Culture and Lifestyle Pets Southern Names for Pet Horses By Patricia S York Patricia S York Assistant Food Editor Pat is an Assistant Editor at Southern Living and has been a part of the team since 2006. She works with the Senior Food Editor to plan monthly print food features and stories that will highlight Southerners making a difference through food, share delicious recipes that utilize seasonal produce, and offer exceptional reader service. Pat also writes digital content on a variety of topics including cooking, gardening, and pets.One of the reasons Pat enjoys living in Birmingham is because it is centrally located between the mountains and the Gulf coast. She spends her free time gardening, hiking with her dogs, and pursuing her goal of becoming a better horsewoman. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on March 10, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Anne Louise MacDonald of Hug a Horse Farm/Getty Images When these beauties gallop into your heart, they need the right name.The purchase or birth of a new horse is a thrilling time for a horse enthusiast, and we put a lot of thought and time into choosing the perfect name. These names don't have to be long, complicated, or complex, but something that comes from the heart. Many horses are named based on their appearance—we all know a Red, Dusty, or Midnight. Some horses are named based on our favorite characters or places, while others are renamed once we have spent time with them and their personalities emerge. If you're looking to complete the farm, be sure to check out Our Favorite Pig Names and Our Favorite Pet Chicken Names lists. All these animals are close to our hearts, no matter the size, and we couldn't imagine life without them. Check out these favorite Southern names for our equine friends, and share with us the name of your horse. 01 of 14 Beau Dougal Waters/Getty Images Good-looking and a bit reckless, Beau can always sweet talk his way out of trouble. 02 of 14 Biscuit, 'Lil Bit, and Cody Cindy Singleton/Getty Images They may be little, but their dreams are big. 03 of 14 Elvis acceptfoto/Getty Images Handsome and charming. No other explanation needed. 04 of 14 Hank, Dolly, Cash, Waylon, and Loretta Rosanna Bell/Getty Images We love our country singers so much we even name our horses after them. 05 of 14 Houston acceptfoto/Getty Images A natural and serene leader, this one stands apart while keeping watch over the others. 06 of 14 Moonshine, Trigger, Nugget, Yella, and Banjo Zuzule/Getty Images Naming a beautiful, golden Palomino comes easily. 07 of 14 Old Gus Oleksandr Koretskyi/Getty Images Every farm has an Old Gus. He is the devoted family member who tenderly carries each young child as they learn to ride. 08 of 14 Patches, Oreo, Bandit, and Calypso Genaro Diaz/Getty Images American Paint Horses have captured our imagination ever since we saw Little Joe and his horse ride across the screen. 09 of 14 Peaches, Belle Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images Sweet as the fruit she is named after, she can also be a bit of a drama queen. 10 of 14 Rebel ProjectB/Getty Images Kicking the stall door when it's feeding time? Running to the back of the pasture when the vet arrives? That is Rebel. 11 of 14 Senator Square Balloon/Getty Images A mature and wise horse, he is the perfect friend who will listen to your troubles. 12 of 14 Sweet Nellie Bryant Aardema/Bryant's Wildlife Images/Getty Images This gentle mare is the mom of the herd. 13 of 14 Tex, Major, Ranger, Desperado, and Marshall Pete Saloutos/Blend Images/Getty Images You always dreamed of being a cowgirl, riding across the Wild West. Your adventurous horse makes it possible. 14 of 14 Traveller Anne Louise MacDonald of Hug a Horse Farm/Getty Images Aptly named, this athletic beauty runs everywhere—to the water trough, to the barn, to the hay bale, everywhere except the horse trailer. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit