Quarter horses have become one of the most popular breeds in the world, with nearly three million horses registered. If you’ve ever considered buying one of these trusty horses, you may have wondered just how much does a Quarter Horse cost?
As one of America’s first breeds, the Quarter horse has a long history as a working horse. They have been a popular choice for working cattle, as they were the preferred mount for many cowboys thanks to their sturdy builds and calm dispositions.
Today, Quarter horses are known for their versatility, as they excel in showing, pleasure, working, and trail riding.
On average, a Quarter horse will cost from $2,500 to $10,000. However, elite show horses and stallions will cost from $25,000 to $100,000, and more. The Price of a Quarter horse depends on many factors such as age, bloodlines, training, and gender.
With the breed being so common, there are many quality Quarter horses that are reasonably priced. America is home to the most Quarter horses in the world, as they are the most popular breed in the United States.
Factors Affecting the Price of a Quarter Horse Bloodlines and Types
Bloodlines play an important role in how much a Quarter horse will cost. A horse with a winning pedigree will be more expensive, as the best quarter horse bloodlines are highly sought after. The most famous bloodline is that of the legendary roping horse, Doc Bar.
When it comes to Quarter horses, there are also different types. The breed can split into bulldog, progressive and Thoroughbred categories. Each of these types comes from different bloodlines and are bred for their unique characteristics.
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The bulldog, or foundation, horses are often used for ranch work due to their sturdy, well-muscled builds. When it comes to the Thoroughbred type, they tend to have a sleeker, narrower body with a more refined build. The Thoroughbred type is popular for showing and racing, so they can be on the more expensive side.
The progressive type, which is also known as halter, is a combination of the bulldog type and Thoroughbred type. Known for being versatile, they have a well-muscled body, short back and refined head.
The progressive type have become quite popular within the Quarter horse breed and they are often used as show and pleasure horses, with some of them selling at higher costs.
Training
Training can largely contribute to how much a horse costs. A horse that has been trained under saddle or harness will cost more than one that is untrained.
Training a horse requires patience, time and dedication. In order to keep a horse in top shape for showing, a trainer will work a horse several times a week. A Quarter horse that is fully trained will often cost $2,500 and up.
Showing
American Quarter horses are popular show horses in both western and English disciplines. People will show their Quarter horses anywhere from local competitions all the way to the national level.
A top quality show horse with a good show record will often sell for $10,000 or more. Some of the most successful Quarter horses will sell for $25,000 or more. However, you can still get a solid show horse for under $8,000.
Age and Conformation
Just like other breeds, a Quarter horse’s age and conformation will factor into how much they cost. A well-bred Quarter horse will have a muscular body, powerful hindquarters and stocky build. You can expect to pay more for a horse that exemplifies the breed standard.
When it comes to age, the prime time to buy an American Quarter horse is when they are between 7-14 years old. Between these ages, a horse will be most fit to perform as a show, working, or pleasure mount. Horses that are in their late teens to early 20s will often sell for significantly less than a younger horse.
Owning an American Quarter Horse
There is a good reason why Quarter horses are so popular to own. Their calm dispositions, friendly temperaments, athleticism, and versatility make them popular horses for people of all ages.
Novices and professionals alike seek this breed out for their many qualities. They are reliable and are often one of the more affordable breeds of horses for first-time owners. However, if you are wanting a competitive show horse at the highest levels, you can expect to pay more.
Additional Upkeep Costs
In addition to the purchase price of an American Quarter horse, there are other costs you need to factor into ownership. Board, training, vet bills, farrier bills, feed, dewormer, tack, and grooming supplies are some of the many additional costs to owning a horse.
Board can cost anywhere from $300-$1,000 a month, depending on location, services offered, and if your horse is kept in training. Many boarding facilities will factor food and deworming costs into their price.
Quarter horses are often considered easy keepers, so their vet bills are often only a few hundred dollars a year for routine checkups and care. For farrier costs, it can typically be $40-$130, depending on if your horse is barefoot or wears shoes.
Depending on what discipline you ride and whether you show or not, tack can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.
Overall, Quarter horses are generally easy keepers and you typically won’t have to pay more than the average horse for upkeep. They are reliable horses that are great for people of all ages and experience levels.
source: horseyhooves.com
