Hold on because it is the Year of the Horse!
I embrace the Chinese zodiac calendar. Admittedly, this is because I can now justify eating at my favourite, 45-year-old Chinese restaurant in the main street of Caloundra.
Nothing much in life makes me happier than taking in a lazy Susan spinning around a dark mahogany round table laden with lemon chicken, sizzling steak and special fried rice. My old-school establishment has jade dragons and wooden eagles, all surrounded by gold-patterned wallpaper and lamps with hanging red tassels. It’s a vibe from the ’80s and I am here for it.
In Chinese culture, the horse is known for its energetic and dynamic nature. People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to possess similar traits, such as being hardworking, warm-hearted and independent.
Horses are depicted in so many books and movies as almost being human. They are elegant and regal and have been the inspiration for mythical creatures, including Pegasus the flying horse and unicorns.
What I am about to say is controversial: horses are overrated. They are meanies who would like to destroy mankind and take over the world.
I am still scarred from a horse-riding week I went on with my dear mate Tricia, which nearly killed me a few years back in Snowy Mountains country in the Australian alps.
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I was surrounded by crack riders (and top-class women) as I struggled to even know how to mount my stallion, who was a right bastard.
That horse knew I was pathetically underskilled and nervous and took great pleasure in pinning his ears back and taking off into the thick scrub while I clung on for dear life as he rode me into the forest. Gum-tree branches whacked my face and boulders hit my kneecaps.
Pedro was a massive brumby crossed with a thoroughbred. I left that week with a sore backside and ego and knew I would never cut it being a horse rider. I also left with a black bruise right across my chubby tummy from the saddle hitting it like clockwork every two seconds as I wobbled up and down on my moving seat.
So, the Year of The Horse can get nicked. I am sitting this one out, waiting for 2027 which is the Year of the Fire Goat.
Sami Muirhead is a (now semi-retired) radio announcer, blogger and commentator, wife and mum of three.
