2026 marks the year of the Horse, ushering a period of momentum, vitality, and fortune. Many decorations in the malls, fashion, and restaurants this year will center around the horse and you may be curious. What exactly does the horse mean? Alternatively, you may be born in the year of the Horse for you and you may wonder how your year will play out based on your Chinese zodiac this Lunar New Year.
If you’re curious to know more about the horse in Chinese zodiac or how you will fare in fortune, fear not. We have made a comprehensive guide which will give an overview on the Chinese myth and symbolism behind the the animal and which other zodiac signs will thrive under it’s influence. Read on to find out more about the Year of the Horse, what it represents, and what it means for you.
A guide to the Year of the Horse, according to the Chinese zodiac
According to the Chinese zodiac, the horse is the seventh place among the 12 other animals. These animals include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, pig. People born in the year of the horse usually fall on 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, and 2026. The year of the horse is set to begin from 17 February 2026 to 3 March 2026.
Horses played an important role in Chinese civilisation. In ancient China (and in most early civilisations), horses were key animals in travel, warfare, and communication. The animal was a prized possession in many households as it was the only means of fast long distance travel. This is why in Asian society, the horse symbolises of advancement in career, perseverance, and capability.
Their cultural importance was such that Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty was believed to have said certain exceptional horses possessed divine qualities, naming them tian ma, or ‘heavenly horses,’ which he believed could carry him to the heavens.
Those born in the year of the horse are generally assumed to be confident, outspoken, and charismatic, with a strong desire for independence. However, on the flip side they can also be restless, impatient and impulsive.
The mythical origins of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac
The Horse’s place in the Chinese zodiac is traditionally explained through the myth of the Great Race. According to this legend, the Jade Emperor summoned all animals to compete in a race across a river, with the order of their arrival determining their position in the twelve-year zodiac cycle. While the Horse was an excellent runner, it was less adept at swimming.
As it neared the riverbank, the Snake, having hidden itself on the Horse’s hoof, suddenly emerged and crossed the finish line first. Startled, the Horse came in immediately after, securing seventh place in the zodiac. This story explains why, despite its speed and strength, the Horse does not rank higher in the cycle.
What animals will do best this year?
Contrary to popular belief, those born in the year of the horse may not fare exceedingly well in fortune. Zodiac animals experiencing their own year traditionally do not fare well in luck as they are ‘shifting celestial energies’. Horses may not have the best luck this year but that doesn’t mean they will face calamity.
According to China Highlights and Travel China Guide, the tiger, pig, dog, rooster, and goat will experience the best luck this year. People born in the years of those zodiac animals are expected to make great leaps in career, forge deeper relationships, and be gifted with good health. Meanwhile, those born in the year of the horse, rat, ox, and rabbit will experience unfavorable luck this year and are expected to face challenges and struggles this year.
Famous people born in the year of the horse
You’d be surprised to know that there are many famous figures who are born in the year of the horse. We have listed some of them below:
- Paul McCartney (Musician and member of The Beatles)
- Janet Jackson (Michael Jackson’s sister)
- Emma Watson (Actress)
- Adam Sandler (Actor)
- Jackie Chan (Actor)
- Denzel Washington (Actor)
- Martin Scorsese (Filmmaker)
- Nelly Furtado (Singer)
- Usher (Singer)
- Gordon Ramsay (Celebrity Chef)
- Yoona (Kpop idol and member of Girls Generation)
- Sooyoung (Kpop idol and member of Girls Generation)
- NingNing (Kpop idol and member of Aespa)
- Hueningkai (Kpop idol member of TXT)
- Taehyun (Kpop idol member of TXT)
(Hero image credit: Unsplash/Frank Ng / Feature image credit: Unsplash/Andrey Solatov)
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
