jean-Baptiste Mauzaisse’s Napoleon at the Great St. Bernard (1807), modelled after Jacques-Louis David’s original from his Napoleon Crossing the Alps (1801-1805) series, at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, in May 2025. Photo: Jelly Tse

The British play War Horse won recognition for the life-size horse puppets it featured that were operated by three puppeteers working in tandem. Photo: Winson Wong

Hong Kong actor and singer Hins Cheung (right) performs in a scene from Equus. Peter Shaffer’s 1973 play about a troubled teenager with an erotic fixation on horses is one of the darker pieces of equine art. Photo: Dionysus Contemporary Theatre

How China’s Song dynasty was a great time for the nation but a terrible one for many women

Grand Marshal Zhao Kuangyin is proclaimed Emperor of the Song Dynasty on the battlefield after the Chenqiao mutiny in 960 in an illustration from Hutchinson’s History of the Nations, published in 1915. The coup saw Zhao become leader of one of China’s most prosperous dynasties. Photo: Universal Images Group via Getty Images

A portrait of Taizu, the first emperor of the Song dynasty. Photo: Historical Painting

Early Spring, a hanging scroll painting by Guo Xi in 1072, is an example of shanshui landscape painting. Photo: De Agostini via Getty Images

Su Shi, often referred to as Su Dongpo, was a talented writer who wrote more than 340 ci poems. Photo: Getty Images

Longquan celadon is a type of Chinese ceramic sometimes called greenware. Photo: Shutterstock

A reproduction of Song dynasty paper money. Illustration: SCMP

Zhou Guizhen, 86, shows one of her bound feet, where the bones in the four small toes were broken and forced underneath the foot over a period of time, at her home in Liuyi village, in China’s Yunnan province, in 2007. Photo: AFP

Lifestyle

Health & Wellness

Year of the Horse 2026: predictions, facts, myths and feng shui

Why the Year of the Horse 2026 could bring chaos but also great progress

The Year of the Fire Horse begins on February 17, 2026. Being a “double fire” year, it could mean drastic change ahead. Photo: Shutterstock

2026 will mark the first Year of the Fire Horse since 1966. Photo: Shutterstock

A squad of Red Guards rally in Beijing in 1966 at the beginning of China’s Cultural Revolution. Photo: AFP

England’s national football team captain Bobby Moore holds the Jules Rimet trophy as he is carried by his teammates following England’s victory over Germany in the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley Stadium in London. Photo: AFP

What is horse oil and why is it a popular skin treatment in East Asia?

Horse oil has been used for centuries to treat burned and chapped skin, and later as a beauty product. Photo: Shutterstock

Basashi (horse sushi) in Kumamoto, Japan. Horse oil products are widely available in Japan, where horse meat is eaten. Photo: Sam Evans

Horse oil cream has a lighter, less greasy consistency than creams derived from other animal fats. Photo: Charmzone

Horse oil is a popular traditional product, but a dermatology expert does not recommend its use to her patients because of a lack of research. Photo: Getty Images

New Hong Kong restaurant Yurt brings Kazakhstan’s horsemeat tradition to the city

A variety of dishes at Yurt, including beshbarmak (top left). Photo: Yurt

The beshbarmak – boiled horsemeat served with noodles – at Yurt is made with beef instead of the traditional horsemeat, but it can be upgraded to kazy, seasoned horsemeat sausage. The new restaurant in SoHo, Hong Kong, gives visitors a taste of Central Asia. Photo: Yurt

(From left) Yurt founder Ali Nuraly, head of communications Xeniya Tregubenko and executive chef Marat Zakaryayev. Photo: Yurt

Baursak is a traditional fried dough served with a dip of sour cream and honey. Photo: Lisa Cam

How My Little Pony collectible trading cards took China by storm

My Little Pony trading cards have become hugely popular across China, with fans hoping to find rare cards in packs.

A selection of My Little Pony collectible cards.

People play a game of My Little Pony with the cards. 

A My Little Pony display in Shanghai. Photo: SCMP

What is the horse pose in yoga? Only ‘3 out of 10 students’ can do it, instructor says

A yoga practitioner performs horse pose. Also known as horse face pose or vatayanasana, it is a very advanced posture in yoga that can boost hip mobility and strength. Photo: Shutterstock

Yoga instructor Carrie Pun demonstrates horse pose. Photo: Carrie Pun

How Chinese artist Xu Beihong’s horse paintings have galloped through history

The Three Stallions, by Xu Beihong. The piece is just one example of the many horse paintings that Xu was known for.

Two Galloping Horses (1941), by Xu Beihong. Photo: courtesy of Bonhams

Five Galloping Horses, by Xu Beihong, is seen at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2015. 

Slave and Lion (1924), by Xu Beihong, is displayed during a Christie’s auction preview in Hong Kong in 2006.

Two Horses On Hillside, early 1900s, by Xu Beihong. Photo: Getty Images

Standing Horse (1953), by Xu Beihong.

7 successful people born in the Year of the Horse from Jackie Chan to Ang Lee and Lu Han

Jackie Chan, famous for his stunts and martial arts films, was born in 1954, the Year of the Horse. Photo: Golden Harvest

Brigitte Lin was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 60th Golden Horse Awards in Taipei in 2023. Photo: CNA

Jackie Chan carries the Olympic torch through the Archaeological Park in Pompeii, Italy, on December 22, 2025. Photo: AP

Tu Youyou was a joint winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for her work on artemisinin in the fight against malaria. Photo: Xinhua

Director Ang Lee poses for photos at the 61st Golden Horse Awards in Taipei in 2024. Photo: Reuters

Leon Lai Ming, one of the “Four Heavenly Kings of Cantopop”, was awarded the Medal of Honour for his charity work. Photo: Instagram/leonlaifansclub

Lu Han, a former member of K-pop group Exo, is a social media star in China. Photo: Weibo

Zheng Qinwen during a women’s singles match during the China Open at the National Tennis Centre in Beijing, China, in September 2025. Photo: AP

The Chinese cowboys challenging American Old West narratives through art and self-discovery

Self-professed Chinese cowboy Bruce Wang Shibo stands with a horse. The Chinese national is one of those rewriting narratives of the American West. Photo: Bruce Wang Shibo

A piece from Kenneth Tam’s Silent Spikes exhibition. Photo: Christian Carroll

Wang did not intend to stay in the US forever, but has settled in Texas. Photo: Bruce Wang Shibo

A Korean horsehair underskirt sparked a fashion frenzy in China during the Ming dynasty

Ming Emperor Xianzong’s Tour of the Lantern Festival is a painting that depicts Emperor Chenghua in 1485 with eunuchs and palace maids portrayed wearing skirts that look like umbrellas spread out. South Korean researcher Koo Do-young proposes that they are wearing mamigun, the Korean originator to the Chinese maweiqun.

Visitors dressed in traditional Korean attire at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace during the Joseon dynasty, in Seoul, South Korea, in 2019. Photo: AP

A Korean woman poses with her daughter in traditional hanbok dress, c. 1910. The mamigun was the Korean originator to the underskirt that both rose to fame and died in infamy during the Ming dynasty. Photo: Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

A section from the painting Beauties in History, attributed to the Ming dynasty artist Qiu Ying. Korean fashion became popular among wealthy Chinese people during Emperor Chenghua’s reign (1465-1487). Photo: Pictures from History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

A view of Jeju Island in Korea. During the Joseon period, commodities made of horsehair were mainly provided from Jeju Island. Photo: Shutterstock

3 Year of the Horse 2026 events in Hong Kong to welcome the new year with a gallop

The Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show will return to the AsiaWorld-Expo from January 30 to February 1. The 2026 event will feature competitions and entertainment as well as the chance to see impressive equine action. Photo: Hong Kong Jockey Club

The Scarpa CNY Horse Tour 2026 will include multiple routes to cater to runners of all levels. Photo: Facebook/Wildtrek Trail Running Series

Bullseye from Toy Story will make an appearance at Hong Kong Disneyland from January 30 to March 1. Photo: Hong Kong Disneyland

History of Chinese-style ‘frog buttons’, seen on viral ‘Tang-style’ Adidas jacket

A model wears Adidas’ “Tang-style” jacket that combines streetwear cool with Chinese details including “frog buttons”. The jacket has become a viral hit on social media. Photo: Adidas Power of Three

Frog buttons are seen on Adidas’ limited-edition “Tang-style” jacket during Shanghai Fashion Week in October 2025.

An example of the pankou or frog button used as fasteners on clothing. 

A hussar uniform jacket with frog buttons worn by Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught and third son of Queen Victoria, in the 1900s. Photo: National Army Museum

A 1930s qipao that uses frog buttons. Photo: The Met

A piece by Valentino featuring frog buttons. Photo: Valentino

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Horses, from lucky colour to romance and health

Those born in the Year of the Horse can expect a turbulent Year of the Horse, with good wealth prospects mixed with less luck predicted in the areas of health and romance. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Aquamarine is the lucky element for Horses in the Year of the Horse 2026, according to fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha. Photo: Dickson Lee

The Year of the Horse may be a critical year for Horses with relationships that are prone to changes and potential break-ups. Photo: Shutterstock

Horses are advised not to undertake any risky activities such as adventure sports this year, especially if there is metal involved. Photo: Chris Gursky / YouTube

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Sheep, from their lucky colour to romance and health

Those born in the Year of the Sheep will have a change in fortunes in the Year of the Horse, with good luck in their careers, relationships and health. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Sterling silver is the lucky element for Sheep in the Year of the Horse 2026, according to fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha. Photo: Mr Porter

Sheep in long-term relationships should proactively reinforce their bonds with their partners this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Monkeys, from their love and health to lucky colour

The Year of the Horse 2026 will be a time for those born in the Year of the Monkey to expand networks abroad. But married Monkeys are at risk of feeling alienated from their spouse. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Those born in the Year of the Monkey will experience good fortune at work this year, with wealth coming from their occupation rather than a windfall. Photo: Getty Images

Married Monkeys will be at risk of feeling lonely in the Year of the Horse and so need to keep their emotions in check should they hit it off with others. Photo: Getty Images

Monkeys should avoid visiting sick people in the Year of the Horse to avoid bad energy. Photo: Shutterstock

Chinese Lunar New Year greetings in Mandarin, Cantonese, Shanghainese and Hokkien dialects

A woman holds Lunar New Year decorations. Throughout China, greetings in various dialects will be exchanged to welcome the Year of the Horse. Here are some of them and their meanings. Photo: Shutterstock

People shop at a market selling Lunar New Year decorations in Mong Kok, Hong Kong, in 2023. Photo: Edmond So

People walk past a sign reading “Happy New Year” on a screen outside a shopping centre in Beijing in 2025. Photo: AFP

People visit Shanghai’s Yu Garden during the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations, in February 2023. Photo: AFP

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Roosters, from love and health to their lucky colour

In the Year of the Horse 2026, Roosters will enjoy good luck in terms of career prospects and windfalls, romance and health. But it is crucial to use caution when entering into business agreements and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Roosters’ money will grow in the Year of the Horse, but they should be careful when entering contracts or striking deals. Photo: Shutterstock

A strong romance star makes the Year of the Horse a good one for Roosters to get married. Photo: Shutterstock

What the Chinese surname Ma, meaning ‘horse’, symbolises and its path through history

As the Year of the Horse 2026 approaches, we explore the origins and prevalence of the Chinese surname Ma, which literally translates as “horse”. Photo: Shutterstock

World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2023. Photo: CUHK

The etymology and stylistic changes of the character for Ma is shown in the late Chinese palaeographer Li Xueqin’s work Etymology. Photo: Li Xueqin

Ma is a prevalent surname among Chinese Hui Muslims. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Dogs, from their lucky colour to careers and romance

Will the Year of the Horse 2026 be a lucky one for Dogs? Fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha shares her predictions for wealth, relationships and health. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Sapphire is the lucky element for Dogs in the Year of the Horse, according to fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha. Photo: Shutterstock

Married Dogs are at risk of becoming isolated from their spouses this coming year, so it will pay to be honest and appreciative of them. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Pigs, from their lucky colour to careers and health

Will the Year of the Horse 2026 be a lucky one for Pigs? Fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha shares her predictions for wealth, relationships and health. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez


Ruby is the lucky element for Pigs in the Year of the Horse, according to fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha. Photo: Shutterstock

Those born in the Year of the Pig should pay close attention to their health in the coming year, as any chronic conditions may worsen. Photo: Shutterstock

7 popular Chinese horse idioms for you to trot out in the Year of the Horse

Horses are the subject of many Chinese idioms. Here are seven of the most popular horse-related expressions in Chinese, how to pronounce them in Cantonese and the stories behind them. Photo: Shutterstock

“Maan ma bun tang” evokes a magnificent, thundering sound. Photo: Getty Images

In Qin dynasty China, a powerful counsellor challenged aides to publicly agree with his contention that a deer he presented was in fact a horse.

“Yuen ngaai laak ma” means to “rein in the horse at the edge of the precipice”. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Rats, from their lucky colour to careers and health

Will the Year of the Horse 2026 be a lucky one for Rats? Fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha shares her predictions for wealth, relationships and health. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Gold is the lucky element for Rats in the Year of the Horse, according to fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha. Photo: courtesy of Cartier

Rats’ health will be negatively affected in the Year of the Horse because of conflict with the tai sui. Photo: Shutterstock

Wealth, luck, health: racehorse owners get creative choosing lucky names in English and Chinese

When it comes to naming horses, some breeders and owners get creative by choosing names linked to wealth, luck or health. Photo: Kenneth Chan.

Sir Charge (left; #361) is a play on the word ‘surcharge’. Photo: Kenneth Chan.

The name Noisy Boy suggests a horse with a strong personality. Photo: Kenneth Chan.

Everyday Lettuce or Sang Coi in Cantonese is a textbook feng shui name. Photo: Kenneth Chan

Mr Gnocchi was named after the owner’s pet dog. Photo: Kenneth Chan

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Tigers, from their lucky colour to careers and love

Will the Year of the Horse 2026 be a lucky one for Tigers? Fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha shares her predictions for wealth, relationships and health. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Obsidian is the lucky element for Tigers in the Year of the Horse, according to fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha. 

Tigers are recommended to pay close attention to their health in the Year of the Horse, and to have a thorough medical check-up at the end of the Year of the Snake for peace of mind. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Oxen, from their lucky colour to finances and health

Will the Year of the Horse 2026 be a lucky one for Oxen? Fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha shares her predictions for wealth, relationships and health. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Amethyst is the lucky element for Oxen in the Year of the Horse, according to fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha. Photo: Pierre Dal Corso

Single Oxen will not be favoured by any romantic stars this year, and so need to be proactive if they wish to find a partner. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Rabbits, from their lucky colour to careers and love

Will the Year of the Horse 2026 be a lucky one for Rabbits? Fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha shares her predictions for wealth, relationships and health. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Jade is the lucky element for Rabbits in the Year of the Horse, according to fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha. Photo: Sam Tsang

Rabbits are advised to maintain an appropriate distance from members of the opposite sex other than their partner to avoid getting involved in complicated love triangles in the Year of the Horse. Photo: Shutterstock

The Year of the Horse is a great time for Rabbits to build up good karma by engaging in volunteer work or donating goods. Photo: Shutterstock

Chinese minority’s beautiful embroidery uses horsetail hair for intricate designs

A Shui minority woman embroiders with horsetail in Sandu Shui Autonomous County in China’s Guizhou province. Shui minority women can spend months or even years making a piece of horsetail embroidery, which is used as decoration on clothes, shoes, wallets and more. Photo: Visual China Group via Getty Images

An example of Shui horsetail hair embroidery. Photo: Lee Mei-yin

An example of Shui horsetail hair embroidery. Photo: Visual China Group via Getty Images

A Shui minority woman selects horsetail hair for embroidering. Photo: Visual China Group via Getty Images

A Shui minority woman twines silk with horsetail hair for embroidering. Photo: Visual China Group via Getty Images

An embroidered baby carrier, known as a “daijie”. Photo: Chinese Minority Nationalities’ Art Gallery

In Chinese astrology, why are benefactors and networking so important?

Chinese fortune-tellers often mention benefactors who help to improve your life. In Chinese astrology, benefactors are people around you who will change things from good to great and stop things going from bad to worse. Photo: Shutterstock

In Chinese astrology, benefactors are people who give your life a boost or save you from disaster. Photo: Getty Images

“Cherry blossom luck”, a term used by Chinese fortune-tellers, refers to being fortunate in love or in networking. Photo: Getty Images

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Dragons, from their lucky colour to careers and love

Will the Year of the Horse 2026 be a lucky one for Dragons? Fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha shares her predictions for wealth, relationships and health. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Diamond is the lucky element for Dragons in the Year of the Horse. Photo: courtesy of Graff

Social gatherings may offer single Dragons the chance to meet a partner in the Year of the Horse, but romance fortune is generally not great. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Snakes, from their lucky colour to wealth and career

How Hong Kong horse riding charity’s equine therapy helps people with disabilities

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Riding for the Disabled Association instructor Joelle Scott reveals some of the amazing ways equine therapy can help those with disabilities

Riding for the Disabled Association instructor Joelle Scott reveals some of the amazing ways equine therapy can help those with disabilities