Let's be honest...
Chestnut mares have a reputation.
Whether it's deserved or not is another conversation (we're staying out of that one!), but if you've ever owned one, you'll know they usually have opinions. Lots of them.
They're clever, beautiful, occasionally dramatic, and somehow manage to convince us they're in charge... even when we're technically the ones holding the lead rope.
If you've just welcomed a gorgeous chestnut mare into your life—or you're still trying to decide what to call your fiery red best friend—here are ten fun and sassy names that might just be the perfect fit.
1. Ginger
Simple. Sweet. A little spicy.
Ginger suits the mare who's always the first to greet you... mostly because she thinks you might have snacks.
Perfect for: The mare who's equal parts sweetheart and professional treat inspector.
2. Cinnamon
Warm, beautiful, and just fancy enough to sound like she belongs on the cover of a horse magazine.
Cinnamon is perfect for a rich chestnut coat and a mare who somehow looks elegant... even while covered in mud.
Perfect for: The horse who somehow makes dirty look fashionable.
3. Sassy
Some horses earn their names.
If your mare has perfected the side-eye, pins her ears when dinner is thirty seconds late, and somehow convinces everyone she's completely innocent... this one's probably already chosen itself.
Perfect for: Tiny queen. Huge personality.
4. Ember
There's something quietly beautiful about this name.
Ember feels strong without trying too hard, just like those mares who don't need to make a fuss because everyone already knows who's in charge.
Perfect for: The calm boss mare.
5. Ruby
Classic for a reason.
Ruby is bright, beautiful, and suits those rich copper coats that practically glow in the afternoon sun.
Perfect for: Your barn's resident supermodel.
6. Maple
Soft. Sweet. Country.
Maple feels like autumn rides, crunchy leaves, and those peaceful afternoons where you somehow end up sitting in the paddock much longer than you planned.
Perfect for: The mare who follows you around like a giant puppy.
7. Chili
Tiny name.
Massive energy.
Chili is made for the mare who thinks every ride should include at least one unnecessary zoomie and who firmly believes standing still is overrated.
Perfect for: The mare with two speeds—fast and faster.
8. Scarlett
Elegant with just the right amount of attitude.
Scarlett sounds like a mare who walks into the arena already knowing she's the prettiest horse there.
And honestly... she's probably right.
Perfect for: The confident queen.
9. Copper
Sometimes the simplest names are the best.
Copper matches those gorgeous glowing coats and is easy to yell across a paddock when someone has decided catching is optional today.
Perfect for: The mare who's always "just over there."
10. Poppy
Happy. Bright. Impossible not to love.
Poppy suits mares with playful personalities who somehow make every day at the barn a little more fun.
Perfect for: The horse who can make you laugh five minutes after she made you question your life choices.
Love Chestnut Mares? You're Our Kind of People.
If you've got a soft spot for chestnut mares (or maybe they've completely taken over your life—we're not judging), we've created a collection of gifts inspired by the horses that keep us laughing, guessing, and completely obsessed.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or trying to find the perfect gift for your favourite horse girl, we've got designs made for people who'd always rather be at the barn.
Our favourites
🐴 Death Rides a Chestnut Mare Sweatshirt
Soft, comfortable, and perfect for those days when you can't take your horse everywhere... but you can still wear your horse girl heart on your sleeve.
👜 Chestnut Mare Tote Bag
Ideal for carrying riding gloves, horse treats, random bits of baling twine you forgot were in there, and somehow... seventeen hair ties.
🧥 Boss Mare says NO Chestnut Mare Edition Sweatshirt
Perfect for those chilly early mornings when you're at the barn before the sun has properly woken up.
How Do You Pick the Perfect Name?
The funny thing is... horses usually tell you.
You might have ten names written down before you meet her, but after a few days you'll realise she's definitely a Ruby... or absolutely a Chili.
Watch how she behaves.
Is she sweet?
Bossy?
The first one to the gate?
The last one to be caught?
The one who somehow unties every knot?
The best names aren't always the fanciest. They're the ones that make you smile every time you say them.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose Ginger, Ruby, Ember, or something completely different, your mare's name will become part of every adventure you have together.
It'll be the name you call across the paddock.
The one your friends know her by.
The one you'll probably say in at least five different tones depending on what she's doing.
And if she's a chestnut mare...
There's a fair chance she'll pretend not to hear you anyway.
We'd love to know...
What's your chestnut mare called?
Tell us in the comments—we're always looking for more name ideas, and let's be honest, horse girls never get tired of talking about their horses.