Everyone knows that the New Year begins on January 1, but for nearly 4.3 billion Asians and Asian-Americans, it really starts on the 31st. That is when the moon enters into a new phase of its 12-year cycle, marking the start of the Lunar New Year – a 15-day celebration that makes NYE look like child’s play.

OK, so maybe there isn’t a ball drop, midnight kisses, or backless minis. But there are red envelopes filled with $$ (cha-ching!), firecrackers going off in the day, eight-course meals paired with strong cognac, and ancient traditions that might not always quite make sense (but you follow them anyway).

This year’s zodiac sign is the horse (I’m taking that as a very good omen for my year ♥, as I’m sure all of us horse-lovers are).

A symbol of strength and energy, those born in the Year of the Horse are clever, talkative and stubborn, characterized by their bright, hard-working spirit and tendency toward patience (freethinkers Jennifer Lawrence and Oprah Winfrey were both born under it).

What does this mean for the rest of us? A chance to indulge in the new fashion trends, which have officially slithered away from the Year of the Snake and galloped their way into the Year of the Horse!

So, even if you don’t celebrate the Lunar New Year, per se, channel this year’s spirit animal in these fun fashions – perfect for us horse-loving fashionistas!

From cool tops emblazoned with horses and subtle, equestrian inspired accessories, these picks will for sure get you in the spirit of things (they won’t, however, get you those lucky red envelopes – sorry!). And there is even a makeup element: Chantecaille’s warm earthy hues for eyes and cheeks like Palomino and Mustang are imprinted with stallions (a  portion of whose sales benefits the efforts of the Humane Society of the United States to conserve land for wild horses).

National Champion, Rebecca Fulkerson has become the rider she is today, not from luck, but from hard work and a life long passion.

“I’ve been riding for as long as I can remember. I think my mom put me on a horse around age 2. She and her family raised quarter horses so I was kind of born into the horse world. It’s a passion and in my blood,” explains Rebecca.

“I started showing locally around age 7 and was really into jumping for a time, and then went to my first “A” rated show around age 10 and have been hooked since then.”

Earning a National Championship in the Half Arabian Western Pleasure AAOTR 19-35 with Sheza Rising Starr, as well as a Top Ten in Purebred Western Pleasure Maturity AAOTR with Chablis WA and a Top Ten in Purebred Western Pleasure AAOTR 19-35 with Koweta Pheonix, Rebecca always knows how to ride and win in style.

Learn more about this riding star’s style, here.

Show Season: What is your favorite head-to-toe riding outfit?

Rebecca Fulkerson: I’ve loved all the Show Season outfits that Melissa has put together for me, but my favorite is my burgundy/black western outfit. I have had it for several years and know I need to get a new one, but it has so many wonderful memories with several horses it’s hard for me to part with it. My hunt coat is also a favorite and gets compliments every time I wear it.

SS: Do you wear anything for good luck in the show ring?

RF: Not anymore, I am usually frantically getting dressed as I wait until the last minute so I don’t have time to make sure I have anything on other than all my clothes.

SS: What is one thing you never go in the ring without?

RF: Saying a prayer. I try to take a moment before I go in and be thankful that I am even there.

SS: How would you describe your non-horse show style?

RF: I am a jeans and a T-shirt girl, always have been.

SS: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a rider?

RF: Certainly, winning this year at Nationals was huge, but probably the most satisfaction I have had was when I showed horses on my own and one win at an “A” show in an open class on my first horse, Mark, stands out the most. I’ll never forget it. Actually, it’s the only ribbon hanging in my office.

SS: What are your riding goals for the future?

RF: As much as I love showing western, and dabble in hunter from time to time, I would really like to pursue English horses. I was allowed to ride one a few weeks ago at Rick Gault’s and I think I am still smiling from that ride. What a rush!!

SS: Who has been the most influential in your riding career?

RF: My mother for always supporting this crazy obsession and Rick Gault. He works harder than anyone I know and has more talent in his pinky than most of us could ever dream of having. He’s taught me a lot about riding, showing, and horsemanship. I would never be as confident of a rider without him, and he’s made me a better person in and out of the show ring.

Rider, Anita Hill, has a long history with horses that, not only started out in a different breed, but a different country all together.

“I started riding in South Africa in my early teens,” explains Anita. “One of our neighbors was a riding instructor and took me with her to the stables on a Saturday. I got to mainly ride thoroughbreds and “Boerperd”…a mix of breeds similar to Quarter Horses in disposition.”

“I spent the rest of my growing up years riding hunters, doing dressage and jumping,” competing all the way up until she had four children – selling her horse to focus on raising her kids.

But in October of 1998 that all changed. Anita and her family moved to the U.S., and she was finally introduced to Arabians through the Taylors of Taylor Ranch.

“They told me they had horses and that I should come ride. I asked what breed, and when they told me Arabians I was a little disappointed, as the only Arabs I had seen were all small horses, and I was used to bigger ones.”

“We arranged for me to come out to the farm, where I was first introduced to Aladdin. He looked at me with his big, intelligent eyes and I was impressed. I was then introduced and shown every horse on the farm. I ended up going out to their ranch every day, and I fell in love…”

Two months later, in December, her husband, John, bought Anita her first half Arabian, Mussiahs Quartermark (Wyatt). “The love of my life, he is now 19 years old.”

“The Taylors told me about trainers in the area and I ended up taking Wyatt to a trainer in the summer of 1999. It was a real challenge to my trainer as he taught me and Wyatt the ropes…Every show we went to I would always ask at the end of my class ‘Why did I not win? Did the judge not see Wyatt and just know he should be the winner?’”

Anita was officially hooked.

“I promised my husband one horse was enough, but the more I learned and competed, the more I realized I needed a more competitive horse. And so the madness started…I now have 6.”

Show Season: What is your favorite head-to-toe riding outfit?

Anita Hill: My favorite outfit is the outfit Melissa put together for me last year to wear in my western class. I ride with Cynthia Burkman, and when we knew I was going to go to Nationals, Cynthia told me to go to Show Season, let them take my measurements, give them a picture of my horse, then leave it to the professionals to do their job.

So I did just that, and the first time I saw my outfit was in the September just before we were due to leave for Nationals. I had arranged for Melissa to send it directly to Cynthia in California.

I must tell you, after I had my measurements taken and had asked Melissa to make me a drop dead outfit, she sent me their invoice. I remember opening it at home and wondering why there were so many zeros. After putting on my glasses and seeing how much it was, I called Melissa and reminded her I just wanted an outfit, not shares in the company. Of course we had a good laugh, and I paid and got my clothes.

When I first saw it I was bowled over. I remember saying to Cynthia it was just over the top and I could never wear it. She assured me it was stunning and just what I needed. I put it on and felt like a million bucks. To this day, every time I go to a show and put on my western outfit I feel like I just cant be beaten.

SS: Do you wear anything for good luck in the show ring?

AH: I never wear anything into the show ring for luck.

SS: What is the one thing you never go in the ring without?

AH: I know you are going to laugh and you probably won’t be able to repeat this… but Melissa made me buy one.

I never go into the show ring without…my corset.

The first time I brought it at US Nationals last year I had no idea how the thing worked so I started putting it on (all wrong) when my friend Katie Russell came into the dressing room and told me she did not think the “boobs” on my back would work. We figured it out and I always wear it to show.

SS: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a rider?

AH: My biggest accomplishment was my Reserve Championship both last year and this year. I only got Chase after Nationals in 2011, had never shown Western, and he was not in a bridle yet. In fact, once I had my outfit, my gorgeous horse, got to Nationals, and told Cynthia I was going to win, she was a little nervous and told me to be patient. You should see my pictures. Every one in the barn has their mouths open….shocked. Ha! Knew we could do it!

SS: What are your riding goals for the future?

AH: My goals for the future are to do well at Scottsdale (last year was terrible), try to win at Nationals on Chase, and also do better at riding my Half-Arab, Its a Celebration.

SS: Who has been the most influential in your riding career?

AH: Without a doubt Cynthia. I watched her for many years before I took a horse to her, and when I did the first thing she asked me, “What it was I wanted to do with my horses.” My answer? Win.

She has heard me, helped me, let me figure things out, taken amazing care of my horses, encouraged me, been honest with me, and helped me win.

I have to also say Natalie Jones. She has only been with Cynthia for a little while, but she, too, has done so much to get Chase to the point he is at. In fact, the most amazing thing was that she did not show him this year at Nationals in the open Western class so that I would have a better chance at doing well.

I must also add that I have told Melissa to come up with something really special for this year’s Nationals.

Emerald green is so 2013. Say hello to Radiant Orchid, Pantone’s color of the year for 2014.

Those who aren’t familiar with phalaenopsis may wonder: What, exactly, is Radiant Orchid?

In the company’s annual press release, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, described the pretty purple as “an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones” that “inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health.”

“While the 2013 color of the year…Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination.”

A dazzling attention-getter, this modern and surprisingly versatile shade permeated the catwalks during the S/S 2014 runway shows and is already finding its way onto the red carpet.

As a blend of both cool and warm undertones, purple is an appealing color for unique combinations. And its rosy undertones is very flattering to a number of hair, eye and skin tones – producing a healthy glow when worn by both men and women.

So spruce up your show outfit this season with this versatile shade! It really pops when combined with a red and also pairs super well with its sister shades of lavender, purple and pink!

My favorite pairings, though, are with olive and deeper hunter greens. And it looks gorgeous when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows.

Likewise, the lovely hue livens up neutrals including gray, beige and taupe. Uplifting and bold without being overpowering, Radiant Orchid reenergizes nearly any color palette.

But whether your agree with this Pantone selection or not, the “Color of the Year” is a friendly reminder to the designer in all of us to be conscious of our use of colors, as colors have inherently come to be carried with meaningful undertones and the ability to emotionally affect oneself and others.

What do you think of 2014’s new color? Will you be incorporating it in your show look this year?

For rider Anna Redmond there was no turning back after the day her dad put her on a horse for the first time at age 7. “I love how much personality Arabians have. They carry themselves with such grace and are able to excel at everything they do.”

After winning both the Half-Arabian and Arabian Western Pleasure 14-18 Championships at Youth Nationals this past year with CJ Psyncinati Kid and Cowgirl Cool, and tying for Champion with her Purebred English horse, Calapalooza V, Anna has been nominated for the Arabian Horse Times Readers Choice Award’s Youth Exhibitor of the Year.

Learn more about this phenomenal Show Season rider –

Show Season: Describe your riding fashion style.
Anna Redmond: The process of designing an outfit that goes well with my horses is half the fun of showing! I like outfits that are memorable or stand out in the show ring. My hunter coats have all been quiet and subtle whereas I usually want something very bold for western that contrasts with my horse and the arena setting. Sparkly, bright outfits always catch my attention.

SS: What is your favorite head-to-toe riding outfit?
AR: My favorite riding outfit is my hunter outfit because it holds a lot of my favorite memories. It’s also so comfortable! I could stay in it all day.

SS: Do you wear anything for good luck in the show ring?
AR: I used to wear an owl lapel pin for luck with my country horse, Tommy, but he recently retired, so I don’t use it anymore.

SS: What is one thing you never go in the ring without?
AR: I always go into the show ring with my Kharben bracelet. He’s my favorite pet horse, and he doesn’t get to attend most of my shows. It’s a reminder that he’s with me no matter where I am.

SS: How would you describe your non-horse show style?
AR: My non-horse show style is very casual. I still love bright colors, but I definitely keep the blingy stuff at shows.

SS: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a rider?
AR: My biggest accomplishment as a rider was being named Rider of Excellence for the year. I couldn’t have gotten there without the help of my horses, and the group effort makes it special to me.

SS: What are your riding goals for the future?
AR: There is one class that I’ve always dreamed of doing well in at nationals. One of my old favorite horses never made the cut, but I have a new teammate now. The bridge from me to him has been the hardest one to cross, so if we ever got that far one day, it would mean the world to me.

SS: Who has been the most influential in your riding career?
AR: My parents have been very influential in my riding career, as well as Chris Culbreth, Greg Harris, Brett Becker, Shannon Beethe, and Cynthia Burkman. Chris gave me my foundation and love for horses, Greg pushed me to go further than I thought I could go, Shannon helped me find two of my favorite horses, Cynthia helped me achieve what I thought was impossible with one of my horses, and that one win really altered the way I look at horses today.