The Five Elements


We now enter The Year of the Horse.
To be specific the year of the Water Horse.
The following are the qualities attributed to the Five Elements which are central to Chinese medicine.

What element's qualities govern your horse?

 

THE FIRE HORSE

A horse with a Balanced "Fire" constitution will exhibit a joyful vibrant personality. He is charismatic, playful and overall friendly. The Fire horse is fun and easy to train. His intelligence and eagerness to learn make him a quick study in any discipline. His warm gentle nature endears him to both people and other animals. He wins friends effortlessly.

THE EARTH HORSE

A horse with a balanced "Earth" constitution is loyal friendly and stable to ride. The Earth horse exhibits physical characteristics such a dense, thick muscles, a broad-based, strong body and a deep girth area. This horse may not be quick to learn or fast of foot but he shows great endurance and is consistent, stead and tolerant. Earth horses are generally excellent horses for first time riders. They exhibit a calm grounded nature. Maintaining routine is important for earth horses.

METAL HORSE

A horse with a balanced "Metal" constitution is a quick learner with an even tempered nature. There is a sense of fairness he demands in his training, he will put forward tremendous effort when treated fairly. His body type is angular, lean and strong. This horse will show a quiet maturity, a confident nature that may seem somewhat detached and serious. This horse likes a sense of orderliness and shows predictability.

WATER HORSE

A horse with a balanced "water" constitution will exhibit the physical qualities of a strong, dense and large boned body type. Balanced water horses will have beautifully shiny and healthy coats, manes and tails. The water horse is solitary by nature and very observant. This horse likes to evaluate situations. He may display nervousness under pressure. In the wild this horsewould be a survivor due to his self sufficient and resilient qualities.

WOOD HORSE

A horse with a balanced "wood" constitution will often appear as an energetic and free moving horse. There will be a quality of determination likened to this animal. He can push beyond apparent limits and is seen as independent. This horse is often impatient with rest and has a very competitive nature. He can be an excellent horse for the advanced rider.


The above is taken from "Equine Acupressure, A Working Manual"
by Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow