American Buckskin Registry Association, Inc.

1141 Hartnell Ave, Redding, CA 96002-2113 • 530/223-1420 • www.americanbuckskin.org

ABRA is the oldest active Buckskin registry in existence. It was organized in 1963, then reorganized and incorporated in 1965. It is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to collect, record and preserve the pedigrees of Buckskin, Dun, Red Dun and Grulla horses and ponies.

“Buckskins Are Better!” might best describe this breed, long known for endurance, stamina, versatility, disposition and beautiful color.

The American Buckskin Registry Association, Inc. has been an exceptional example of enthusiasm and cooperation for the common goal: the promotion of the Buckskin horse.

The ABRA is governed by a Board of Directors, nominated and elected by the membership. Although the registry is called American Buckskin, it is a world-wide registry with horses registered in many foreign countries.

The modern buckskin, (dun), technically a color breed, is actually a descendant from ancient time, his color being an indication of a strong heritage. In the West, horses of the Buckskin, Dun, Red Dun and Grulla hues trace to the Mustang - Spanish Barb descendants which originated in Spain as the Sorraia.

Other Buckskins brought to this country can be traced to the Norwegian Dun, descendants of the nearly extinct Tarpan horses. The flourishing number of Buckskin horses found today are the strongest living descendants of the ancestral breeds. Along with a mixture of other bloods, Buckskins can be found in all breed types.

Eligible Color Requirements

BUCKSKIN: Body coat some shade of tan, from very light (creme) to very dark (bronze). Points (mane, tail, legs and ear frames) are black or dark brown. Dorsal not required.

DUN: Body coat some shade of tan, from very light (creme) to a dull or smutty brown (earth tone). Points, dorsal stripe and other dun factor markings are dirty black or smutty brown. There are many shades and variations in the dun color. Dorsal stripe required. Note: The buckskin colored horse with dun factor (dorsal stripe, leg barring, ear frames, shoulder stripes, face masking and cobwebbing) is the ideal color that ABRA was founded to preserve over thirty years ago.

RED DUN: Body coat a reddish tan without the range of shades as seen in the other dun colors. Mane and tail are red or reddish brown, creme or mixed. The dun factor markings are red or reddish brown. A full, definite dorsal stripe must run the length of the tail.

GRULLA: (Grew-ya) A Grulla’s body coat is slate colored (bluish gray as the blue heron) from light blue-gray to a brownish shade. Points and dun factor markings are black. A dorsal stripe is required. The Grulla color is the rarest of all horse body coat colors. The word Grulla is Spanish and translates into English as “crane”.

What are the Dun Factor Markings?

A Dun horse is most easily distinguished by his primitive or dun factor markings. These markings are darker than the body color, and most often the same color as the mane and tail.

The most common dun factor marking is the dorsal stripe. The dorsal stripe usually runs from the base of the mane to the base of the tail, along the spine. Some horses may only have a partial stripe, extending up from the tail and fading out over the loins. A very desirable addition to the dorsal stripe are barbs or lines that extend down from the dorsal stripe along the ribs.

Shoulder stripes and neck stripes are also dun factor traits. Markings on the neck and shoulders may either be single or multiple lines often combined with dark patches, called shadows.

Leg barring is sometimes referred to as tiger stripes. They may be found on both the front and back legs.

Mottling is commonly described as reverse dappling, splotches or dark smoke, can be found on the forearm, gaskins, shoulders and stifle. Mottling can extend up onto the body of the horse, as well as down from shoulder and dorsal stripe.

Frosting can be at the edge of the mane and base of the tail, and may also be intermixed. The base color of the mane must still be dark for the horse to be considered a true dun.

Masking is dark shading on the muzzle that extends up toward the eyes. Most horses have masking on the bridge of the nose, but it can extend around the horse head on to his jaws.

Cob webbing are lines of dark color that start on the forehead and may extend down over the eyes.

Ear tips are a darker outline of color around the outside edge of the ear. Some horses may have shadows of color on the back of their ears, or even pronounced horizontal stripes.

Some bay and chestnut horses will display dun factor markings, but do not have the color qualities of a true dun.

ABRA’s approved color class is called “Dun Factor”. Horses are judged in-hand and outside in natural light. The dun factor markings are grouped into five categories with each category scored from one to ten, based on the intensity and contrast of the markings. An additional score of one to ten is awarded for conformation. White markings like blazes, stars and socks are given a value from 1 - 4 and subtracted from the horses score. The class is placed based on the total scores of each horse.

In the dun factor class, the horse must be shown in his natural coat and color. The use of any coat conditioner or dressing, etc., made of any material that is not clear or non-pigmented to enhance the dun factor markings is prohibited and shall be grounds for disqualification. Judges shall not wear non-prescription sunglasses while judging the Dun Factor class. Artificial tails are not allowed in dun factor class.