There’s one universal rule when it comes to buying and maintaining a horse: it isn’t cheap. There are certainly some budget friendly options, such as rescuing a horse or purchasing a horse that isn’t quite trained yet, but horses will never be an inexpensive activity to partake in. Some people are willing to spend more for attractive bloodlines, while others just need a horse to get the job done. Within every breed, there’s going to be a wide range of prices depending on these factors, but some will just be more expensive than others based on appearances and capabilities alone.
The 5 Most Expensive Horse Breeds
Some might argue that there have been more expensive horses among other breeds than the ones provided on this list. While that may be true, those horses were purchased based on their bloodline, particular talent, or rarity, not necessarily for their breed alone. These 5 breeds, in no particular order, are routinely sold at a higher price simply because of what their breeds have proved them capable of time and time again.
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Friesian
Friesian horses are well known for their dressage capabilities, but have also made a name for themselves in driving categories or even farm work. They have an incredibly beautiful black coat and a characteristically long mane making them very appealing to the eye, but they also come with an enviable gait that makes for the most elegant ride. These horses are known to be particularly calm and friendly, so while they tend to have highly professional careers, they’re great for kids and beginners, too.
With that said, the price tag on this horse may have you reconsidering what you’re willing to spend for the sake of beauty and an elegant gait. If you choose the right bloodline, these horses can be found for well over $100,000, but their average price is $5,000 based on breed alone.
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Thoroughbred
Arguably one of the most famous horse breeds, the Thoroughbred was bred for one purpose: racing. To say the least, they are quite good at it, too. They are easily still the most popular breed on any racing track around the world, and are well known for their high spirit and agility on and off the track. While their racing careers are often short, they remain an excellent choice for any horse enthusiast when it comes to the desire for a horse with personality and reliable athleticism.
The most expensive horse ever sold was a Thoroughbred for a whopping $70 million dollars, in case you were still thinking bloodline and proven talent didn’t matter. With that said, the average price of a race horse is about $75,000, but you can certainly find Thoroughbreds not destined for the tracks for less than $30,000.
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Arabian
Another commonly recognized horse breed, the Arabian is not a cheap date, either. With their distinct facial features and knack for impressive endurance, this is one of the most sought after exotic horse breeds in the world. They tend to be somewhat high spirited, but with an elegant disposition. Arabians are also known for having impressive speed, but while they might not be a match for Thoroughbreds in that department, their endurance is far superior.
The Arabian’s initial purpose was to be a desert warhorse, and they are one of the oldest breeds in the world. They are sought after for nearly every equestrian sport, but also for cross-breeding to create a variety of horses with several desirable qualities. You may be able to find one of these cross-breeds for between $1,000-$2,000, but a purebred Arabian can often be sold for $100,000 or more.
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Andalusian
Also a previously revered warhorse, the Andalusian originated in Spain. Nowadays, their purpose is more aligned with several English equestrian sports such as dressage, jumping, or long-distance running. They are well known for their enviably long manes
and high energy, but their overall athleticism is what really sets them apart. If you’re looking for a horse that is dependable in the long haul, the Andalusian is certainly a top choice.
Despite their popularity, they are actually still a bit rare, there are only about 200,000 pure-bred Andalusians worldwide. You can find many cross-breeds for around $3,000, but if you’re looking for a high-end, full blooded Andalusian, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15,000-$50,000 for the horse alone.
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Dutch Warmblood
Another English equestrian sport favorite, the Dutch Warmblood originated from the Netherlands and is still quite popular there. They are often sought after for competing in dressage, pleasure riding, or jumping, despite their average height being a bit larger than many of their competitors. The Dutch Warmbloods tend to be found in solid, darker colors, and come with an easy-to-handle attitude when bred properly.
Due to their proven track record in a variety of equestrian activities, they come with a hefty price tag. One Dutch Warmblood actually sold for $13 million based on its competition success in dressage alone. However, you can often find cheaper options between $4,000-$25,000 depending on training level and age among other variables.
Conclusion
Horses are certainly not a cheap hobby to have, but are well worth it for those dedicated to their equestrian craft. There are always horses on the market for far less than these breeds often go for, and they can be just as good. However, if you’re someone dedicated to preserving an exceptional bloodline or have a desire for a horse with enviable competitive advantages, be prepared to pay a hefty price for the best of the best.
Sources:
https://petkeen.com/most-expensive-horse-breeds/
https://luxurycolumnist.com/most-expensive-horse-breeds/
https://www.helpfulhorsehints.com/most-expensive-horse-breeds/
