Even if you don't follow the Chinese horoscope, but you do occasionally go online, you've probably heard that 2026 is the Year of the Horse. TikTok is actively talking about the so-called “horse energy” (and it's different from horse girl energy, by the way), and acupuncturists and herbalists are increasingly mentioning the large-scale changes that await us. Since the beginning of January, the Year of the Horse has confidently come to the fore.
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What does the Year of the Horse mean?
“In Eastern culture, the horse symbolizes action, freedom, speed and breakthrough,” explains Susan Gu, a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncturist at the London-based HVN center. “This is a stage in life when a person boldly moves forward, not afraid of obstacles, and relies on movement, not stagnation.”
Simply put, this is the year:
- rapid changes;
- new opportunities;
- personal growth;
- and the accelerated pace of life.
Why the Fire Horse?
Each year of the Chinese zodiac is associated with an element. The Year of the Fire Horse begins on February 17, 2026, and will last until February 20, 2027. In this combination, “fire” is the element and “horse” is the zodiac sign. “Fire symbolizes intensity, urgency and passion – it can be inspiring, but also exhausting,” says Ada Ooi, integrative Chinese medicine practitioner and founder of 001 London.
“This combination sets a faster pace of life and a stronger desire for achievement, so it is especially important to listen to the body's signals and protect your own energy resources.” This is the first Year of the Fire Horse in the last 60 years – a full cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The period can feel restless and very dynamic, with the potential for conflict. For comparison: the current zodiac year is the Year of the Wood Snake (January 29, 2025 – February 16, 2026). It symbolizes the rejection of old scripts and habits, a rethinking of what really works, and respect for intuition. With the arrival of the Fire Horse, this inner clarity needs external embodiment – through decisive and consistent action.
How to strengthen your well-being in the Year of the Horse
Take action
This is not the time for endless planning. It's time to turn intentions into real action. If you've been wanting to start meditating, running, doing Pilates, or adding a morning tai chi practice, now is the time to do it. “This year is auspicious for those who start first and adjust course as they go,” says Susan Gu.
Find your rhythm
“Horse energy stimulates movement, circulation, motivation, and clarity of thought—all of which have a positive impact on health,” explains Ada Ooi.
However, the key word here is consistency, not excessive speed and subsequent exhaustion. “The Year of the Horse is not about running the fastest, but about running the longest,” adds Gu. “The Horse is not afraid of slowness, it is afraid of stopping.”
Don't forget about recovery
The fast pace of the Year of the Horse can lead to burnout if you don't take into account the need for rest. “It's important to combine movement with recovery,” Ooi emphasizes. Regular grounding practices (walking, stretching, breathing exercises, a stable sleep schedule) help direct the Horse's energy so that it works for long-term well-being, not exhaustion.
In the Year of the Horse, consistent habits are more effective than short bursts of intensity.
What to do more of in the Year of the Horse
- Move regularly and add physical activity that you can realistically maintain in the long term.
- Apply practices to calm the nervous system: breathing, meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature.
- Draw clear boundaries between activity and rest and remember that recovery is a necessity, not a luxury.
What to do less of in the Year of the Horse
- Over-planning and sticking to a tight schedule with no room for spontaneity.
- Ignore fatigue and signs of exhaustion.
- Confusing busyness with real productivity.
Based on material from: Vogue.com