To mark Chinese New Year, I thought I’d write something on why everyone seems to have been been getting so excited about The Year of The Fire Horse.  And why that might be.

‘Fire Horse’ is such a brilliant name. No wonder everyone’s excited.

It sounds dramatic. Powerful. A little bit dangerous. It would make an excellent brand name. Far more exciting than something like ‘Wood Snake’ or ‘Water Rabbit.’

I suspect part of the collective excitement this year is simply the poetry of the words. Fire and Horse. Together they conjure rising heat and galloping energy. But what if we look at them separately?

Fire isn’t only a wildfire, out of control and all-consuming.

• It’s also a flickering candle bringing light to the table
• A glowing ember that keeps a home warm
• The steady flame that allows something to cook, transform and nourish

Healthy fire, in the body and in life, lives in the heart. It’s warmth. Connection. Enthusiasm.

A joyful brightness of spirit.

It’s the light behind your eyes.

It’s only when fire burns too hot and too long, that it can get out of control – or burn out. And those of us who have burned out know how that feels.

So perhaps the invitation this year isn’t to turn up the heat. Perhaps it’s more about tending the flame.

Ask yourself:

• Am I nourishing or exhausting myself?
• Is this steady energy or frantic urgency?
• Am I fuelling something sustainable?

Fire isn’t the problem. Untended fire is.

Now let’s look at the horse and here I’m happy to admit something. I am slightly scared of them 😬

Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say I have a deep and somewhat wary respect for horses. They are magnificent. Intelligent. Wise. But it’s the way they look at you sideways – a horsey side eye – that makes me nervous.

As though they can see deep into your soul and want to test what you’re made of. Perhaps by taking you for a wild ride.

I know what that’s like, because I’ve had to cling onto a bolting horse more than once – in the saddle and in life – and that’s exactly why I’m not about to let this year run away with me.

Despite the odd apocalyptic prediction for 2026 Year of the Fire Horse, horses don’t gallop constantly. They move when they need to. They rest. They graze. They shake to discharge tension and reset their nervous systems.

Like we do in class when we practice a bit of ‘Wild Horse Shaking’.

They are not all Wild Mustangs.

Some are gentle.
Some are steady.
Some are cautious.
And some frankly are a bit mad.

Temperament matters.

So when I hear ‘Fire Horse,’ I don’t immediately think chaos.

I think powerful energy that requires respect.

I think don’t push too hard. Because if you try to dominate a horse, or fail to sense the signals, things won’t go well.

And if you burn too bright, you burn out.

So even if the rest of the world gallops ahead this year, you don’t have to. It isn’t a race. Instead, you could:

• Move forward without urgency
• Keep momentum without frenzy
• Rest without guilt
• Stay warm-hearted without becoming overheated

There is enormous strength in grounded grace. In being the one who doesn’t lose their head when all about you are losing theirs.

There are a few quiet voices – like my brilliant mentor Mimi Kuo Deemer – offering that perspective this year and, as always, I find myself nodding happily in agreement.

We’re not dismissing the energy, nor denying the power of it – but choosing to meet it with steadiness.

I’m genuinely optimistic and not because I expect a smooth ride.

But because I also think this year feels like one that rewards wisdom and maturity – and those who share it !  Great for us ‘Women of a certain age’ who lived a bit!  👵🏻

It’s also about self-regulation. Tending our own inner flame. Moving with power, not panic.

The horse may be strong. The fire may be bright. Our task is simply to 🐎 stay centred in the saddle 🐎 and cling on tight if needs be!

And remember, the forward momentum of the Fire Horse doesn’t mean we need to charge ahead. Forward doesn’t have to be fast – it can be steady, observant, well-rested, and quietly alive. Just like Qigong ✨

Kung Hei Fat Choi / Gong Xi Fa Cai / Wishing you happiness and prosperity