10 of the Cheapest Horses to Keep as Pets

If you are ready to welcome a horse into your life but feel discouraged by how expensive the different breeds are, you are not alone. Horses can be sold for thousands of dollars, which most people don’t just have lying around. The price of a horse depends on factors such as age, pedigree, and training. Fortunately, not every horse boasts a hefty price tag and is more affordable for the average horse enthusiast. Caring for any horse is costly though, so our list will focus on the price of the horse itself. 

Miniature Horse

Miniature Horses are budget-friendly horses that make great family companions and don’t require expensive training. These horses are smaller than most ponies but still have the same care requirements. They tend to be cheap because they are too small to be ridden. However, their price can vary depending on factors like age and training. Generally, Miniature Horses can be adopted for as little as $200 to $500. 

Shetland Pony

Shetland Ponies are one of the most popular and budget-friendly small horse breeds. They usually cost between $200 to $1,500 to adopt. You can expect to pay a bit more if they are purebred, well-trained, or from a reputable breeder. Although Shetland Ponies are cheaper than many large horse breeds, they cost the same to care for. You might only save a few bucks on their feed because they eat less.

Grade Horse

A Grade Horse is not a specific breed, but rather any horse that’s a mixed breed or has an unknown parentage. They have no registration papers, and their temperaments can be unpredictable, hence why they are sold for much less than other horses. The average price for Grade Horses is between $1,000 to $5,000. Some rescue organizations or auction sites have Grade Horses for less than $1,000. 

Appaloosa

The Appaloosa is a North American horse breed known for their distinctive spotted coats. They are loved for their impressive speed, stamina, and adaptability. The price of an Appaloosa can vary according to their age, training, and pedigree. You can find some Appaloosa Horses sold for less than $3,000, with untrained foals priced as low as $450. Only well-trained Appaloosas with prestigious lineage cost several thousand dollars. 

Paint Horse

Paint Horses are an American breed with distinctive patterned coats, usually white spotting on a dark coat color. These stunning horses are used for various purposes, including western riding, show jumping, and reining. Although a well-training Paint Horse can be about $3,000, you can get untrained foals that haven’t been broken in for $500. You might even be lucky enough to buy one for a small adoption or rehoming fee. 

American Quarter Horse

The American Quarter Horse is among the oldest horse breeds in the United States. These horses are strong and athletic, with well-mannered temperaments handlers find easy to work with. If you aren’t too fussed about pedigree or training and just want a family horse, it is possible to find an American Quarter Horse for under $5,000. 

Tennessee Walking Horse

Tennessee Walking Horses are popular riding horses with unique gaits and are among the most comfortable breeds to ride. A registered or fully trained Tennessee Horse can cost well over $10,000, which isn’t budget-friendly at all. However, you can find this breed for as little as $1,000 to $4,000 from some auction or adoption websites. Their reduced cost is usually because they are seniors, untrained, or unrideable, but can still be great companions. 

Morgan Horse

The Morgan is one of the first horse breeds developed in the United States. This refined breed is known for being versatile, docile, and strong. As with most horses, you pay more for one that is well-trained and registered. The more budget-friendly Morgan Horses for sale are usually foals or untrained, costing anywhere between $1,000 to $4,000. These horses are known to have fewer health problems and therefore less expensive vet bills. 

American Standardbred

The Standardbred is an American horse that is calm, friendly, and agile. They are often used for harness racing and other equestrian disciplines like dressage or show jumping. If you are looking for a non-riding American Standardbred, you don’t need to spend thousands on a quality, well-trained horse. Instead, you could look to adopt one or find one for a reduced cost on auction sites. You can expect to pay between $1,000 to $5,000. 

Mustang

Mustangs are by far the most inexpensive and popular horses. They are versatile, feral horses up for adoption by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Young Mustangs with no training can be adopted for as little as $25 and $125 with basic training. Mustangs only cost more than a thousand dollars if they are fully trained and good-quality. You will need to invest a lot of time and finances into training these horses though, as they are feral.

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