Horses are arguably one of the most beloved creatures in history, as well as pricey. Which begs the question of which is the most expensive horse? Similar to dogs, horses are considered a best friend for many, as well as a useful tool.
The domestication of horses began thousands of years ago and has been an integral part of the development of civilization because of this, especially with travel and farming. But now, most horses aren’t being sold and purchased for agricultural purposes, but for racing. The most expensive horses ever sold are with the purpose of racing and showjumping, and these are the top five examples.
6. Going Global, $10.2 Million
Going Global was ridden by Irish showjumper Greg Broderick at the 2016 Rio Olympics and is one of the most expensive horses ever sold. Thanks to Going Global’s superb record as a clear round jumper, he was heavily sought after. The 10-year-old was then sold at the end of the Olympics to join Greek showjumper and heiress Athina Onassis, who paid 12 million Euros, which equates to $10.2 million.
5. Totilas, $10.6 Million
Sold for 9.5 million euros, which equals $10.6 million, Totilas is one of the most expensive horses ever sold. Totilas was a dressage horse (a form of horse riding involving specific riding styles) on the Dutch national team and won a variety of competitive events during his lifetime, including the FEI Dressage World Cup Final. Along with his rider, Edward Gal, Totilas was believed to be headed for the 2012 Olympic games but unfortunately ended up being sold to a German breeder, ending his career. Totilas passed in 2020, only 10 years after being sold for a staggering amount.
Read More: What Is the Largest Animal in the World? A Magnificent Creature
4. Meydan City, $11.7 Million
Meydan City is a thoroughbred that sold for more than $11 million in 2006. Thoroughbreds are known for their athletic abilities and refined appearance, which sets them apart from the rest and increases their value. The horse was produced from the Seattle Slew mare and bred in Kentucky. While not much is known about the animal, it is one of the most expensive horses ever sold.
Check Out: How Smart is a Dolphin?
3. Palloubet d’Halong, $15 Million
In 2013, a 10-year-old horse was purchased for 11 million Euros, which is about $15 million. The purchase was made by Jan Tops, who gifted the horse to his wife, Edwina Tops-Alexander, who was ranked 14th in the Longines World Rankings. Palloubet d’Halong was developed by Janika Sprunger, a showjumper rider from Switzerland who competed at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Also Read: What Is the Loudest Animal in the World?
2. The Green Monkey, $16 Million
The Green Monkey was a two-year-old in training when he was sold for a whopping $16 million. The horse accomplished a lot in the auction ring rather than on the racetrack, as he worked an eighth of a mile in 9 ⅘ seconds at the 2006 Fasig-Tipton Calder Select. Because of this, a bidding war began between Coolmore and Darley. Unfortunately, he didn’t live up to expectations on the track and was sadly euthanized at 14 due to laminitis, a disease that affects the feet.
Read More: Rare Purple Animals from Around the World
1. Fusaichi Pegasus, $60 Million
The winner of the 2000 Kentucky Derby is the record holder for the most expensive horse ever sold. Interestingly enough, it wasn’t just the last sale that made him appeal to many. He was actually sold for $4 million as a yearling, which is not common. Most yearlings or juveniles don’t reach seven figures when sold at public auctions, but Fusaichi Pegasus did. Then after his victory, a heated bidding war started with most farms in Lexington for the horse but ended up retiring to Ashford Stud with a record-breaking sum of $60 million. Unfortunately, for horse fanatics, you might have heard that he recently passed in May of 2023.
