A little reason to celebrate
National Day of the Horse
Animal ยท December 13
A day for horses: how they live, what they need, and the many ways people ride, watch, care for and learn about them across the United States.
National Day of the Horse falls on Sunday, December 13, 2026. That is 47 days away.
Horses are large grazing animals built for moving. They spend much of their day eating grass and hay, they sleep partly standing up, and they read the world through a wide field of vision and very mobile ears. A horse turning one ear toward you and one toward the barn is listening to both.
The day goes by another name too, National Horse Day, and either way the subject is the same animal. People mark it with farm visits, trail rides, stable open houses, or simply time spent watching horses in a field. For many, the best part is quieter: brushing a horse, cleaning out a stall, or standing at a fence while a herd decides whether you are interesting.
Horses are social and prefer company, usually other horses. They communicate with posture, ears and tails as much as with sound. A relaxed horse often has a lowered head and soft eyes. Pinned-back ears mean give it room.
Anyone visiting horses should ask before touching or feeding them. Many owners prefer that visitors not offer treats at all, since each horse has its own diet and some nip at fingers held near the fence.
Even people who never ride can find plenty to like. Watch a horse roll in the dirt after a bath, which they often do almost immediately.
Ways to celebrate
- Visit a local stable or farm that welcomes guests, and follow its rules.
- Donate or volunteer at a horse rescue near you.
- Read a book about horse behavior or horse breeds.
- Watch horses from a respectful distance and notice how they use their ears.
- Ask an owner before petting or feeding any horse.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, December 13 |
| 2027 | Monday, December 13 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, December 13 |
| 2029 | Thursday, December 13 |
| 2030 | Friday, December 13 |
All national days on December 13
Also on December 13
Categories: Animal days