TTEAM AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

With slightly more bone than its Fire friend, the Metal Horse has an angular, strong body that is both compact and well defined. With a noble head, clean limbs, broad chest, strong shoulders and back Metal horses will often excel in a variety of disciplines. In Chinese Medicine the Metal Phase is represented by Mountains that arise from the ground and soar upwards to the heavens. The colour of this Phase is white and it is no wonder therefore that Metal horses are often associated with spirituality. The sight of a herd of wild grey (white) horses such as those from the Camargue, or the beautiful Lippizaners rarely leaves a soul untouched. The Metal Phase is also associated with breath and inspiration and even non-horse people, captivated by the vitality of these horses, can find them literally 'breath taking'. To picture a Metal horse, think of Pegasus. Strong, and noble, with wings that enable him to transcend earthly ties, this mythological horse represents the wisdom, spirituality, and freedom associated with the Metal Phase.

Metal people are often very artistic and Metal horses generally possess natural flair and talent. These traits, combined with the courage of the Metal Phase and a natural exuberance for life can make them ideal horses/ponies for experienced young riders who enjoy competitive riding. Although flexible in mind and body, Metal horses are often strong willed and determined. These traits combined with their intelligent, forward going, energetic nature may make them unsuitable for the more novice owner and a nervous rider or handler will quickly unsettle a Metal horse.

Sure-footed and athletic, these types make excellent show jumpers, endurance or mounted games horses/ponies. They may also excel at Dressage or Display Riding provided their natural flair is not inhibited by inappropriate training methods. Just as the balanced Metal horse rarely seems to tire, he/she hardly seems to age and can be just as fun a ride at eighteen as he/she was at eight. Care should be taken however to ensure that the Metal horse's body is capable of keeping up with his/her spirit as the Metal horse tends to brush physical problems aside with an 'I'm fine - lets go!' attitude. This tendency combined with a dislike of fuss and restriction can make them difficult patients if unwell. Unlike the Earth horse, the Metal horse will often prefer to be busy than to eat. They can also be incredibly sensitive to certain foods and may have a tendency to lose weight easily. Endless days at grass or in a stable will bore them and, like the Fire horse, they are not best suited to early retirement. If work has to be reduced, TTEAM ground exercises, body work and work in hand can provide the stimulation the Metal horse requires to prevent him/her from sinking into the depression associated with Metal disharmony.

Metal horses are natural leaders. They prefer not to be molly coddled and although they enjoy comfort, can become impatient and annoyed with too much pampering. Whilst they enjoy the company of others and mix well with a variety of people and animals, Metal horses are not as reliant on close, intimate bonds for their emotional well being as some of the other types. They can in fact be very independent horses and often enjoy time to themselves alone grazing away from the rest of their companions. This trait means that the balanced Metal horse generally enjoys positive change and thrives on a busy schedule filled with variety and fun. If this is not provided for the Metal horse, he/she may well take responsibility for his/her own entertainment and go in search of a more interesting field or company! Routine is important to the Metal horse but rigid rules will inhibit the spirit of the Metal horse making him/her become irritable and withdrawn. When rigidity enters Metal's life passion is lost and Metal 'humiliates' Fire giving rise to melancholy and an inflexible mind and body. Metal becomes 'rusty' resulting in arthritis and other stiffening conditions and the natural flowing movement of the horse may become mechanical.

A balanced Metal horse will happily try his/her hoof at anything provided the request is fair - this sense of fairness is an extremely important issue for Metal types as they have an inherent sense of justice not just for themselves but for everything around them.

The meridians associated with the Metal Phase are the Lung and Large Intestine. Unbalanced Metal can give rise to respiratory conditions such as C.O.P.D. (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). White nasal discharges and impaired breathing are symptoms of disharmony in the Metal Phase.

Autumn is the season associated with the Metal Phase and the Fall is when Metal types are at their best. (Metal people often prefer to Autumn clean as opposed to Spring clean in preparation for the winter days ahead). Crisp early mornings and Autumn winds are exciting to the Metal horse adding to the natural exuberance they have for life. If Metal is unbalanced however, depression can ensue as the Summer days draw to a close and the restricted turnout and reduced exercise that occurs due to changes in the season can have a detrimental affect on the horse. They may become nervous, noise sensitive and overly spooked by the wind and may even panic when turned out at pasture as Metal disharmony can give rise to extreme fears and phobias.

Grief is one of the emotions that have an affinity with the Metal Phase. When in balance, Metal types will see and accept death or loss of any kind for what it is - the opportunity for a new beginning or experience as opposed to the end. If out of balance, however, they can hold onto past injustices and loss and become grumpy, stand offish and aloof. They may adopt a stiff upper lip attitude and appear reserved as they protect themselves from the possibility of further sadness.

Metal Element Associations

An imbalance in Metal energy can result in a wide range of emotional, mental and physical disturbances, which may be as a result of, or equally result in, disharmony in the two organ systems associated with the Metal Phase - the Lung and the Large Intestine. Both meridians run down through the fore limbs and horses with Metal imbalance may be sensitive to contact on the lower leg and hoof, and hold tension through the neck, shoulders and chest. As Metal expands into body air and is also associated with the skin, the condition of the horse's coat and skin can be affected by disharmony in the Metal Phase. It is common for asthma sufferers to also suffer from eczema.

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