10 Most Expensive Horse Breeds In The World
Horses have been an integral part of mankind's history for over 4000 years. Every King or Emperor had a faithful horse that accompanied them into battle. Although the war and battle era is far over, breeding and domesticating horses are still present. They are the most beautiful and effective companions much like dogs. Here we are going to talk about the most expensive horse breeds in the whole wide world.
10. Andalusian
Descendants of the Iberian horses of Spain and Portugal, this horse is known for being strongly built and compact yet completely elegant. They have broad backs and a strong chest. These were sometimes used as war horses, when treated with respect they are quick to learn and are much responsive and cooperative with the owner. This breed also has clean legs with no natural tendency of injuries. The most notable feature of the Andalusian breed is their mane and tail which are quite thick, although there is a lot less feathering around their legs. Through time this breed was quite famously used by the Spanish military and now they are used in races as well as in dressage. They have a peculiar gait and can move swiftly and gracefully.
Considered as the Pure Spanish Breed, the Andalusian horses range from $3000 to $60000. The price typically rises as per the needs of the owner. The Andalusian Stallion can be used for pleasure riding and for competing in races.
9. Holsteiner
One of the oldest warmblood breeds dating back to the 13th century, their breeding started in the 14th century at the Uetersen Monastary. Holsteiner is a German warmblood breed that dominates in jumping, dressage, competitive races on international platforms. The most notable characteristic of Holsteiners is their ability to jump while maintaining their agility and performance. According to the 2008 WBFSH rankings, Holsteiner Studbook ranked third in international showjumping.
Holsteiners are very light weighted thus controlling them during tough gaits is much easier. Although the breed does not have a large population, they are known as a multipurpose horse breed. The average life span of a german Holsteiner is 30–40 years. Holsteiners are reliable for trail riding and carrying loads as well. Their price ranges from $45000 to $112000.
8. Arabians
One of the most exotic and dominant breeds, Arabians are acknowledged for their stamina, as well as their elegance. An Arabian racehorse undergoes studious training and conditioning programs that must be followed and could take up to 3 years to completely train them. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the breed was notorious as a cavalry mount and was bred by the U.S. Army until the 1940s. Arabian horses were used widely in trade and war. In the present time, the Arabian bloodline can be found in most of the racehorses.
The most notable trait of this breed is that they are extremely quick to adapt and learn. Arabian breeds are quite disciplined and can be calmed easily. Arabians dominate in endurance riding and due to their massive stamina, they can cover about 100 miles in a day. Arabians are also used for pleasure riding and ranch riding for those who are not peculiar in competitions.
Their price ranges depend on the purpose. Trail riding Arabians can be sold for about 1000$. Racehorse and pure Arabian breeds for recreational activities are sold for about $150000. Purebreds are the ones trained in the middle eastern regions under desert conditions to massively improve their endurance and stamina.
7. Oldenburg
Warmblood sturdy strong stallion, Oldenburg breed is a sport horse which was predominantly used as a carriage horse in the late 17th century. In the modern era, the breeding of Oldenburg has been personally undertaken by the Association of Breeders of The Oldenburg Horse. The association enforces strict rules for the breeding process to be better than the last. Naturally, since Oldenburg is warmblood breeds they are known for their builts and jumping ability. With expressive and agile gaits suitable for sporting the Oldenburg is not for the inexperienced. The Oldenburg committee distinguishes the breeds according to their temperament, willingness to work, the character of the breed as well as the breed’s reliability.
The Oldenburg breed might not be most suitable for sporting but it dominates every area in show jumping. According to the WBFSH ranking, the Oldenburg Verband ranked 3rd in dressage and 7th in show jumping.
Acknowledged for the breed's sturdiness and bravery the Oldenburg stallion’s starting range is $100000 with prices raising approximately to about $500000.
6. Hanoverian
One of the most successful performers in all three equestrian Olympic events winning gold in all areas, the Hanoverian is definitely a rider's choice. Originally this breed was used as a carriage horse but continuous refining with thoroughbreds heightened its agility and performance.
Since the WBFSH and FEI began publishing these results in 2001, the Hanoverian Society has been the most successful studbook in international dressage competition. Since 2001, the WBFSH and FEI have continuously recognized the Hanoverian among the top five most successful studbooks in international showjumping competition
The Hanoverian Verband is responsible for many events and facilities, including breeding stock and Elite Auctions in Verden. The Verband also owns the Hanoverian Riding and Driving School which trains riders, instructors, and horses. Price toppers sell for well over $100000. The record price of the Hanoverian breeds is well above $900,000.
5. Friesian
Originated in the Dutch province of Friesland Friesians have the shape of a light draught horse, and are elegant and agile for their size. It is thought that progenitors of Friesian horses were in high demand as military horses heir size allowed them to transport a knight in armor throughout continental Europe. Despite nearly going extinct on several occasions, the contemporary Friesian horse is increasing in numbers and popularity, being used both in harness and under saddle.
The most distinguishable feature of this breed is that their coat is pure shining black. A Friesian is built muscular and is agile with elegant action, thick mane, and tail, feather on lower legs. In today’s time, Friesians constitute about 7% of the Netherlands. The breeding is undertaken by the Friesian Horse Association of North America.
The price depends on one main factor and that is color. Because the most notable feature about a Friesian is their shiny black coat and so a purebred untrained Friesian with small white spots on its forehead will go for about $50000 although a purebred trained Friesian with complete black coat stallion goes for about $700000 exceeding to a million.
4. Standardbred
An American racehorse breeds most recognized for its aptitude in harness racing, where members race at a trot or a pace. The Standardbred is a breed that originated in North America traced back to 18th-century England. They are strong, well-built horses with pleasant personalities. A Standardbred is heavier compared to thoroughbred and quite muscular than Oldenburg and Hanoverians but has refined, solid legs and powerful shoulders and hindquarters.
Standardbreds are well-known for their ability in harness racing since they are the world’s quickest trotting horses. Standardbreds are frequently used to enhance various breeds of harness racers across the world because of their speed. Standardbreds are often utilized for leisure riding and horse events. They’re also popular as light buggy horses among the Amish, who don’t use powered vehicles. With the assistance of organizations such as the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization, many retired Standardbreds find a second career off the track.
The latest auction held in October 2019 saw the Standardbreds being auctioned for over 1.1 million.
3. Selle Francais
After decades of cross-breeding, this new French sport horse was first recognized as a distinct breed in 1958. The animals, sometimes known as French Saddle Horses, are generally bay or chestnut in color. White marks on the lower legs are typical. Intelligent and athletic Selle Francais horses, known as show jumpers, also excel in other disciplines, and several have achieved Olympic and Grand Prix success.
The price ranges in millions. In 2013 world champion Palloubet d’Halong auctioned his Selle Francais for 10 million.
2. Dutch Warmblood
The Dutch Warmblood is a relatively new breed that descended from two original Dutch breeds, the Gelderlander and the Groningen. The breeders wanted to blend the finest qualities of each breed, and the resulting progeny were honed further with the addition of Thoroughbred blood. Breeding techniques have resulted in a horse with a good temperament, athleticism, and dependability and the breeds flourish in recreational activities. In 2016 the Dutch Warmblood was ranked 1st in showjumping by the WBFSH.
The Dutch Warmblood ranges from $40000 to several million. The exact price is still not decided although a black Dutch Warmblood stallion was reportedly sold to a german trainer for almost 15 million.
- Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred horses are most recognized for their usage in horse racing. Although the term “thoroughbred” can apply to any purebred horse, it strictly only refers to the Thoroughbred breed. Thoroughbred horses are “hot-blooded” horses known for their agility, speed, and energy.
The Thoroughbred, as it is known today, was created in 17th and 18th-century England by crossing native mares with imported Oriental stallions of Arabian, Barb, and Turkoman heritage. All contemporary Thoroughbreds may be traced back to three stallions imported into England in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as a greater number of foundation mares, largely of English lineage.
Thoroughbreds are primarily trained for racing, although they are also bred for show jumping, combined training, dressage, polo, and fox hunting. They are also crossbred to enhance existing breeds and have played a role in the development of the Quarter Horse, Standardbred, Anglo-Arabian, and several warmblood breeds.
Thoroughbreds are specially designed to dominate racing competitions, their maintenance and training routine is on a whole another level. Thoroughbreds are auctioned well above 16 million for a 2-year-old foal.