Wild horses run free! This Chinese astrology sign can’t be reined in, and their greatest joy is to roam wherever their spirits guide them.
All about the Year of the Horse!
The Year of the Horse in the Chinese Zodiac
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
The personality of the Horse in Chinese astrology
Wild and unbreakable, Horses need to run free and make their own rules. Excitement is their middle name. When they’re not courting controversy, Horses have a talent for attracting it. Still, nobody is more fun than this sign. Chatty Horses are the life of every party.
Untamed and restless, they’re always finding new books, people and ideas, and will plunge into new experiences as quickly as they leave them. Horses love to open minds and encourage their friends to see new perspectives. They have unforgettable laughs and when they smile, may expose a prominent set of “horsey” teeth. According to legend, many Horses leave (even abandon) their biological families, often at a young age. The original rebels, they either stay single for life, or set up their own redefined family structures. Dashing and dapper, Horses have unforgettable energy that reminds us all to stay young at heart.
THE ASTROTWINS
2025 Horoscope
THE ASTROTWINS
2025 Horoscope
The Horse is ruled by the planet Mercury
The Horse is ruled by the planet Mercury, which governs communication, cleverness and interactivity. In Western astrology, Mercury is associated with Gemini and Virgo. Of the two, the Horse is most like Gemini. Restless and talkative, and always on the move, the raconteur Horse and Gemini never deliver a dull moment!
The “Animal Planets” (Chinese astrology planetary rulers)
Rat: Jupiter
Ox: Saturn
Tiger: Uranus
Rabbit: Neptune
Dragon: Mars
Snake: Venus
Horse: Mercury
Sheep: Moon
Monkey: Sun
Rooster: Mercury
Dog: Venus
Pig: Pluto
Other traits of the Horse Chinese astrology sign
Western Sign: Gemini
Famous Horses (these celebrities were born in a Year of the Horse): Emma Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Katie Holmes, Janet Jackson, Kevin Federline, Cindy Crawford, Clay Aiken, Paul McCartney, Adam Sandler, Denzel Washington, Cynthia Nixon, Clint Eastwood, Mark Twain, Salma Hayek, James Corden, Ian Somerhalder, Usher, Emma Watson, Kobe Bryant, John Legend, Iggy Azalea, Jennifer Lawrence, The Weeknd, Liam Hemsworth, Kristin Stewart, Rita Ora, John Travolta, Denzel Washington, Jerry Seinfeld, Howard Stern, Greta Thunberg, Jacob Sartorius, Margot Robbie
The 5 Elements of Chinese Astrology
The Chinese zodiac is divided into five key elements of nature, or Wu Xing: wood, water, metal, fire and earth. Each lunar year is governed by a different element.
Years Ending in are ruled by:
0-1: Metal
2-3: Water
4-5: Wood
6-7: Fire
8-9: Earth
Years of the Horse and their element
1930: Metal Horse
1942: Water Horse
1954: Wood Horse
1966: Fire Horse
1978: Earth Horse
1990: Metal Horse
2002: Water Horse
2014: Wood Horse
2026: Fire Horse
Not a Horse? Find your Chinese zodiac sign and element using the calculator below:
The Chinese zodiac sign that governs your birth year can tell you a lot about your personality, interests, romantic compatibility and career path. Learn more about your Chinese zodiac in the Chinese astrology section of Astrostyle.
Feature art by Rosie Dienhart
