No two horse breeds are alike. Have you ever wondered what makes certain breeds of horses fetch such sky-high prices, while others are more affordable?

There's a characteristic or two that makes the difference between an ordinary horse and an expensive one. These characteristics are valued by horse lovers and equestrians alike for their rarity, uniqueness, and for their performance and rider compatibility.

In this article, we will talk about:

• Why are particular horse breeds expensive?
• What are the characteristics are valued in unique horse breeds?
• The most expensive breeds of horses in the world
• Special care necessary for expensive horse breeds

Ask yourself: Why do you ride? Or if you’re ahorseowner, what made you decide to purchase one instead of picking one out from your local stable?

The answer is simple: You ride with a purpose. The purpose of using horses for work and transportation is no longer the norm, so you either ride competitively or as a hobby.

By now, you know that you choose your equine partner based on why you ride. Those who purchase expensive breeds of horses buy them to fulfill a purpose.

Many factors go into the value of a horse and there are no rules set in stone on how much horses can sell. A thoroughbred named Fusaichi Pegasus was sold for $70 million in an auction, making him the most expensive horse ever to be sold.

But, what are the characteristics of an expensive horse?

• Location.Most expensive equine partners are found primarily in Europe, born in established stud farms that have been around for decades. These stud farms have built a reputation of bringing out riding partners to match your discerning taste.
• Bloodline.Horse breeders make for the best matchmakers. Two champions often pass on their winning genes to their offspring. If you are seeking to compete in the best of shows and events, a riding pal with a proven track record may be the way to go. On the other hand, selective breeding happens when infusing characteristics into another breed, such as temperament or color. 
• Experience.Depending on age and breed, horses have vastly different experiences. Some breeds are for racing, while others are riding horses. Show horses and event horses are more expensive than those bred for everyday riding. 
• Competition and show performance.As previously mentioned, horse breeders often match champions together in hopes of creating winning offspring. The thinking that “winning genes” being passed on is still common thinking and practice in the industry.
• Training.A horse cannot rely on good genes alone. It needs the proper training to go with it. Without world-class training, whether for the trail or competitive horseback riding, a riding pal does not fulfill its purpose.
• Physical features.The horse world is very particular about the horse's physical characteristics as well. Selective breeding is not only for temperaments and behavior in your four-legged friend but to change physical features. Mane, hair and eye color, and the coat of horses matter.

There are over 350 horse and pony breeds around the world, but these are presently the most expensive in the market:

Dutch Warmblood

If you’ve been in the horse competition circuit either as a competitor or a casual spectator, you will notice Dutch Warmbloods among the competing equines. Their warm, easy demeanor is balanced off by their strength and endurance. As their name suggests, this breed hails from the Netherlands. They have solid colors, making them delightful to look at in competitions. It’s no wonder why they are a breed of choice for professional equestrians.

• Practice Compatibility: Dressage, jumping, driving, carriage driving, hunter
• Weight:1,430lbs
• Height:15 hands (60-in) to 17 hands (68-in)
• Body Type: Well-proportioned built, muscular neck, deep chest, powerful legs
• Life Expectancy:20 years
• Estimated Cost: $10,000-$75,000

Akhal-Teke

The Akhal-Teke is the National Horse of Turkmenistan, and may only have less than 8,000 Akhal-Teke horses in existence today. The rarity of getting your hands on this equine brings up its price.

Beyond its dwindling number, its coat has a pristine, metallic-like shine. But don’t think it’s all show and no game—Akhal-Teke horses have excellent endurance, tested by centuries of being used for transportation and labor. Since it is used to being with humans, they say that Akhal-Teke breeds are very loyal animals.

• Practice Compatibility: Showjumping, dressage, long-distance racing
• Weight:around 1,000lbs
• Height: 14 hands (56-in) to 16 hands (64-in)
• Body Type: Flat-muscled, slim build, long narrow neck and head
• Life Expectancy: 20 years
• Estimated Cost: $100,000

Arabian

Casual horse riders would be familiar with Arabian breeds because of their popularity. Their graceful features and the breed’s love for their human companions may have something to do with it. Perhaps their familiarity with humans is because they’ve been around longer than other horse breeds. Don’t let their graceful features, small build, and amiable personality make you think they are dainty creatures. Their country of origin, the rough terrain, and the hot climate have made Arabian breeds tough. Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have used an Arabian horse named Marengo, while George Washington had a half-Arabian horse called Blueskin.

Due to the Arabian being one of the most popular horse breeds because of their intelligence and demeanor, many horse breeds have Arabian blood in them, including light horse breeds, Thoroughbreds, and Quarter Horses.

• Practice Compatibility: Long-distance trail, dressage, racing, and riding sports
• Weight: 800lbs to 1,000lbs
• Height:14 hands (56-in) to 16 hands (64-in)
• Body Type: Small build, high tail carriage, long and arched neck, concave head
• Life Expectancy:30 years
• Estimated Cost: $25,000-$300,000

Friesian

This breed has been around for centuries in the Netherlands, but it doesn’t make them commonplace. It’s considered a rare breed and almost went extinct. With a high-stepping gait and a black coat, paired with a warm temperament that has been bred over time, the demand for this centuries-old breed has not waned down.

• Practice Compatibility: Carriage, riding, dressage, trail
• Weight: around 1,300lbs
• Height:around 16 hands (67-in)
• Body Type: Sturdy, muscular build, thick mane and tail, arched and thick neck
• Life Expectancy: 16 years
• Estimated Cost: $50,000-$100,000

Hanoverian

Being a warm-blooded breed, a Hanoverian breed’s origin goes back to being used for war. Hailing from Germany, they are impeccable jumpers due to their link to Thoroughbreds. Tracing their lineage won’t be a problem—Hanoverian breeds have one of the best-kept records compared to other breeds.

• Practice Compatibility: Show jumping, dressage, riding
• Weight:1,400lbs
• Height:5.3–17.1 hands (around 67-in)
• Body Type:Sturdy build, long neck, medium head, strong hindquarters
• Life Expectancy:25-35 years
• Estimated Cost: $7,000-$100,000

Oldenburg

Named after Count Johann XVI von Oldenburg, he had a Friesian breed and made them suitable for horseback riding. The breed’s original purpose was to be a workhorse, but the Count started breeding them and gifting them as war horses. Oldenburgs were used for horseback riding or for carriage due to their elegant look and stature.

• Practice Compatibility: Jumping, dressage, riding
• Weight: 1,700lbs
• Height: 16-18 hands (64 to 72-in)
• Body Type: compact build, short legs, deep chest, strong neck, large head
• Life Expectancy: 30 years
• Estimated Cost: $4,000-$100,000

Andalusian

While considered a common breed, Andalusians are expensive. The breed comes originally from Spain and is said to be the “grandfather” of most modern horse breeds today. This can also be because of its long history, so long that its origins are largely unknown. Originally bred to be used in war, Kings and queens of Spain often had and rode Andalusian horses. Nowadays, you would find an Andalusian in competitions or even used for recreation, because of their high energy and stamina, but they can also stay calm and work well with humans.

• Practice Compatibility:Trail, dressage, jumping
• Weight: 908 to 1,129lbs
• Height: around 15 ½ hands (60.5-in)
• Body Type: Short-coupled torso, muscular hindquarters, large,sculpted head
• Life Expectancy: 25 years
• Estimated Cost: $15,000-$50,000

Thoroughbred

There is no other breed with better bloodlines and a history of winning than that of a Thoroughbred. Because of its almost assured spot at the top of any competition, thoroughbreds are the most expensive horse breed in the world.

There isn’t any equestrian competition in the world that these hot-blooded equines don’t dominate. Whether it’s racing, dressage, or showjumping, thoroughbreds will deliver. Their unparalleled speed makes them a crowd favorite in the horse racing world and breeding sports horses.

A thoroughbred named Fusaichi Pegasus was rumored to be sold for roughly $70 million, making him the most expensive horse to be sold at an auction. Perhaps it was money well spent—Fusaichi Pegasus stayed true to his name and won the Kentucky Derby back in 2000.

• Practice Compatibility: Racing, jumping, dressage, riding, driving
• Weight: around 1,000 to 1,300lbs
• Height: 15 hands (60-in) to 17 hands (68-in)
• Body Type:Lean and athletic build, long neck, deep chest, powerful hindquarters
• Life Expectancy: 25 to 35 years
• Estimated Cost: $100,000-$300,000+