« Back.

What a Name January 11, 2012 By Beau Whitaker, DVM

1 comment

What is in a horse’s name?  Some are descriptive like the team roper that names every horse by its color.  This is not real creative, but I like it because when I show up there I know I won’t forget their names:   Bucky, Grey, Sorly, Roany, Yeller and so on.  It’s like they have nametags on.  Still other descriptor names may not be so obvious but can tell you a lot about the horse.  Any horse named Lucky is going to be a real money maker for the clinic because he will be anything but.  Gator will try to bite you.  Sugar Ray will try to paw you.  Then there’s Stinky.  Well, just don’t stand behind Stinky. 

Other names can be tied to the culture of the breed and difficult to pronounce.  This would include Arabian names with multiple Zs and not enough vowels, or the Warmblood name that has to start with a certain letter according to the year of birth so they add it to the front of some Dutch name.  How the heck do you say Ybaartge?  I kinda like the ones that are given human names.  At least I can pronounce Bob.  Then there is a name like Princess or Miss Perfect.  Watch out because they are almost guaranteed to try and kill you at the sight of a needle.    

Still there are even more creative minds like the barrel racer that named her horse Someone.   This is a unique name that has created some pretty humorous moments.   I received a call from the client one night.  This is what she said with shortness of breath when I answered the phone: “ Hey (with a pause to catch her breath).  I was riding (horse’s name) a few minutes ago, and he started shaking and trembling so I got off of him (pause, breath).  Now he is just standing there trembling and won’t move.  What should I do?”  She was not aware of how this sounded until I busted out laughing.  I realize this was not the most professional response on my part, but you have to admit, that’s pretty darn funny.   We continue to have fun at Someone’s expense, but what Someone does not know won’t hurt him. 

Comments

Post A Comment