(Note: Qiang the Horse cannot actually stand on its hind legs)

Qiang (强 – pronounced CHYAHNG, meaning “strong” or “energetic”) is a friendly little horse, a Guizhou pony from a mountain farm in the Guizhou province of Southwestern China. Like those born in the Year of the Horse, he is outgoing, enthusiastic and tenacious. He hopes he can encourage you to persevere towards your goals in the year to come!

Pattern made for Chinese New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse)

For this pattern you will need:

• 50g brown DK yarn
• Around 11m black DK yarn
• Around 850cm grey DK yarn
• 3.5 mm crochet hook (UK 9, US E/4)
• 15 mm safety eyes
• Stuffing
• Scissors
• Darning needle
• Any crochet hook smaller than 3.5 mm to weave in loose ends
• Stitch markers to keep track of the end of your most recent round (and to help you place the safety eyes)

Difficulty: no complex stitches. Smaller components may be a little fiddly to sew.