What the Year of the Horse Means for Your Baby’s Personality

If you’re expecting a baby in 2026, saddle up, because you’re in for quite a ride with this year’s Chinese zodiac sign. You may be curious what your baby’s personality will be like once they arrive, and if your due date falls after Lunar New Year begins on Feb. 17, get ready to welcome a baby in the Year of the Horse! (If baby is born before then, they’re born in the Year of the Snake.)

In Chinese astrology, each year in the lunar calendar is represented by a different animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar. This cycle repeats itself every 12 years, so your zodiac sign is determined by the year you were born. Each of these signs is also associated with one of five elements—Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire or Earth—and 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse. 

“The last time we had the Fire Horse was in 1966,” explains Vicki Iskandar, Chinese metaphysics expert and author of The Chinese Five Elements Oracle. “Associated with light and the sun, the fire [element] represents hope, generosity and optimism. It’s also the element that rules the heart, so it will be easier to express our love and affection in this strong fire year,” which is perfect for anyone preparing to expand their family. 

Of course, every baby’s personality is shaped by a whole mix of things—but exploring the Chinese zodiac is a fun way to imagine who your little one might grow into. Read on for the personality traits often associated with babies born in the Year of the Horse.

H2: Joyful

When conjuring up happy memories, many people think about the summers of their childhood that were ruled by warm days to roam with friends. In Chinese astrology, this seemingly endless freedom is exactly what the Horse represents, meaning your 2026 baby will encapsulate this happiness with ease. “As a (yang) fire sign, the Horse represents the height of summer when the fire element is at its strongest, which is the element that lifts our spirit and brings joy,” Iskandar continues. 

“As a fire sign, like the sun, the Horse radiates light. Babies born in the Year of the Horse have very sunny, gregarious personalities that are naturally warm and joyful. It’s easy for them to find delight in the little things, and they also easily bring joy to others.” And Iskandar assures that, while they may be full of energy during the day, babies born in the Year of the Horse “will need proper rest at night to calm down from the fire’s high,” so they may love the stability of a sleep schedule.

H2: Fearless

While your baby will most likely spend a majority of their first few months in your arms once they arrive, you’ll want to keep a closer eye on them as they enter toddlerhood and beyond, because they’ll be braver than most when it comes to trying new things. “Babies born in the Year of the Horse are fearless,” Iskandar says. “They’re happy babies with big personalities whose presence can quickly light up a room.” When they’re young, this could mean they’ll want to constantly climb to the highest point of the playground, or be the furthest thing from shy when meeting new people, but as they get older, this could manifest itself in more creative ways. Think: being the star of the play in high school, or taking up an adventurous hobby in adulthood like skydiving or dirt biking. 

H2: Extroverted

Horses are highly social animals that prefer to travel in herds, so it should be no surprise that, as they develop, your child will feel the same. “Those born in the Year of the Horse are extroverted and enjoy being around others,” Iskandar reveals. “They’re natural charmers, so they’re communicative, passionate and good with people.” Whether this means they’ll shine as the leader on school projects, be an expert at talking their way out of trouble or go on to become a high-powered executive, their extrovertedness will serve them well. 

Just keep an eye out for potential tantrums due to burnout, something Laura Lau, Chinese astrology expert and author of The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, explains could be the result of constant energy. “People born in the Horse’s year are full of optimism and high energy, although their moods may cause them to have a hot temper.”

H2: Creative

Over the years, you might find that your child daydreams more often than not. But instead of assuming they’re not paying attention, it’s most likely their mind working through curious and imaginative ideas and solutions instead. This natural creativity will allow your little Horse to pursue a wide variety of passions that may follow more unconventional paths, but still with maximum success. “They’re natural performers who thrive in a career that allows them to share their light and puts them in the spotlight, such as entertainment, performing arts, communication, healing and hospitality,” Iskandar says. “Many celebrities were born in the Year of the Horse, including Adam Sandler, Aretha Franklin, Kobe Bryant, Jennifer Lawrence, Margot Robbie, Gordon Ramsay and more.” 

In addition to actors, athletes and chefs, potential career paths could also include news anchor, author, event planner, nurse or even therapist. As Lau explains, “Intuitive and talkative, they can engage even the shyest people to open up about their lives.”

H2: 2027 Babies and Beyond

If you’re hoping to welcome a baby with a due date in 2027, your baby’s sign will be the Sheep. Check out Lau’s breakdown of the dominant personality traits for the Sheep and the other Chinese zodiac signs below. Happy Lunar New Year!

Rat (Years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

The Rat is known for charm and creativity. Straightforward and very inquisitive, this child is a fierce competitor. Rats will be generous only to those they're especially close to.

Ox (Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

The Ox symbolizes good fortune through hard work and pure grit. Patient and diligent, the Ox enjoys their rituals and loves routine. While Oxen are good listeners, it’s difficult to change their minds.

Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

Rebellious, colorful and unpredictable, the Tiger commands attention. This fearless fighter is the sign of a defender. The Tiger is a bundle of energy and will need to get outside and run it out daily!

Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

The Rabbit child is known for learning the rules of the game early. They’ll learn how to get along with children and teachers easily. Observant and approachable, they’ll have a particular affinity for the arts.

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

The Dragon is well-known for its bold personality and strong reputation for leadership, but they also know how to build bridges with a diverse group of people, rather than overpower through sheer force. Fierce and competitive, the Dragon's energy is the stuff of legend.

Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)

Some Snakes may come off detached or lost in their own world, but this is how they operate. Highly intuitive, they like to figure things out on their own. They possess strong leadership skills and attention to detail. 

Sheep (Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)

Sheep are known for their big hearts and commitment to helping others. Often shy, they’re commonly drawn to the arts to express themselves. Kind and compassionate, they have an inner determination that seems at odds with their gentle personality. 

Monkey (Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)

The Monkey is the sign of the inventor who loves a good challenge. The Monkey can solve puzzles with ease and loves to create new things. A person born under this year is naturally ambitious and will be very self-motivated.

Rooster (Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)

Fast learners and self-motivated, these children will be their own toughest critics. Roosters are outstanding performers, and they shine when they’re the center of attention. Naturally charismatic, the Rooster will be a gifted storyteller.

Dog (Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)

Friendly and independent, children born in the year of the Dog find it easy to make friends. They have a deep sense of responsibility and fairness, making them a fiercely loyal sibling and friend. The Dog sign naturally knows how to connect people and how to work together across many personalities.

Boar (Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031)

The Boar sign symbolizes honesty, simplicity and courage. Boars are known for a life of extremes. Love, friendship, generosity, fashion—the Boar never does anything halfway. With such a big personality and passion for expression, the Boar never has a shortage of friends or invitations. This sign’s biggest challenge is saying “no.”