The Story of the Horse: The Swift Seventh-Place Runner
The Free-Spirited Racer
The Horse was one of the most enthusiastic competitors in the Jade Emperor’s Great Race. With its powerful legs, flowing mane, and love of running, the Horse was born for racing. As soon as the race was announced, the Horse was already dreaming of the finish line.
When the race began, the Horse charged forward with unbridled energy and joy. Running was not just a means to win โ it was the Horse’s greatest pleasure. The wind in its mane, the earth beneath its hooves, the pure exhilaration of speed โ the Horse loved every moment.
A Powerful Performance
The Horse’s speed was remarkable. It galloped past many competitors, its powerful strides covering enormous distances. Through meadows and forests, over hills and along valleys, the Horse ran with tireless energy.
At the river, the Horse’s long legs allowed it to wade through the shallower parts with relative ease. The Horse emerged from the water and galloped toward the finish line, certain it would place well among the top finishers.
The Snake’s Surprise
What the Horse did not know was that the Snake had been secretly riding on its hoof throughout the entire race. As the Horse neared the finish line, the Snake suddenly appeared, slithering out from beneath the Horse’s hoof.
The Horse was terrified. Rearing back on its hind legs with a loud whinny, the Horse lost precious seconds. The Snake calmly crossed the finish line in sixth place, while the startled Horse recovered and crossed in seventh.
The Horse’s Character Revealed
| Trait | How It Appears in the Story |
|---|---|
| Energy | The Horse ran with tremendous vitality and enthusiasm |
| Freedom | The Horse ran for the joy of running, not just to win |
| Openness | The Horse was too focused on the big picture to notice the hidden Snake |
| Emotion | The Horse reacted strongly and expressively to the Snake’s surprise |
| Resilience | Despite the scare, the Horse quickly recovered and finished the race |
The Horse in Chinese Culture
The Horse is one of the most celebrated animals in Chinese culture. The Chinese idiom “้ฉฌๅฐๆๅ” (mว dร o chรฉng gลng) โ meaning “success upon the arrival of the horse” โ reflects the Horse’s association with victory, speed, and achievement.
Throughout Chinese history, horses have been symbols of military power, nobility, and freedom. The famous terracotta warriors of the Qin Dynasty include magnificent horse sculptures, and horse paintings are among the most prized works in Chinese art. The legendary painter Xu Beihong is especially famous for his galloping horse paintings.
Horse Years
People born in Horse years (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038) are believed to be energetic, free-spirited, and socially magnetic. They love adventure, dislike being confined, and bring warmth and excitement wherever they go.