It is not easy to be successful in horse racing. One of the most challenging tasks that one might have to face is buying a high-quality horse and competing in different races. This can be expensive for some people, even though it is considered a hobby.
Horse races are considered the most expensive hobby for many people; horse breeds are exceptionally costly due to the money used to raise them in good condition. This post has compiled a list of the most expensive horse breeds globally, according to the price they are bred at.
Table of Contents
1. Dutch WarmBlood
A Dutch Warmblood is a warmblood horse registered with the Koninklijk Warmblood Paardenstamboek Nederland (KWPN), which regulates the breeding of competitive dressage and show jumping horses, as well as the show harness horse and Gelderlander, as well as a hunter studbook in North America. The Dutch are some of the most successful competition horses bred in postwar Europe, thanks to a breeding program in the 1960s.
The Dutch Warmblood is a horse breed that originated in the Netherlands. The Dutch Warmblood maintains a body temperature of up to 15°C when the temperature is below 0°C, making them popular for racing competitions in Europe.
Dutch Warmblood horses are costly, costing around $5,000 to $25,000 for a filly. They are also sensible and intelligent animals that can be used for dressage or polo competition in Europe. These animals have great stamina, making them perfect for an endurance race with long-distance distances.
2. Akhal-Teke
The Akhal-Teke is a horse breed developed over many years of selective breeding. These horses are capable of being used for racing competition and heavy work. The original horses belonged to the Kazakh tribe and were bred by the Teke Turkmen people of central Asia. They have been recorded in ancient Chinese writing dating back to the 13th century BCE.
According to reports, the Akhal-Teke was ridden by Genghis Khan, one of the most outstanding leaders in history. They’re known for their speed and endurance, as well as their intellect and a metallic sheen. The breed’s gleaming coat earned them the moniker “Golden Horses.” These horses have adapted to harsh climates and are regarded as one of the oldest horse breeds still in existence.
The Akhal-Teke horse has a dark brown to the black body. The horse has long hair with a thick mane, tail, and forelock. It has short legs and delicate bones. This horse is famous for its endurance, speed, and beauty; they are used in racing competitions and heavy work. The cost of breeding an Akhal-Teke depends on the gender and quality of the horse. The average price of an Akhal-Teke is $7,000 to $40,000.
3. Arabian
The Arabian horse, also known as the Purebred Arabian, is a breed of horse that originated from the Arabian peninsula. They’re classified as hot-blooded, which means their body temperature is about 20°C higher than the average horse. The Arabian has been riding and racing for thousands of years in the Middle East and Africa. It’s also used as a show animal and for heavy work.
A vital feature of this breed is its speed, matched only by its endurance. These horses can run for hours without rest and carry a rider long distances without tiring. These horses are considered the fastest globally and are very graceful in appearance. The Arabian horse has already competed in several races, including the Kentucky Derby and the Olympics, appearing in several military films, like Lawrence of Arabia. The Arabian horse is bred mainly on farms in rural areas worldwide. Their breeding process is highly controlled to ensure each animal is of exceptional quality. This breed costs between $5,000 to $30,000.
4. Friesian
The Friesian is a horse breed from the Netherlands. They are used for showjumping and dressage competitions and to carry riders and pull heavy loads. Horses of this breed can be found nearly everywhere in Europe, except Great Britain, where Thoroughbreds were imported for racing.
They have been documented in old writings as far back as 1321. The Friesian is a hot-blooded horse that can maintain a body temperature up to 15°C in cold climates. This means the Friesian can be ridden in the winter without extra covering and ridden year-round without concern for winter health issues. In addition, the Friesian produces very consistent foals from one generation to the next and are very well made, making them practically perfect for dressage competitions. The Friesian’s average cost of breeding varies about $20,000 and up for a horse.
5. Hanoverian
The Hanoverian, also known as the Oldenburg, is registered with the German Verband für Dressurpferde. It was developed by crossing Hessen-Hannover horses with English Thoroughbreds in a selective breeding program. This breed is known for its racing ability and dressage training. Its bloodline is recorded in German studbooks, and it’s been used for over 200 years to develop dressage horses.
They are a German Warmblood horse breed that has won gold medals in all three equestrian Olympic disciplines. It is frequently seen in the Olympic Games and other competitive English riding styles. It is one of the most popular, popular, and successful Warmblood breeds. Originally a cavalry horse, it was lightened by Thoroughbred blood infusions to make it more agile and competitive. The Hanoverian has a good disposition, is athletic, beautiful, and graceful. The Hanoverian costs around between $4,000 – $7,500. For breeding and training.
6. Oldenburg
The Oldenburg is a heavy warmblood breed of horse, from the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, in the northwestern portion of Lower Saxony. Oldenburg was developed in Germany in the 16th century by the Dutch and Germans. The Oldenburger breed was developed from a mare background of all-purpose farm and carriage horses.
The modern Oldenburg is governed by the Association of Oldenburger Horse Breeders, which employs careful breeding stock selection to ensure that each generation outperforms the previous. They are used for draft and horse competitions in Europe. It has been regarded as the best since its start, the most valuable horse breeds.
They have a dark brown horse with a dark mane and tail; they have a muscular build with good bone structure and muscle mass. They also have long legs and strong, thick necks. They have silky coats, which they shed seasonally, but they are very adaptable to different climates. They are used for different horse competitions in Europe, such as dressage and show jumping. They are also renowned for their durability and endurance. This breed is powerful and has a natural resistance to cold-weather horse breeds. Prize money for this breed is not easily available, but the cost of breeding an Oldenburg horse is between $10,000 to $25,000.
7. Andalusian
The Andalusian name is derived from the Arabic term “band,” which means “driving.” The breed was developed in Spain. The first recorded breed use dates back to 561, called “Mozarab” or “Mazara” in documents. These horses were used to drive carriages, plows, and even military formations. These horses could be used for other purposes, such as horse shows as time went on. They are also used for different types of horse competitions in Europe. In addition, these horses have a high body temperature, allowing them to perform better during cold weather.
They’re known for their intelligence and graceful gait, compared to “floating” or “gliding.” They have straight heads and generally darker bodies. They have long manes that come down to their level of the knees. Because these horses were bred for shows and competitions, they tend to grow faster than other breeds. The average cost of breeding an Andalusian horse is at least $50,000.
8. Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred horse breed is most recognized for being used in horse races. They originated in England, where they were used as warmblood horses. They have been documented since the 16th century. The Thoroughbred horse is one of the more famous breeds in many world cultures, from their use in King James’ cavalry to modern horse races. However, they are often considered an elite breed of horses because they are so overpriced and rare.
Despite being bred for racing competitions, Thoroughbreds also make good show horses and jumpers. They also have a deep history in American culture, as they were the first breed to be used in the Pony Express. This horse breed takes up a large amount of space and requires a lot of upkeep. They are known to have hot blood, but they do not have great stamina for endurance. According to reports, they are more than willing to work and compete in heavy duties with the best breeds.
They are also quite stubborn, keeping them at their best when trained properly. These horses have solid bones and are great for dressage, showing, or polo. They also can be used for fox hunting or as a packhorse. These horses tend to act like dogs, wanting to be protected by humans. They are bred and raised in both the UK and US. The average cost of breeding a Thoroughbred horse is $100,000 to $300,000.
9. Selle Francais
The Selle Francais or French Saddle Horse is a breed of horse in France. The horse is considered rare and valuable, as the majority of the population of this breed destroy during World War I and World War II. The Selle Francais is one of the oldest breeds of horses, pre-dating both Arabian horses and other European breeds. Its history dates back to Ancient Egypt’s horses, serving as cavalry horses.
This horse is known for its sleek neck and elegant build. It is a light horse, weighing around 700 pounds, with a powerful stride. They are known for their speed and their durability. They have a strong build and should be used for light work only.
Most Selle Français stands relatively tall 16.1 to 16.3 hands (65 to 67 inches, 165 to 170 cm) because they are employed as sport horses; Range from 15.1 to 17.3 hands (61 to 71 inches, 155 to 180 cm). The breed is considered very rare, as there are only about 3000 in existence. These horses cannot be exported from France without the authorization of the French government. The average cost of breeding a Selle Francais horse is $15,000 to $50,000.
10. Standardbred
Standardbred has a different name, depending on the country of origin. In the UK, they are called “Harness Horse,” while in Australia and New Zealand, they are called “Trotting Stock.” However, it is known as simply “Standardbred in the US.” The breed is known for its powerful gaits and endurance. They are also known to be honest horses that humans can trust. These horses were bred to trot and race. They have been used in America since colonial times. The first certified Standardbred was produced in 1830 in Massachusetts.
Standardbreds are used for harness races and yoke races. They must have a gait of eight to nine mph, fast start, finish, and trot evenly. Standardbreds can also be used as show horses or pleasure horses, but they need to be trained early on. These horses are known for their good temperaments, but they will kick if they feel threatened by humans. They are also known to have a heavy build, making them not ideal for young riders. The average cost of breeding a Standardbred horse is around $500 to $5,000.
11. Holsteiner
The Holsteiner is a horse breed that originated in northern Germany’s Schleswig-Holstein region. It is believed to be the oldest warmblood breed, with origins dating back to the 13th century. Holsteiners are a powerful force in international showjumping and may be found at the highest levels of dressage, combined driving, show hunters, and eventing, despite their small population. The coat color is usually black, brown, or bay in grey. Holsteiners have a muscular body and a thick neck with a long mane and tail. The forehead is broad, and they have small ears.
Also known as a Holsteiner Horse, Holsteiners are used in horse shows and dressage competitions. They have impressive stamina, and they were bred to cover long distances at a very fast pace. Their body also can adjust automatically to hot and cold weather; this makes them more suitable for use in continental Europe. The price of breeding a Holsteiner can vary depending on the gender, pedigree, and horse quality. It average costs around $20,000 – $30,000
12. Gypsy
The Gypsy Cob is a domestic horse breed native to the British and Irish Isles. It is also known as the Traditional Gypsy Cob, Irish Cob, Gypsy Horse, or Gypsy Vanner. It is a small, strongly built horse with a cob conformation that is typically, but not always, piebald or skewbald; it is connected with Irish and English Romanichal Travellers of Ireland and Great Britain.
The Gypsy is known to be one of the fastest breeds globally, with some animals reaching 50 miles per hour. They have a copper to golden brown coat color with a black mane and tail. They have long ears and legs; some may have markings on their face. The Gypsy Vanner has a slim body, short legs, and a broad forehead, as with most horses. They are exceptionally strong and fast. However, they are hard to breed because of their small numbers. The average price of buying a Gypsy Vanner horse is $10,000 to $40,000.
13. Quarter Horse
The American Quarter Horse, sometimes known as the Quarter Horse, is a horse breed native to the United States that excels at sprinting short distances. Its name comes from its propensity to outrun other horse breeds in quarter-mile races; some have been recorded at speeds as high as 44 mph (70.8 km/h).
The American Quarter Horse is well-known for its performance in rodeos, horse shows, and a working ranch horse and racehorse. It is widely used in barrel racing and show jumping as well. These horses have a very high speed and endurance, making them perfect for racing competitions. The Quarter Horse has a muscular body with short legs and a broad forehead. Their color ranges from Sorell to bay, buckskin, and chestnut. They have a black mane and tail. The average price for buying a Quarter Horse is $25,000 to $100,000.
14. Morgan
The Morgan horse was one of the horse breeds produced in America. Morgans may be traced down to the foundation sire Figure, later named Justin Morgan for his most well-known owner. Morgans were utilized as coach horses and harness racing, general riding animals, and cavalry horses sides of the American Civil War. They are named after their founder, Justin Morgan. These horses were bred in the USA and were initially known as Standardbred Morgans.
The Morgan is a tiny, sophisticated breed, often bay, black, or chestnut. However, they are available in various hues, including numerous pinto varieties. The breed is recognized for its versatility, as it is used in both English and Western sports. It costs around $2,500 and $4,000 for a registered Morgan mare and $750 to $1,500 for a weanling.
15. Mustang
Mustangs are one of the most popular horse breeds in the world. They are widely known for their speed and endurance. These species were reared in captivity for the first time in North America. They were originally bred by crossing Spanish horses and Arabian horses. The Mustangs are known to be one of the oldest horse breeds today. Mustangs are usually brown and should have a solid body. They have dark or black manes, tails, and forelocks; the rest of their body is covered in short hair.
The Mustang horse has a black body with a white blaze on its face, mane, and tail. They have small eyes, ears with a narrow head. These horses are known to be very quiet, but they have the strength to carry heavyweights. They are also known for their speed. The average price of buying a Mustang ranges from between $125-$5,000.
16. Appaloosa
The Appaloosa is a breed of horse that originated during the 17th century. These horses are known for their spotted coat pattern, along with their distinctive “leopard-like” color patterns. They are the most expensive horse breed in North America, costing between $1,000 and $10,000 on average. The Appaloosa is found in different colors and sizes; this includes bay, brown, or black body coats with white spots resembling a leopard. The Appaloosa can weigh anywhere between 600 to 1,000 pounds and stand at the height of 16.2 hands. Their coat is usually made up of two colors, with one being dominant to the other.
However, it is very uncommon for the coat to be completely white, and the body color is usually one of the most common colors. This breed is an extremely majestic horse highly valued by many owners. They have a great combination of independence and high intelligence, making them a perfect choice for dressage competition in Europe. However, they are also known to make excellent polo players due to their excellent sense of balance. In addition, they are known to have a great ability to adapt to different environments, making them perfect for racing. They are excellent at this sport and are renowned for their stamina, speed, and determination to win. However, these horses are popular with owners who can spend enormous money on a single animal due to their extremely high price.
17. American Paint
The American Paint Horse breed originated in the United States and can now be found all around the country. Weighing up to 1,000 pounds, the American Paint is one of the largest horse breeds in the world. American Painters are known for their distinctive coat patterns, including different colors or white spots on their hair coats. Most of their coats aren’t usually two-colored, but they can have three colors: bay, brown, or black with white markings.
These horses often have a very large mane and tail that come down past the horse’s knees. Their head, ears, and legs are usually smaller than most other horse breeds. They usually have an even temperament and can be found in different colors, almost all of which have a white body coat with some patterns or colors from their mane, tail, or feet.
American Paint horses are extremely intelligent and make excellent riding animals for people interested in competitive events such as dressage, polo, or showjumping. However, due to the high price of purchasing an American Paint horse, many people won’t afford these animals. Prize about between $1,000 and $5,000 on average.
18. Tennessee Walker
The Tennessee Walking Horse is a gaited horse breed notable for its striking movement and four-beat galloping walk. It is a favorite riding horse because of its calm demeanor, fluid gaits, and stable footing. The Tennessee Walking Horse is popular as a pleasure and trail riding a horse, utilizing English and Western equipment. Films, television shows, and other performances feature the Tennessee Walking Horse.
The Tennessee Walker is a breed developed in the United States. The Tennessee Walker stands at over 16 hands and can weigh up to 900 pounds. These are often found in different colors and patterns, mostly extremely light color combinations, including white or off-white body coats. They are known for their excellence in show jumping and compete at many different shows. These horses are also known for their excellent sense of balance and well-trained leg muscles. Tennessee Walker horses are very expensive and can cost around $2,000 per horse.
19. Clydesdale
The Clydesdale horse is a horse developed in the United Kingdom during the 19th century. The Clydesdale stands at over 16 hands, weighing up to 1,200 pounds. Clydesdales are known for their large size, and their long and thick hair coat is usually very glossy and black. In addition, these horses have a strong, strong body musculature, making them perfect for long-distance races. Due to their racing prowess and their high speed and endurance levels, these horses are characterized as “ready-to-race” kinds.
This breed was used for hauling and pulling heavy loads at coal mines during the 19th century. However, due to their good temperaments and graceful personalities, these animals were later used for other events such as horse shows, carriage driving, and riding competitions.
Clydesdale has a type of personality called “sweet-natured,” which means they can be around young children without showing any sign of aggression or fear. Due to the high price of purchasing an animal, many people won’t afford these noble creatures. However, they are famous for their excellent and intense stamina levels, making it possible for them to run up to 30 miles in a single day.
Despite their large size, they are also quite fast and have a great sense of balance, allowing them to stay on their feet. Clydesdale horses are extremely popular in the United States, especially with owners who use them as carriage horses. One of the most expensive breeds of the horse is the Clydesdale. For example, if you purchase this type of horse, it can cost anywhere between $2,500 and $3,000 for one.
20. Lipizzaner
The Lipizzan or Lipizzaner is a horse breed named after the Lipizza Stud of the Habsburg dynasty. The breed is intimately linked with the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria. The horses perform Haute école or “high school” classical dressage moves, such as highly controlled, stylized leaps and other maneuvers. Described as “airs above the earth.”
It stands at over 16 hands, weighing roughly 1,000 pounds. They are also known for their long manes and tails, reaching the ground. In addition, these horses are known for their extremely intelligent personalities and are often used for different events such as dressage.
The Lipizzaner has a special trait known as “lateral inhibition,” meaning they are built to have a very fast reaction time. As a result, these horses are unafraid of everything and are frequently utilized in sports like polo and showjumping. Most Lipizzans are gray, except a few solid-colored horses (typically bay or black). They have black skin, dark eyes, and a white hair coat as adults, just like all gray horses. Lipizzaner horses are extremely expensive, can cost around $8,000, and easily reach $25,000.