As a rancher, I have been around horses my entire life. I first got comfortable on horseback when I was five years old, riding through the rice fields and working cattle with my godfather, Felton Dennison, near Liberty, Texas. He knew it would set me on a course of confidence.
In the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse, which signifies freedom, speed and action. This energizes me to look at the upcoming months with the traits of a horse. It also marks a period of rapid change, new opportunities and personal growth.
I have learned a lot from horses. The first thing is that they know if you are afraid. They sense fear and flee. If you attempt to ride a horse and you are not confident or strong, they will do anything—and I mean anything—to buck you off. They want nothing to do with someone supposedly in charge of them who may create danger.
To me, this is a great lesson for all of us in leadership roles. If those around us sense weakness, fear and a lack of focus, they will not follow. They will “buck” you. People who aspire to lead must have vision, confidence and purpose to accomplish results. Horses know best!
In the words of Connie Douglas Reeves, the woman who for 67 years taught girls to ride horses at Camp Waldemar in the Texas Hill Country—“saddle your own horse.” This phrase has become legendary Texas lore. It means being able to take care of yourself and survive out on the range and in the corporate boardroom. It speaks to the need for independence and not relying on someone else for basic tasks. This signals self-reliance and confidence. Above all, you are competent. And that feels pretty good.
I wish you speed and strength in 2026. If you see a horse “pin its ears back” when you walk up to them, then rethink your approach—because instinct always recognizes leadership before words do. They are almost always right.
Giddy-up!
Gay Gaddis
Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.
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