Nicky Hoseck

How the World Celebrates
the Spirit of the Horse

In 2004, the United States Congress designated the 13th of December as National Day of the Horse, setting the day aside to celebrate the contributions horses have made to society and its development.

America is by no means the only country to celebrate the spirit of the horse or the impact these animals have made on our lives.

In this article, we’re going to explore the different ways the world celebrates the spirit of the horse and think about how we can also show our appreciation both to the horses in our lives and to those who have helped shape civilization as we know it.

Winter Horse Festival of Mongolia

Mongolia is synonymous with equine culture. It’s a place where horses have been the lifeblood of nomadic survival and national identity for millennia.

With horses playing such a central role in Mongolian culture, it seems almost every day is National Horse Day. Nevertheless, for two days every year, the people of Mongolia’s eastern steppe host a Winter Horse Festival to celebrate their culture and showcase their equestrian skills.

They have much to be grateful for, with horses providing meat and milk as well as transport and entertainment. At the Winter Horse Festival, people show their appreciation of the horse by singing about horses, holding horse races, and parading horses throughout the province of Kentii.

The Yhyakh Festival, Russia

In the coldest region of Russia, the Yhyakh Festival is a chance to celebrate the end of a bitter winter and relish the warmth of the sun. While not specifically designated as a celebration of the horse, these animals play a vital role in the event, just as they do in traditional life.

The Sakha people who inhabit these freezing lands have a long tradition of equestrianism, and were once known as “the people of the horse”. Not only were horses used for clothing, food, and transportation, but they also had a spiritual role to perform, being worshipped as symbols of wealth and fertility.

The Yhyakh Festival marks the summer solstice for the Sakha people and is celebrated with song, dance, feasting, and horse racing. Koumiss, a mildly alcoholic drink made from fermented horse’s milk, is shared and offered to the spirits to thank them for the end of the harsh winter and the subsequent renewal of life.

Feria del Caballo, Spain

In Spain, the horse culture has flourished since medieval times, with horses playing an important role in many pilgrimages and festivals. Of all those celebrations, the week-long Feria del Caballo held in Jerez de la Frontera is arguably the most important.

Literally meaning “horse fair,” the Feria del Caballo began as a livestock market in the 13th century but has since evolved into an internationally recognised celebration of the horse.

All activities and events revolve around the region’s equestrian culture, with daily parades, dressage and showjumping competitions, livestock auctions and exhibitions.

A central focus of the festival is the Andulsian or Pura Raza Española - one of the oldest breeds in Europe, having evolved from the ancient Berber horses of the Iberian peninsula. In addition to the Andalusian, the festival also showcases the lesser-known Carthusian or Cartujana breed - another, slighter purer, descendant of the Berber.

The Feria del Caballo is a reminder of Spain’s long equestrian heritage and an opportunity for people to honour the horse's transformative role in Spanish history.

World Horse Day

Also known as National Horse Protection Day, World Horse Day is celebrated on the 1st of March. It was established in 2005 to recognise the horse’s contribution to society and raise awareness about the abuse and mistreatment that so many horses suffer.

Colleen Paige created the event to inspire others to help adopt and protect vulnerable horses. In observing it, we’re encouraged to reflect on the unique bond between horses and humans and urge others to adopt responsible, ethical horsemanship practices.

Not only does National Horse Protection Day advocate for the ethical treatment of horses, but it also encourages governments and other organisations to adopt humane management strategies for the few remaining wild populations.

National Horse Day

While National Horse Day also raises awareness about the critical role horses play in our society, it focuses more on their past and current contributions, in terms of agricultural labour, transportation, cultural heritage, and the economy.

Even though the horse’s role in modern society is greatly diminished compared to what it once was, they still contribute a staggering $ 9.2 million to the US Economy! Whether they're ploughing fields, moving livestock, or providing equine therapy, horses have woven themselves into the very fabric of modern society, and rightly so.

There are few animals as versatile, or as connected to humans as the horse. They offer us speed, athleticism, strength, emotional healing, companionship, and a sense of partnership that extends beyond their usefulness.

How to Celebrate National Horse Day

If you’re lucky enough to own your own horse, the best way to celebrate National Horse Day is in his or her company. Go for an outride, treat your horse to an extended grooming session, or make them a delicious carrot cake! You could even extend your goodwill to others, inviting those who haven't experienced the connection with horses to visit your stable and spend some time in the company of your horse, relishing the peacefulness that comes from their presence.

If you don’t have a horse to share the day with, why not spend it volunteering at a nearby yard or stables? Better still, find a local horse charity that you can donate either time or money to, marking the day by supporting equine welfare, rescuing horses from neglect or abuse, or contributing to a therapeutic riding program.

Another great way to celebrate National Horse Day is to book a horse-riding holiday at Wild Coast Horses, after all, where better to connect with a horse than on our working riding program where you can reconnect with your love of the horse?

Nicky Hoseck