What is the best name for a horse? Choosing a name for your horse always seems like an easy task when helping to name someone else’s horse, but when it comes to naming our own horses, it becomes somewhat more tedious.
Some people go for easy standard style names like George and Buster, and some people like others to make up a name for their horse. Then we also have horse names for male and female horses! Scroll down to discover over 190+ unique names for your horse!
What is in a registered name?
Reflection on your breeding program, brand etc. If you are a breeder and or stud, then it is highly likely you are a member of a specific breed association. Each association have their own specific policies and guidelines to adhere to, so it is important to know what you can and cannot do for each separate entity. With that being said, a lot of studs and or breeders also have prefixes.
What is a prefix and why does your horse have one?
A prefix is the initial part of a horse’s name and with any prefix, you have to be a member of a specific breed association or society and seek to register the prefix with them via application.
Why do breeders register a Prefix?
A Registered Prefix creates an individual identity for the Member and their horses, like a logo or a brand it is something that makes that breeder or stud stand out. It is a name that is a reflection of the reputation of that particular breeder or stud, allowing everyone else a way to recognise horses bred by that person or bred at that stud, for years to come.
• The performance of horses bred by the Stud and overall success of the Stud are easily recognised. • At sales, horses bred or appearing in pedigrees are easily identified as being from the Stud. • It is a way of promoting the Stud and all it has to offer, under one identity.
Typically, a breeder will often choose to utilise the prefix and then create a unique name utilising a combination of names created out of the last several generations in the horses’ pedigree. For example they might choose to use one name from the paternal (sires) side of the pedigree and use one name from the maternal (dams) side of the pedigree, combining those two names with the prefix, your choice is often endless. Most breed associations have a character limit when it comes time to registering a horse however, with the majority allowing for 25 letter including prefix and spaces, so it is important to familiarise yourself with the guidelines before falling in a love with and choosing a particular name.
Why do people go to the trouble of registering their horses?
There are numerous reasons, ranging from identification purposes to being able to compete. A horse that has a name registered and recorded with a breed registry or stud book, more commonly known as an association or society, have written and recorded evidence of its pedigree. Most associations that have breed registries also require specific DNA and gene testing these days as well, and all this information is recorded for each individual horse.
Depending on the breed of horse and which discipline it may be involved in, being registered with papers can also mean the difference between selling the said horse for $10,000 or $30,000, as an extreme example.
Events are another reason people like to purchase horses that are registered. Most associations have sanctioned events, where members of that particular body can compete and earn points which accumulate for end of year awards. Once again, depending on the association, these end of year awards can be considered a prestigious accolade for the individual horse, and can highlight a stud’s reputation, a trainer’s reputation and can make the horse a lot more valuable.
In the case of Stallions or colts, earning particular awards, events or titles can increase the demand for the stud in the way of other people wanting to breed their mares to that particular stud.
Should I re-name my new horse?
So, you have just purchased a new horse, and the horses’ current name doesn’t really fit with you, you look at the horse and think to yourself “that doesn’t suit him/her at all”. The questions arises, should you change the horses name or not? There is an old age superstition that says changing a horse’s name is known to be bad luck, others say that it is not bad but simply a change in luck instead.
Logistically speaking, changing a registered name is costly, can be somewhat time-consuming, and more often than not would upset the Stud or person that went to all the trouble of breeding that horse in the first place.
Studs often choose to register a prefix and attach that to the beginning of all their chosen horse names as a unique way to advertise to others that this particular horse was bred at this stud, more than likely by a specific stallion they own, all grouped under one identity that as we shared earlier, reflects on that studs brand and all the effort they place into their breeding program.
Changing a barn/paddock name however, should be no problem, depending of course, on your superstitious tendencies. So how do you choose a name for a foal just born or a horse you have just bought? And of course horse names for male & female horses will influence this also.
What is the best name for a horse?
Gender
Choosing a name for your horse – for males (Stallions, Colts or Geldings) and choosing a horse name for females (Mares or Fillies) can always be made into a simple task by just using their gender. Consider the physical appearance of your filly, what are her personal characteristics, color, size, and does she have any unique markings that makes her stand out?
Is she affectionate, following you around like a love-bug, or does she has any quirks or unusual markings? Taking the time to get to know your horse a little often allows for inspiration in the naming process.
All of these same principles can be taken into consideration when deciding on a paddock/barn name for your male horse, but keep in mind that if the horse is a colt and or stallion that has the potential to be in the public eye or become a household name, that this name will also become part of that horses overall brand and or reputation.
Your imagination is your only limit when it comes to naming your horse, there are limitless possibilities and ways you can create a name. We are going to put together some lists of different names for each of the following sections, just to give you an example and hopefully some inspiration, when it comes time to create the perfect name for your equine buddy.
Horse names using size, physical attributes and personal characteristics.
The name of any well known politician or public figure
Little ‘your friends name’
Sir Neighs Alot
David Hasselhoofs
As you can see, there are many thousands of options. Another trick is to come up with several different variations. You don’t need to rush and make a decision on the first name you think of, take the time to come up with different options and write them down as you think of them. At the same time you can be getting to know your horse and when you figure them out a little more, the perfect name is sure to pop up at the right time.
If you write a list of really good names and have difficulty choosing, you can always turn to your friends and family and ask them to vote on the name they like the most.
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference, there is no wrong or right name to give your trusty steed. Choose wisely, give them an honourable name to be remembered by and you cannot go wrong. Once you have chosen your new name, it’s always nice to track your progress with a horse training journal. of if you’d like some horse training tips, you can grab a copy of the ‘Listenology‘ book.
What is your horse’s name? Let me know in the comments!
Elaine Heney is the #1 best-selling author of the 'Listenology' book trilogy on Amazon and director of the award-winning 'Listening to the Horse™' documentary. She is CEO at Grey Pony Films & lives in Ireland with her horses Ozzie & Matilda. She has helped over 120,000 horse owners worldwide.
Elaine
