Buckskin

Technically a color breed, buckskin can be found in all breed types. Buckskin is a hair coat color of horses; referring to a color that resembles certain shades of tanned deerskin.  The International Buckskin Horse Association was incorporated in 1971 to register, preserve the pedigree and promote the activity of Buckskin, Dun, Red Dun, and Grulla Horses.

According to the IBHA, the following colors are eligible to be registered with the Association:

Buckskin - 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.

Dun - An intense color with a hide that has an abundance of pigment in the hairs. The dun color is a duller shade than buckskin and may have a smutty appearance. Most dun horses have dark points of brown or black. Dun horses sport the "dun factor" points which include dorsal and shoulder stripes, leg barring, etc.

Grulla - Also an intense color, the body color can be mouse, blue, dove or slate colored, with dark sepia to black points. Grulla (pronounced grew-yah) has no white hairs mixed in the body hairs. Grulla horses have the dorsal and shoulder stripes, and leg barring.

Red Dun - Will vary in shades of red, in the range of peach to copper to rich red. In all shades, the accompanying points will be darker red or chestnut and be in contrast to a lighter body color. Red Dun must have a definite dorsal stripe to be eligible. The dorsal stripe will usually be dark red and predominant. Leg barring and shoulder stripes are common.

Brindle Dun - A different and unique body coloration with stripes appearing over the barrel of the  body and most, if not all, the dun factor characteristics. Brindle Duns show up in the Netherlands and they are referred to as an ancient dun color. The peculiar body markings can appear in the form of tear drops or zebra stripes.

As the buckskin is a color breed, the size, use, and characteristics vary according to the breed of horse represented.

For more information visit the Wisconsin Buckskin Horse Association at www.wbhaonline.net or the International Buckskin Horse Association at www.ibha.net