Bell mare, also known as a lead mare or boss mare, is the dominant female horse in a herd. Synonyms for bell mare include alpha mare, queen of the herd, top mare, and matriarch. These terms all refer to the same concept of a strong and confident female horse that leads the group and maintains a sense of order and hierarchy. Other terms that may be used in reference to bell mare include herd boss, dominant mare, and head mare. The bell mare plays a critical role in the social dynamics of horse herds and is an essential component in maintaining the group's overall health and stability.