Metal Horse
Metal adds discipline, resolve and sharp edges. The most determined version, and the least willing to bend.
Years
1930, 1990
Animal 7 of 12 · Fire · Yang
The Horse
Freedom, energy and a low tolerance for being tied down.
Position in cycle7 of 12
Fixed elementFire
Yin or yangYang
Hours governed11:00–13:00
SeasonSummer
Lucky numbers2, 3, 7
Lucky coloursyellow, green
Strength. Genuinely good company and quick to act. Recovers from setbacks fast.
Friction. Leaves when things get constrained, and calls it restlessness rather than avoidance.
Each animal also governs two hours of the day — the Horse holds 11:00–13:00. Someone born in those hours is said to carry the Horse as an inner sign regardless of their year.
Traits
Independent
Energetic
Impatient
Warm
Inconsistent
Horse years
| Year | Element | New year began |
|---|---|---|
| 1942 | Water Horse | 15 February |
| 1954 | Wood Horse | 3 February |
| 1966 | Fire Horse | 21 January |
| 1978 | Earth Horse | 7 February |
| 1990 | Metal Horse | 27 January |
| 2002 | Water Horse | 12 February |
| 2014 | Wood Horse | 31 January |
| 2026 | Fire Horse | 17 February |
Born in January or early February of one of these years? Check the new year date — you may belong to the previous animal.
Rarely covered in English
The five Horses
Every animal exists in five versions, one per element — and that is the reason the cycle runs sixty years rather than twelve. A Wood Horse and a Fire Horse are described quite differently, but most English sites stop at the animal.
Water Horse
Water adds adaptability, perception and diplomacy. The most intuitive version, and the most easily influenced.
Years
1942, 2002
Wood Horse
Wood adds growth, patience and cooperation. The most flexible version — expands rather than forces.
Years
1954, 2014
Fire Horse
Fire adds intensity, visibility and speed. The most driven version, and the quickest to burn through its own energy.
Years
1966, 2026
Earth Horse
Earth adds steadiness, practicality and patience. The most reliable version, and the slowest to change direction.
Years
1978, 2038
Each element holds for two consecutive years, so your element depends on which of the two you were born in. Twelve animals against five elements gives sixty combinations — a Wood Horse recurs only once every sixty years.
The year of your own animal is not lucky
In Chinese tradition the year of your own animal is considered unlucky rather than fortunate — you are said to offend Tai Sui, the god of the year. The customary protection is to wear red, and specifically red given to you by someone else rather than bought for yourself. Red underwear, belts and socks are all standard.
2026 is a Horse year — so if you are a Horse, this is your ben ming nian right now.
Western sites almost universally present your own animal's year as fortunate, which inverts the tradition entirely. In China the twelfth year is the one people take precautions for.
Horse compatibility
| With | Relation | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger | Traditional ally | 90% |
| Dog | Traditional ally | 90% |
| Goat | Traditional ally | 88% |
| Dragon | Sextile — easy | 78% |
| Monkey | Sextile — easy | 78% |
| Horse | Same sign | 72% |
| Ox | Neutral | 68% |
| Snake | Neutral | 68% |
| Pig | Neutral | 68% |
| Rabbit | Square — friction | 60% |
| Rooster | Square — friction | 60% |
| Rat | Traditional clash | 45% |