How Much Does a Belgian Horse Cost? A Detailed Breakdown

Who doesn’t like a pretty Belgian horse? I know I do. If you’re interested in buying one or wondering how much it would cost, then you’re definitely in the right place because I’ve been down that rabbit hole already and have already done the numbers. Here’s how much it costs to buy a Belgian horse.

On average, a Belgian Horse can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. It’s a typical price for a youthful, healthy horse that is fit for purchase. The cost is determined by some factors that include the Belgian’s race, age, gender, fitness, physique, and training experience. These factors affect the cost greatly, and they determine how expensive the horse can become.

However, buying a Belgian horse isn’t the only expense that you should be considering. The maintenance cost for a Belgian can be really steep if you don’t know what you’re doing or what you should expect to pay for the regular maintenance of your horse. To help you avoid such situations, we’ve discussed all aspects of buying and maintaining a Belgian horse in this article along with the cost for each.

Who Should Buy a Belgian Horse?

Belgians are an excellent choice for beginners and first-time horse owners (along with these 14 other breeds that we’ve listed for the same purpose.) They are meek and quiet. Not to mention, they are also very calm and friendly to be around. The Belgian Draft Horse is a very easy horse to care for, which is a huge plus. Their demeanor is great, and they are immensely easy to deal with.

Factors That Affect the Cost

While purchasing a horse has an initial cost, owning a horse comes with a slew of additional expenses. The color, size, and temperament of the Belgian horse, etc., are some of the major factors that can cause the cost to vary greatly.

Color

A Belgian horse’s price is greatly influenced by its color. They are well known and paid for their chestnut color. The price can easily be increased if they possess a tail and mane that is flaxen in color. 

However, these colors have become quite rare as compared to roan and sorrel equine. As, they have become quite common and famous, specifically in America due to their breeders that opt for these particular coats.

Belgian drafts are beautiful, especially due to their color. What adds more to their beauty, and cost simultaneously are the white markings over these horses. People tend to pay a higher price for these, as they are truly alluring.

Training

In general, trained horses sell for a higher price. A lot of time, energy, and hard work go into training a horse. Hence, it influences the cost to a great extent. A horse’s price can shoot up by thousands of dollars, due to long years of training and skills. People who hire expensive and highly skilled trainers add that to the cost of their horse for sale.

To maintain a horse in shape, a trainer must work them many times each week, hence training a horse is expensive. Show horses are generally kept in training to keep up with the demanding rules of competition.

As a result, a horse kept in show training will cost more than one that is simply worked once or twice a month. Most people pay a hefty amount of money for such horses, without any complaints. In fact, such horses are bid upon with great values. Training indeed plays a major role in the cost of a horse.

Display Records

A horse with a good show record is something every person desires in a horse. Hence, this influences the cost, which reaches new highs depending on its skills and years of show records. 

Serious customers and horse lovers tend to splurge on horses that are well trained and have tremendous display records. Racing and dressage horses, in general, are highly sought after.

Bloodlines

Purebred horses are rare and have great value. Finding a purely bred horse is definitely not easy, and hence, is quite expensive to purchase. However, true beauty lies in these purebreds. Consequently, bloodlines affect the cost of a horse greatly.

Age

Horses that are between the ages of 9-14 are expensive compared to those that are younger or older than this. This is because, between this age span, a horse is at its maximum capacity and is perfect for riding, breeding, etcetera. 

Hence, horses that are at their peak years, can be expensive compared to those who are not, since they are slower and less healthy. A horse in its late teens or juvenile years costs much less.

Alternatives to Purchasing a Horse 

For individuals who cannot afford to acquire a horse, there are other options. The two most frequent methods of horse ownership are leasing and shared ownership. Horse owners have the option of leasing their horses in many scenarios. 

This allows you to utilize a horse for part or all of the time without spending as much as you would if you purchased one. There are three loaning options, namely:

  • Standard Loan
  • Permanent or Companion Loan
  • Breeding Loan

There are several different types of leases available, including:

  • Off-Farm And On-Farm Lease
  • Full lease
  • Half lease
  • Quarter lease
  • Free lease

Most horse lovers, who cannot exactly afford to purchase a horse opt for loans or leases as they save you from the initial investment. However, you still have to pay for the monthly expenses of maintaining a horse depending on the agreement that you come up with. 

Another benefit is that with leasing and loaning, you can gain experience before deciding if you want to invest in purchasing a horse or not. One thing to keep in mind is that you must do extensive research and examination before leasing or loaning a horse. 

To avoid future issues, you must also ensure that appropriate legal paperwork is written up before signing a contract and that all material is properly negotiated and signed by all parties.

The Regular Maintenance Cost of a Belgian Horse

Before purchasing an animal of this breed, it’s a good idea to do some research on how much an animal of this kind costs every month

Boarding

Boarding may cost anything from $150 to $1,000 per month, depending on whether the horse is kept in a stall or on pasture acreage. Inboard amenities are included in The cost of breeding, basic care, and nourishment.

Farriers

Farrier charges drive up the upkeep costs for a horse. In addition to their professional services, they also charge for their tools, services, equipment, and travel expenses. As hooves are formed of keratin, they must be trimmed regularly, much like nails.

A single trim is generally under $50. Farriers can charge up to $100 for a new pair of shoes. The profit margin, which is believed to be rather large, may decrease over time, depending on your relationship with your farrier.

Medical

Medical dentistry costs $80 to $250 in 6 months to a year, whereas veterinary treatment costs $200 to $400 per year. When you buy a horse, you must also pay for health screenings and first veterinary checkups. Every 2-4 months, a horse should see a veterinarian for a regular checkup. 

On average, a visit to the veterinarian costs around $200. Horses, on the other hand, tend to become ill or injure themselves. As a result, unexpected medical costs develop that are impossible to anticipate which automatically increase your monthly maintenance expense.

Tack

Also, don’t forget that if you’re searching for a horse to ride, you also need to think about riding equipment. You should have a horseback riding helmet, pants, and riding boots. It is comfortable and safe to ride because of the riding equipment. Without it, you may face various difficulties and your experience can become, perhaps, quite uncomfortable.

FAQ’s Regarding the Cost of a Belgian Horse

Like all good things, this article must also end. But before we end, let us have a look at a few frequently asked questions with regards to the cost of a Belgian horse.

How much does a Belgian draft horse cost?

On average, a Belgian Horse may cost between $5,000 and $10,000. It’s a typical price for a young, healthy horse that’s ready to be bought. A lot of other factors influence the price, including the Belgian’s race, age, gender, fitness, physique, and training experience. 
These elements have a significant impact on the price and define how pricey the horse can become. The horse can maintain its weight and does not require a lot of food. The maintenance of a Belgian horse is not only simple but also inexpensive.

Do Belgians make good riding horses?

Belgians can be excellent riding partners for beginners as well as horse riding experts. These amazing creatures provide high-rise comfortable seats for support. And offer a long stride that covers a good amount of land giving you a stable and fun riding experience. Since Belgians are known for their calm nature, they are easy to handle and get used to even if you are a rookie in horse riding.

What is the cheapest draft horse breed?

Quarter horses, Mustangs, Paint horses, Thoroughbreds, and Standardbreds are the most affordable horse breeds on average. Though costs vary based on the horse, these breeds frequently have numerous affordable horses for sale.

What is the lifespan of a Belgian horse?

Usually, the lifespan of a Belgian horse can be anywhere from 18 to 24 years. That said, the breed or common data is of only a little importance here. Because the main factor for age prediction is the care that you provide to the horse. If you maintain the health and wellness of your horse, you can significantly increase its lifespan.

What is the strongest draft horse?

All the draft horses are generally strong and heavy in appearance. It is so because they are commonly used for labor and breeding purposes. Out of all their breeds, one of the strongest draft horses is the Belgian breed. After that, some strong draft horse breeds include Shires, Suffolk, Punch, and Percheron.

Conclusion

In conclusion, draft horses cost you a minimum of $5000 which can further be influenced by several factors. They are an alluring breed of draft horses that are most wanted in their chestnut color. Belgians are well known for their calm and sweet demeanor, which makes them the perfect option. 

They are most suitable for all those horse lovers that are new to adoption. Belgians are the best option for all beginners. Moreover, they are also easy to upkeep and not so heavy on the pocket. Not to mention, they are great horses in almost every aspect. Training them can increase their value greatly, and make them more useful.