Horses are beautiful animals that many people love to own. They’re also expensive, and most horse owners want to know how much their horse is worth before they buy or sell one.
On average a horse can be worth anywhere around $1000 to $100,000. The price of a horse varies depending on the breed, size, age, coloration, level of training (if any), geographic location (rural vs. metro), and more factors.
But how do we figure out what a horse is really worth? There are many factors that need to be considered when determining value.
Check the below table as well for the average price of different horse breeds.
| Horse Breed | Price |
|---|---|
| Arabian Horse | $25,000 - $300,000 |
| Appaloosa | $1,000 - $10,000 |
| Through Breeds | $100,000 - $300,000 |
| American Quarter Horse | $2,500 (regular) - $100,000 (for elite show horses). |
| Shire Horse | $2,000 - $20,000 |
| Morgan Horse | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| American Paint Horse | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Barb Horse | Around $14,000 (on horse sale site). |
| Gypsy Horse | $10,000 - $40,000 |
| Mustang | $125 - $5,000 |
| American Saddle Bred | $1,000- $10,000 |
| Belgian Horse | $4,000 - $7,000 |
These prices are just an esitmation, it can vary on various factors and some of them are discussed below.
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Factors That Determine the Worth of Your Horse
Yes, you must be thinking – all horses are expensive, so what is this fuss all about? Well, just how a Samsung phone and an iPhone are expensive can make calls, etc. but there is a stark difference between the two based on some features.
Similarly, your horse may be expensive and worth a lot but another horse, with better qualities, will be worth more.
Here are some factors that play a major role in determining the worth of your horse.
Horse Breed
Well, we all saw this coming, the breed of your horse plays a major role in determining its worth. Some breeds are worth millions of dollars and some, as much as a few thousand dollars.
The most expensive breed is thoroughbred horses. Mainly because they are bred for racing, and we all know how people spend money at such events.
A thoroughbred horse can be worth around 70-100 million dollars (yes, that is a lot). On the other hand, the cheapest horse breed, quarter horses are worth a few thousand dollars.
And if you come across a jackpot, you can get your hands on a quarter horse for as low as 1000 dollars.
Age
We hate to say it, but older chaps (horses) are way cheaper than younger horses. Although a newborn horse is not worth a lot as it is untrained, horses grow up fast and in just a handful of years – they can grow and learn the tricks.
Usability
Remember how I mentioned that thoroughbreds are one of the most expensive horse breeds out there. Well yes, I still stand by that statement but there is a little adjustment to be made… thoroughbreds can also be one the cheapest horses that you can get in the market.
How?
Well, thoroughbreds are bred for racing, just how some parents want their children to be doctors, and if they do not make it, there is always some resentment.
Similarly, if these horses do not succeed in races for a longer period. Their worth drops by millions of dollars.
Health
This is a given, right? Your horse needs to be healthy and fit to maintain its worth.
Sick horses do not make it to high-paying clients because they do not want to deal with the illness. The priority is to get a healthy horse, so no time is wasted at the vet.
Training
Trained horses are worth more than a wild horse that can be a potential danger for people around.
You can find many stallions in jungles, but they will not be worth a lot compared to well-trained horses mainly because they cannot be trained as horses that are raised in a protective environment.
Other Factors
Another important factor that can determine the worth of your horse, is its achievements.
For example, certificates and medals that are awarded for participating in different competitions.
If a horse is loaded with such certificates and medals – then you can quote any price and people will be willing to pay, just how an awarded artist costs way more than a newfound talent.
Similarly, a loving and well-mannered horse will always be preferred over an ill-mannered one, which can be potential harm for the people around it.
How to Increase the Worth of My Horse?
There are several steps that you can take to increase the worth of your horse. If you are looking to sell your horse in the future, then it is necessary that you take to follow these steps, otherwise you will lose money even after putting in all the effort with your horse.
1. Maintain a Good Diet
You should provide your horse with nutritious food, so it does not end up looking like a skeleton
(Yes, you know it happens).
A good diet for your horse would be high-quality alfalfa and grass roughage or complimenting grains.
Make sure that your horse does not eat dry grass and gone off food as it can negatively impact the health of your horse… and decrease its worth.
2. Keep Track of the training Records
Your horse can be a champion at racing or other things. But if you do not have the records then people will not agree to pay its worth.
Hence, it is important that you keep the record of any certificates and documents that your horse has – so that you maintain a reliable database for any potential buyers.
3. Training is Important
Yes, if you can do it by yourself, then well in good. Otherwise, you can take help from a certified horse trainer so that they can help train your horse. A well-trained horse can add a few thousand dollars to its worth.
Conclusion
A quick google search can give you a round figure if you want to know the worth of your horse. However, many factors can either increase or decrease the worth of your horse.
To get the exact figure, make sure that you consider everything that is listed above. Or take help from professionals who are well-versed in this sector.
And just a reminder that all animals are worthy of love, even if they are not from a top breed.
