Metal Horse (庚午): personality and meaning in the Chinese zodiac
The Metal Horse, 庚午, gives the Horse endurance and a strong will to go its own way. The tradition reads it as determined, ambitious and outspoken.
Heavenly stem and earthly branch: 庚午
Years: 1930, 1990
Character
庚午 sets 庚, yang metal, the axe, over the Horse's fire. Fire melts metal, so the tradition reads this as a pair in which the branch tempers its stem: steel in a summer forge, a strong will shaped by intense energy.
The tradition reads those born in a Metal Horse year as bold, resilient and independent, with high goals and the stamina to pursue them. They are frank, decisive and do not like to be told what to do. The tradition's shadow for the Metal Horse is stubbornness and a combative streak — a forge that runs too hot — and an impatience with anyone slower.
In love and at work
In love the Metal Horse is read as passionate and loyal but independent, needing a partner who respects its autonomy. At work it excels in enterprise, sport, the military, engineering and leadership. The tradition suggests the Metal Horse soften its pace for the people who travel with it.
A question to take with you
Who is riding beside you — and how might you keep pace with them for a stretch?
Updated October 28, 2026