The Fire Horse is likely to be athletic and graceful with a delicate, well defined body. He/she will be less prone to excessive weight gain than his/her Earth counterpart and may even have a tendency to lose weight through the colder, wetter months. When in balance, the Fire horse will exhibit a joyful, loving disposition. He/she will be bright in every aspect. Quick to learn and with a vibrant personality, this type of horse forms deep lasting bonds with both horses and humans alike. The Fire horse is a joy to own and will bring a smile to the face of everyone who encounters him/her.

Fire horses have self-confidence and pride. They are striking to look at and because of their vibrant personality have great presence. They may do well in the dressage, jumping or showing arena provided stress is kept to a minimum, as Fire horses generally perform well in front of a crowd. Sensitive to thought and intention the Fire horse is easily trained but can be influenced by any negative feelings of those around him/her.

It is the sensitive, loving nature of the Fire horse that endears them to so many but which equally makes them more prone to the effects of stress. They respond best to a gentle, confident training approach where their naturally exuberant, playful and sensitive personality is appreciated and understood. Rejection, or fear of rejection, of any kind may make them depressed or aggressive. Care should be taken to ensure that the Fire horse is given the opportunity to fully develop both mentally and emotionally, as there may be a tendency to rush aspects of the training due to their quick thinking, intelligent nature.

Whilst Fire horses generally maintain an air of quiet confidence, close relationships with both humans and horses are important to them. They feel the loss of companions and friends intensely. Fire horses that are kept alone and handled infrequently can become depressed and lose their zest for life. They thrive on being part of the social scene and generally bond well with all the other horses around them.

The Heart and Pericardium - If challenged aggressively or treated roughly the Heart and Pericardium meridians may be affected and the horse may respond in a variety of ways. He/she may give up - literally 'losing heart' - and shut down, or react in accordance with their royal status and order an execution!!!!! (Note that it is the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland that shouts 'Off with his head' at any given opportunity!) Rest assured the Fire horse generally lets you know the MINUTE his/her teeth need floating, the saddle needs adjusting, the schedule needs changing or the grooming has become uncomfortable. If the discomfort is noted early, harmony can be restored before the Fire horse needs to express him/herself in a more volatile way.

If Fire is in balance he/she will be in his/her element through the summer months as the Fire horse relishes the warmth of the sun. If there is an excess of Fire however, this type of horse may be adversely affected by the heat. Evening exercise may therefore be more appropriate in high temperatures. Where deficiency occurs, the Fire horse may become depressed and performance may be affected through the colder winter months.

Extremely hot climates however, can have a detrimental effect on the Fire horse as they are more susceptible to the effects of excess Heat, which represents one of the Five Pernicious Influences that the Chinese believe directly affect vitality and health. Heat enters the body externally through the Wind Points on the neck and shoulders giving rise to eczema, heat rashes, headaches, a dry mouth and swollen glands. Horses that have been invaded by Heat may appear to have a 'summer cold'.

Fire Element Associations

An imbalance in Fire energy can result in a wide range of symptoms that affect the horse mentally, physically and emotionally. These disturbances may be as a result of, or equally result in disharmony in one or more of the four organ systems associated with the Fire Phase - the Heart, the Pericardium, the Small Intestine and the Triple Warmer (Triple Burner). These meridians all run down through the fore legs and horses with an affinity with Fire or those with disharmony in the Fire Phase may therefore express themselves by pawing, stamping or striking the ground. In the extreme they may rear and lash out with their front limbs. With its association with both the throat and tongue, licking gulping and biting issues etc can be linked to disharmony in the Fire Phase.

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