Chinese Year of the Horse

In Chinese culture, the horse has been a strong, reliable companion to humans for centuries, so it is not by chance that the animal is present on the Chinese zodiac circle. The choice of the horse was also influenced by the belief that animals possess certain qualities that can impact a person's character and destiny. Let us see how the traits associated with the Year of the Horse meaning played out in relation to human personality, compatibility, and success.

Born in Year of the Horse

The Chinese zodiac is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and continues to be an essential part of Chinese astrology, folklore, and daily life. According to ancient Chinese legend, each animal sign was assigned based on the order in which the animals arrived at the Jade Emperor's party. The horse, being quick and agile, arrived in seventh place, so the Chinese Year of the Horse also comes seventh in the 12-year cycle.

As an animal, the horse is associated with certain positive traits that can be found in humans as well:

• its speed symbolizes swiftness and progress, 
• its strength represents endurance and perseverance,
• its independent nature and free spirit are admired and sought after.

Plus, the horse is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture. 

Another thing: the linguistic similarity of the Chinese characters for “horse” and “to arrive, to succeed” further reinforced the Horse's positive connotations and auspicious nature as a zodiac symbol.

Year of the Horse Dates

If you are always wondering, “When is the Year of the Horse,” just take a look at this nice and simple math formula:

You can use it to find out the Chinese zodiac sign for anyone, as long as you know their birth year and the order of animals in the Chinese zodiac circle.

For example, the Horse comes seventh, so the remainder you are looking for is 7.

Let us test the formula using 1954:

1954 - 3 = 1951

1951/12 = 162 + 7

And 7, as you already know, is the number of the Horse.

The Horse's Personality and Characteristics

A remarkable traits of the Year of the Horse personality is a strong sense of independence. Just like horses, they crave personal freedom and wind in their hair. They embrace life with passion and enthusiasm, seeking new experiences and challenges. 

Horses are known for their boundless energy, tireless work ethic, and natural ability to persevere. People born in this year are just as hardworking, dedicated, and always ready to put in the effort required to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.

Horses are social creatures with a magnetic charm that draws people towards them. Lively, charismatic, and open-hearted, this sign natives have no problem building connections, too. They are excellent communicators and are genuinely interested in others, which makes them wonderful friends and companions.

The Horse is also associated with a sense of adventure and a love for exploring new territories. Those born in this year often possess a strong desire for travel, seeking out new experiences and embracing different cultures. They have a curious nature and an open mind, always ready to learn and grow.

Horse Love Compatibility, Best Matches, Marriage

Thanks to their charismatic and sociable nature, people born in the Year of the Horse generally have an easier time finding a partner. Their demeanor often makes them attractive to others, and they naturally connect with people on an emotional level. Let’s explore the Year of the Horse compatibility and find out which Chinese zodiac signs will make a good or a bad match for them.

Male Horse in Love

When a male Horse sign native is in love, he is driven by passion, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to connect with his partner. He may surprise their partner with small gestures, such as handwritten notes, surprise dates, or thoughtful gifts, putting effort into making them feel special and cherished. A Horse man is not afraid to take the initiative and make the first move. His adventurous nature may lead him to plan exciting activities or adventures to share with his partner, creating memorable experiences together. Emotionally expressive and open, he will eagerly share his feelings and thoughts, fostering a deep connection, not scared of being vulnerable or emotionally intimate in the relationship. Once a male Horse commits to a romantic relationship, he invests as much time and energy as possible into nurturing a safe, meaningful relationship.

While a Horse man values his relationship, he also cherishes his personal freedom and borders. However, an occasional need for alone time or personal space doesn't diminish his love and commitment to his partner, and the latter has to understand and respect that need.

Best Matches

• Male Horse + Female Tiger will easily form a strong connection and understand each other perfectly. Both signs have an adventurous spirit and a zest for life, which can create a dynamic and exciting relationship.
• Male Horse + Female Sheep/Goat can complement each other well. The Horse brings enthusiasm and adventure, while the Sheep/Goat offers warmth, gentleness, and peaceful nature.
• Male Horse + Female Dog will build a relationship full of harmony and respect. They both value trust and honesty in relationships, which helps foster a strong bond. 
• Male Horse + Female Dragon can make a lively, close-knit couple. The Horse's adventurous nature blends well with the Dragon's ambitious and confident personality. They can inspire and support each other's dreams and aspirations. 

Bad Matches

• Male Horse + Female Rat prioritize completely different things in life and have different communication styles. This can lead to potential misunderstandings and conflicts in the relationship.
• Male Horse + Female Ox’s contrasting personalities and ways of approaching life can clash. The Horse's free-spirited nature will not go along with the Ox's more steady and methodical approach, potentially causing friction. 
• Male Horse + Female Rabbit have incompatible emotional needs and conflict resolution styles. Their relationship can be fraught with unmet needs and unaddressed issues.

Female Horse in Love

When a Horse woman falls in love, her passion and romantic nature shine through. She is likely to express her affection through grand gestures, heartfelt words, and acts of love. She enjoys creating a romantic atmosphere and cherishes intimate moments with her partner. A Horse woman will always be genuine and freely share her feelings and thoughts, firmly believing in deep connections. She will make her partner feel special and valued, but she will definitely stay social and introduce them to her circle of friends rather than focus on her romantic life. This doesn’t make her any less loyal, though. A female Horse will stay devoted and committed, and she will expect the same in return. However, she will also appreciate having her personal space and may need occasional time alone to pursue her interests or recharge. But she will stay just as passionate about her relationship and infuse her love life with fun and vitality, thanks to her natural inclination for adventure and excitement.

Best Matches

• Female Horse + Male Tiger share a sense of adventure, enthusiasm, and a love for life. The Horse's independent nature aligns well with the Tiger's strong and confident personality. They appreciate each other's need for personal space and freedom. 
• Female Horse + Male Sheep possess warm and gentle personalities, fostering a harmonious and loving connection and appreciation of each other’s emotional needs.  
• Female Horse + Male Dog value trust, loyalty, and honesty, forming a solid foundation for their relationship. The Horse's adventurous nature can complement the Dog's supportive and caring one.
• Female Horse + Male Pig both are affectionate souls and can create a loving and supportive bond. They appreciate each other's nurturing qualities and enjoy a harmonious relationship. 

Bad Matches

• Female Horse + Male Rat can’t see eye to eye due to their clashing natures: the Horse is independent and free-spirited, while the Rat's is cautious and practical. Horses seek adventure and spontaneity, whereas Rats prioritize stability and security. This discrepancy can create conflicts regarding long-term plans, financial management, and lifestyle choices. 
• Female Horse + Male Ox are bound to have misunderstandings because the Horse's freedom-loving nature may clash with the Ox's practicality and discipline.
• Female Horse + Male Horse both desire independence and hate routine, which does not help them build a strong, balanced, and stable bond.

Love Compatibility in Marriage

Horses thrive in relationships where they can express their feelings and receive emotional support from their partner. They seek a deep and meaningful connection with their spouse, appreciate open and honest communication, and offer lots of support and encouragement in return. Horse sign natives respect their spouse's dreams and ambitions and provide motivation and assistance to help them achieve their goals. They value mutual growth and will support their partner's personal and professional endeavors.

But, even within a committed relationship, Horses crave freedom. When they don’t get enough of it, they may become restless. They may seek opportunities for growth, exploration, and new experiences both individually and as a couple, bringing excitement and spontaneity into the marriage. However, this need for novelty can also present challenges if not managed properly, as it may lead to dissatisfaction or instability in the marriage.

Lucky Signs for People Born in Horse Year

The auspicious elements that accompany the native of the Horse sign on their journey through life are the following:

• Lucky numbers: 2, 3, and 7. These digits bring good fortune individually and when combined, such as 23 and 37. 
• Lucky colors: yellow and green. Like a burst of sunshine and the lushness of nature, these hues enhance the Horse’s energy and attract luck. 
• Lucky flowers: calla lily and jasmine. These graceful blossoms bring forth purity, serenity, blessings, and beauty.
• Lucky directions: east, west, and south. It is in these directions that the Horse can discover a harmonious energy flow, propelling them towards success and fulfillment.
• Lucky gemstone: topaz. This gemstone attracts abundance and positive developments and helps realize dreams and aspirations.

Famous People: Horse Zodiac Eminent Personalities

Many famous names are connected with the energetic, unstoppable, enduring Chinese sign of the Horse: 

• Rembrandt van Rijn (1606), a celebrated Dutch painter and etcher known for his exceptional talent in capturing human emotions and creating timeless masterpieces, such as "The Night Watch,"
• Aretha Franklin (1942), the legendary "Queen of Soul," an influential American singer and songwriter. Her songs like "Respect" and "Natural Woman" have become iconic.
• Oprah Winfrey (1954), an American media mogul, talk show host, and philanthropist who has had an enormous impact on the entertainment industry and beyond.
• Halle Berry (1966), an Academy Award-winning American actress who starred in Monster's Ball, X-Men series, and Catwoman, breaking barriers as one of the most successful African-American actresses in Hollywood.
• Jackie Chan (1954), a Hong Kong actor, martial artist, and filmmaker renowned for his impressive stunts and action-comedy films. 
• Neil Armstrong (1930), an American astronaut, aeronautical engineer, and, of course, the first person to walk on the moon.