The Year of the Horse rides in!
Hey Tea Friends,
It’s the year of the Horse! The Fire Horse, specifically. From simple sightings in grassy pastures to some of our favorite tv shows, movies and games, horses have always been a beloved companion to humankind. Just like last year, I’m going to dig into a few of the ways this year’s star of the show has influenced culture in China over the years.
Grab the reins and read on!
The Horse Zodiac
I spent a little time giggling at this one, because I had forgotten how the horse was decided as the seventh Zodiac on the calendar. If you’ve read my previous blogs or know about the story of the “Great Race,” you’ll remember that twelve animals competed to determine the order of the calendar years.
The horse, which came in seventh, actually lost a bit of ground because he had a snake in his boot! Okay… hoof. The snake popped out right before the finish line, startling the horse just long enough for it to lose a placing in the race.
People born under the horse zodiac are said to be energetic, charismatic, and a little wild - independent spirits who don’t like to be fenced in.
Zhao Mengfu's "Grooms and Horses" - His roundness reminded me of Chonkyhorse
The "Heavenly Horses" of Fergana
While I was looking into horses in relation to China, I stumbled across the beautiful horse breed known as the Ferghana Horse. These heavily sought-after steeds were prized during the Han dynasty, and several military campaigns were launched in attempts to acquire them.
In fact, after an initial defeat while trying to obtain these horses from the Fergana Valley, Emperor Wu of Han returned with an even larger military force — determined to bring them back.
Ferghana horses were often referred to as “Heavenly Horses” at the time, as their appearance in the region was believed to be divine. They were valued for their endurance, speed, and strong builds. In an interesting twist, they were also known for “sweating blood,” which was actually caused by a parasite that infected the breed. This trait made them even more desirable to those who sought them.
If you’re a horse lover, I absolutely recommend reading more about them. They’re extinct now, but still fascinating to learn about.
Marco? Polo!
Fast-paced and high-energy, the game of polo has quite an extensive history. While it didn’t originate in China, it became incredibly popular during the Tang dynasty. Known as “jiju,” players would race across open fields on powerful steeds, aiming to send a ball into the opposing team’s goal using a curved stick.
Early depiction of riders playing polo in the Tang Court
The same horses prized for battle and hunting were often the best suited for polo matches — large, strong, and agile. They differed from many modern breeds, appearing stockier with comparatively thinner legs than today’s heavy draft horses.
This game wasn’t limited to nobles or the military. Common people enjoyed it too! Numerous paintings and artworks from the period beautifully capture just how beloved the sport was.
Bad Luck? Good Luck? Who Knows?
One of my new favorite horse-related stories is the classic parable often called “The Old Man of the Frontier Loses His Horse.” It’s a fascinating reflection on how good luck can bring bad luck — and bad luck can bring good luck.
In short: a righteous old man loses his horse when it suddenly runs away. His neighbors lament his misfortune. Months later, the horse returns — bringing several fine horses with it. What a blessing!
But then, while riding one of the new horses, the man’s son falls and breaks his leg. How terrible.
After that, when soldiers come to conscript young men for war, the injured son is spared because of his broken leg.
It can be hard to see the silver lining when bad things happen, but sometimes you just have to be patient. You never know what good may come from what first feels like bad.
Horse Idioms
I thought I’d share a few horse-related idioms I came across and really loved. I’ve included a rough interpretation of each below:
老马识途 lǎomǎ-shítú - An old horse knows the way
Those who have experience are valuable and can be great guides during difficult situations.
骑马找马 qí mǎ zhǎo mǎ- Looking for a horse while already riding one.
Don’t look for things you already have! Be content with what you have already.
厉兵秣马 lì bīng mò mǎ - Sharpen weapons and feed horses
Get ready, make preparations for what’s to come.
驷马难追 sì mǎ nán zhuī - Four horses can't catch
Not even four horses can catch words that have already been spoken. Be mindful of what you say.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little read about our equestrian friends! Remember to look for the good in the bad as we delve into the year ahead.
As always, happy steeping!
-Mickey