These 13 Horse Breeds Are the Most Expensive to Buy
There’s no denying that equestrianism is an expensive sport. From dressage to show jumping, the many events in the world of horse-riding are elite and associated with high status. Have you ever wondered what makes some horses extraordinarily expensive while others are sold at a more affordable price? If so, you’re not alone.
People breed horses for different purposes — some to race, while others for dressage and cross-country competitions. This affects the price a horse will sell for and its market value.
Thoroughbred
Thoroughbreds are bred for racing and are known for their incredible speeds. They are the fastest horses for races that aren’t long distances and can run up to 44 mph. As wide as their speed range can be, so too is the amount you can be expected to drop on one of these horses.
For example, in 2000, a Fusaichi Pegasus was sold for a staggering $70 million and is the most expensive horse sold in history to date. The horse was incredibly successful, winning over $1,900,000 in earnings and even winning the Kentucky Derby in 2000.
Belgian Stallion
A Belgian stallion made the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive draught horse ever sold, selling at $112,500. This is quite a price tag for a Belgian stallion, but the stallion came from a line of impressive bloodlines, significantly increasing his market value.
The horse was sold at the Mid-America Draft Horse Sale in Illinois in 2023. Belgian stallions are typically sold at an average price of $5,000 to $10,000, depending on their training, age, and bloodline.
Friesian
The Friesian is a majestic horse breed known for its smooth black coat and lusciously long and thick mane. Bred in Friesland, Netherlands, it is one of the rarest horses, making up just .075% of the world’s population. Friesian horses were originally bred and used as war horses for knights in the Middle Ages, but due to crossbreeding, they nearly went extinct in the 20th century.
While they don’t usually participate in showjumping events, Friesians are commonly used in dressage competitions thanks to their elegant, high-stepping gait. Since they are rare and have such unique features, Friesians can sell anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000.
Hanoverian
The Hanoverian is a warm-blood horse from Germany typically bred for dressage, show jumping, and driving. The breed is named after Hanover, a city in Germany in Lower Saxony. Its strong bloodline, which one can easily trace back to records, links back to thoroughbreds, making the breed an excellent choice for showjumping. Depending on its breeding and training, these horses can cost between $4,000 and $15,000.
The breed is known for having high breeding standards, leading to healthy horses performing exceptionally well in various equestrian sports. Hanoverian horses were once used primarily as carriage and military horses and have been carefully selected and bred into elite athletic horses.
Andalusian
The Andalusian horse is a stunning, versatile horse for dressage, show jumping, and cross-country riding. The breed is known for its gracefulness and elegant movements, which help it excel in dressage competitions. Andalusian horses originate from the Iberian Peninsula, which today is modern-day Portugal and Spain.
The breed has a signature and iconic movement style, giving it a beautiful, flowing gait complemented by its long mane and tail. Depending on the type and bloodline, an Andalusian costs anywhere from $3,000 to $60,000.
Arabian
As one of the world’s oldest and most iconic horse breeds, the Arabian horse has many years of history behind it. It was bred in the Arabian Peninsula, and now, most horse breeds carry the influence of Arabian bloodlines.
One benefit of owning an Arabian is its health — Arabian horses have longer lifespans than other breeds, making them a worthwhile investment. The breed is a successful performer in horse racing and has characteristics like its elongated neck, muscular body, and beautiful coat that make it strikingly beautiful. An Arabian horse can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $300,000. The better the bloodline, the heftier the price tag.
Dutch Warmblood
The Dutch Warmblood originated in the Netherlands and is bred explicitly as a sports horse with an impressive performance record. The Royal Warmblood Horse Studbook of the Netherlands highly regulates the breed to ensure its breed is of the highest quality and performs well in equestrian sport. The Dutch Warmblood is known for its endurance and strength, which make it a popular breed choice for riders.
The most expensive dressage horse ever sold was a Dutch Warmblood stallion named Totilas. He sold for 11 million Euros and won three gold medals at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. The breed, on average, can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $75,000.
Akhal-Teke
The Akhal-Teke is one of the oldest domesticated horse breeds and has an iconic history. It’s known for its unique golden coat, which sets it apart from other breeds. The Akhal-Teke is also known for its endurance and speed and excels in endurance racing. Not only are they athletic with a striking appearance, but they are also quite intelligent.
It’s one of the rarest horse breeds and is quite exotic, making it come with a substantial price tag. The breed can cost anywhere from $10,000 and reach up to $100,000.
Selle Francis
Bred initially in France, the Selle Francis is an exquisite horse that dominates the showjumping world. Although the breed excels in showjumping, it performs well in elite dressage and eventing shows. A variety of horse breeds have contributed to enhancing the Selle Francis’s athleticism and making it the spectacular horse it is today.
The average price of a Selle Francis is typically $15,000 to $50,000, while others can sell on the market for $215,000. Depending on the horse’s pedigree and training, it may sell for millions of dollars in rare cases.
Holsteiner
The Holsteiner is one of the oldest warm-blood breeds. It comes from Northern Germany and has a legendary reputation as a sports horse. The breed performs in various equestrian events, including showjumping, dressage, and eventing. With a rapidly declining population, the Holsteiner is becoming rarer, contributing to its weighty price tag.
Due to its athletic potential and strict, selective breeding practices, the Holsteiner can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $40,000. Holsteiners sold at the higher end of the scale would be those with high bloodlines and promising athletic potential.
American Quarter Horse
Did you know that the American Quarter Horse is the most popular breed in the world? Originating from the United States, the horse breed represents years of American history and character. It is known for its beauty, loyalty, agility, and versatility.
The price of an American Quarter Horse depends on the type of horse. If you’re looking for a horse to take on trail rides and ride occasionally, the breed can cost between $3,500 and $10,000. For those searching for a horse that can perform in events and has a high bloodline, an American Quarter Horse can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000.
Oldenburg
This warm-blood breed originates from Germany and is typically used for showjumping and dressage events. Oldenburgs were once used as carriage horses until competitive private breeders bred them into the athletic horses they are today, thanks to strict breeding standards.
Oldenburg horses can be sold for $6,000 to $100,000. Their value depends highly on their bloodline, sports training, and athletic ability. Horses with exceptional show jumping abilities will command a heftier price tag, as show riders are willing to pay for a horse that will perform.
Lipizzaner
The Lipizzaner is one of dressage’s most elite horses. Hailing from Europe, it is recognized worldwide for its elegance and grace, which makes it a force to be reckoned with in dressage competitions.
After being selectively bred for nearly five centuries, they are a desired breed for dressage and showjumping, thanks to their impressive athletic ability.
The Lipizzaner is known for its signature snow-white, glossy coat and lusciously long manes. A Lipizzaner used for pleasure or trail riding can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,500, but a Lipizzaner bred for equestrian sport can cost $15,000 up to $25,000 or more.