The Tamesis
Whether you follow the Chinese zodiac or not, if you’re online in any way, you probably know that 2026 is the Year of the Horse. From a TikTok video that promotes universal acceptance of “horse energy” (as distinct from horses) girl energy, mind you), acupuncturists and herbalists point to the big changes coming, with the Year of the Horse taking center stage this January.
What does the Year of the Horse mean?
“In Eastern cultures, horses represent movement, freedom, speed and breakthroughs,” explains Susan Gu, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist at HVN in London. “It reflects a stage in life that is fearless of obstacles and moves forward boldly, emphasizing movement rather than stagnation.”
Simply put, think: rapid change, new opportunities, personal growth, and a faster pace of life.
What happened to the fire horse?
Each Chinese zodiac year has a corresponding cyclical element. On February 17, 2026, we will enter the Year of Fire and Horse, which will end on February 20, 2027 – “Fire” is the five elements, and “Horse” is the zodiac sign.
As for its meaning, think energy and vitality. “Fire brings intensity, urgency and passion that can feel motivating but also demanding,” says Ada Ooi, an integrative Chinese medicine clinician and founder of 001 London. “This combination often results in a faster pace of life and a greater drive to achieve goals, so it is especially important to adapt to the body’s limits and energy reserves.”
The first Fire Horse in 60 years (the length of a zodiac cycle) may feel like an uneasy, energetic time – with the potential for conflict. The current zodiac year (from January 29, 2025 to February 16, 2026) is the year of the Wood Snake, which represents shedding old stories and habits, realigning with what works for you, and honoring your inner wisdom. As the Year of the Fire Horse approaches, this clarity calls for decisive, concerted action from an external home.
How to enhance your well-being in the Year of the Horse
take action
Now is not the time for detailed planning. Instead, make your resolutions a reality. Want to start meditating, running, practicing Pilates, or fitting a morning Tai Chi session into your day? Go ahead and do it. “This year is good for those who are ahead of the curve and adjust as they go,” Gu said.
find your rhythm
“Horse energy promotes movement, circulation, motivation and mental clarity, all of which are beneficial to overall health,” Ooi says. That is, this constant movement is about maintaining consistency, not full steam ahead with long recovery times. “The Year of the Horse is not about running the fastest, but running the longest,” Gu explained. “Horses are not afraid of being slow, they are just afraid of being still.”
recovery factors
The Year of the Horse is rapidly changing, and if not handled properly, it can lead to burnout. When I asked her how she balances the two, Huang responded, “The key is to meet the demands of exercise while prioritizing recovery.” “Regular foundational exercises like walking, stretching, breathing, and maintaining consistent sleep habits all help channelize the horse’s energy, leading to longevity rather than exhaustion.” In the Year of the Horse, sustainable habits are better than short-term high-intensity work.
Things worth doing in the Year of the Horse
- You can maintain regular movement and exercise over time
- Practice nervous system regulation through breathing, meditation, journaling, or spending time outdoors.
- Set clear boundaries for when and how you can take breaks, remembering that they are necessary, not optional.
Things that young horses do
- Overscheduling. Leave room for action and spontaneity.
- Ignore signs of fatigue and exhaustion.
- Confusing busyness with productivity.
