A factory slip-up in eastern China has accidentally produced one of the Year of the Horse’s most relatable mascots: Crying Horse (哭哭吗) a bright red pony that looks on the verge of tears.
The toy, a 20cm lucky horse selling for around RMB 25 (about US $4) was designed to do what New Years merch always does – signal prosperity. It comes embroidered with a gold blessing for wealth, and red fur meant to bring festive cheer. But a sewing error flipped the facial expression, pulling the mouth and nostrils downward, and turning the intended smile into a full-on sob. Instead of killing the product, the mistake gave it personality.
After a photo of the crying horse circulated online, the seller initially treated it like a defect and offered replacements. Netizens disagreed. They didn’t want the corrected version. They wanted the one that looked like it had just finished a brutal week at the office.
Then meme value hit. China’s young workers have a long-running joke, calling themselves cattle and horses to signify being constantly overworked, replaceable and permanently exhausted. The crying horse fit the mood.
Comments on social media ran wild: ‘Put the crying one at the office, keep the smiling one at home. For us working stiffs, the dream of “money coming fast” can’t be missed.’ One poster on reddit, even called our disbelief, saying: ‘2026 bull market, believe it or not.’
The result was predictable in the only way the Chinese internet can be. Orders surged. Production lines multiplied. The flaw became the feature. The company that manufactures the product is now also talking about turning the crying horse into an IP. Expect pillows, keyrings and all manner of spin-off products to follow.
The year of the horse was supposed to signify energy, progress and resilience. In the end, this viral trend has given this year’s zodiac a more contemporary twist: keep moving, but don’t pretend you’re fine.
