Breed History of Buckskin Horse
Different species come from different origins in the world. The buckskin horse is no exception as well. So, what is the origin of this adorable horse breed? The answer is Spain. Oklahoma State University is quite sure about the same. Spanish Sorraia may be the earliest ancestor of this horse species.
The Medieval Period in Spain witnessed immense enthusiasm to reproduce a golden-colored horse. Spanish horse buffs fulfilled their dream by bringing beautiful golden horses from America. Thus, actual buckskins got popularized to the entire world. The real color of a buckskin horse is almost the same as deer hide.
What is the source of the name “buckskin?” A male deer is called a “buck.” And the coat of a buckskin horse should be similar to that of a male deer. It is the source of the name of these horses.
Different breeds of horses can exhibit buckskins. Unfortunately, you cannot expect it from every horse breed. So, what is the condition? One of the parents needs to bear the typical cream gene.
Buckskins often come under the category of a color breed. The genetic condition is responsible for the same that depends on the coat color of parents.
American Buckskin Registry Association (ABRA) started its journey in 1962. The main goal of this organization is to register Buckskin, Grulla, Dunalino, and many other horses. A horse with ABRA registration can also get registration from other breeding associations.
A maximum of buckskin horses does belong to the Spanish origin. However, they can also be a member of America’s Norfolk Trotter origin. You can also witness many buckskins of the European pony origin.
Many horse buffs think buckskin to be only a color shade in the world of horse kingdom. But, it is a myth!
Physical Characteristics of Buckskin Horse
The soothing cream color is the key recognizable factor of a buckskin horse. However, you must also check for black points in the tail, legs, ears, and mane to make sure.
Of course, there is no definite shade of cream color for their body. That means you can come across different shades like cream or tan on these horses.
Since one parent must bear the cream gene, buckskins have a lighter skin tone. Do not mix buckskin with Dun. Some people can use these two terms, as synonyms, but the color of their bodies is different. Actual Dun horses do not come with the concept of the cream gene.
A buckskin horse holds the eyes of amber color. Do you know palomino horses also exhibit the same colored eyes?
All buckskins have dark points on their body. On the contrary, red duns exhibit a darker shaded tail and mane. The dorsal stripe of the back of the duns needs to be of dark shade. The same goes well for the grulla.
You can also witness a buckskin horse with a perfect buckskin color at their mane and tale’s root portion. Thus, it gets an amazing frosted look.
These horses can exhibit white spots on their faces as well. Nonetheless, these spots should not surpass their knees. The same applies to the hocks. Sometimes, you may find zebra stripes on a buckskin’s legs.
Buckskin horses are active by nature. Moreover, they are strong, vigorous, intelligent, and hardworking. They show incredible stamina and steadiness as well. Their hooves are like steel. A buckskin horse is a powerful ranch horse.
One of the popular members of buckskin is a buckskin quarter horse. It is an athletic, husband-safe, bold, and high-spirited horse. These horses are trail riding friendly and sturdy.
Colors
You already know, the passion for breeding golden-colored horse breed introduced buckskins to the world. Moreover, you are familiar with the buckskin horse color as well.
A buckskin horse comes with a golden coat color. It can also be of tannish color sometimes. The tail, legs, and mane of buckskin horses are of solid black color. The usual eye-color of these horses is brown. However, the presence of different genes can make the eyes blue as well.
You can also witness the presence of white hairs in their tails. That means buckskins can exhibit a frosted look as well. Buckskin horses can come with different variations of shades. Even different types of horse breeds can exhibit buckskin horses.
Health
A buckskin horse is a strong and steady species with great endurance. As per the popular belief, bronze or tan-colored buckskins with black spots exhibit the highest stamina. Moreover, the same family also holds amazing footing and the firmest hooves.
Furthermore, buckskins are famous for exhibiting immense strength and superb qualities. They show great willpower and decent bone quality.
Even buckskins are more robust than the rest of the horse breeds. So, it is rather difficult to point out a buckskin horse with spavined legs. Weak legs are also very rare in these horses.
Temperament of Buckskin Horse
The buckskin horse breed is quiet and docile. Are you dreaming to ride a buckskin horse? Congratulations! You can do it with comfort and convenience.
Activities
Cowboys used to prefer buckskin horses very much. People would use these horses for harnessing, packing, and racing.
Diet
Buckskins prefer pasturelands for having grasses during the summer. However, a regular diet is also worth mentioning in this regard. It includes barley, bran, hay, rolled oats, and forage plants (well prepared).
Grooming and Upkeep
You should always opt for high-quality grooming brushes for your buckskin. Remember, proper cleaning and brushing is necessary to maintain its skin. You can also increase its longevity in this way.
Fungal infections can occur if you use one brush for multiple horses. So, maintain separate sets of brushes.
Summer curries are different from those of winter curries. So, choose appropriate currycomb for your horse.
Do pay attention to your buckskin’s hooves as well. Pick them out regularly. Take care of its feet with proper hoof conditioner. You should know the ticklish areas of your buckskin so that you can take additional care of the same.
Do you want to ensure the growth of your adorable horse? Then, do remember to brush the dock of its tail regularly. Use a dandy brush in this regard. Thus, you can help the buckskin to get rid of dirt and the associated irritation.
Steps
Make use of a lead rope. Thus, you can secure your adorable buckskin.
Next, take a currycomb to remove dirt. It will also wipe out excess mud from the horse’s body.
Take a soft brush and remove dust (if present).
When it comes to cleaning the face of your buckskin, take a sponge.
Take a wide-tooth comb to clean the tail and mane of your buckskin horse.
How can you take care of the hooves of buckskins? Make use of a hoof pick.
It is important to safeguard your horse from flies. So, do not forget to apply fly spray when you feel it necessary.
According to a survey, the average ownership expense is $3,876 for each horse per year. The Sorraia breed of the buckskin horse does not need high maintenance.
Adoption
Do you want to adopt a buckskin horse? Then, you should estimate your budget first and check online, according to your location.
Things to know about Buckskin Horse
Height – 14-15 hands
Live weight – 1100 to 1500 pounds
Length of the body – 14 to 15 hands
Finally, you can choose the perfect horse names for Buckskins.