Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Horse with equine science highlights.

The new moon on February 17, 2026, begins the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse; Scientific American summarizes recent research on horse evolution, social behavior, welfare and conservation.

The new moon on February 17, 2026, marks the start of the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse. The Chinese zodiac names 2026 for the horse, offering a moment to explore equine biology and history. Domestic horses belong to the genus Equus, which also includes Przewalski's horse, several asses, and zebras. Ancient horse relatives originated in North America up to about 55 million years ago, while modern equids are associated with Africa and Eurasia, where domestication occurred. Key findings: - Domestic horses have core needs described as freedom, forage and social bonds with other horses. - Wild and feral herds commonly organize into harems (one stallion, several mares and offspring) plus bachelor bands of younger males. - Studies report that stallions with friendly relationships with mares father more foals than more aggressive males. - Hooves change with season and surface: longer in spring and fall for soft ground, shorter in winter and summer on harder ground. - African wild asses are listed as critically endangered and face habitat, hunting and competition pressures, while Przewalski's horses have been reintroduced and some populations are now self-sustaining. - Recent research reports horses can detect human fear by scent, and veterinarians and scientists are developing video and AI methods to spot subtle signs of pain and distress. Summary: The article brings together recent studies and conservation reports that show both challenges and recoveries across horse species, from endangered African wild asses to rebounding Przewalski's horses. Researchers continue to investigate horse social behavior, sensory responses and new welfare tools such as AI; Undetermined at this time.