Tomorrow night we’ll say goodbye to 2013 and welcome a New Year full of possibilities and new opportunities. 2014 will also be The Year of the Horse, according to the Chinese Zodiac. Horses have long held the admiration and imagination of people. These strong, beautiful animals and their close relationship to mankind throughout history are deservedly admired for their grace and their role in human history. It’s no wonder that so many artists, including interior and fashion designers, turn to the horse for inspiration. In the Chinese Zodiac, the horse is known for being warm-hearted, strong, and intelligent. Incorporating equestrian themed designs into your home or style naturally conveys these same attributes.
I’ve featured some of this photography in the past, but I think it’s worth sharing again. A stunning piece of horse photography is a dramatic art choice for any room. Lisa Cueman, Bob Tabor, and Roberto Dutesco are three photographers whose horse images are simply incredible.
![Photo by Lisa Cueman](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Lisa-Cueman.jpg)
![Robert Dutesco](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Dutesco.jpg)
![Lisa Cueman](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Lisa-Cueman-2.jpg)
![Robert Dutesco](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Dutesco-Hair.jpg)
![Bob Tabor Images](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Bob-Tabor-Images.jpg)
![Robert Dutesco](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Dutesco-2.jpg)
In interior design, using equestrian art or other horse-themed elements can add style to a room without being too overdone. You can use items such as saddles or stirrups as accents, or go with a more subtle look by incorporating equestrian patterns. Think of leather, warm tones, natural materials, and elegance.
![A room I designed for a client.](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/horse.jpg)
![By Leslie Cohen Design](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Leslie-Cohen-Design.jpg)
![From Elle Decor](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Elle-Decor.jpg)
![Design by Mar Silver](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Mar-Silver.jpg)
![Using equestrian elements as accents. From Apartment Therapy.](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Saddle.jpg)
![Design by Thom Filicia](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Thom-Filicia.jpg)
![A more subtle equestrian influence. Design by Patrick Lonn.](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Patrick-Lonn.jpg)
There are also a lot of great ways to add an equestrian flair to your wardrobe. I love the idea of adding a really cool accessory to give your look just a hint of the equestrian without being over the top.
![Iconic Hermes scarf.](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Hermes-Scarf-2.jpg)
![Equestrian belt from Macy's.](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Equestrian-Belt.jpg)
![Another gorgeous Hermes scarf.](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Hermes-Scarf.jpg)
![Hermes Cuff](https://bspoke.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Hermes-Cuff.jpg)
How would you incorporate an equestrian feel to your home or wardrobe?
Cover photos by Bob Tabor Images.