We all know that horses can be quite expensive and Palominos are no different. But here’s a fun fact: Palomino isn’t a horse breed but a type of horse coat. That’s exactly why it’s difficult to pinpoint an average cost of a Palomino horse. But don’t worry, we’ve done all the legwork to assess the various factors that play a role in the price of a Palomino horse including its breed, purchase price, shelter, food, healthcare and training.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
If you’re still not sure what a Palomino horse is, then here’s a detailed guide on that.
Average Palomino Horse Cost
The average cost of a palomino horse may range between $5,000 to $10,000 and depends on several factors including the area where you live, the horse breed, the amount of training required, as well as its health status. Besides, this is not all. Palomino horse price is not a one-time payment as there will be additional recurring costs involved, such as visits to the vet, feeding, and shelter, etc.
While the idea of buying a palomino horse may seem intriguing, it may or may not fall within your budget. This is why it is first important to look at the factors that help in determining the average cost of a palomino horse. Moreover, this not only includes the cost of purchasing the animal itself but all the expenses you’ll need to bear for overall palomino horse ownership.
For your ease, here’s a typical breakdown of each factor influencing palomino horse cost:
Shelter
The cost of shelter depends on the type of the facility you choose and the area you live in. You can decide the facility or type of shelter that you are choosing depending on your own requirements. For example, if you live in a small area or apartment, you can go for a boarding stable which can cost quite a lot. We do have a separate detailed guide on the cost of boarding a horse that you’d want to have a look at.
You can decide the facility depending on the horse and the purpose you have bought it for. Hence, if you are opting for full-service, you are likely to pay more than other boarding options.
Full Boarding
It is a popular full-time solution that is convenient for many. After selecting this option, you do not have to do most of the things as the facility will take care of them. You can pay a visit to your horses when you want to while the facility takes care of food, vet checkups and any other daily requirements. You also get access to stalls and hay for your horses.
Not only that, but you can also opt for training sessions both for you and your horse. Thus, it is no doubt a full boarding facility for your horse. However, with such facilities, you have to pay a huge amount. Depending on the area, it can cost somewhere between $4800 to $9000 yearly.
Partial Boarding
In this option, as the name suggests, you get partial access to facilities. You can get a stall and the staff will take care of your horse, but you may have to feed it on your own depending on the agreement. You can come to a convenient agreement with boarding about the ways you find more convenient. In such situations, you will not only care for your horse more but can spend more time with it as well. Also, you can control the quality and select the type of food you want to feed to your horse.
This is a popular option among horse owners due to the cost difference. In this option, depending on the type of agreement and the area, you have to pay somewhere between $3000 to $6000 yearly.
Self-Care Boarding
If you select this option, all the obligations of taking care of your horse are on you. You do not get any staff to help you with the horse. In a way, you are renting a stall where you will keep your horse on someone else’s property, but you have to perform other tasks on your own.
You must buy the food, take the horse to necessary vet visits, or take it for a ride. Everything includes all the supplements, pastures, and have to take care of transport as well. It is a suitable option for you if you want to spend a lot of time with your horse and do not have the space to keep the horse. The cost of this option is also comparatively less. The cost may vary somewhere between $2,400 to $3,600 yearly.
Pasture Boarding
This option is an excellent solution if you want your horse to stay close to nature and other horses. Your horse will stay outside and will be provided with all the facilities. However, you must check and ensure the pasture has every facility and is safe, before opting for this solution. You have to pay almost $1200 to $3600 yearly for this option.
Your Own Property
Another great solution is to keep your horse at home. If you have enough space where you can keep your horse, it can be a rewarding experience for you. However, in this case, the cost greatly varies as you have to take care of everything, right from building a shelter to food and vet visits, yourself.
Food
The cost of food varies depending on the breed, the area you live in, and the health of the horse.
Everyday Diet
A horse with an average weight, that is 1000-1100 pounds, requires hay of almost $4 to $20 each day. Your horse can consume food of almost $750 to $3650 per year. These prices may vary depending on the area you are residing in.
Supplements
For supplements, you must keep almost $1000 to $1200 aside. There are a number of supplements available in the market for the health of your horse. You can select the appropriate ones.
Water
Your horse needs to consume an adequate amount of water. The water consumption for an adult horse can range from 6 gallons to almost 20 gallons depending on several factors. However, if you live in the vicinity of a water well, you can save a lot of money. On the other hand, living in urban areas can increase the cost of water. Hence, the price of water varies.
Vet Visits
Your horse will need regular visits to the vet for several things including vaccines, dental care, and deworming. Your horse might need a vaccine twice a year and the cost of deworming can go up to $50. The total expense for vet visits per year may go to $525. Besides the routine costs, there may be emergencies like injuries as well. Thus, you must be ready for unexpected expenses and keep some extra money aside.
Farrier and Hoof Maintenance
Since it is a necessary part of horse care as well, you must be ready to spend some money on it. You have to visit the farrier at least once a month. For that, you must set aside $300 to $800 yearly. On the other hand, for the maintenance of hooves, you should keep an estimate of $950 to $2750 a year. You may have to spend more money on shoeing. Especially, if you want the maintenance of all four shoes regularly.
Horse Insurance
Since some emergencies are unavoidable yet unforeseen, it is better to opt for insurance. While deciding to go for insurance, you can select an insurance policy that covers surgical, personal liability, medical, and mortality. Insurance policies also cover theft or accidents. The price you may pay for insurance depends on the age of the horse, activities, and other medical conditions. However, an estimate of the amount you will pay is up to $1000 yearly.
FAQs Regarding Palomino Horse Cost
Just in case you are still unsure about palomino horse ownership costs and the factors associated with it, here is a quick rundown of FAQs to guide you further:
If you wish to pursue your equestrian goals, you need a budget for the original cost and other costs associated with horse ownership. A Palomino horse may cost between $3,000 and $15,000 to purchase.
Palomino horses are not a specific breed; thus, their ultimate price will be set by their breed, ancestry, shape, fitness, and upbringing.
It happens a lot. Horse breeds, including Paints or Appaloosas, are regarded as “color” breeds. A horse with a brightly colored coat design will probably sell for much more than a horse with something less intriguing coat design.
Color, on the other hand, has a negligible impact on the pricing of peak-performance horses. The athletic skill and achievement record of these horses are more important than their color.
Many people adore Palomino horses, although they are neither more costly nor uncommon than other horses. Many inexperienced horse riders chose a Palomino horse only based on its appearance.
However, talent, conformation, and lineage are the most important variables determining a horse’s value.
Palominos are fairly healthy and lively, with a level of responsiveness that might make handling the horse challenging for some newcomers. And as such, palominos are identified by their color and not their breed. They can belong to any of the different breeds, and the actual temperament of a particular palomino will depend on the temperament of the breed to which it belongs.
They are passionate and can tend to be domineering, due to their metabolism and energy requirements. But they are still excellent all-around horses and they’re also quite devoted to a professional trainer.
Goodness is a highly subjective quality. Peaceful, calm, smart, and well-trained attributes are vastly more important to us than color. On the other hand, Palominos are incredibly eye-catching (although keeping that white mane and tail tidy can become a struggle!) because of their hue. So, yes, Palomino may indeed turn out to be the right breed for you.
For several reasons, specific horse breeds have many horses accessible at the lower end of the price range. Quarter horses, Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and wild Mustangs are the most reasonably priced horse breeds.
However, you can typically find cheaper horses within all of these breeds, several points to bear in mind. Most cheap horses require special care.
Bottomline
It is natural to fall for a beautiful horse breed flaunting a coat that varies from a dazzling white to a yellow golden shade. That’s why horse owners are becoming more inquisitive of palomino horse prices. All in all, palomino horse costs comprise the purchase price of the equine as per its breed, along with ownership costs which include the type of shelter you opt for the animal, its food and water, vet visits, hoof maintenance, insurance, as well as training. If you feel palomino is just the right fit for you, go for it if your budget allows. And once you get one, make sure you name it something cool by browsing through our list of Palomino horse names.
