Buckskin Horses: Misconceptions and Facts

What is a Buckskin Horse?

Contrary to popular belief, buckskin is not a breed of horse, but a color variation. Buckskin horses are characterized by their distinctive golden or tannish coat color, which is complemented by a solid black mane, tail, and legs.

Genetic Basis of Buckskin Coloration

The buckskin color is caused by a combination of the cream gene and the agouti gene. The cream gene dilutes the base coat color, resulting in the golden hue, while the agouti gene restricts the black pigment to the points of the horse (mane, tail, and legs).

Variations in Buckskin Color

While the traditional buckskin color is characterized by a cream-colored body and black points, there can be variations in the shade of the coat. Some buckskins may have a lighter cream color, resembling a palomino, while others may have a darker, more amber-colored coat.

Rarer Buckskin Variations

In the world of warmblood horses, buckskin coloration is relatively uncommon. However, there are a few notable buckskin warmbloods.