The 10 Most Expensive Horse Breeds in the World

Thoroughbred

Horses have been part of human history since 3500 BC when they were first domesticated. Initially, they were used as a means of transport and to support farming. Today, things have evolved, and people own horses as a sign of wealth. They use the horses for leisure activities like horse riding and playing polo. Rearing horses is ranked one of the most expensive hobbies. If money is not an issue, and you can splash it on a horse, consider keeping some. The following list contains the ten most expensive horse breeds in the world. Read on to know what makes these beautiful creatures so pricey.

10. Oldenburg ($2,475-$4,949)

At number ten, we have the Oldenburg horse, also known as Oldenburger. According to Ventured, the horse originates from Lower Saxony in Germany and is named after a German businessman Count Graf Gunther Von Oldenburg. Originally, these horses were used for farming and for pulling carriages. After selective breeding, this breed has evolved into one of the world’s most expensive horses. It is mostly used in sports because of its excellent jumping capabilities. Some of the aristocrats and opulent members of society use it to play polo. The registration of this horse is not complicated because they accept any pedigree and the different colors involved.

The only factor they consider is the jumping capability and dressage because that is the main feature of Oldenburg. If you want to compete in any sport or horse, go for an Oldenburg, which will not disappoint you. These horses are protected and conserved because they are only 9000 of them remaining in the entire world. Different owner place different price tags depending on the age and sex of the horse. If you want to own one, expect to pay $2,475. In a 2021 auction, an Oldenburg was sold for $12,500.

9. Friesian ($3,000-$30,000)

Friesian is one of the oldest horse breeds and among the first to be domesticated. This breed can be traced to the Netherlands, as early as the 11th century. That is where the horse got its name. The aggressiveness of this horse made it a front liner in many ancient battles and wars. Crossbreeding has greatly influenced the features of the modern Friesian. The breed has grown in size, and a mature adult can have an average height of about 15.3 hands. They are very muscular but can be athletic and agile.

Solid black is the primary color of many Friesians, but you can find some in chestnut and bay. Some of the main characteristics of this breed are long and arched necks, powerful shoulders, and short ears. They also have long and thick tails. More often than not, owners don’t trim their fetlocks. These horses are mostly used for pulling carriages and in competitions. They are normally gentle, but they can be willing and energetic on the flip side. Today, you will find Friesian in show rings. The average price of a Friesian ranges from $3,000 to $30,000. If you want to buy a stallion, expect a higher price tag.

8. Andalusian ($3,000-$60,000)

The Andalusian breed also called the Pure Spanish breed is a horse that originates from the Iberian Peninsula. The horse is famous because of its undisputed stamina and high energy levels. Besides that, it has a life expectancy of about 25 years. In the early centuries, the Andalusian was mostly used by kings and nobles. The British Monarch, King Henry VIII, and French King Louis XIII were some of the kings who owned Andalusians. This breed of horses is available in three colors; mottled colors, bay, and gray.

At one point, the Spanish government bought striking white horses and used them for diplomatic purposes. Some of the cherished citizens were given the right to export these horses. Today, these horses are mostly used for dressage in events. Like other horses, the price of this breed largely depends on the sex and pedigree of the horse. According to Luxatic, more often than not, the price ranges from $3,000 to $60,000. The price could even go higher if you want to purchase a stallion. Information from a Texas farm reports that one of the farmers bought an Andalusian for $50,000.

7. Hanoverian ($4,000-$15,000)

Hanoverian is similar to its sister breed, Oldenburg, because they both originate from Germany. It is considered one of the oldest warm-blood breeds. Their outstanding characteristic lies in their impeccable strength, making them have a track record of winning the Olympic Games. Severally, users of the horses have won gold in various sporting events like jumping and dressage. Initially, Hanoverians were used as cavalry horses. Over the years, there was cross-breeding with Thoroughbreds. The aim was to achieve a light-built horse. The current breed of Hanoverian is easier and more efficient. It is more agile and easier to train. All these features contribute to its endearing nature. When it comes to dressage, this is one of the most efficient breeds.

A good example is the Satchmo Competition where all Hanoverian horses emerged winners. Additionally, the horses were used to compete at World Equestrian Games where they won eight gold medals. Hanoverians are also pros when it comes to jumping. Between 1960 and 2000, they were featured in six winning teams. There are endless examples to showcase the prowess of this breed. To get a Hanoverian breed, you must pay between $4,000 and $15,000. The price will be higher for performance-trained horses.

6. Dutch Warmblood ($5,000-$25,000)

Dutch Warmblood is another expensive horse that will cost approximately $25,000. The price is subject to the horse’s pedigree and level of training. According to Luxury Columnist, most individuals who buy these horses pay a price of $5,000 to $25,000. The most expensive Dutch Warmblood was called Moorlands. This horse was a skillful competitor bought by a German trainer for a whopping $13 million. Moorlands has a track record of participating in the World Equestrian Games and winning three impressive gold medals.

In the 1960s, they achieved the current breed of Dutch Warmblood through a successful cross-breeding process. The modern breed is quite efficient in Equestrian competitions. Its competitive nature makes it one of the most expensive horses in the world. These horses are available in different equine colors like black, chestnut, gray, and bay. You will also notice that most of these horses have white markings. If you are looking for a healthy horse breed, consider this one. It is also good for breeding with other horses since health is one of the most important factors before breeding. Dutch Warmbloods have a life expectancy of about 20 years and can weigh over 1400 pounds.

5. Arabian ($5,000-$30,000)

Arabian horses originate from the Arabian Peninsula and have been domesticated as early as 3000 BC. These horses are known as kings or racing because of their outstanding stamina. Its origin in the Arabian Desert and surviving harsh climatic conditions with little food and water have made it a resistant breed. This horse has exceptional strength and can survive any climatic condition. You cannot compare its breed to the Thoroughbred, but its strength in endurance races is incomparable to any horse. Arabian horses can run at impeccable speeds of approximately 2.5 miles. It can also run steadily at a constant pace of 2 miles.

With such impressive characteristics, acquiring a trained Arabian horse will cost you a dime. Some people have spent as much as $50,000 to get a trained Arabian horse breed. In the early 1980s, these horses were considered an investment. Their prices have since skyrocketed because of their amazing attributes. In 1982, an Arabian horse broke the record for being sold at $11 million. Another one called Pepita was sold for $1.6 million. Arabian horses have a life expectancy of about 30 years and can weigh 800 to 1000 pounds.

4. Akhal-Teke ($5,000-$35,000)

Akhal-Teke is known as a golden horse and is one of the most expensive horses. It derives its name from its beautiful metallic sheen coat. This breed originates from Turkmenistan. Its color is believed to be used as camouflage in the Turkmenistan sand. Akhal-Teke are known for their stamina experts believe they got from having their roots in harsh desert conditions. Thus, they can survive in any climatic condition. They are easy to rear because they feed on little food and water.

Originally, these horses were used by the tribe members in Turkmenistan to conduct raids. Over the years, cross-breeding made the current breed have incredible jumping capabilities. These horses are rare, a fact that makes them extremely pricey. According to The Second Angle, it isn’t easy to find one; when you do, you will have to pay $5,000 to $35,000 to buy one. Buying a stallion or a trained horse will be even more expensive.

3. Holsteiner ($10,000-$30,000)

The Holsteiner breed takes its place at number three. It has its origin in Holstein, Germany. This is where it derives its name. Holsteiner was discovered in the 13th century when it was first domesticated. This also makes it one of the oldest warm-blood breeds. Ancient stories depict that these horses were first bred by monks who wanted to develop horses with a larger stature. They wanted horses that were strong and could be used for wars.

Within a short time, the horses spread across Europe and were mostly used by the monarchs. The kings used these horses in fierce battles whenever there was a war. According to Deep Hollow Ranch, Holsteiners are known to have a lifespan of about 35 years. If the horse is healthy and is kept in a good environment, it can stay up to forty years. They are mostly found in bays and are known for their graceful necks. You can keep them on a ranch or use them for dressage and jumping competitions. Their excellent abilities make them an impressive breed that anyone would want to own. It is no doubt why they command such premium prices.

2. Selle Francais ($15,000-$50,000)

Selle Francais has been in existence for quite some time but it was not until 1958 that it became a certified breed. The breed originates in France, with its place of origin dictating its name. Selle Francais is a superior breed formed from the cross-breeding of two breeds. Ever since it has become one of the most sought-after equine breeds. You will find this breed in bay and chestnut colors.

One of its remarkable features is its athletic nature in dressage, eventing, and jumping. You will mostly find Selle Francais in equestrian vaulting and riding competitions. The Selle Francais is a successful jumper having a track record of previous wins in this field. In 1982, it was this breed that won the world championships. Additionally, it gave its riders a gold win in the 2004 and 2012 Olympics. It is no surprise that it has a price tag of $15,000 to $50,000.

1. Thoroughbred ($75,000)

Thoroughbred is the most expensive breed in the world. This breed has an average price of $75,000, but the price can go as high as $300,000 depending on the pedigree. The most expensive Thoroughbred was sold in Kentucky for $70 million. If you want to get a trained Thoroughbred, you will have to pay a higher amount. These horses originated in Great Britain, where they were used as racehorses. Selective breeding was used to develop the current breed, which is popular because it has exceptional stamina compared to other horse breeds. An adult Thoroughbred can weigh between 1000 and 1200 pounds. According to Rarest, it can also attain an average height of 60 to 68 inches. The life expectancy of this breed can be 25 to 30 years.

The Thoroughbred’s racing capability is undeniable. They can do an amazing run, especially over a short distance that is why they are used as high-level racers. Besides racing, the breed is used in other sports like dressage and jumping. An interesting piece of information about thoroughbreds is that they are a breed of Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian, and Byerly Turk. They brought these three horses to England, where they were bred to develop Thoroughbreds.

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