Missy is short for Artemis, the name her original owner gave her. Its a fine name, the Greek goddess of forests and hills, childbirth, virginity, fertility, and the hunt, but nobody ever called her that. As with most horses, her barn name is the only name she knows. I guess I'm as guilty as everyone else, I chose the "show name" Mystere (French for mystery, not after the Cirque du Soleil show) on the day I took ownership of her, but I very rarely utter that beautiful word. She is definitely headstrong and feisty, but has a loving heart and a willing spirit, like the goddess. This week is our third anniversary together and I'm still discovering the mysteries she has to offer.

Miss's older (middle) sister's full name is Serengeti, which is a lovely thing but not a very lovely word, her barn name is Sera. She's a big dark bay, a little taller than Miss at 16.2, with one white sock. She had her first filly two years ago, her owners thought that would calm her down a bit but it didn't work. She is even hotter than Missy and gets ridden rarely. If her owners had the time to really work with her she would come around, I'm sure. The oldest of the three sisters is named Somerset and that's what she's called. She belongs to the owner of the barn and has the best stall on the property. She's a beautiful light chestnut, the most gentle and sweet-natured of the three, but has serious soundness issues and can only be ridden occasionally. I still don't have a picture of the three sisters together, one of these days I'm going to have to set up a photo op.

How did the horses in your life get their names?