Glacier National Park’s Newest Trail Partner Needs a Name – And Horse Lovers Can Help

There’s a new face joining the backcountry crew at Glacier National Park – and he still doesn’t have a name.

The Glacier National Park Conservancy Horse Naming Contest is inviting the public to help name the park’s newest stock horse: a 9-year-old chestnut gelding recently added to Glacier’s working equine team. For now, park staff have reportedly been calling him “Hey You”… but they’re hoping horse lovers can do better.

This newest recruit was one of six horses and mules recently acquired to support Glacier’s stock program and will join a remarkable 66-animal stock team that helps transport people, supplies, tools, and equipment into areas of the park where vehicles simply can’t go.

And these aren’t tourist horses – they’re working athletes.

Across Glacier’s rugged mountain terrain, the stock team supports trail crews, maintenance projects, research teams, search and rescue operations, transport supplies to historic backcountry chalets, and remote ranger operations. Packers have been known to haul everything from chainsaws to scientific equipment into the wilderness. (National Parks Conservation Association)

Fun Facts About Glacier National Park’s Equine Team

Glacier’s stock operation traditionally includes both horses and mules – each bringing different strengths to the mountains. Horses are often favored for riding and patrol work, while mules are famous for their sure-footedness, endurance, and calm decision-making on steep terrain.

Mules (the offspring of a horse and donkey) combine horse athleticism with donkey practicality – one reason they remain legendary pack animals in western backcountry work.

Glacier National Park contains over one million acres of wilderness and dramatic alpine terrain, making stock animals an important part of keeping remote areas accessible and maintained.

Many visitors never realize that behind the scenes, these animal teams help preserve the wilderness experience by reducing the need for mechanized transport in sensitive backcountry areas.

Have a great Glacier-inspired name idea?

Cast your vote here:

Vote in the Horse Naming Contest

If it were us… we’d be tempted by names like Granite, Ptarmigan, Swiftcurrent, Summit, Grizzly, or Highline.

What would you name him?