The Metal horse

2026: Year of the Fire Horse!

Officially the year of the Fire Horse doesn't start until February 17, this is the Chinese New Year and we'll move from the year of the Snake to the year of the Horse.And apparently we will be going from introspection to bold outward going energy! Sounds promising!

The Chinese Zodiac has 12 cycles, named after an animal. Every 12 years we have a year of the Horse, but there are other influences, such as the 5 Elements and Yin-Yang and together they make a 60 year cycle. I have always been fascinated by the 5 elements, using there in character typing for horses (but it fits humans as well)

The "5 elements" in relation to horses typically refer to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) system of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements are used to describe a horse's personality, energetic constitution, and potential health issues, and they are linked to specific meridians and organs. I have used these characteristics in my recent Partnership Challenge, in which we used the 5 Elements to understand more about our horse's personality.

5 Elements, horse personality typing

The five elements of a horse's personality are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Wood horses are dominant and fearless, Fire horses are expressive and emotional, Earth horses are reliable and calm, Metal horses are competent and responsible, and Water horses are timid and sensitive. Understanding a horse's dominant element can provide insight into its behaviour and needs, and help maintain its health and well-being.

Every horse actually possesses characteristics from all types so often you can see a mixture. Each horse has a basic personality type that can be affected by external factors. For example, training can have one effect on the type, while living conditions can have another. Seasons, aging, even gender plays a part. These influences can even temporarily alter the basic personality so much that it is no longer recognizable. The basic personality is usually best observed when the horse has the space and freedom to be itself which will also benefit its health.

To celebrate the year of the Fire Horse I will explain about each element each day. Today we will talk about the Metal Horse, do you have a Metal Horse? 

Personality description of the Metal Horse

The Metal Horse is a no-nonsense character. Most would type their Metal horse as an introvert. This horse does not like chaos or tension. You can recognise Metal Horses by their uninterested demeanour. They are never extreme in any way. What you ask, they will do well, but be sure to treat them fairly and sincerely. The motto for a Metal Horse is: "Just act normal, that's crazy enough." They prefer to avoid chaotic situations or major tension. They enjoy working and can learn quickly as long as the material isn't too difficult or overwhelming. When well-balanced, these animals have sound judgment. With a square, slender, and strong build, they radiate calm maturity.

Training the Metal Horse

When trained and treated fairly, he enjoys working and makes quick progress . If the trainer has realistic expectations for this horse, it will be eager to learn and work. They can reflect and even hide behind their metal armour so the rider needs to seek out what's hidden at times. Too many or too difficult exercises will cause emotional shutdown and therefore a halt in emotional development. The approach to this horse should be tailored to its qualities. These are, above all, horses that are love work. Routines should be trained in without too many extras and then used in a similar way.

Make use of the natural talents of these horses and don't try to turn them into showpieces. In their work, these horses are more result-oriented than technique-oriented. With too much pressure, Metal Horses will do their work mechanically without any emotional involvement. Give this horse the space to contribute on its own. Appealing to that independent side motivates the horse to stay connected with you. Withdrawing and showing disinterest are the biggest risks of over-demanding or applying too much pressure during training with Metal Horses. Keep engaging with them, without imposing yourself.

When Metal horses are not really metal horses.

Metal qualities can sometimes be a temporary state for horses of other base elements, bad treatment, pain and other discomfort can cause a horse to withdraw, shut off from its surroundings and put their shield up. Making them seem like Metal horses, but in reality there are very unhappy and/or unhealthy. It is important to check if really stoic horses are truly this way, or have an underlying issue. I have seen many withdrawn horses bloom and come back to their original selves when taken into a new environment, treated for lameness, dental issues or saddle problems.

Health awareness for the Metal Horse

The Metal Horse is prone to chokes. It prefers warming and spicy, sharper flavours that promote sweating, which is beneficial because it opens the pores. They can be prone to respiratory issues like coughs, asthma and allergies. In connection with the lung weakness associated with this horse, there is also an increased risk of skin problems such as dryness and itching.
His emotional stiffness can manifest as a stiff neck and spine.

Suitable discipline:

Suitable uses: western, endurance, trail riding