Sorrel or Chestnut?

Oh My Stars would be a good name for him.

Dragon, I was always under the impression that they mane and tail was the difference too. When I see a red or brownish horse with the same colored mane, like a liver chestnut, it's chestnut to me. A reddish horse with a lighter mane and tail I've always thought was a sorrel. If they are the same then why are they different names for the colors?

I agree =p

In Australia and the UK, chestnut is the only term we use - sorrel is used almost exclusively in the US.

I guess the difference is like calling a bay "blood bay" or "mahogany bay". There is no difference that can be seen genetically, so it is a visual thing.

Also mostly among western riders. I've noticed that most of the english riders on here from the US also use chestnut to describe all shades of red. Whereas, die hard western riders like cowboys and ranch hands will call almost all shades of red "sorrel". LOL

Sorrel definitely sounds better in a cowboy drawl

When I was younger I showed both simultaneously, English equitation and WP including trail classes. My WP mare was a LIVER CHESTNUT, and my saddle-bred was a sorrel, LOL.