About .horse domain
.horse is a community generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Minds + Machines as the registry for the Dot Horse Project LLC. It was delegated to the root zone in March 2014 and entered general availability in September of that year. The extension was established to serve as a dedicated namespace for content related to equine interests, operating under a community-based application model. Its purpose as a domain product is to provide a recognizable and thematic web address for individuals and businesses connected to this field.
Who can register .horse domain
Registration for a .horse domain is open to anyone globally with no eligibility restrictions. The registry explicitly rejected policies that would limit registration to members of specific organizations to encourage broad adoption. This means individuals, businesses, bloggers, and organizations can register a .horse domain for any legal purpose. There are no geographic, trademark, or membership-based verification requirements.
How to register .horse domain
- First, use a domain registrar's search tool to check if your desired .horse domain name is available. Consider searching for variations if your first choice is taken.
- Next, compare pricing, registration term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from different accredited registrars that offer the .horse extension.
- Once you select a registrar, proceed to checkout to complete your purchase. You will need to provide accurate registrant contact information during this step.
- Finally, after registration, verify your contact details and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .horse domain
The .horse extension is commonly used by professionals and enthusiasts within the equine industry to create immediately relevant and memorable web addresses. Trainers, breeders, riding instructors, equine facilities, and product retailers often choose it to clearly signal their niche. Bloggers and community organizations also use .horse to build dedicated online spaces. This targeted TLD helps these users stand out and connect directly with their audience more effectively than a generic alternative.
Tips for registering .horse domain
- The TLD operates under standard ICANN policies, including standard grace periods for renewals and domain name redemption.
- WHOIS privacy services are typically available for .horse domains through participating registrars, subject to their individual offerings.
- Domains can be registered for standard terms, commonly one to ten years, with renewal at the prevailing rate.
- The registry does not enforce content restrictions, allowing registration for any legal purpose related to the theme.
Frequently asked questions about .horse domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .horse domain?
As of today, .horse domains start from $24.07/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $69.30/yr across 30 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .horse domains?
NameBeta tracks 30 registrars that support .horse domain registration, with the cheapest option at $24.07/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .horse domain?
The registry for .horse domains is GoDaddy Registry, administered by Registry Services, LLC.
Who can register a .horse domain?
Anyone with an interest in the equine world can register a .horse domain, as there are no membership or professional certification requirements. This includes individual hobbyists, commercial businesses like tack shops, non-profit equine rescues, and bloggers. The registry's open policy aims to foster an inclusive online community for all horse-related activities.
Can I transfer a .horse domain between registrars?
.horse domains can be transferred between ICANN-accredited registrars following the standard inter-registrar transfer policy. You will need to obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked and not within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer. The transfer process typically initiates a one-year extension to your registration term.
Are there any sunrise or trademark protection periods for .horse?
As a community gTLD, .horse likely had a Sunrise Period for trademark holders during its initial launch phase. Today, trademark protection is ongoing through the Trademark Clearinghouse, which provides a Claims service to notify potential registrants if a domain matches a recorded trademark. Trademark owners can also use the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) to address cybersquatting.
Can I register premium .horse domain names?
Yes, the registry may designate certain .horse domains as "premium," meaning they are priced higher than standard registrations due to their perceived value, brevity, or keyword relevance. Premium pricing is set by the registry and can vary by registrar. These domains often have different renewal fees, so it's important to confirm the long-term cost before purchasing.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .horse domains?
.horse domains are subject to ICANN's Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for resolving bad-faith registrations that infringe on trademarks. Additionally, as a community-based gTLD, the registry may have specific rights protection mechanisms or community challenge procedures outlined in its registry agreement to address registrations that might harm the defined community.
