Read About Buckskin Horses

Buckskin Horses are specially known for their rare but attractive colors. Here's everything you need to know about this horse breed.

Buckskin Horses - Horse Breed Facts

  1. Breed Group:

    Color Breed
  2. Height & Weight:

    An adult horse should stand at least 14 hands and can go up to 17 hands; weight can be from 1100 up to 1500 pounds.
  3. Coat:

    Their coat is not very glossy, but has specified colors like buckskin, dun, red dun, brindle dun and grulla.
  4. Head & Neck:

    Their head is well developed with a prominent snout and a flowing mane; neck is highly veined and muscular.
  5. Body:

    They have stout muscular bodies, with a proudly erect head, with mane, and rounded, slightly elevated withers.
  6. Conformation:

    They are considered to have better bone structure than any other breeds of horse. They have stout hips, strong saddle area and highly veined necks.
  7. Colors:

    Buckskin (which is the color of tanned deer hide with black points), dun, red dun, brindle dun and grulla.
  8. Gait:

    They are swift in running, striding, cantering and even galloping.
  9. Popularity:

    Their rarer color makes them very desirable and highly popular.
  10. Registries:

    The American Breed Registry was formed in 1962. The International Buckskin Horse Association was formed in 1971 in California to preserve the pedigree of buckskin, dun, red dun and grulla horses.

Buckskin Horses - Horse Breed Origins

  1. Country of Origin:

    Spain, USA, England.
  2. Lineage/Bloodline:

    They are directly obtained from a line of buckskin or dun colored ancestors.
  3. Historical Information:

    The horse was officially recognized in 1962. Its buckskin color was initially thought to be a genetic defect.

Buckskin Horses - Horse Breed Defining Characteristics

  1. Training Ease:

    Training must be done only by experts. A firm control is needed on the saddle, head and neck. The animal can understand bridle controls as well as leg signals.
  2. Temperament:

    They are generally of calm, placid temperaments and do not tend to be aggressive.
  3. Child Friendly:

    They are very friendly with children and get along with them well.
  4. Behavior:

    Buckskins are touchy animals, so they would not forget a bad upbringing incident. Otherwise, they are loyal animals.
  5. Riding Ease:

    Riding a buckskin horse requires control. They can give swift rides.
  6. Uses:

    The buckskin is bred for its color. Its main uses are in racing competitions.

Buckskin Horses - Horse Breed Concerns

  1. Health Issues:

    Bad diet may cause muscle twitching and weakness, runny eyes and nose and collapse.
  2. Feeding:

    They have a good appetite and keep eating every 1 to 3 hours. Their meals include grass, hay, legumes and shrubby plants.
  3. Outfitting:

    They can be outfitted with saddle and bridle. If used as pack animals, then sometimes eye blinds are used.

Buckskin Horses - How to Choose a Horse Breed

  1. What to Look for:

    Look for the prescribed colors only. Buckskins with white patches must be strictly avoided. The animals must have clear eyes, nose and ears and proper dental structure.
  2. What you will Need:

    A proper horse outfit and stable.