The Year of the Horse

By Caroline Albert

Edited by Taylor Morgan

MARGAUX / @margaux5sorenson on Pinterest

The year of the Fire Horse will be upon us on February 17th for this Chinese New Year. 2026 is expected to be bold and uplifting for all, with an overarching theme of action. This is a vast difference from 2025's year of the Wood Snake, in which a theme of growth dictated the year. Therefore, 2026 is expected to be the payoff from all the hardships of 2025.

Overall, 2026 will be full of fresh opportunities, rapid change and a faster-paced life. However, the year can be different depending on your Chinese zodiac. 

Your Chinese zodiac sign is determined by your birth year, which is associated with an animal. The different animals include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These 12 animals follow a 12-year cycle, and they all represent different groups of personalities.

Then, the animal of the year is paired with one of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water, which greatly influences the year as well. 

Therefore, the year of the Fire Horse will be full of forward motion, fueled by the fire to reach a desired reality. Collectively, the year will be full of maximum effort and high stakes to achieve success. 

There will be a trend of encouraging people to share their beliefs and thoughts, as well as the importance of networking. It will be crucial to release negative energy, people and environments from our lives while certain relationships either blossom or wither.  

However, depending on your zodiac sign, this year may slightly differ in comparison to your neighbor. For example, the monkey will be taking a break and traveling, while the ox will be working towards big achievements.

In the end, 2026 is expected to bring great things. To figure out more about your specific zodiac reading, click here.