The horse has carried people, goods, armies and stories for thousands of years, and its symbolism follows: speed, strength, freedom, nobility and the journey itself. Few animals have shaped human history so directly.
The Uffington White Horse
On the chalk downs of Oxfordshire, the Uffington White Horse, a stylised horse cut into the hillside, has been kept visible for around three thousand years. It dates from the late Bronze Age and is one of Britain's most striking ancient images.
Epona
In Roman Gaul and beyond, the Celtic goddess Epona was the protector of horses, mules and those who cared for them. She was one of the few Celtic deities adopted widely by Roman soldiers.
The horse in the Chinese zodiac
The horse is the seventh animal of the Chinese zodiac, associated with energy, independence and a love of freedom. The most recent Year of the Horse began in February 2026.
The horseshoe
The horseshoe became a lucky object in European folk custom. It is usually hung with the ends pointing upwards so that the luck does not run out, a folk convention rather than an ancient rule.
The horse in jewellery
A horse design can reference freedom, a love of riding, a zodiac year or the long partnership between people and horses. You can see the AURYN Horse charm, or read our guide to animal symbolism.
