How to Name a Horse

A name says a lot about who someone is, and the same is true for your horse. Coming up with a name for your horse can be tough, especially if you’re trying to register them by their breed. Thankfully, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to find the perfect name for your horse. Remember, you know your horse best, so give them a name that fits them well!


Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Creating a Registered Name

  1. Image titled Name a Horse Step 1
    1
    Register your horse to keep its heritage intact. While registering your horse with its breed isn’t a necessity, it can help you keep track of your horse’s breed and lineage. If you would like to register your horse, you can do so by filling out an online form and submitting your horse’s information.[1]
    • Registering your horse also helps prove what breed they are, especially if they’re purebred.
    • Usually, you’ll register your horse when they’re a foal to sign them up for racing or shows.
    • You can also register your horse with The Jockey Club if they’re going to be racing.
  2. Image titled Name a Horse Step 2
    2
    Find your breed association. Once you know what breed your horse is, you can do an online search to find out where you’ll be registering them. You can check out their website or give them a call if you have any questions.[2]
    • Common breed associations include the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), and the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA).
    • There are also breed-specific associations, which require a physical exam in order to register.
    • Every breed association has its own rules for naming, so take a look at those before you sign up.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Name a Horse Step 3
    3
    Consider the horse’s breed and pedigree. Oftentimes, you can use your horse’s breed to come up with a name for them. You can use the mother’s side, the father’s side, or a combination of both to come up with a unique name that’s special to you.[3]
    • For example, if you have a Buckskin horse, try naming them Beach Boy or Bear after their caramel-colored coat.
    • Or, if you have a Palomino horse, try naming them Daisy or Penny after their golden coat.
    • Some breed registries have rules and regulations for naming horses. For example, if you have a Dutch Warmblood horse, their registered name must start with the letter assigned for this year.
  4. Image titled Name a Horse Step 4
    4
    Come up with an original name. If you don’t particularly care about deriving a name from your foal’s parentage, consider coming up with your own name. Some factors you should consider when naming your horse include appearance, personality, and what you are hoping your horse will do.[4]
    • Appearance: Does your horse have a unique marking, or a beautiful color worth naming him after? For a horse with a white streak down his forehead (known as a blaze) you might consider naming him Wild Fire or When Lightning Strikes.
    • Personality: Is your horse affectionate, wild, or just a tad mean? A nice horse could be named Honey, a wild one named Midnight Madness, and a mean one named GrumpsMcGee.
    • Occupation: Is your horse going to race? Get featured in parades? Give kids rides? Think about what your horse will do. If you are racing your horse, give her an attention grabbing name like Dream Supreme.
  5. Image titled Name a Horse Step 5
    5
    Fill out the registration application. If you are a stallion owner, you will be receiving a registration application in the mail when you breed your stallion. If you don’t have one of these applications, you can find the downloadable version online. The information you will need to know to fill out this form includes:[5]
    • Date foaled
    • Breeding method
    • Embryo transfer date & number
    • Dam's name and/or registration number
    • Current breeding reports
    • Foal description including 5 photos
    • Six foal name choices
    • Other foal information
    • Tax ID or social security number
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Finding a Barn Name

  1. Image titled Name a Horse Step 6
    1
    Give your horse a barn name as an informal nickname. Contrary to a registered name, a barn name is something you can call your horse on a daily basis. There are no rules for a barn name, so you can call your horse anything you want![6]
    • It can always be similar to your horse’s registered name, but it doesn’t have to be the exact same.
  2. Image titled Name a Horse Step 7
    2
    Abbreviate your horse’s registered name. This is an easy way to find a fun, cute name for your horse that isn’t super formal. Try a few different ways of shortening your foal’s registered name in a way that’s easy to say.[7]
    • For example, 'ABC A Hot Summer Night' might be shortened to Night or Summer.
    • Or, if your horse’s registered name is Maple Lane Thomy Ellie, you might call them Maple or Maple Lane.
  3. Image titled Name a Horse Step 8
    3
    Pick a name based on your horse’s personality. As you get to know your horse, you might come up with a few cute names to use based on what they like. Are they a bucking bronco? Do they love carrots? Is galloping their favorite activity?[8]
    • Don't feel limited to typical human names; horses often receive rather unique nicknames such as 007, Chubby, and BB.
    • If your horse loves fruit, call them Apple or Pear.
    • If your horse is a high jumper, call them Swift or Jumper.
    • If your horse loves to cuddle, call them Snuggles or Teddy Bear.
  4. Image titled Name a Horse Step 9
    4
    Draw inspiration from movies, books, or TV shows. Perhaps you have a favorite movie horse that you’ve always loved (like the Horse of a Different Color in the Wizard of Oz). Run some searches on famous show horses, or horses that have played a part in history.[9]
    • For instance, the horse Paul Revere rode on his midnight ride was named Brown Beauty. Sampson was the name of the tallest horse ever recorded, and Beau was John Wayne’s horse in the movie.
    • Flicky, Stormy, Smoky, Pie, or Trigger are all great names from horses in the media.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using a Name Generator

  1. Image titled Name a Horse Step 10
    1
    Check and see if your registered name is available with a search tool. If you’re trying to decide on a registered name for your horse, it can be tough to figure out what’s available and what’s not. You can use an online tool to check out your proposed name and if it’s been registered already or not. Make sure you use exact spelling, and don’t be afraid to change it up if it’s already taken.[10]
  2. Image titled Name a Horse Step 11
    2
    Get ideas with a horse name generator. There are tons of horse name generator tools online that you can use. Input your horse’s gender, what color they are, what they like, and any other specifics the website asks for. Then, look at recommendations to see which names would be the best for your horse. Popular horse names include:[11]
    • Applejack
    • Augustus
    • Buzz
    • Flash
    • Freckles
    • Magic
    • Wildfire
    • Xavier
  3. Image titled Name a Horse Step 12
    3
    Visit a baby names website. Even though they're meant for humans, you might find an interesting name for your horse there! Baby name books are another option. Most importantly, use your imagination. Don't disregard silly ideas; after all, it's your horse. Popular baby names include:[12]
    • Abby
    • Oliver
    • Caleb
    • Charlotte
    • Violet
    • Nora
    • Liam
    4. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Naming a Thoroughbred Racehorse

  1. Image titled Name a Horse Step 13
    1
    Register a thoroughbred racehorse through The Jockey Club. The Jockey Club is an international association that handles all thoroughbred racehorse naming. It’s up to the Jockey Club to decide whether or not your horse’s name is okay, so you’ll have to follow their rules and guidelines.[13]
    • If you ever have questions about the registration process, call (800) 444-8521 for assistance.
  2. Image titled Name a Horse Step 14
    2
    Pick a name that’s under 18 characters. When you’re choosing your name, keep in mind that it can’t exceed 18 characters (including spaces and punctuation marks). For example, ThereAndBackAgain! is an acceptable name because it has 18 characters, but There And Back Again! is not because it has 21 characters (including spaces).[14]
    • The Jockey Club will automatically reject your name if it’s too long.
  3. Image titled Name a Horse Step 15
    3
    Avoid names that may be considered vulgar and offensive. While this might seem obvious, what might not be vulgar or offensive to you might be offensive to someone else. Double check that the name you pick out does not have any bad connotations that are offensive to religious, political, or ethnic groups, or that are vulgar in anyway.[15]
    • For example, The Great Farter might be a funny name to you, but could be found vulgar by others.
  4. Image titled Name a Horse Step 16
    4
    Ensure your name lines up with the registration guidelines. When you register a horse with the Jockey Club, you have to make sure that their name follows all of the rules. If it doesn’t, your horse’s paperwork might get rejected, and you could have to fill out another application. The rules for a registered name include:[16]
    • No names consisting of just initials (like C.O.D., etc.).
    • Names cannot consist of only numbers.
    • Names cannot be the name of a living person, unless you get permission from the Jockey Club.
    • Names cannot use the names of racetracks.
    • Names cannot be the name of another horse that’s currently active in racing or breeding.
    • Names cannot be the name of any winning horses in the past 25 years.
    • Names cannot be similar in spelling or pronunciation to another registered name.
  5. Image titled Name a Horse Step 17
    5
    Come up with a name that sounds good when yelled by adoring fans. If you want your racehorse to be a star, you’ll need a name that fans (and gamblers) can get behind. For this reason, it may be better to pick out a shorter name, though catchy names aren’t bad either. There’s something very charming about chanting the name Ruffian (which is probably why Ruffian is racing’s greatest filly).[17]
    • Some examples include: Amber, Banjo, Bambi, Chief, Rock, Tiger, Texas, and Viola.
  6. Image titled Name a Horse Step 18
    6
    Explain the horse’s name if the meaning isn’t apparent. The Jockey Club will give your horse’s name an intense review, and they may ask you to clarify some things. If they aren’t sure why you chose a certain name or they don’t know what it means, you may be contacted with questions.[18]
    • For example, the 1977 Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew, was named after the owners’ hometowns (Seattle) and the word for a swamp (slew). The Jockey Club needed more explanation as to why those words were put together and what they meant in combination with each other before approving the name.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A
Did you know you can get answers researched by wikiHow Staff? Unlock staff-researched answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    I have a thoroughbred horse and he is going to be racing. Do the spaces in his name count as characters?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.

    Yes, they do. Any spaces you put in your horse's name will count as characters, and you can only have 18 characters total.
  • Question
    Can you change your horses name more than once?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.

    Depending on where your horse is registered, you may be able to submit a name change form. Contact your breed association to find out the specifics of a horse name change.
  • Question
    How old should a foal be when I give it a name?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can give a horse a name whenever you feel ready to. You want to do it as soon as possible.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Meet a Horse for the First Time
How to
Meet a Horse for the First Time
Take Care of Your Horse
How to
Take Care of Your Horse
Convince Your Parents to Let You Buy a Horse
How to
Convince Your Parents to Let You Buy a Horse
Register a Horse
How to
Register a Horse
Raise Horses
How to
Raise Horses
Choose the Right Breed of Horse for You
How to
Choose the Right Breed of Horse for You
Settle a Horse Into New Surroundings
How to
Settle a Horse Into New Surroundings
Buy a Horse
How to
Buy a Horse
Buy a Racehorse
How to
Buy a Racehorse
Know if You Have What It Takes to Own a Horse
How to
Know if You Have What It Takes to Own a Horse
Sell a Horse Quickly
How to
Sell a Horse Quickly
Tell a Horse from a Pony
How to
Tell a Horse from a Pony
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.arabianhorses.org/registration/
  2. ↑ http://apha.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/registration-application2016.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/national-international/triple-crown-how-to-name-your-racehorse/2016837/
  4. ↑ https://www.saddleandbridle.com/articles/breeding/358-the-name-game-how-to-name-your-horse
  5. ↑ http://www.jockeyclub.com/Default.asp?section=Contact&area=1
  6. ↑ https://www.horseproperties.net/blog/need-a-barn-name-for-your-horse/
  7. ↑ https://www.saddleandbridle.com/articles/breeding/358-the-name-game-how-to-name-your-horse
  8. ↑ https://www.horseproperties.net/blog/need-a-barn-name-for-your-horse/
  9. ↑ https://www.horseproperties.net/blog/need-a-barn-name-for-your-horse/
  1. ↑ https://www.aqha.com/-/choose-a-great-name-for-your-new-horse
  2. ↑ https://www.equinespot.com/horse-names.html
  3. ↑ https://www.equinespot.com/horse-names.html
  4. ↑ http://www.jockeyclub.com/Default.asp?section=Contact&area=1
  5. ↑ http://www.registry.jockeyclub.com/registry.cfm?Page=tjcRuleBook
  6. ↑ http://www.registry.jockeyclub.com/registry.cfm?Page=tjcRuleBook
  7. ↑ http://www.registry.jockeyclub.com/registry.cfm?Page=tjcRuleBook#six
  8. ↑ http://www.jockeyclub.com/Default.asp?section=Contact&area=1
  9. ↑ http://www.registry.jockeyclub.com/registry.cfm?Page=tjcRuleBook#six

About This Article

Hannah Madden
Co-authored by:
Hannah Madden
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music. This article has been viewed 46,748 times.
3 votes - 53%
Co-authors: 22
Updated: December 3, 2022
Views: 46,748
Categories: Buying and Owning a Horse
Article SummaryX

If you are the proud owner of a new foal or horse, you’ll need to register it and create a registered name for it. For a traditional approach, consider naming your horse after its parents. For example, if your horse’s parents were “Cabot French Pepper” and “KVA Hi Time,” you might name your horse “SP Peppertime.” Alternatively, come up with an original name based on your horse’s appearance, personality, or what it likes to do. A nice horse could be named “Honey,” a wild one might be “Midnight Madness,” and a mean one could be named “Grumps McGee.” If you are going to be racing your horse, give it a flashy name like “Dream Supreme.” To find out how to fill out a registration application for your horse and how to choose your horse’s barn name, keep reading!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement