According to the Chinese horoscope, those born in the Year of the Horse are characterised as popular, charming and active, as well as energetic and independent. In the Year of the Fire Horse, however, whose 60-year cycle returns in 2026, those traits can be amplified to become temperamental and troublesome.

Women born in Fire Horse years are said to be so strong-willed that they shorten the lives of their husbands. As a result, birth rates have historically plummeted during Fire Horse years across Asia.

In film, however, the horse has come to symbolise strength, gracefulness, agility and affluence, and the lasting bond between man and beast has been at the heart of numerous memorable films.

Here are five examples of when master and rider have come together to create great drama on the big screen.

Read my full South China Morning Post feature here