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OVERVIEW
Although not a specific breed, the Buckskin is a common color found in horses. The American Buckskin Registry was founded in America in 1962 which also registers Dun and Grulla colored horses. The Buckskin developed a strong reputation as a sturdy working horse in the frontier of the western United States. Highly regarded by the cowboys of the early west, Buckskins were used for pack, harness, and saddle. It is said that Buckskin horses, those of tan or bronze coloring with black points, had the greatest endurance, the surest footing, the hardest hooves, and the greatest stamina. Although those in the old west were known to exaggerate, given a choice a cowboy would almost always choose the Buckskin or Dun horse.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
A true colored Buckskin should be the color of tanned deerhide with black points. Shades may vary from yellow to dark gold. Points (mane, tail & legs) can be dark brown, or black. Ponies and horses showing predominance of draft horse blood are not eligible. The mature horse is to stand at least 14 hands.
ORIGIN
When The American Buckskin Registry Association was founded in 1962, it opened its registry to not only the Buckskin, but also Grulla and Dun colored horses. Also included in the colors accepted is the Red Dun with varying body shades of red, and the Mouse Dun or Coyote Dun, a slate color resembling a salt-and-pepper coloration. Most Buckskins are of Spanish origin, European pony origin, or of America's Norfolk Trotter origin. This is mainly due to the fact that Dun coloration in these bloodlines was not frowned upon as it was with horses that contained Arab background. Any horse that is registered with the ABRA can also be registered in any other breeding association.
INTERESTING FACTS
It should be noted that the American Buckskin Registry Association has put forth a great effort to put emphasis on the conformation of the horses in its registry. Unlike some coloration breeds, the Buckskin will not enter any horse into its registry that shows signs of below-average conformation, regardless of the desired coloring.
For more information:
International Buckskin Horse Association
American Buckskin Registry Association, Inc.
Buckskin Horse Association of Michigan
