There is something magical about wandering through the New Forest on a sunny day. The air feels ancient and the horses roam freely among the gorse tangled fields. It is no surprise that these gentle encounters have influenced so many of our design choices and artworks, especially as we look ahead to the Year of the Horse in 2026. In the Chinese zodiac, the horse represents vitality, independence and steady forward movement. It is a year associated with creativity, optimism and the confidence to run toward new ideas.
At Ham Yard Hotel, a tribute to equine elegance hangs in the library. Lucy Kemp Welsh’s painting captures the power and grace of the horse with an honesty that feels timeless. Her horses seem to breathe on the canvas with a presence that is both gentle and commanding.
The same sense of life and movement appears in one of our most striking headboards at The Whitby Hotel. In room 1408, a horse emerges through the art of applique, inspired by an illustration discovered on the top of an old black lacquered box. The details were created using remnants of vintage kimono fabrics. Each stitch holds a whisper of a previous story, forming a layered tapestry of texture and character.
Another artist who celebrates horses with distinctive flair is Robina Jack. Her patterned ceramics and paintings on wood have long captured our admiration. In the Drawing Room at Ham Yard Hotel, a collection of her plates is framed in Perspex against black felt, their horses leaping forward in bold colour and joyful charm.
This spirit of the horse finds another expression in our collection with Annie Selke. The decorative cushion captures the essence of the New Forest in a fun and spirited way. It brings that sense of freedom and joy straight into the home.
This spirit of the horse also lives in our much loved vintage caravan, where hand painted horses dance across the panels in bright, joyful tones, creating a playful reminder of travel, freedom and adventure.
Horses invite us to pause and breathe. Their quiet strength, grace and freedom continue to inspire how we design, display and celebrate art throughout our hotels.