Year of the Horse

Written by Ruby Zhao Updated Feb. 12, 2024

Years of the Horse include 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942...

In Chinese culture, the Horse is known for its energetic and dynamic nature. It symbolizes vitality, speed, and perseverance. People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to possess similar traits, such as being hardworking, warm-hearted, and independent.

The Horse is also associated with success and good fortune. There is a phrase "马到成功" in Chinese. It represents achieving success swiftly and smoothly, just like when a victorious horse arrives at the battlefield. It implies that success can be achieved rapidly and effortlessly. Some people may wear clothing or accessories depicting horses or incorporate horse imagery in their homes for positive energy and fortune.

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Chinese Zodiac Horse Years

Year of the Horse

The Horse ranks the seventh among the animals of the Chinese zodiac. The 12 zodiac animals are, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each year is related to an animal sign according to a 12-year-cycle.

The most relevant years of the Horse include 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942

If you were born in one of the above calendar years, your Chinese zodiac sign is probably the Horse, and in China you would be known as a Horse.

However, the Chinese zodiac year is usually said to start from Chinese New Year, which ranges from late January to mid-February. Therefore, if you were born in January or February in one of the above years, you might be a Horse, or possibly an Snake.

Additionally, if you were born in January/February in one of the years immediately following those above (2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, etc.), then you may be a Horse or a Goat.

You can use our free Chinese zodiac sign calculator tool below to find your zodiac animal sign or see the table below.

Find Your Zodiac Sign

Choose your date of birth and find out about your Chinese zodiac sign.

Dates for Horse Years

Horse Years Date Element
1930 January 30, 1930 – February 16, 1931 Gold Horse
1942 February 15, 1942 – February 4, 1943 Water Horse
1954 February 4, 1954 – January 23, 1955 Wood Horse
1966 January 21, 1966 – February 8, 1967 Fire Horse
1978 February 7, 1978 – January 27, 1979 Earth Horse
1990 January 27, 1990 – February 14, 1991 Gold Horse
2002 February 12, 2002 – February 18, 2003 Water Horse
2014 January 31, 2014 – February 18, 2015 Wood Horse
2026 February 17, 2026 – February 5, 2027 Fire Horse

Horses' Horoscope Predictions and Lucky Color for 2024

If you're born in a year of the Horse, an exciting journey in 2024 is waiting for you. This year might throw a few unexpected twists and turns your way, bringing challenges and setbacks to different aspects of your life.

As a Horse, you'll be influenced by an adverse star, which could result in minor mishaps and occasional bouts of misfortune. While these issues may not pose major difficulties, it's important to handle them with caution to avoid any unnecessary complications. 

But don't worry! Alongside the challenges, a solitary propitious star will bring positive energy to your career. To make the most of this auspicious influence, consider engaging in a diverse range of activities throughout the year. This will enhance your luck and pave the way for successful advancements in your professional life.

In addition, horses can expect a calm and stable love life in 2024. However, due to your intense focus on your career, you might unintentionally miss out on potential love opportunities that may be lurking around you. Therefore, it's important for you to prioritize your partner's feelings and show more consideration and support. You can strengthen your relationship and make it more resilient.

Lucky color for 2024: red, green, glod

Read more on Monthly Horoscope for Horses in 2024.

Zodiac Horse's Personality: Active, Energetic...

Horse Personality of Five Elements

People born in a year of the Horse are extremely animated, active and energetic.

Most horses love to be in a crowd, and they can usually be seen on such occasions as concerts, theater performances, meetings, sporting events, and parties. They are generally sociable, friendly, and possess good communication skills. Usually they can easily make friends with their warm and open nature.

In addition, horse people are often inclined towards taking risks and seeking new experiences. They have a sense of adventure and crave excitement, making them willing to try different things and explore uncharted territories.

Moreover, those born in the year of the Horse usually much value honesty and loyalty. They tend to be straightforward and sincere in their interactions, making them reliable and trustworthy friends.

Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold, and Water Horses

Famous People Born in the Year of the Horse

In Chinese element theory, each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. A Wood Horse, for example, comes once in a 60-year cycle.

It is theorized that a person's characteristics are decided by his/her birth year's zodiac sign and element. This means there are five types of Horses, each with different characteristics:

Element of Horse Personality
Wood Horse Irritable and sentimental, with abundant imagination and insightful analyses of issues
Fire Horse Smart, charismatic, lively, overflowing with enthusiasm, but stubborn
Earth Horse Optimistic, kind-hearted, righteous, but irritable; with a strong sense of responsibility, and always ready to help others
Gold Horse kind, straightforward, calm, rational, always ready to help others, and popular among friends
Water Horse Sentimental, irritable, reliable, amicable, always ready to help others, and very charming for friends of the opposite sex.

Horses' Love Compatibility: Is She/He Compatible with You? 

The Horse's Love Compatibility

Each animal sign has its unique characteristics. Love compatibility within the Chinese zodiac animals takes the characteristics of each animal into account. Only those whose characteristics match each others can be good partners.

See below for the compatibility of the Horse with other animals, and find out if the Horse is compatible with your sign or not.

  • Best with: Tiger, Goat, or Dog
  • Worst  with: Rat, Ox, or Snake

Want to know if she/he is compatible with you? Use our zodiac love compatibility calculator below. Or you can check the 12 Chinese zodiac signs' love compatibility in detail.

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Calculator

Enter date of birth and test now
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Lucky Things for People Born in a Year of the Horse

Lucky Things for the Horse

Things that will bring Horses luck:

  • Lucky numbers: 2, 3, 7, and numbers containing them (like 23 and 37)
  • Lucky colors: yellow and green
  • Lucky flowers: calla lily and jasmine
  • Lucky directions: east, west, and south

Things that Horses should avoid:

  • Unlucky color: blue, white
  • Unlucky numbers: 1, 5, and 6
  • Unlucky direction: north and northwest

Best-Suited Careers for Horses

Jobs involving communicating with others attract Horses most. The Horse sign stands for leadership, management, and decision-making. Horses dislike taking orders.

Horses can make it in any career that demands neither solitude nor meditation, for they are extroverts and need to be surrounded by people who approve of them and flatter them.

Good career choices for Horses include: publicist, sales representative, journalist, language instructor, translator, bartender, performer, tour operator, librarian, or pilot.

Good Health for Horses

Basically Horses are very healthy, most likely because they hold a positive attitude towards life. However, heavy responsibility or pressure from their jobs may make them weak. Therefore, Horses shouldn't do overtime very often and go home too late. Also, Horses should refuse some invitations to parties at night.

Check Other Chinese Zodiac Animals

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