A Buckskin horse has a golden coat, ranging from a very light beige/golden coat to a darker smoky black golden color. What the various colors of Buckskin horses all have in common is a cream-colored body, black mane, tail, and lower legswithouta dorsal stripe. If the golden horse has a distinctive dorsal stripe, it is not a buckskin horse but very likely a dun color horse. A buckskin horse is technically a bay horse with a cream gene, resulting in the golden coat color, black mane, and tail.
Types of Colors on Buckskin Horses:
Buckskin horses come in a variety of colors. Here are some of the most common:
Standard Buckskin - true colored buckskin
Sooty Buckskin
Golden Buckskin
Buttermilk Buckskin (Like the famous stallionZapphire)
Yellow Buckskin
Silver Buckskins (pretty uncommon for buckskin coloring)
Tan Buckskin
Smoky Black Buckskin
Buckskin horses can also have white face masking and other white markings. Due to their cream gene, they are more prone to having blue eyes.
Why Are Buckskin Horses So Popular?
Buckskin horses are not a breed, but a golden color of their coat. These golden horses are fairly unusual (especially in warmblood breeds). They are more common in other horse breeds such as Spanish mustang or quarter horses. Many wild horses in the United States are buckskin. The popularity for golden coat color (buckskin, palomino, cremello, etc) has increased in English disciplines over the last 10 years, with the stallion Zafferano being the second most used breeding stallion in Scandinavia in 2024. He is also the sire to the stallion:Zapphire(one of the most famous Buckskin stallions in the world).
How Can I Breed a Buckskin Colored Horse?
See the table below on how a buckskin horse can be bred from: palomino horses, buckskin horses, bay horses, black horses, and cremello horses. If the owner values color, it's essential to perform genetic testing on the mare and the stallion before you breed to calculate the different possibilities for the foal's color. The equine coat color test can be done withEtalonfor only $149 for their standard package.
A buckskin horse holds a single copy of cream, so for a 50% chance of producing another buckskin, it could be bred with a bay base coat or a cremello.
Parent 1
Parent 2
Possible Outcome
Bay (no cream)
Palomino (chestnut + 1 cream)
50% chance of a Buckskin foal
Bay (no cream)
Cremello (double cream)
100% Buckskin or Palomino
Black
Palomino
Could produce Buckskin if Agouti is present
Buckskin
Bay
50% Buckskin, 25% Bay, 25% non-cream variants
Buckskin
Cremello
50% Buckskin, 50% Perlino
Common Buckskin Coloring in breeds of horses
We generally see the most buckskins in the following horse breeds: Andalusian, Mustang, Lusitano, Quarter horses, Tennessee walking horse, Australian stock horses, Peruvian Paso, Akhal Teke, and Morgan horses.
Have you ever seen a horse that shines like gold in the sunlight, with a black mane and tail that look like they were painted on? That’s a buckskin horse. These horses are some of the most famous in the equine world because of their distinctive coat color and long, rich history. Horse lovers in the United States and around the world admire them for their beauty, strength, and loyalty.
In this post, we’ll explore what defines a true buckskin horse, how to distinguish them from other types, which breeds carry the color, and why they’ve been cherished for centuries.
Photo: Famous Buckskin Stallion: Zapphire
The Science Behind Buckskin Coloring
A buckskin horse is not a breed—it’s a color. Their golden coats are created by a special genetic change. Let’s break it down simply:
A bay horse has a bay base coat. This means the horse’s body is usually brown or reddish, while the mane, tail, and lower legs are black. The bay coat comes from the way the horse uses red pigment and black pigment in its hair.
Now add the cream gene. With a single copy of the cream dilution gene, the body color lightens to a tan or golden shade. This is the result of a dilution gene at work.
The black stays black, so the mane, tail, ears, and legs remain dark. These are called black points.
That’s why a true buckskin horse has a cream-colored body with a dark mane and tail. It’s this contrast that makes them so striking.
But genetics can get tricky! Sometimes the color looks a little different because of gene modifiers. Some buckskins look smoky (sooty buckskins), some look pale (buttermilk buckskin), and some are very dark (dark buckskin). There are also silver buckskins and standard buckskins—all with slightly different shades.
If a horse owner is unsure about what color their foal will be, they can do an equine coat color test or genetic testing.
How to Recognize a Buckskin Horse
Even though buckskins have a clear “gold plus black” look, many other colors can seem similar. Here’s how you can tell them apart:
Body color: Always tan, golden, or cream-like. Some appear as dark brown, others more yellow or even pale cream.
Black mane and tail: This is key. Palomino horses may look golden too, but they have light manes and tails, not black ones.
Lower legs: Buckskins almost always have black “boots.”
Primitive markings: Some horses, like duns, have a dorsal stripe along the back of the horse or shoulder stripes. A buckskin might show these markings, but they don’t come from the dun gene—that’s called the dun factor.
Because of these mix-ups, people often confuse buckskins with:
Bay dun horses and red duns (from the dun gene).
Grulla horses, which are grayish with dun factor markings.
Smoky black (smokey blacks), which come from a different cream effect.
Gray horses, which may start dark and turn lighter with age.
That’s why breeders often discuss the basic differences and use color coat charts to ensure accuracy.
Photo: Buttermilk Buckskin Stallion: Zapphire
Buckskins in History and Horse Breeds
Buckskins have been admired for hundreds of years.
In the Middle Ages, knights prized golden-coated horses for their bold look.
In western movies, especially Snowy River, buckskins became “cowboy favorites.” The tan color and strong frame fit perfectly in stock-type horses often seen in ranch life.
In the equine world today, buckskins are everywhere—from show rings to wild horses roaming in the West.
Popular horse breeds that can have buckskin coats include:
American Quarter Horses – one of the most common stock-type breeds in the U.S.
Tennessee Walking Horse – smooth gaits plus golden coats make them unforgettable.
Peruvian Paso – elegant horses often seen in South America.
Kiger Mustang – wild horses in Oregon known for their buckskin coloring.
Even though buckskin is a color breed and not a bloodline, it’s closely tied to certain types of horses.
Buckskin vs. Other Colors
Since buckskins can be mistaken for other horses, here’s a quick guide:
Palomino horses: Golden body, but with light mane and tail instead of black.
Duns (bay dun horse, red dun, Norwegian dun): Golden body, but their color is caused by the dun gene, not the cream gene. They usually have primitive markings like dorsal stripes.
Smoky black: Looks like a black horse but comes from the cream gene.
Cremello horse: Pale cream coat with pink skin and sometimes blue eyes.
Gray horses: Any horse that turns white with age, no matter what their foal color was.
Brindle horse: Has stripes like a zebra, caused by rare genetic patterns.
The extension locus and other gene spots in DNA decide how the base coat color mixes with the cream dilution gene. This is why genetic testing is becoming popular with breeders.
Associations and Registries
If you’re a horse owner with a buckskin, you might want to join a club. Two of the most popular groups are:
American Buckskin Registry Association (ABRA) – A community of ABRA members that registers and promotes buckskin horses.
International Buckskin Horse Association (IBHA) – An international group that celebrates the variety of colors and supports shows.
These groups help protect the history of the color, celebrate buckskin foals, and teach about proper nutrition, coat care, and unique characteristics.
Caring for a Buckskin Horse
Buckskins need the same love as any other horse, but their coats make them extra special.
Coat care: The golden buckskin coats can bleach in the sun. Grooming helps keep the shine.
Nutrition: A good diet supports healthy hair and strong black pigment in the mane and tail.
Markings: Buckskins may also have white markings or white hairs scattered in the coat, which make each horse unique.
Custom horse trailers: Many proud owners even decorate trailers to match their golden partners!
A buckskin is more than just a pretty face; they are often a good horse, known for being strong, willing, and versatile.
Photo: Buckskin Stallion with white socks and a blaze: Zapphire
Why Horse Lovers Admire Buckskins
There’s just something magical about a buckskin. The tan color, dark mane, and elegant style have made them favorites in every corner of the horse world.
They star in western movies and appear in children’s stories as “golden horses.”
They stand out in parades, shows, and trail rides.
They remind us of freedom when we see them among wild horses.
Many Horse lovers had the cartoon character 'Spirit the Stallion' as their dream horse while growing up, and continue to admire Buckskin horses their whole life after.
From stock-type horses on ranches to fancy show rings, buckskins never fail to turn heads. For many horse lovers, they are unforgettable.
Fun Facts About Buckskins
Some buckskins are born very dark and lighten with age. Others do the opposite!
Smoky black foals often surprise their owners by turning into golden beauties.
Blue eyes are rare in buckskins but can appear if other genes (like cremello) are present.
Buckskin horses (and other 'colored' horses) are becoming more popular in the warmblood world. The Facebook group 'Colored Warmbloods & Sporthorse Club' regularly gets posts of stunning Buckskin Horses that are either popular breeding studs or sale horses.
Buckskins can have white coat patches or even white paint patterns if crossed with paint horses.
Brindle horse patterns have been recorded in buckskins with unusual black spots or stripes.
Buckskins were often called “golden horses” in legends and stories.
Many warmblood breed registries did not accept buckskin and dilute horses in the past. However, with the color's increasing popularity, most warmblood registries do now accept dilute colored horses too.
Photo: Famous Buckskin Stallion: Zapphire
Conclusion
Buckskins are one of the most eye-catching types of horses in the world. From their cream-colored body to their proud black mane and tail, they represent both beauty and strength.
They may look similar to duns, palominos, or even gray horses, but the truth is simple: a true buckskin horse is always the result of a dilution gene that lightens a bay.
With support from the American Buckskin Registry Association, the International Buckskin Horse Association, and thousands of horse owners across the world, these horses remain some of the most loved in the equine world.
Whether you’re a breeder, a rider, or just someone who admires golden horses, buckskins will always hold a special place in history and in the hearts of horse enthusiasts everywhere.
It can be hard for horse owners to think of a creative name; a great name should be easy to pronounce and suit the horse's personality traits. We hope you find plenty of inspiration from our list of horse names suitable for Buckskin horses. Our list is divided into categories and male and female buckskin horses.
Photo: Famous Buckskin Horse: Zapphire
20 Buckskin Horse Barn Names
Find the perfect barn name for your Buckskin horse.
Mares
Venus
Hazel
Sahara
Sarabi
Luna
Blondie
Vanilla - Suitable for horses with a creamy coat
Honey - A popular name for buckskin horses
Mocha
Sandy
Geldings & Stallions
Cashew
Star
Copper
Gobi - A famous Desert
Pebbles
Mustard
Simba
Jasper
Toffee
Modelo
20 Cute Buckskin Horse Names
Mares
Pumpkin
Biscuit
Nala
Chihuahua
Sunny
Mango
Cookie - suits both male and female horses
Peach
Mochi
Buttercup - Perfect for a buttermilk buckskin horse
Geldings & Stallions
Timon
Corona
Bear
Sitron - The horse in Frozen
Bailey
Espresso - Suitable for a sooty buckskin or a brown buckskin
Biscotti
Pecan
Bagel
50 Buckskin Horse Show Names
Find the perfect show name for your Buckskin horse. Show horses need a unique name in the show ring; hence, multiple words are often used.
Mares
Queen of Khaki
Golden Girl
Fancy Fox
Sunny Beach
Stella Artois
The Spicy Turnip
Princess Peach
Endless Summer
Oh Deer
Creme Brulee
Mrs Soltice
Dancing Desert
I'll throw a Buck if you touch my skin (suitable for a moody buckskin mare)
Awake at Sunrise
Golden Sunflower
Champagne Dreams
Hurricane Sandy
The Trotting Tiramisu
Quicker than Quicksand
Pure Blonde
Golden Pearl
The Dilute Duchess
Bowl of Granola
Majestic Macadamia
Miss Mahogany
Geldings & Stallions
Gold Rush
Irish Coffee
Hazel without the Nut (for a gelding)
Fearless Flame
See you Latte
King of Fireball
Mysterious Marzipan
Dom Perignon
The Handsome Hashbrown
Sand Monster
Not Bronze Again
Sonnenbrand (Sunburn in German)
Double Shot of Espresso
The Dancing Doughnut
Ring of Fire
Cookie Monster
Golden Boy
Promising Parchment
Desert Storm
50 Shades of Hay
Hold my Beer
Cafe con Leche
Prince of Pistachio
Silence is Golden
The Stripeless Tiger
30 Unique Buckskin Horse Names
The following list contains unique names for your Buckskin horse that you may have never heard before.
Mares
Solis - Sun in latin
Maple - Tree
Aurelia - Golden in latin
Solana -
Tapioca - Beige colored starch from the Cassava plant
Augusta
Eleanor - Shining light or sun ray in Greek
Sable - Sand in French
Lana - Slavic name meaning flame
Zahavi
Arizona
Cauli - Short for the vegetable cauliflower
Seren - Means star in welsh
Orla - Golden Princess in Irish
Carmela - Golden in Hebrew
Geldings & Stallions
Mojave - Desert in California
Auric -
Citron - Lemon in Swedish
Goofy - Disney Character that always wears an orange shirt
Nimruchi - Setting of the sun
Dinar
Mufasa - From the lion king
Ogaden - Large desert in Africa
Chai - As in Chai Latte
Bowie - Yellow/Fairhaired in Gaelic
Cappoccino -
Ferio - Desert in Africa
Smokey
Tuscan
Sonoran - Desert in North America
10 Funny Buckskin Horse Names
Winnie the poohny
Nugget
Nacho
Porkchop (A good name for a shetland pony)
Donald Jump
Parmesan
Sherlock Bones
Skinny Bucky
Hashbrown
Pumbaa
10 Buckskin Names Based on Mythical Creatures
Apollo - God of the sun
Minotaur - Half bull half human in Greek Mythology
Phoenix - An immortal bird that is associated to the sun
Golem - A clay figure in Jewish folklore
Hercules - Son of Jupiter in classical mythology
Manticore - A human hybrid in classical and medieval literature
Griffin - Half eagle, half lion in Ancient Egyptian methology
Big foot - An ape/human hybrid. (suitable for a brown buckskin)
Quilin - A Dragon in Chinese mythology
Thor - God of thunder
We hope our list of names for buckskin horses inspired you when naming your new horse. Pick a name matching your horse’s unique personality and coat color.
A Buckskin horse is described as a tanned yellow horse with black points. Tan or gold coloured coat with black mane, tail and lower legs. Many people think this is a desirable and attractive colour on horses. You might have heard about the colour Dun - that is often associated with the Buckskin. There is a misconcenption that dun is a shade of the Buckskin, but that is actually not the care. Here are five interesting facts about the buckskin horse that you probably didn't know:
1) The Buckskin Horse is not a breed
The Buckskin horse is sometimes referred to as a breed, but the buckskin is actually only a common hair coat colour and not a breed. The buckskin can be found in many different breeds, since its a common colour, for example in Quarter horses, Paints and crossbreeds etc.
Photo: Buckskin Warmblood Zapphire Boy Standing at Stud
2) Buckskin and Dun are not the same
Buckskin horses are often confused with dun colored horses, but they are not the same. The colours are very similar but there´s one clear feature to keep them apart. The Duns have a dorsal stripe over the back, and usually also leg stripes. Those features can only occur on a dun coloured horse, and never in a straight buckskin.
3) Breeding a Buckskin can be difficult
A Buckskin colour is produced when a horse that carries the dominant cream gene (cremello, palomino, buckskin or smoky black fur) breeds with a horse that carries the bay gene.
4) The Bucskin Color originated from Sorraia
The Buckskin is thought to have originated from the spanish breed Sorraia. Most Buckskins are of Spanish origins, European pony origin or of Americas Norfolk Trotter origin.
5) There are multiple shades of Buckskin
There are many different shades of Buckskin, including Cream Buckskin, Silver Buckskin, Standard Buckskin, Golden Buckskin, Burnt/Sooty Buckskin, Brown Buckskin and Smoky Black Buckskin.
Photo: Famous Buckskin Stallion Zapphire Boy
