Humans have been using horses for many different reasons throughout history. But, did you know that horses are among the most expensive domesticated animals?
Owning a horse today is a substantial privilege. So why do some breeds come with such hefty price tags? Aside from being loyal companion, many horse breeds are used for different sports, where their breeds and bloodlines truly matter.
It takes time and money to raise and train such horses. On the other hand, some breeds are extremely rare, making them even more valuable.
So, here’s the list of horse breeds that can cost a fortune, and I’m warning you, you might be stunned by their insane prices.
1. Thoroughbred Horse ($100,000 – $300,000)
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Thoroughbreds are the most popular and most expensive horse breed globally, known for their remarkable speed. These horses excel in racing but are also seen in dressage and show jumping.
The most expensive Thoroughbred horse was Fusaichi Pegasus, sold for $70 million in 2000.
2. Trakehner ($50,000 – $300,000)
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Despite being one of the oldest breeds in the world, Takehner horses are extremely rare and highly valued.
They are exceptional in dressage, show jumping, and racing. Prime mares and stallions can fetch prices as high as $300,000 or more.
3. Selle Francais ($10,000 – $200,000)
Selle Francais horses are known for their success in competitive show jumping. With an ideal build for jumping and a gentle personality, these horses are prized in the sport. The most expensive Selle Francis showjumper was sold for $15 million in 2013.
4. Arabian Horse ($25,000 – $150,000)
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Arabian horses are the oldest existing breed, characterized by their graceful appearance, movements, and intelligence. Nowadays, they are mainly used for show events and endurance competitions.
Their price can vary based on their bloodline. The most expensive Arabian horse was Marwan Al Shaqab, sold for $20 million.
5. Akhal-Teke ($30,000 – $130,000)
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Akhal-Teke is a magnificent horse breed that can cost a fortune, especially because of their rarity. They’re famous for their shiny coats and athletic bodies, which help them excel in long-distance running, showjumping, and dressage.
The most famous Akhal-Teke horse was the Olympic dressage champion named Absent, a black stallion with four white socks who introduced the world to this marvelous horse breed.
6. Oldenburg ($16,000 – $100,000)
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Oldenburg horses are powerful but elegant and easily trained horses. They’re often used in dressage and show jumping competitions. While their price range varies from $16,000 to $100,000 some of them, especially competition horses, can cost even more.
7. Andalusian Horse ($15,000 – $80,000)
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Along with Arabian horses, Andalusians are considered to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. They are known for striking beauty, natural agility, and distinctive moves that allow them to perform in various activities, such as dressage and show events.
The most expensive examples of this breed are Andalusian stallions who finished their training at a Spanish Riding School.
8. Dutch Warmblood ($10,000 – $75,000)
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Dutch Warmblood, despite their rarity, can come in three types – the harness horse, the sports horse, and the working horse.
While the working Dutch Warmblood is the most common type, the sport types are the most expensive due to their remarkable success in dressage and showjumping competitions.
9. Hanoverian ($7,000 – $50,000)
Hanoverian is a breed of horse, related to the Thoroughbred. Therefore, it’s no surprise they’re on the list of the most expensive horse breeds.
They are perfect competitors in dressage and showjumping. Their price can vary, however, mares and stallions in their prime as well as those with competitive bloodlines can cost even more than $50,000.
10. American Quarter Horse ($5,000 – $50,000)
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American Quarter Horse is one of the most popular and common breeds in the US, and you can find them pretty much everywhere.
This breed of horse is often used for barrel racing competitions, and such sport horses can be quite expensive. Although typical prices range from $5,000 to $50,000, the most expensive, Moonin the Eagle, was sold for $2.1 million.
11. Friesian ($10,000 – $30,000)
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Friesian horses are popular for their magnificent appearance. They’re characterized by sturdy bodies, black glossy coats, and distinct movements.
The price of well-schooled Friesian horses can vary between $10,000 and $30,000. However, the top breeding lines can go over $100,000.
12. Holsteiner ($10,000 – $30,000)
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Holsteiner is another popular breed of horse with a nice athletic build, often used for showjumping competitions.
They are not common as some other popular breeds and if you wish for a well-trained Holsteiner, prepare yourself as their price may go up to $50,000.
13. Lipizzaner ($9,000 – $25,000)
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Lipizzaners are medium-sized horses, but don’t let that trick you. They have remarkable abilities that allow them to participate in many different competitions.
The main reason why they are so expensive is because they are a rare breed. Also, they are slower to breed compared to some other horse breeds because the breeders need to ensure the purity of their bloodlines.
14. Gypsy Vanner ($8,000 – $25,000)
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The Gypsy Vanner horse breed is completely different from all these on the list, but their price range is similar.
Although they’re not the fastest, they’re surprisingly athletic. Besides that, they’re characterized by a gentle nature and high intelligence, which is why they’re often used for human rehabilitation and therapy.
15. American Paint Horse ($5,000 – $20,000)
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American Paint Horses are known for their distinctive coat patterns and athletic abilities, excelling in events like show jumping and barrel racing.
Compared to other breeds on this list, American Paint Horse is quite affordable. However, top bloodlines can still exceed the price of $20,000. The most expensive Paint Horse was sold for $33,000 in Oklahoma.
16. Knabstrupper ($8,000-$65,000)
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This rare breed, known for its distinctive spotted coat, is highly sought after for disciplines like dressage, driving, and carriage work, thanks to its impressive athleticism and elegant movement.
The breed’s unique coat patterns—ranging from a few spots to a full blanket of markings—add to its visual appeal, making it one of the most desirable horses for show events. The rarity of the Knabstrupper further drives up its value, as fewer horses with the desired conformation and coloring are available.
These horses are not only valued for their appearance, but also for their calm temperament, intelligence, and ability to perform a variety of tasks.
As a result, their striking appearance combined with their versatility makes them a popular choice for riders and collectors alike, with prices often reaching remarkable figures due to their limited availability and exceptional qualities.
17. Marwari ($6,000-$18,000)
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Native to India, the Marwari horse is instantly recognizable by its unique inward-curving ears, which give it a striking and distinctive appearance. These horses have been a part of Indian culture for centuries, originating from the Marwar region of Rajasthan.
Known for their endurance, strength, and graceful movements, Marwaris were historically used as war horses and prized for their loyalty and agility. Today, the breed remains rare outside its homeland, with only a few Marwaris found in other countries.
Their exotic beauty, combined with their rich cultural significance, makes them incredibly valuable, both as prized show animals and as symbols of Rajasthan’s royal heritage. The scarcity of this breed, coupled with their historical importance, drives their high price tag.
Marwaris are sought after not only for their physical characteristics but also for their exceptional temperament, making them a favorite among equestrians who appreciate both style and substance in their horses.
18. Percheron ($5,000 – $20,000)
The Percheron is a majestic draft horse breed originating from France, known for its muscular build, strength, and elegance. These horses often have a dapple gray or black coat and are frequently used in farming, logging, and carriage driving due to their power and calm demeanor.
Though generally priced between $5,000 and $20,000, exceptional Percherons from prestigious bloodlines or those trained for competitive driving events can fetch significantly higher prices. Their versatility and historical importance make them one of the most respected draft breeds in the world.
19. Mustang ($3,000 – $15,000)
Mustangs are iconic wild horses of North America, symbolizing freedom and strength. Descended from Spanish horses brought to the Americas, these hardy animals are known for their agility, endurance, and independent spirit. They often come in various colors, with no single coat pattern dominating the breed.
While Mustangs can be adopted from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for as little as a few hundred dollars, well-trained or rare Mustangs with exceptional conformation can sell for up to $15,000.
Their historical significance and wild beauty make them a cherished choice for equestrians and horse enthusiasts alike.
20. Palomino ($5,000 – $15,000)
Palomino horses are known for their stunning golden coats and long, flowing manes, often described as the epitome of elegance. This breed, recognized by its unique cream-colored coat with a white mane and tail, is highly sought after for its beauty, athleticism, and gentle nature.
Palominos are often used in western riding events, such as barrel racing, and are prized for their smooth gaits and trainability. While the breed itself is not rare, the striking color combination makes them particularly desirable.
Prices can vary greatly, with show-quality or horses with exceptional bloodlines reaching up to $15,000. The Palomino’s graceful appearance and versatility have made it a beloved choice for riders across various disciplines.
21. Pinto Horse ($3,000 – $12,000)
Pinto horses are easily recognizable by their distinctive coat patterns, featuring large patches of white alongside dark colors like black, brown, or chestnut. Unlike a specific breed, the Pinto is a coat pattern seen in various horse breeds, including the American Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred.
Known for their striking appearance and spirited nature, Pinto horses excel in various disciplines such as Western riding, dressage, and jumping. While Pintos can be found at more affordable prices, those with exceptional conformation or rare color patterns can command prices as high as $12,000.
Their bold look, combined with a good temperament, makes them a popular choice for both competitive riders and equine enthusiasts.