Chinese New Year on the Net - Chinese Zodiac: Year of the Horse

Chinese Zodiac:
Sign of the Horse

The Chinese calendar is divided not by numerical years, as is in the Western concept of time, but in a 12-year cycle of animal signs, which continually repeat themselves. According to Chinese legend, these twelve signs are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram (Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar (Pig).

In Chinese folklore, traits and characteristics similar to the Zodiac horoscope have developed around each of these annual animal signs -- some of which are more desirable than others. Here is a look at the qualities of each of them.

Next Year of the Horse: Jan 31, 2014

Sign of the Horse

Like a wild stallion, people born in the Year of the Horse are excited and excitable, filled with animation and energy. He is known for entertaining everyone with his outgoing humor and life-of-the-party personality. Horses are quick-witted and intelligent, a skill which they apply to their many business dealings. Due to their overwhelming ambition, however, horses are often chasing after a million different projects -- yet never completing one. There are loyal good friends, but they can also become self-centered if they don't get their way.