XING YI 12 ANIMAL FORMS

HORSE FORM: MA XING

Sun Lu Tang calls the horse the "most righteous" of animals (p. 174), for it is loyal, and that the consciousness of the "horse form" are "from the heart" (p. 174).  

Then in this chapter, Sun Lu Tang discusses the importance of honesty and sincerity. He states the following: 

             "The old masters said that an honest consciousness produces proper mind. Proper mind leads to perfect assurance. This makes the strength in the boxing faultless and exact. Students should pay attention to this reasoning."

A pretty interesting lesson to take away. This truth is applicable to all endeavors. Basically, don't lie to yourself or others; be who you are, and then you won't hesitate to act appropriately.

Now, in the boxing...

The horse form begins in the trinity, or santi shi stance, as do most if not all Xing Yi Quan forms.

The horse motion steps with the right foot forward in a right angle forward. Meanwhile it draws both wrists inward with the palm of the fists facing up, and the right arm hand stretches under the left.. As soon as the right foot steps forward, the left follows slightly. Then, the wrists turn outward until the palms of the fists face down. The right hand goes out with the right foot and the left hand poises itself back towards the heart. 

Essentially, it seems like a supported hammer/punch strike forward, almost like a battering ram. 

Below are some examples of the horse form being performed. There are varieties, as you will see.