NewsHorses have played an important role in human history. From the time of their domestication around 3500 B.C., the animals have been used to pull vehicles and support farming. Yet that’s not all these creatures have done while under human control. Horses first appeared in warfare and as a mode of transportation about the year 2000 B.C. These practices would persist long into the twentieth century and even now.
Horses are now often employed in a variety of sports and for recreational riding. Horses, although not as ubiquitous as they once were, are nonetheless prominent in society – and their prices reflect that. These are the most expensive horse breeds, ranging from low-cost ponies to high-priced performance horses.
10. Shetland Ponies
Price: $500
Average Weight: 400 pounds
Average Height: 7 to 11 hands (28 to 46 inches)
Life Expectancy: 30+ years
photo source: thesprucepets.com
While the actual origin of Shetland ponies is unknown, researchers think they have been wandering the Scottish Shetland Islands for over 4,000 years.
Despite their extremely charming appearance, these ponies are incredibly resilient. Developing in a harsh environment, Shetland ponies can thrive on surprisingly little food and enjoy long life spans compared to other breeds.
This horse breed, which has a long history as farm animals, currently sells for about $500. That’s a lot, but it’s certainly not the most expensive breed on this list.
Did you know?
Several Shetland ponies have been claimed to be the world’s oldest horse. In 2017, for example, a pony called Twiglet died at the age of 50.
9. Appaloosas
Price: $1,000
Average Weight: 950 to 1,200 pounds
Average Height: 14 to 15 hands (58 to 60 inches)
Life Expectancy: 30 years
photo source: thesprucepets.com
Appaloosa horses are regarded for being amiable, eager to please creatures. When Spanish explorers arrived in North America in the early 1600s, they brought the breed with them. Appaloosas have been subjected to careful breeding methods since then in order to preserve the animals’ colorful traits.
Appaloosa horses have vivid patterns, pleasant personalities, and a lengthy history in western portions of the globe. $1,000.
Did you know?
The population of Appaloosa horses in the United States virtually vanished in the 1870s when the American government moved to take over Indian territory, killing and stealing many Appaloosas along the way.
8. Clydesdale Horses
Price: $2,500
Average Weight: 1,600 to 2,400 pounds
Average Height: 18 hands (72 inches)
Life Expectancy: 20 to 25 years
photo source: commons.wikimedia.org
Clydesdale horses are iconic for a lot of reasons, but the biggest one is probably their use by the Budweiser beer company. Since these huge horses are calm and friendly, they are popular with beer producers and aficionados alike.
This breed was developed in Scotland during the early nineteenth century and receives its name from a river that runs through the Lanarkshire region, which is where Clydesdale horses originate. By the late 1880s, Clydesdale horses were introduced to the U.S. and became popular on farms and other environments that required the strength of these big animals.
Nowadays, the typical Clydesdale fetches a price of $2,500 .
Did you know?
Clydesdale horses are most popular in the United States, where around 600 are added to the official register each year.
7. Mustangs
Price: $5,000
Average Weight: 800 pounds
Average Height: 14 to 15 hands (58 to 60 inches)
Life Expectancy: 40 years
photo source: horseyhooves.com
While Mustangs have a lengthy history outside of the United States, many of these horses still roam the country’s western areas. It is thought that during the height of their American population, up to two million mustangs roamed the wild. The figure has now fallen to 30,000.
This breed is now popular for ranch labor and trail riding. Thanks to their wild heritage, mustangs are very sturdy and sure-footed — and those characteristics have contributed to the breeds’ steep price tag of about $5,000 .
Did you know?
Mustangs are noted for having healthy, robust hooves. Experts say this feature developed during the species’ time in the wild.
6. American Quarter Horses
Price: $10,000
Average Weight: 900 to 1,200 pounds
Average Height: 14 to 16 hands (58 to 64 inches)
Life Expectancy: 25 years
photo source: commons.wikimedia.org
The American Quarter horse is a fairly costly breed at $10,000, however it is not the most expensive.
American Quarter horses, like many other horses on this list, originated in the United States many hundred years ago. In fact, dating back to the 1600s, Quarter horses landed on American shores before the United States even existed.
This breed’s sure-footed stride and powerful legs make it a trustworthy horse for trail riding and rough terrain, making it popular among tourists.
Did you know?
During the early years of American colonization, this breed of horse earned its name by dominating quarter-mile races.
5. Gypsy Vanner Horses
Price: $12,000
Average Weight: 1,000 to 1,700
Average Height: 12 to 16 hands (48 to 64 inches)
Life Expectancy: 25 years
photo source: gypsygold.com
Standing around 50 inches tall, Gypsy Vanners are on the smaller side for horses — but that doesn’t make them any less sturdy. Gypsy Vanners are built for an athletic lifestyle, with broad shoulders and strong legs.
This horse had ancestors in Romani caravans that passed across Britain. The breed was eventually transported to the United States in 1996, where it is still appreciated for its endurance. These horses cost $12,000, making them the fifth most expensive item on this list.
Did you know?
The Gypsy Vanner Horse Association was founded the same year this breed was imported to the United States. Today, the Society works to “respect the spoken words” of the Romani people who worked to develop the breed.
4. Dutch Warmbloods
Price: $25,000
Average Weight: 1,400+ pounds
Average Height: 15 to 17 hands (60 to 68 inches)
Life Expectancy: 20 years
photo source: thesprucepets.com
The Dutch Warmblood’s story starts in pre-World War II Netherlands. During those years, carriages were pulled by a horse known as the Gelderlander. Also during those years, a horse called the Groningen was bred for use on farms. Breeding between these horses eventually resulted in the modern-day Dutch Warmblood – a robust animal that excels at leaping over hurdles.
These large horses are usually seen in solid hues like gray, black, and brown, although they sometimes have white markings and are said to be quite clever.
Dutch Warmbloods are now highly costly, with prices often exceeding $25,000 or more .
Did you know?
The mix of cold-blooded and hot-blooded characteristics gives rise to the name of this breed. Generally, cold-blooded horses are considered calm while hot-blooded horses are considered “spirited.”
3. Friesian Horses
Price: $47,000+
Average Weight: 1,300 pounds
Average Height: 14 to 17 hands (58 to 68 inches)
Life Expectancy: 16 years
photo source: horsyland.com
Friesians began as workhorses and have now evolved into popular sports animals, participating in a range of competitive activities that add to the breed’s average price of $2,000. over $47,000 . This steep cost is backed up by institutions like the Friesian Sporthorse Association, an organization that sets guidelines for things like standard colors of the breed.
This breed, which has a lot of muscle and a usually pleasant attitude, may be seen pulling carriages during themed events.
Did you know?
Friesian horses are classified into two types: sport and baroque. While Sport Friesians focus on competitive games, Baroques more closely resemble the breed’s original form and are often used for leisure riding.
2. Arabian Horses
Price: $80,000+
Average Weight: 800 to 1,000 pounds
Average Height: 14 to 16 hands (58 to 64 inches)
Life Expectancy: 30 years
photo source: thesprucepets.com
Although their exact history is unclear, Arabian horses have roots in the sandy Arabian Peninsula. Tribes employed this breed there as early as 3000 B.C.
Arabian horses are currently noted for their toughness and agility. These characteristics have made Arabian horses the breed of choice for endurance competitions like long-distance races.
Due of their athletic abilities, Arabian horses have earned a coveted position in the equestrian world, with price tags that often exceed $100,000. $80,000 .
Did you know?
Important historical personalities favored Arabian horses. In fact, Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington, and Genghis Khan were all known to own and ride this breed.
1. Thoroughbreds
Price: $300,000
Average Weight: 1,000 to 1,200 pounds
Average Height: 15 to 17 hands (60 to 68 inches)
Life Expectancy: 25 to 30 years
photo source: equinedesire.com
Thoroughbreds are the most expensive horse breed. These insanely costly creatures had their start as racehorses in 17th-century Great Britain following a period of selective breeding that resulted in remarkable power and endurance.
Today, Thoroughbreds are popular among high-level racers — but the breed is still seen in other sports like jumping and dressage. These horses readily sell for their extensive history of power and winning attributes. $300,000 .
Did you know?
The Thoroughbred bloodline can be traced to three horses named Byerly Turk, the Darley Arabian, and the Godolphin Arabian. These horses arrived in England in the late 1600s and were the forefathers of modern-day Thoroughbreds.
Related Questions
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What are the 10 most expensive horse breeds?
A stallion stud cost may range between $2,500 and $500,000.
- Holsteiner. Most of the time, if an equestrian enthusiast is going to purchase a Holstein horse, it’s going to be for the eliteness. …
- Oldenburg. …
- American Thoroughbred. …
- Friesian. …
- Hanoverian. …
- American Standardbred. …
- Gypsy Vanner. …
- American Quarter Horse.
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What is the most expensive breed of horses?
Thoroughbreds are the most costly horse breed in the world due to their near certain place at the top of any competition. There is no equestrian sport where these hot-blooded equines do not dominate. Thoroughbreds excel in many disciplines, including racing, dressage, and showjumping.
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What is the number 1 horse breed?
American quarter horse
The American quarter horse, America’s most popular horse breed, is popular with both English and Western riders. Because of their balanced temperament, quarter horses are excellent starter horses. Some people, on the other hand, have a lot of energy.
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How much is an elite horse?
Pricing range: between $4,000 and $500,000. Elite broodmares and riding horses commonly sell for at least $100,000.
