Horses aren’t exactly cheap to keep—this is why so many working breeds have gone out of fashion in recent decades. However, the most sophisticated horses still fetch a high price when they do come up for sale. Here are the 19 most expensive horse breeds worldwide.
Thoroughbred
Thoroughbreds are some of the world’s best racehorses, but their speed comes at a price. A cheap thoroughbred will set you back about $10,000, while the most expensive thoroughbred ever sold went for $70,000,000 in 2000 (that’s about $127,000,000 in today’s money), according to Horse and Hound.
Selle Francais
Selle Francais are popular for showjumping, dressage, and even racing, so it’s no surprise these versatile animals command a high price. You can expect to pay anywhere between $15,000 and $50,000 for this French breed, but a crème de la crème Seele Francais can fetch $15,000,000!
Dutch Warmblood
If you have $5000–25,000 hidden away, you might want to invest in a Dutch warmblood. However, be prepared to pay up to $13,000,000 for a top-class individual. The expense might just be worth it, as these intelligent and disciplined horses excel when it comes to dressage and showjumping.
Hanoverian
The House of Hanover has produced rulers and aristocrats since the 1600s, so it’s understandable that the regal Hanoverian horse commands a king’s ransom. The most expensive fetched $1,200,000 at auction, while less prestigious Hanoverian horses are regularly sold for tens of thousands of dollars.
American Quarter Horse
Unfortunately, the American Quarter Horse isn’t sold at a 25% discount—in fact, they’re pretty pricy. Their stocky, muscled forms make them ideal for racing or rodeos. Thoroughbreds have stolen some of the Quarter Horse’s thunder in recent years, but they can still cost up to $10,000.
Arabian
Arabians are famous for their endurance, but this high stamina results in a hefty price tag. Typically, Arabians cost between $5,000 and $30,000. If you’re planning to breed them yourself, remember that diet is important—what you feed Arabians while they’re young helps to determine their value as adults.
Tennessee Walking Horse
The Bay Area Equestrian Network estimates that the average Tennessee walking horse costs about $5,000. That’s still a lot of cash, but it’s a small price to pay for the breed’s calm temperament and versatility. However, $5,000 only gets you a mid-range horse—it costs twice as much for the very best.
Standardbred
If the cost of a thoroughbred left you reeling, you might prefer a standardbred. These relatively heavyset horses are great for pulling carriages, although their maximum speed is 15 mph less than their thoroughbred relatives. While standardbreds can be as cheap as $500, the best can go for up to $20,000.
Trakehner
If you’re looking for a noble steed for the dressage ring, it’s hard to go wrong with a Trakehner. However, this natural elegance comes at a cost. Budding equestrians should be willing to pay up to $25,000 for a top-of-the-line Trakehner, though cheaper, less desirable individuals are available.
Oldenburg
Horse breeds can vary wildly in price, and the Oldenburg is no exception. While it’s possible to find one of these talented performers for as little as $40,000, don’t be surprised if the cost tips over into six figures. This is partly due to their relative rarity compared to other breeds.
Holsteiner
Reputation counts in the equestrian community, and good PR can translate into a big stack of cash for a horse’s owner. The Holsteiner is renowned for its beauty and personality, and the most expensive ones (which sell for around $38,000) are good enough to participate in the Olympics. That’s a sound investment!
Irish Cob
The Irish Cob is a breed with many different names—and a scary price tag! You’ll need to max out your credit card to bring one home, as adult stallions can cost up to $40,000. If you’re bargain-hunting, younger or older Irish Cobs (under 6 or over 20) are the cheaper options.
American Paint Horse
American paint horses are better at dressage than portraiture, but they’re still in high demand. These distinctively patterned horses will usually set buyers back by $5,000-$10,000, says horsesonly, but there are exceptions to every rule. One paint horse fetched $30,000, so it’s possible to strike gold with this even-tempered breed.
Friesian
Friesians get their name from the Dutch Friesland region, and they are valued for their talent in dressage. Admittedly, Friesians aren’t great all-rounders—they struggle with jumping—but they’re still famous enough to cost up to $50,000. Their rarity is also a factor, as there are only about 8,000 in America.
Andalusian
What do you get the rider who has everything? The answer might be an Andalusian, but these gentle and athletic horses are sure to burn a hole in your wallet. Depending on their age and other factors, Andalusians can cost up to $80,000—you better pray you’ll make back your investment by winning lots of dressage competitions!
Appaloosa
The Appaloosa is a celebrity breed—the Appaloosa Horse Club explains that this gentle giant is the state horse of Idaho. Appaloosas are also relatively expensive. While buying one can cost as little as $450, you get what you pay for, and the best can cost up to $12,000.
Morgan
The endlessly adaptable Morgan horse is always popular with equestrians. Indeed, while the Morgan can be moderately expensive (horses can cost up to $5,000), you get a lot of bang for your buck. Morgans make great training horses for younger riders, although they’re not best suited for competition settings.
Akhal-Teke
The Akhal-Teke is famous for two things: its shiny coat and its rarity. Both of these qualities drive up the breed’s price. You’re unlikely to purchase an Akhal-Teke for under $10,000—and that’s assuming you find one, as there are only a few thousand left in the world.
Missouri Fox Trotter
The Missouri Fox Trotter might not be built for competition, but this dependable horse still has plenty to offer. Missouri Fox Trotters are named after their ‘fox trot’ style of walking, which makes them ideal for riding in rough terrain. These horses can cost just a few thousand, but some cost over $20,000!
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