What's in a name? Well, a lot, actually. And when it comes to naming horses, especially those that have to be registered, you may find yourself facing quite the challenge. Coming up with a good name that you like and that fits your horse can take some time, creativity, and even a little bit of luck. Searching for a good horse show name for your horse? These tips will help you get started.

Consider Registry Restrictions

Before you begin brainstorming possible show names, it’s important to find out any rules or restrictions that a registry might have. If you will be registering your horse, your horse’s show name may have to meet specific letter counts, begin with a certain letter, and more. Registries often have additional restrictions on show names, such as whether a horse's name may incorporate numbers or particular references.

Reference Bloodlines

In naming horses it is tradition to reference bloodlines. If you're stuck on what your horse's show name should be, look at the registered names of his dam and sire. You can include parts of their names, or even find words that reference their names. For instance, if your horse’s sire’s name had the world "Storm" in it, then including a word like cyclone, hurricane, or even weather in your horse’s name could be a reference and homage to his sire.

Think of the Announcer

If you plan to ever show your horse, you will want to choose a name that is somewhat pronounceable. Announcers constantly stumble over and struggle with show names that are hard to read and even more difficult to pronounce. If you don’t want your horse to be one of those whose names is repeatedly mispronounced, then have some friends try to read and pronounce any name that you’re considering to make sure it passes the readability test.

Brainstorm

One of the best ways to come up with great show names is to really, really brainstorm. Create a document on your computer that contains all of the names that you come up with. Include EVERY name that you brainstorm, not just the good ones. Spend some time making this list – days or even weeks – before you go back and review it.

Remember that good names can be anywhere. Carry paper and a pen with you when you are in the barn and wherever you go in your day, so that you can jot down phrases or ideas that you hear to revisit later. You never know where a good idea is going to come from.

Once you have all of your ideas together, put them all into the list and dig into it. Some names might stick with you, and you might come up with better names using pieces of others.

Naming a horse is a process, but it can also be fun. Try to enjoy it, and you’ll know when you finally happen upon the right name.

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Original Source: How to Choose a Show Name for Your Horse