An Arabian horse has an average cost of $5,000 to $20,000. Since it’s the oldest and one of the most beautiful breeds, the price becomes as much as $85,000. It even gets higher at $155,000 based on the records of the Arabian Horse Association. These hefty prices are for the incredible speed and endurance of this breed.
Discovering a 10-year-old Arabian mare called Pepita that costs €1.4 million is no surprise. As a horse lover, I know those top show ones are worth the price. Pepita is the most expensive Arabian horse because of her score of 94.5 in Polish Nationals 2014. She also won the title of National Champion Senior Mare.
But how come there’s a big difference in the average costs of Arabian horses? You should know that there are elements that affect the price of these horses. Age, bloodline, training, and show records affect the cost. You’ll learn more by reading this article.
What Is An Arabian Horse?
An Arabian horse is a breed that hails from the Arabian Peninsula. It has a stunning appearance due to its distinctive head shape and high tail carriage. The archaeologists found relics of this breed that dated 4,500 years ago. So, it’s the oldest horse on the planet.
This breed can adapt to various environments. It learned survival in the desert, so Bedouin people have high esteem for this horse. Arabian horses are flexible not only with adaptation to the surroundings.
They can conquer endurance riding, so they join the equestrian sport. Thanks to selective breeding! These horses also interact with humans well. It’s easy to work with them too.
Thus, Arabian horses are the whole package! They don’t only look astonishing but well-behaved as well.
Arabian Horse Origin And History
Bedouins were the first breeders of Arabian horses. Arabic tribes used these horses to raid villages due to their alertness and high spirit. They evolved into horses with better endurance over the years. The harsh condition in the desert has a considerable contribution to their progress.
The news about the beautiful features of Arabian horses spread on the other side of the world. The import of this breed to Western countries began. They arrived in the USA in the 1700s. Then the founding of the Arabian Horses Registry of America took place in 1908.
Many find Arabian horses ideal for riding. They are in awe of its features. So, people let these horses copulate with other breeds to produce a fine line of horses.
Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, George Washington, and Napoleon rode these horses. The prophet Mohammed of the Muslim faith has taught about Arabian horses. Owners should treat them with respect and kindness.
Factors Affecting The Arabian Horse Cost
This part will answer your questions about the varying costs of Arabian horses.
Temperament
Arabian horses evolved into friendly, local, and intelligent creatures. You’ll notice that they are more spirited compared to other breeds. Thus, they’re the perfect candidate for family horses.
They have good temperaments. Also, you can gain their trust with ease. So beginners won’t have a hard time dealing with them. Proper training and supervision are necessary to teach them to interact with humans.
Children can even handle stallions when displaying them in competitions. It took me by surprise when I first saw this. As you may know, stallions are unpredictable and sometimes temperamental. You’ll feel relieved with these horses, so it’s worth the price.
Bloodlines
There are several Arabian horse species. The purebred that refers to the Bedouin Desert Arabian horse is rare nowadays. So, you can expect to pay more for them. From an economic point of view, rarity has a high market value.
Apart from the pure breed, Arabian horses have six primary bloodlines. They are Crabbet, Domestic, Egyptian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. Exotic horses with varying characteristics come from these bloodlines.
The World Arabian Horse Organization made a catalog of pedigree so you can compare costs. You may also check Arabian Horse Association for the same concern.
The price of full Arabian horses starts from $500 to $155,000. Mixed ones can cost $500 to $75,000. There are cases that you want a specific quote for the price. It’s best to contact any of these two organizations to know the price of a particular species.
Weight
The weight of an Arabian horse affects its price. To give you an idea, Arabian horses can weigh from 800 to 1,000 pounds. They are smaller if you compare them to other breeds.
As a smaller breed, they’re known for their slim, compact, and graceful bodies. It’s what you can expect from a pure one. The mixed Arabian horses may not live up to this description as some get heavier.
So, more weight can decrease the price of an Arabian horse. Pure ones cost more than mixed-breed horses.
Gender
Stallions are on the same level as top show horses. So, they are more expensive than the mares. But other factors can change this, such as age and training.
Size
The body of Arabian horses is slim, occupying a big part of its attractiveness. The height of these horses ranges from 56 to 64 inches and the weight is from 800 to 1,000 pounds. The said height and weight make the perfect look of an Arabian horse.
If it goes beyond or lower, either is not a good sign. The imperfection of a horse won’t make it sell at a high price in the market. Most buyers seek advice from experts or research before buying.
Age
Arabian horses are in their prime at the ages of 7 to 14 years. Thus, you can expect a high price for these horses within this age group. They are great for shows and rides. Those in their late teens or over 20 years old have lower prices.
Color
Like other breeds, Arabian horses are in an array of colors like bay, black, and chestnut. A black one is rare, so it has a higher price quote. Again, rarity has a high market value.
Training
Training an equine takes a lot of time, effort, and money. So, trained horses are more expensive than those that are not. The seller will show proof that the horse indeed went through training. That’s why Pepita costs a massive amount of money as the owner proves that she won some awards.
Additional Cost Associated With the Purchase Of An Arabian Horse
After choosing and paying for the Arabian horse you like, you must prepare for other expenses. I listed everything here so you can make a budget beforehand.
Health Tests And Initial Veterinary Exam
Before keeping an Arabian horse, the first thing you need to do is get its health certificate. A licensed veterinarian can provide it. The cost is around $25 to $100. Aside from an initial check-up, your horse needs other things.
For example, deworming might be necessary. You can consult your doctor about this, and the cost is somewhere between $50 to $350. Vaccinations can make your horse stay healthy and counter diseases. But expect to pay $300 to $800 a year.
Since this is about veterinary fees, I should also talk about emergency expenses. Colic is a common digestive problem among horses. When misfortune comes, and it affects your horse, you need to spend $500 to $1,000.
Shipping To The Stable Location
The shipping of a horse costs $185 to the members of the organization. Non-members have to pay $235. This information is from the Arabian Horses Association.
Saddle and Saddle Pad
These are the must-have items for horses. The average price for the saddle is $500. But there are different kinds available in the market. Some saddles cost $100, and you can find costlier ones for $8,000.
The price range also applies to saddle pads. It’s between $10 to $200 and more. A western-style saddle that promises comfort and a snug fit can cost only $50.
Bridle and Tack
A set of bridle and tack costs $70 to $1,000. You may need to add some accessories for jumping or western riding. Expect to pay $125 to $250 extra for the breastplate, martingale, and riding crop.
Boarding
You’ll need enough space for your Arabian horse after buying it. Before taking the animal home, you must process things like registration. So, it would help if you left it in a spacious and comfortable place that costs $800 to $2,540.
Diet
A horse needs a daily feed that is 1.5% of its weight. Aside from the daily ration, you have to add supplements as well. Depending on the horse’s age and daily activities, you must spend $250 to $4,000 a year.
Blanket
Horses need a blanket for the cold season. They have different body shapes, so they don’t use the same blanket size. A covering for horses can cost as low as $100 and as high as $1,000 or more.
Insurance
Insurance is optional, but a wise horse owner will get it. Horse insurance can have a starting price of $150. It can be more based on your chosen plan.
Arabian horses are valuable animals. In case of injury or death, insurance can back you up with the expenses.
FAQs
Why Is Arabian Horse So Special?
An Arabian horse is so special. It’s because of its appealing physical appearance, gentleness, speed, and endurance. This horse has large, almond-shaped eyes that are expressive and mysterious. Its long neck looks elegant too.
It’s also calm, kind, and intelligent. So it’s simple for beginners and children to control this horse. It’s a swift breed with endurance for riding and equestrian.
Is An Arabian Horse A Good Horse?
An Arabian horse is a good horse. You can find Arabian horses with good temperaments because of selective breeding. But this breed is under the ‘hot-blooded’ category.
Due to its intelligence, it can learn bad habits as well. Some observations show that it doesn’t tolerate rigid training practices. On the brighter side, it has the instinct to work side by side with humans.
What Is The Arabian Horse Used For?
An Arabian horse engages in several activities. You’ll see it in dressage, endurance riding, polo, trail riding, and Western cutting.
How Long Do Arabian Horses Live?
The lifespan of Arabian horses is 25 to 30 years. But some survive until around their 40th year. The oldest living Arabian horse is a 46-year-old Magic, a Polish Arabian breed.
How Long Can Arabian Horses Go Without Water?
Arabian horses evolved in the desert, so this question is on point. They can go without water for 72 hours.
Are Arabian Horses Fast?
Arabian horses are fast as they excel in distance races. They can run as fast as 40 miles per hour. This speed is quicker than other horse breeds.
Bottom Line
The average price range of Arabian horses is from $5,000 to $20,000. Those with a top pedigree, awards, and excellent training can cost more than $100,000. Prices vary because of temperament, bloodlines, age, color, and training.
Purebred and rare colored ones are likely to have a higher price. Arabian horses are costly if they’re 7 to 14 years old. You may inquire from reputable organizations about the price of a particular species. As you’ve learned from this article, there are six main bloodlines.
my uncle had a riding barn he had 2 half Arabian mares. One was the older ones daughter. half note; and Quater note. they were soo sweet. then both lived almost 40 years. they were both white.
Thank you for sharing your uncle’s lovely story with us! It’s heartwarming to hear about the long, cherished lives of Half Note and Quarter Note. Their longevity is a testament to the excellent care and love they received at your uncle’s riding barn.
Horses, especially Arabians, indeed have a wide range of lifespan, which can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, diet, healthcare, and overall environment. While the average lifespan of an Arabian horse is typically between 25 to 30 years, there are certainly cases like Half Note and Quarter Note where they live much longer. Your story has added more depth to this subject and it’s wonderful to hear about horses that live well beyond the average lifespan. It shows just how much of an impact proper care and affection can have on these beautiful animals.