Friesian horses are one of the most beautiful and versatile horses, perfect for dressage, trail riding, and pulling carriages, but how much do they cost? In this article, we will discuss the price and factors that influence a Friesian horse’s cost. This post will help you calculate the cost and the additional expenses in purchasing one.
So how much does a Friesian horse cost? Let’s jump right in to explore the price of owning a Friesian.
The Purchase Price of a Friesian Horse
A purebred, pedigreed Friesian horse inspected and approved by FHANA or Friesian Horse Association North America with special designation may range from $19,900 to $47,900 or more.
However, Friesian horses that are either older, younger or have no special studbook designation may cost cheaper. For example, a well-trained mare’s purchase price in mid-life can be as low as $3,000 while senior mares may cost $5,000, and a three-year-old gelding’s estimated worth is $6,000.
Factors Affecting the Friesian Horse Cost
As mentioned above, the cost of a Friesian horse varies depending on various factors. Here’s a list of what influences the price of the dreamy Friesians.
1. Type of Friesian
Friesian purebred horses are categorized into two main types; the sport and baroque. Baroque horses are the workhorses closest to the original Friesian warhorses. They have a robust build with shorter legs and thicker appearance while sport horse type is finer-boned, leaner, taller, and more athletic, so they particularly excel in dressage, and are famously used for leisure riding.
But according to some Friesian breeders, there is a newly emerging type called “modern Friesian” that is lighter, leaner, faster, and graceful and a bit popular for racing and drawing carriages. The modern and sport horses are often priced higher than the classical baroque.
2. Special designation
Typically, Friesian horses that have earned a special studbook designation are more costly.
3. Breed Registration
Horses registered at the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) and Netherlands Friesch Paarden Stamboek(FPS), who have strict standards, often have a higher cost.
4. Breed rarity
Friesian horses are one of the rarest horse breeds in the world, making them unique and desirable. There are only 37,000 Friesians worldwide, 8,000 of them are in the USA. So when buying a Friesian, be sure to check the papers to see if the horse you are planning to purchase is a true purebred Friesian.
5. Temperament
Horses have three primary designations related to their character, namely cold-blooded, warm-blooded, and hot-blooded. Cold-blooded horses, like most draft horse breeds, have a calm personality. In contrast, warm-blooded horses, including Friesians, are a combination of hot-blooded and cold-blooded known for their people-centric and athletic temperament.
Quick fact: their temperament is also a factor that influences the cost.
6. Training
Trained horses of any age often cost higher than an untrained equine.
7. Gender
Stallions are usually more pricey than mares and gelding as they hold a special place within the breed for most Friesian breeders and enthusiasts.
9. Color
The horse’s color can also influence its price because it’s something potential buyers look out for. Purebred Friesian horses are black, while some have white patches on their forehead. Due to sun exposure and sweat, others may turn into dark brown or lighter shades of black.
There are also heritage Friesian horses that possess chestnut, red, or other coat colors known as “Fire Friesians.” However, they may have a hybrid percentage, so they are not qualified to be registered in the official breed studbook, and they are cheaper than true Friesians.
10. Size
Friesians of any gender that meet the standard size set by FPS are often more expensive. For a Friesian stallion, the standard height is 15.3 hands or 1.60 meters by its first birthday, while a mare must be 14.3 hands high or 1.5 meters. The breed’s ideal size is 15.25 to 16 hands, these Friesians often cost higher than taller and shorter horses.
11. Age
Health issues often arise in horses when they become mature. For example, an aortic artery rupture or a fatal genetic condition can typically occur when the horses reach four or later. Therefore, you must be a little skeptical if the price offered at a certain age is too cheap. Doing a little research about the horse’s bloodline and its parent’s health before purchasing can save you from trouble.
Additional Costs Associated With The Purchase Of A Friesian Horse
On top of the purchase price, you may have to spend more money for the horse’s other necessities. Here are some additional costs associated with purchasing a Friesian.
Health tests and initial veterinary exam
Breeders with a good reputation usually provide several health test results, including an X-ray, clinical exam, blood test, and governmental inspection results if necessary. These exam results may be included in the purchase price or billed separately.
Shipping to the Stable location
Since Friesian horses are hard to find due to breed rarity, buyers may have to import from other countries, such as the Netherlands. Therefore, it is essential to consider the cost of first-class shipping and handling, the fee for trained handlers who will escort and supervise the horse, and other expenses, including quarantine care.
Saddle and Saddle Pad
A saddle and saddle pad is also essential for you as a rider to help you gain necessary support, comfort, and security
while riding and preventing chafing. It can also influence your horse’s responsiveness and enthusiasm during training. So, you may have to spend some bucks on it. Prices for a new saddle can range up to $3000 and up to $75 for a saddle pad.
Bridle and tack
Bridle and horse tack are vitally essential to make your horse feel more comfortable when you are riding, competing, or performing together. It can cost $100 or more, but it would be worth every penny.
Blanket
Horses need a blanket to keep their body warm during the cold season, so it would be beneficial to invest in it. It can cost around $140 or higher, depending on its type.
Friesian horses’ cost depends on different factors, so it would be best to weigh what things you are willing to compromise before purchasing one. They may be priced higher than other breeds, but most horse owners feel it’s worth the investment because these horses aren’t just charismatic and unique; they’re also majestic and versatile.
What is a Friesian horse’s lifespan?
The typical lifespan of a Friesian horse is usually around 16 years. Despite this, some horses can live for up to 25 to 30 years.
How tall is a Friesian horse?
The usual Friesian horse is approximately 15-17 hands tall which is around 60 to 68 inches. However, in order to qualify for ‘Star-designation’ Friesian horses must be a minimum of 15.2 hands tall.
How much do Friesian horses weigh?
The average weight of a Friesian horse is typically 1200 to 1400 pounds.
What is a Friesian horse’s diet?
Friesian horses are known for their generally easy keepers which means they don’t require much food and are content with a regular diet of quality hat, vegetables, fruits and gran.
