How Much Should You Spend on Buying a Horse

Price is one of those “it depends” subjects. Watch out for an overpriced horse. If you’re looking for a dependable, all-around horse like an American Quarter Horse or an off-the-track Thoroughbred, you probably shouldn’t spend more than $5,000, and you can usually get something for a lot less. That said, the more experience and training a horse has, the higher the asking price can be.

It’s a good idea to determine ahead of time how much you’re willing to spend, as it is easy to get carried away during your search. Patience is important. If you don’t see a horse right away in your price range, you eventually will if you’re willing to wait. Our friend Doug spent months visiting and riding at least ten horses before finally deciding on his new mount.

We spent $1200 for Sky (no counter offer this time.) She was quite green but safe. We later came to realize she probably never had more than thirty days of training as a youngster and didn’t know much more than the very basics, but that was okay with us.


If you are buying a fully trained horse or a show horse, the price will be much higher. Schoolmaster horses that have gone up the levels in their respective disciplines can fetch as much as a house. I know of a Grand Prix dressage horse selling for a hundred thousand dollars nearby. This is because of its breeding, its show record, and its training.

There are people who will import their horse from Europe for six figures. To each his own to be sure, but at least for your first horse, I am of the opinion that  there are a lot of horses out there who just need better training to be able to do much more than most think they are capable. For example, develop a horse’s topline, and it will use its back to move correctly and excel in any discipline. No, you might not end up at the Olympics, but you can have the time of your life riding well for a lot less than you’d imagine. Then again, Charlotte Dujardin broke every dressage record on her horse Valegro, winning the gold medal at the Olympics three times. Valegro cost 4000 British pounds (about $5000.)

There are even horses being given away to a good home. A riding instructor friend of mine recently got a mare for free off Craigslist and is now doing three-day eventing with her. Another friend got his off-the-track Thoroughbred for free and has been having a lot of fun teaching her both dressage and jumping.