The 10 Most Expensive Horse Breeds

Equestrian sports are associated with a luxurious lifestyle and exquisite events. Generally, the value of a particular horse is “individual”, (as with horse properties and equestrian estates) it means a certain breed does not guarantee that this horse will win on the next sports event. Nevertheless, the world of horse owners, lovers and investors is full of people who are ready to pay thousands of dollars for this “attribute” of strength, power and the feeling of greatness given by an animal. Being more particular, Caitlin Allen, from the State University of New York, indicates 12 factors which determine the price on a horse. Among them, she lists level of training, temperament, location, color, vices, markings, breed registration, and who is selling it. Let’s focus on the color and breed.

1.                  Arabian Horse

This breed is considered among the oldest in the world; it dates back to the times of King Solomon. Such an opinion is popular among hippophiles, but recent researches based on the analysis of mtDNA show its heterogeneous origin. At the same time, probably no one can question the noble appearance of the Arabian horse. The main peculiarities of the Arabian beauty are the dished and well-shaped face, long arched neck, and naturally high tail carriage. Primarily, they are gray, chestnut, bay, roan and black.

2.                  Akhal-Teke

“A gift from the desert” – this equine breed is known for its endurance. Although a national emblem of Turkmenistan, there are only 8,000 of them in the world with a thousand located in Ashgabat. The long, thin neck and a large wide head make this horse look exclusive and quite exotic. This equine breed is presented in different colors, but what makes it unique is its metallic coat which is a result of a special hair structure.

3.                  Thoroughbred

This horse was bred in England to participate in racing. It reaches a speed near 40 km per hour in full gallop. At the same time, purebred Thoroughbred accomplish jumping, dressage, and hunting as well. Off-the-track Thoroughbred usually become exquisite riding or driving horses, requiring the unique care plan. This breed stands out among others for its long neck, chiseled head with widely spaced eyes and short back. Thoroughbred horses have every solid color in the arsenal with one additional known as palomino.

4.                  Morgan

The Morgan breed is probably one of the most adaptable among high-class horses. This American breed is well-known for its intelligence and willingness and generally is considered an all-purpose breed. There is no standard restricting the colors of Morgan breed, they usually come in pinto, dun, gray or roan coloring. The main peculiarity is not connected to the physical appearance, as it is all about the temperament of Morgans. They show deep loyalty and affection to their handlers.

5.                  Friesian Heritage Horse

The purebred Friesian was historically bred as a high stepping horse for carriages. Originally it is of black color only, but nowadays due to crossbreeding process, there is a variety of them. More than that breeders’ goal was to make this breed compatible on the sports arena, combining Friesian-like traits with refinement, stamina, and agility of Arabians, Morgans, and Thoroughbreds.

6.                  The American Sorraia Mustang

This breed is considered to join our top ten due to its rareness. Originally, its name is associated with Columbus and Hernando Cortes, but the later Mustangs gained their reputation because they were the only ones which could handle the climate of the New World. These animals are brave, loyal and fierce. As Lucia Roda claimed: “ Sorraia colt and mares show the uniformity of type and color, signs of consistent strong genetic inheritance”.

7.                  The American Paint Horse

From the 1800’s to 1900’s this bred was given a variety of names: pinto, paint, skewbald, or piebald. Only in the middle of the 20^th century the normal registration of the breed and its patterns began. As the colorful pattern identifies the Paint, today there are three coat patterns recognized by the Regular Registry: tobiano, overo, and tovero. These unique color settings, agreeable disposition and mostly perfect athletic ability make this breed an investment in quality and pleasure. The highest price ever paid for Paint Mark This Roscinate was $33,000 purchased by Mark Teel from Oklahoma.

8.                  The Mustang

First descended from Sorraia breed, these horses won the hearts and minds of both the industry insiders and hippophiles all over the world. They are usually defined as feral horses, but when it comes to the luxury equestrian segment, Mustangs poses their stable place, as an attribute of pride for its owner. This breed is identified by large feet, which in its accordance to the horse’s size is the biggest one in the equestrian industry. Mustangs can have all solid colors and striking coat patterns.

9.                  The Andalusian

Originally this breed came from the Iberian Peninsula, taking roots from Sorraia horses. It was breed for riding, instead of bullfighting which was popular in Spain that days (Lusitano was left for that purpose). This breed usually appears in dressage thankfully to its elegance and ability to bring its haunches far beneath its body. What’s more when canter or trot these horses perform upright steps, which are quite distinctive. As the Andalusian is a representative of PRE – Pura Raza Española, the prices are usually influenced by three factors: correct conformation, quality of movement and typiness, which were introduced by judges at the Conformation Shows for Pure Breed Spanish horses.

10.   The Dutch Warmblood

This breed was created in the middle of the 20^th century and broke the scene of dressage and showjumping. These horses possess appealing personality, willing to perform backbreaking work and staying enormously calm. A straight profile and proportioned body make the Dutch Warmblood ideal for riders of all levels. Its fairly long neck adds a bit of elegance while the highly set tail makes the total look of the horse so refined.  Concerning colts of Dutch Warmblood the starting price is about $5,000, but the level of training raises the cost. It must be said, the star of the dressage arena Totilas was purchased by Paul Schockemöhle for 13,36 millions in October 2010.

Conclusion

The last Dutch Warmblood only proves once more that the price is individual, based on horse’s traits, characteristics, and achievements in the particular equestrian sport. There were so many cases when the horse was bought for millions of dollars with the perspective to earn even more on racings or other competitions, but in consequence, it ended up the carrier with modest total earnings. The breed matters a lot, but it does nothing when it comes to experience and temperament of the particular horse.

Author bio: Joey Feldman is an essay writer in Canada.He is a young technologist with experience in marketing and SEO and a master’s degree in computer science. This guy spent his childhood at his uncle’s farm and that’s where he  found out that he loves animals, especially horses. Being a passionate writer, Joey wants to share his experience and thoughts as well as make new connections.

Twitter: @JoeyFeldman5