Wood  Tiger

4 Feb - 4 Mar

The competitors are on the showjumping field, or are they? Some seem to have wandered back to the stables, others appear directionless, almost wind-blown. The index is less than impressed and begins the year with a fall.

Wood  Rabbit

5 Mar - 4 Apr

The judges are now beside the course and bringing some order to proceedings. Competitors are lining up and the tournament can begin when the bell sounds. Anticipation and optimism slowly secure their seats in the stands. A modest increase.

Earth  Dragon

5 Apr - 4 May

The sun comes out, angles and shadows sharpen, the course becomes clearer, and horses are making the smaller jumps without dislodging the rails. Enthusiasm is carrying all before it and the tournament carries on. A good rise.

Fire  Snake

5 May - 4 Jun

The crowd is now focused on the arena as the better performers complete their first rounds well within the allotted time. Anticipation builds as higher fences are brought in and the second round begins. Another good climb for the index.

Fire  Horse

5 Jun - 6 Jul

The crowd is on its feet as the best showjumpers display their skills. No faults are made by the horses, no touches on the rails, no feet in the water and no refusing the jumps at any fence. This gives the index the greatest rise of the year.

Earth  Goat

7 Jul - 6 Aug

Without rhyme or reason, horses are distracted and are going the wrong way. Rails collapse of their own accord, then horses stumble. The Rooster’s fall wipes out half of the previous month’s gains.

Metal  Monkey

7 Aug - 6 Sep

The judges have taken back control of the course and rapidly patched up the detritus from the previous debacles. Soon participants are rounded up and the show is back on the road. Another fine rise.

Metal  Rooster

7 Sep - 7 Oct

The pace slows a little as some of the weaker horses stumble and tire, while some horses appear confused and recalcitrant. Mostly the show continues amid these small hiccups. A modest lift.

Earth  Dog

8 Oct - 6 Nov

We arrive at the horse latitudes, where there is no movement and the world seems frozen in time. Some competitors stand stupefied. No one can find the bell. Any movement in one direction is cancelled by the opposite. The index sleeps.

Water  Pig

7 Nov - 6 Dec

Rising from slumber, the judges goad the challengers on. Jumping is once again the main attraction and activity on the field is organised. Equestrian competitors come and go, the programme proceeds in a timely manner again. A solid rise.

Water  Rat

7 Dec - 4 Jan

And just like that, everything falls apart. Some horses wander off to seek fame and fortune elsewhere while their erstwhile trainers listen to the delusional ranting of prophets from the Land of Oats, and all is lost.

Earth  Ox

5 Jan - 3 Feb

Unknown forces rectify the scene; the tournament concludes with a rise in standards that nearly matches the recent fall. Horses return to common horse sense, trotting gracefully and jumping. The Hang Seng stands tall again!