Chinese zodiac · sign 7 of 12

Horse

The Horse represents freedom, energy and adventure. It's a symbol of movement and dynamism.

Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026Right now it's a Fire Horse year, until Feb 5, 2027.
On the wheel of the twelve animals, in black: Horse.
The red triangle links it with its two friends (三合): Tiger and Dog.
The dotted line crosses to its opposite (六冲): Rat.
RatOxTigerCatDragonSnakeHorseGoatMonkeyRoosterDogPig

History and symbolism

The Horse in the Chinese tradition

The Horse has been a symbol of status and freedom in Chinese culture for millennia. Its presence in the zodiac reflects its importance in war and transport.

Horses rearing before the race, painting by Horace Vernet
Painting: Horace Vernet · The Met

Traits

How it shows up

Characteristics

  • Free
  • Energetic
  • Adventurous
  • Sociable
  • Impulsive

Strengths

  • A free spirit
  • Contagious energy
  • Enthusiasm
  • Versatility
  • Loyalty

Challenges

  • Restlessness
  • Impatience
  • Difficulty committing
  • Inconsistency
  • Self-centeredness

Horse years

Were you born in a Horse year?

The Chinese year starts with the Lunar New Year, between January 21 and February 21. If you were born in those weeks, check the exact day: your sign may be the previous one.

YearFromToElement
1930Jan 30, 1930Feb 16, 1931Metal
1942Feb 15, 1942Feb 4, 1943Water
1954Feb 3, 1954Jan 23, 1955Wood
1966Jan 21, 1966Feb 8, 1967Fire
1978Feb 7, 1978Jan 27, 1979Earth
1990Jan 27, 1990Feb 14, 1991Metal
2002Feb 12, 2002Jan 31, 2003Water
2014Jan 31, 2014Feb 18, 2015Wood
2026Feb 17, 2026Feb 5, 2027Fire

The five elements

Five versions of the same sign

Every Horse is also born with one of five elements, which changes every two years. The table above shows which one belongs to each year.

Wood

Energetic and charismatic

Fire

Passionate and enthusiastic

Earth

Hardworking and stable

Metal

Determined and brave

Water

Versatile and resilient

What's your animal?

Calculate it from your date of birth, with the exact Chinese New Year cutoff, and see which countries, brands and people share your sign.

Calculate my animal

Keep in mind

The Horse in the zodiac is a cultural construction. There's no evidence that it determines an adventurous personality.

The Chinese zodiac is an age-old belief system rooted in Chinese culture. Molino uses it as a tool for reflection and self-knowledge. The interpretations don't constitute scientific evidence, predictions or diagnoses. The calculations are deterministic and reproducible from the year of birth.