Dun Horse Information

While there are many who consider dun and buckskin to be nothing more than colors describing the coats of horses, there are others who believe horses of these hues are actually a separate breed. Those who support this latter belief note the prominent dorsal stripes, dark zebra stripes or bars on the leg and shoulder, dark coloring on the ear edges, and the cob webbing on the face as well as the dark thick-walled hooves that are passed on from generation to generation. In fact, two breed associations--the American Buckskin Registry Association and the International Buckskin Horse Association--have been formed to promote horses that show these characteristics, as well as dun, buckskin or grulla coloring.

  1. History

    • According to the American Buckskin Registry Association, the dun and buckskin breed originated with the Mustang and Spanish Barb, the European Pony and the Norfolk Trotter. Supporters of these horses also believe that dun and buckskin horses can find their ancestors among some of the world's earliest breeds, such as the Przewalski's Horse and the Tarpan. While most people associate duns and buckskins with the Western-type horse, these colors can be found in all breeds regardless of origin and type.

    Acceptable Colors

    • Both associations--the American Buckskin Registry Association and the International Buckskin Horse Association--accept duns, red duns, grullas and buckskins and follow the same color guidelines. According to their registration requirements, a buckskin's body coat is some shade of tan ranging from a very light crème to a very dark bronze. The points---mane, tail, legs, and ear frames---are either black or dark brown. A dorsal stripe is not required on a buckskin. The body coat of a dun is some shade of tan, from a very light crème to a dull or smutty brown. The points, required dorsal stripe and other dun factor markings are dirty black or smutty brown. A red dun's coat will be a reddish tan, while the mane and tail are red, reddish brown, crème, or a combination of these. The dun factor markings are red or reddish brown and a full dorsal stripe running the length of the tail must be present. The coat of a grulla is slate colored and ranges from blue-gray to a brownish shade. The points and dun factor markings are black and a dorsal stripe is required.

    American Buckskin Registry Association

    • Founded in 1963, the American Buckskin Registry Association (ABRA) is the older of the two breed associations. According to their website, the purpose of the ABRA is "to collect, record and preserve the pedigrees of Buckskin, Dun, Red Dun and Grulla horses and ponies." While the ABRA does recognize both ponies and mules with the appropriate color and markings, these are listed in a separate section of the registry and not allowed to compete with horses. Draft horses are not eligible for registration. The ABRA does accept horses that are registered with other associations, as long as they demonstrate buckskin characteristics and type. Many of these horses also have registration certificates with the American Quarter Horse Association.

    International Buckskin Horse Association

    • The larger of the two associations, the IBHA, began in California in 1971 due to internal problems in the ABRA. This offshoot association moved to Indiana shortly afterward and remains there today. Like the ABRA, it offers numerous horse shows and activities for its members as it seeks to preserve the bloodlines of these horses. Many horses hold registration certificates in both associations.

    Popularity

    • Duns and buckskins excel in many different equestrian events.

      Both the ABRA and IBHA are growing in popularity, as more people look for horses that can be double registered with other associations, giving them more opportunities to show and compete. Both the ABRA and the IBHA offer World Championship Shows each year. These shows draw competitors from across the United States and from many foreign countries.