Did You Know This is the Most Expensive Horse Breed?

Most Expensive Horse Breed, Unsplash
Credit: Unsplash

Horses, just like any other pet, are amazing companions. But they’re much more expensive than other pets. From maintenance, breed type, and equipment, there are several reasons why horses are overall more expensive.

So what is the most expensive horse breed? Whether you’re interested in racing, or just want a worthwhile companion to take on adventures, these most expensive horse breeds are great options. Learn more about expensive horses by reading more.

Related: Why Are French Bulldogs So Expensive?

Why Are Horses So Expensive? 

Why Expensive Horse Breed, Unsplash
Unsplash

Horses tend to cost anywhere from tens of thousands to even tens of millions depending on the breed, size, age, pedigree, training, and more. But why is this? While there are dozens of reasons, let’s figure out the main reasons first.

The training behind a horse is a huge factor when it comes to the price tag. Many want a horse to learn how to ride and have around the farm or land. But it takes a lot of training, and for some horses, longer than usual, to make them easy to ride. The prices tend to rise depending on the trainer’s credentials, the style of training, and whether a horse is easy to teach or not.

The story behind a horse, like their breed or pedigree, is another huge factor when it comes to the price of a horse. Some of the most expensive horse breeds that we’ll see are very well-known for a certain thing, like racing, and make them very valuable. Their pedigree is just their family tree, so for instance, if a racehorse is being sold and their father or mother (or both) were outstanding racehorses as well, then the horse will most likely be very expensive.

The Most Expensive Horse Sold

Fusaichi Pegasus, BloodHorse
BloodHorse

As of right now, the most expensive horse ever sold is Fusaichi Pegasus which sold for a whopping $60 million. The horse was the winner of the 2020 Kentucky Derby, making him a well-known horse which helped him reach a crazy price value. A heated bidding war started in Lexington for the horse. Unfortunately, Fusaichi Pegasus has since passed back in 2023 but still holds the title for the most expensive horse ever sold.

What’s the Most Expensive Horse Breed? 

6. Arabian Horse

Wiki Media

First on the list of most expensive horse breeds is the Arabian horse, which tends to be one of the most recognizable breeds when it comes to prize racehorses. They’re also prized for their outstanding beauty. In terms of purchasing one, you’re looking at a price range between $5,000 to $10,000.

Arabians have a wide range of strengths and are a hardy breed, making them a budget-friendly and sturdy companion. There are some outliers, however, as the most expensive Arabian horse, Padron, was purchased for $11 million. Arabians, while amazing breeds, tend to be a bit cheaper thanks to them having a large population around the world.

5. Dutch Warmblood 

Dutch Warmblood, Wiki Media
Wiki Media

One of the Netherlands’ most prestigious horse breeds, and one of the most expensive horse breeds in the world, is the Dutch Warmblood. The breed is known for its elegance and is specifically bred for show jumping and dressage.

Because of this, their breeding is rather selective and strict, as most of them are made specifically for competition. But even with such a prestigious role, they average at around $22,000 but can be higher or lower depending on their background and training.

Check Out: Did You Know These Rare Dog Breeds?

4. Akhal Teke Horse

Akhal Teke Horse, Wiki Media
Wiki Media

Akhal Teke horses are known mostly for their beautiful golden coat. The breed has been around for over 3,000 years, and originated in Turkmenistan, a central Asian country, and is considered one of the most expensive horse breeds in the world.

They’re known for their speed, endurance, and intelligence. As far as their price, they usually average between $5,000 to $35,000 depending on the horse. For example, Boinou bloodlines are some of the most popular and will often cost more due to their disciplined heritage.

3. Selle Francais

Selle Francais, Wiki Media
Wiki Media

Like their name suggests, Selle Francais are sport horses from France and are one of the most expensive horse breeds in the world. The breed originated in the 19th century when the local Norfolk trotter and Thoroughbred stallions were bred with local mares.

The horses are known for their show jumping but are also used as riding horses. For a well-trained Selle Francais, you’re looking at a value of around $30,000 to $47,000, but can also be found as low as $17,000.

2. Andalusian Horse

Andalusian Horse, Spruce Pets
Spruce Pets

One of the most expensive horse breeds in the world is the Andalusian horse. They’re known as a status symbol among the elite class in Spain and are often ridden by royalty and are the preferred mount for warriors.

Due to their struggles through history, with them almost going extinct, as well as some rare bloodlines like the rare Carthusian breeding, several of the Andalusian horses can be valued as high as $60,000. For those around Spain, you can find one for a lot cheaper as Andalusian horses are abundant around, but in the United States, they are very hard to get a hold of which creates a higher value.

1. Thoroughbred

Thoroughbred Horse, Helpful Horse Hints
Helpful Horse Hints

Thoroughbreds, like Arabian horses, are some of the most recognizable breeds for their racing abilities and beauty. And just like any other breed, the price varies depending on a lot of factors. But overall, Thoroughbred horses are the most expensive horse breed that you can find.

If you’re looking for a quality racing horse, you should expect to invest around $100,000 to $300,000 for a Thoroughbred horse. But that’s not even talking about the annual fees costing around $40,000 to $60,000 in the upkeep like training. While that’s an absurd amount of money, most find it doable since the money winnings from successful racing and even charging stud fees make it worth it.

If that price is shocking, then no worries, as you have a chance to purchase one for a lot less if you focus on an off-track Thoroughbred, averaging around $3,000 per horse.

Also Read: Most Expensive Fish You Can Eat

Nikole Stewart is a writer and editor with three years of experience writing keen articles on topics such as ... More about Nikole Stewart
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