Spinoff: Why would you want to buy a six-figure horse?

[*JumpIt*]

First let me apologies for this ignorant (and probably naive) post, and certainly no offense is meant to those who do spend this much money on a horse.


I am just curious why would you spend that much money if you could buy just as good horse for 50K? (Even that seems like a whole lot of money to me.)


I guess I just find it so difficult to comprehend since I bought my mare dirt cheap. I just imagine it how easy it would be to buy a $50K horse then donate the other 50K and how many lives that much money could change.

Also isn't a $100K horse just as likely to hurt themselves as a 5K one is? I am sure you would have insurance on a horse like that but it would still be a lot of money down the hole....


I am just a broke non-showing-horse-owner and I would just love some insight to this side of the horseworld.

[Pirateer]

You CAN'T usually buy a "just as good" horse for a lesser price.

[IsolaBella09]

Ditto Pirateer.
Most six-figure horses are winners in the show ring at the big shows (WEF, HITS, Hampton Classic, etc.). Six-figure horses have the potential to be/are Grand Prix jumpers, winning equitation horses, junior/regular working hunters, or ponies that can cart the kids around the hunter courses. People who purchase the six-figure mounts are usually looking for something that can carry them around the ring and win.

[Tollriffic]

The six figure horse is a proven winner at highly competitive shows. To find a quality horse that has shown it can win at the 3'6" and tolerate an amateur ride is difficult driving up their value.

[Dirty Little Secret]

what the others said: you're buying the winner or one with the potential to be in the BIG time.

[pony4me]

Last time I checked, there was only one blue ribbon per horse show class, and only one tri-color championship ribbon per division. There is only one Horse of the Year award per category. I've seen the horses that win consistently, and they are pretty expensive.

[twofatponies]

Ditto. Similar amounts (or more) are spent on champion halter horses, top dressage horses, etc. - horses that are already proven first place winners at the upper levels of their discipline.

[neigh.neigh]

If you are looking for the proven winner that will help you ride to the best of your capabilities, that is the price range you need to have

[MelantheLLC]

I don't know that anyone actually WANTS to buy a 6 figure horse. But if you have certain requirements in quality, experience, training, soundness and talent, each requirement makes the field of acceptable candidates smaller.

Add to that a lot of other people who have the same list of requirements, the wherewithal to pay more money, and the scarce supply of qualified horses, and there you are.

It's called supply and demand.

That said, speculative bubbles and fleeting fashions do drive up prices in any area, and so one should be careful not to be the last one to pay the price of a house for a black tulip bulb before the crash. :cool:

[Rubs Not Pats]

To take this down one further, I have horsey friends (in different sets), that can't figure out why I will spend 3K a week for a horseshow, or $250 (every 4 weeks) for a set of shoes when they can go to a show for $50 and have the cowboy slap on a set of steel shoes for $65 (every 12 weeks). I think it's relative, what you are used to and the crowd you run with. If you want to play with the big boys, you need to pay like the big boys. I don't like it but unfortunately, it's the business.

[gg4918]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE show me where you would find this 50k horse thats just as good as the 100k one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That being said, you put out the money because you either a) want the proven winner and want all the glory that comes along with owning it as well as the knowledge that the horse WILL preform since its track record idicates such (though there are no guarantees with horses) or b) because the horse has the potential to be one of the best, meaning that the horse is either super fancy, super broke, super scopey or just incredible in general.

We're looking at 4,5, and 6 year olds that are either very close to the six figure range or IN it. Why? Because these horses have the breeding and the potential to do phenomenaly well in the top rings. No guarantees but if everything goes to plan then it should work out and the horse will be worth much more than what we paid for it.

(ps if im not making sense its because I had classes for 9 hours today and my brain has checked out)

[twiggy38]

If you don't know the difference between a 6 figure horse and a 5k horse you are a very lucky equestrian indeed! Its much better not knowing unless you can afford it.

[*JumpIt*]

I certainly see where everyone is coming from, it just seems like so much money to me (as a broke teenager). And in this economy I just imagine it a little frivolous unless you were a professional. (again I am very inexperienced in the show world, please don't judge my simple minded opinions)

Thanks for all the responses and I am sure there is a big difference in the quality of horses between 50 - 100k. I guess for the average rider like me, who comes from an average non-horsey family it's all just hard to comprehend. :)

[cantercutie]

I agree with everything everyone else has said. I would just like to add to the OP: most professionals cannot afford six-figure horses, it's the clients that buy them. Also, people don't buy six-figure horses unless they have that money to spend. There are people that do just fine in any economy. Finally, most of the people that buy six figure horses donate more than 50k to charities for the same reasons they buy six figure horses -- they can.

[Delaneythehorsegirl]

Don't we all wish that a $10k horse could truly triumph in the big eq or the 3'6" hunters against the six figure horses. Unfortunately, life is not one big cliche and the six figure horses are the ones who win 97% of the time.

[Delaneythehorsegirl]

I certainly see where everyone is coming from, it just seems like so much money to me (as a broke teenager). And in this economy I just imagine it a little frivolous unless you were a professional.

Same here. However, my mom always told that horseback riding was a hobby and was never, ever going to be a career choice for me. When I am jealous of the girls who do get the six figure horses, she tells me to do well in school, get a nice paying job, and buy my own six figure horse. Plus, you know what, if you can spend that much money a fragile animal then all the power to you.

[mvp]

Six figures is a lot of money for an animal who is meant for sport and who can colic and die just as soon as a single digit horse.

Know that most horses are money-losing propositions, so it may be that everyone who had a hand in making a great finished show horse had their hand out. And they had to make up for the many they bred/trained/fed that didn't pay their way. A bit of a jackpot mentality, I suppose, aided and abetted by wealthy competitive people.

I estimate that the basic cost for my horse (board on one of the coasts, shoes, preventative vet care, no training, no shows) will amount to a 250K over the course of his lifetime. Double that (at least!) for the life of a horse on the circuit.

But for all the posters in this thread who explain why expensive horses are expensive and why they are better than less expensive ones... where were you in the other ammy-centric threads where so many argued that anyone with a dream, and eye and some effort could get into the big leagues? Apparently not true! Let's call a spade a spade, but do it consistently.

[AmandaandTuff]

I've ridden a six figure horse and I actually preferred the 15k horse, but I don't like push button rides. The 15k horse kept me on my toes, the six figure horse let me sit back and make an adjustment here or there.

[DMK]

I certainly see where everyone is coming from, it just seems like so much money to me (as a broke teenager). And in this economy I just imagine it a little frivolous unless you were a professional. (again I am very inexperienced in the show world, please don't judge my simple minded opinions)

Thanks for all the responses and I am sure there is a big difference in the quality of horses between 50 - 100k. I guess for the average rider like me, who comes from an average non-horsey family it's all just hard to comprehend. :)

it's all relative. I know people in my income bracket who live in houses that cost 3X what mine costs. I like my house, it suits my needs, and I don't want too much more house than I have (and I could get by with less house). But I don't begrudge someone in my income bracket and similar circumstances buying more house. More power too them, if that is what makes them happy. I'd rather spend that money on something else - that's what makes me happy.

I don't get buying MORE house than you can afford, now that's a mystery. And if you find a great bargain on a house, more power to you, but buyer beware! There's probably a reason why it's a bargain.

Now remove the "u" from the above discussed noun and replace it with an "r" and now you understand why some people buy some horses. Because they can afford it and it pleases them. But just because I can't afford (or want) a 7000 square foot mcmillion mcdollar mcmansion, doesn't mean its an unreasonable option for another person.

[cbiscuit]

The best part was when they said, "I just imagine it how easy it would be to buy a $50K horse then donate the other 50K and how many lives that much money could change."

[*JumpIt*]

The best part was when they said, "I just imagine it how easy it would be to buy a $50K horse then donate the other 50K and how many lives that much money could change."

Please don't make fun of me for my ignorance, I only posted because I wanted to learn not to be mocked. :(

[Seven-up]

Why would you want to?



Because you can.



Trust me, if I had the donuts to buy six figure horses, I'd have a barn full of 'em.


Just like any horse, you see some of them and mumble, "they paid how much for that thing?" But when you see a real one, you'll understand why someone would shell out that much for it. I see a lot more of the former than the latter, but still...

If you've never seen one, count your lucky stars, because forever after, robbing a bank will always be in the back of your mind.:lol:

[lonewolf]

People buy six-figure horses to shorten their odds of making it to the top.

They buy six-figure horses because they want something that has already shown successfully at the level they want to reach.

They buy six-figure horses because they want to get directly into the show ring at the top level and don't want to spend years getting there.

They buy six-figure horses because getting the perfect horse is more important than the price tag attached.

I have never owned a six-figure horse (or a five-figure one, for that matter. Actually, both my horses cost less than a pair of custom boots). Right now, I'm too poor to own a horse at all.

I still don't think there's anything wrong with buying an expensive horse for any of the reasons listed above. If I had all the money in the world, I'd probably spend it on horses too.

[chukkerchild]

...is this an honest question....?

Why do people buy anything.

[*JumpIt*]

...is this an honest question....?

Why do people buy anything.

Yes, this is an honest question.

Thank you to all the replies, I understand now that people will spend their money any way they like and it is pointless for me to worry about it.

I am sorry that I am ignorant and I'm sorry for the (obvious to everyone but me) stupid, no more replies are necessary.

[chukkerchild]

Yes, this is an honest question. Though at this point I am sorry for asking it.

Thank you to all the replies, I understand now that people will spend their money any way they like and it is pointless for me to worry about it.

I am sorry that I am ignorant, no more replies are necessary.

I'm sorry if I sounded snappish, I thought maybe you were trying to stir the pot and make people say something like, "Rich snobs are the only ones who buy 6 figure horses!" or something. :lol: I guess my real take on it is that people don't really say to themselves, "I want a new horse... I think I'll buy a six-figure horse." Mostly they think, "It's time for me to get my first Grand Prix horse" or "I want to buy my daughter a winning equitation horse to get started on" and then when they go looking... those horses cost 6 figures, so they either have the money to pay for them, or they have to change their expectations.

I dunno if I agree that all 6-figure horses are push buttons though-- I bet a lot of those big jumpers are very very difficult to ride, and they are probably high six figures!

[Linny]

Jump It, as an 'underfunded" individual I too wonder about spending $100k+ on a horse but as has been mentioned, people do it because they can.
I may secretly envy the rider on the fabu six digit horse but I really can't begrudge her the option. I'd want that kind of horse if I could buy one.

You mention that you are a teenager. I suspect that like many kids you've been taught that "wealth and privilege is unfair" by your schools and maybe even friends and family. At this point in your life you are young and have no money of your own. When I was a teen my parents were comfortable but not rich and would lease a horse for me but not buy one. I could not imagine a world where six fig. horses existed!

Once I got out in the world and saw what it takes to earn that kind of money, I can see why people have such an appreciation for a horse of that quality. I had the pleasure of riding a high level EQ horse a couple of times a few years ago. He was amazing! He was for sale for about $100k. I, a nervous nellie, older adult was aking for the fences to be RAISED! I hopped off and prayed that bag of cash would fall on my head! At that point, I got it. I understood what people with the money are spending it on.

[*JumpIt*]

I am sorry if I was rude, but I've seen it happen many times on these forums. Someone asks a stupid question and no one takes them seriously.

I do understand that some people are just lucky and are blessed to be in a wealthy family and the others that have worked hard for it do deserve the 100k horses.

I guess it is just frustrating at times.

Thanks again for the replies.

[hasahorse]

I own a six figure horse. He was not six figures when I bought him. We made him that way. He is by Corrado (won at Aachen), he is a small, tollerates the kids, jumps around the regular conformations like it is nothing. He finds the 3'6" divisions boring because he doesn't have to try. He doesn't start trying until the jumps hit at least 4 feet. He qualified for Devon and Indoors and was near the top of the country.
I had an offer of 100K to lease him for six months - which I stupidly didn't take, because I thought he should be more finished. He is for sale, but with the economy as it is, he is not moving.

[dr j]

Yes, this is an honest question. Though at this point I am sorry for asking it.

Thank you to all the replies, I understand now that people will spend their money any way they like and it is pointless for me to worry about it.

I am sorry that I am ignorant, no more replies are necessary.

Jump it,

Please don't feel badly! I get it! I have had many "interesting" horse experiences over the years and understand the question you are asking!

Here's what I have found -there will always be people in riding ( all disciplines- from hunters to cutting horses) for which money is not the limiting factor. I say HURRAH for those people! They drive the market along the whole spectrum for that discipline. Most of those people do not have the horse experience or talent or time to develop a horse and need a more ready made product to be competitive. Many of them are very talented in other spheres of life and that takes their time - and they are then afforded the luxury to purchase the horse they could never find/make etc.

There will also always be those on the other end of the spectrum, those who can and do find/develop and legitimately sell those horses to the people who can pay for them. Once you find yourself one of, or part of this group the high dollar horse is only interesting to you in one way- as a goal to reward your time/effort/talent. Most people in this group are not interested in a high dollar horse, they don't have to be. They can find and develop the next one.

There is one big flaw to this..... I love a system in which people find the raw material, develop it and sell it on to someone who can appreciate what they have purchased BUT for some reason in the horse industry there appears a plethora of "middle men"with their hands out often for doing little or nothing ( making a phone call, cleaning up a pile etc!) and that makes me livid! I like to see the buyer not pay extra freight and the developer justly rewarded. That's where horses get a bad name.... all those hands sticking out.....

Last but not least, keep this in mind- everything is relative! I won't ever forget a youth girl getting an AQHA all around horse 25 years ago.... he was a 10 year old gelding and they paid 85k for him ( that would be probably double that now...). Everyone was gobsmacked. Of course he won frequently but he also go beat by a lot of 5k horses. I was at a big show one day and saw young girl and parents come out of their motor coach. I know a thing or two about motor coachs from my parents.... they had a 700,000 dollar motor home. An 85K horse wasn't quite so expensive sounding then!!

One more...... I have been blessed to spend a lot of time with some excellent TB folk. I often laugh at myself.....as I watch sale horses go through the ring.... and the cheap ones to me are the ones that sell for less than a million!! LOL

I have purchased a horse unbroke ( when I was broke) out of the pasture and sold him for big dollars and it's one of the most gratifying experiences ever. Of course there were ups and downs but I recognized the raw material when I saw it. He has carried several riders through the QH hunter ring-winning some very big ones (congress 2x) over the years. He would have still been standing in that field if I wouldn't have happened along. I didn't even pay 4 figures for him and proved to myself and my skepitcal family that yes indeed I did know what I was doing!

Good question !

[Vandy]

JumpIt, I don't think your post was rude or ignorant. Naive maybe, but we were all teenagers once! I think it's great that if you had $100K to spend, you'd give half to charity. I can relate better to an idealistic teenager like you than the one wanting to do a credit check on the sellers of the six-figure horse she's looking at, but I digress...

As many other people on this thread have said better than I could, the real deal is worth whatever someone is willing to pay, often well into the six figures. I can't afford it, and neither can any of my clients. But if I could, I probably would...

[mvp]

I think it is perfectly fair, if not reasonable, if not even worthwhile to ask if the cost of a show horse needs to be this high.

Cite supply and demand, if you want to, or like I did, the real cost of creating a great horse. That explains why things are.

But the question about spending that much money on horse as opposed to something else is definitely worth consideration. This asks if things *ought* to be as they are.

It's not naive to distinguish Is from Ought.

[Candle]

I read your question just as "what makes a horse worth six figures rather than less?" and I think you should do a thread search for the one in H/J titled "What makes a horse a daisy cutter?" or something *very* similar to that. "Daisy cutter" is definitely in that title. There are some videos linked to some VERY amazing looking top hunter horses, and to watch them go is really amazing. They have really gorgeous movement, and other talents that I'm not privileged enough to know about :D. Anyway, I think it's a valid question, and there have been some really interesting threads about that before.

[Seven-up]

Also consider that if one can spend six figures on a horse, that's not going to empty one's bank account. You're not spending every penny you have; there's more where that came from. You don't spend that much on a horse and let it sit in your backyard. You live on the show circuit. That's expensive.



Asking why someone would spend that much or more is more of a moral/ethical type question. And who knows? Just because you pay that much for a horse doesn't mean you don't donate generously to charities, as well.



Want to hear something really mind-boggling? I heard of a (wealthy is the understatement of the century) horse family who spent somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 million on horseshowing in one year. That's not house, cars, vacation-- horse shows. I don't even think buying horses was included in that figure, but maybe it was. I was too busy trying to scrape my jaw off the ground to pay attention to the details.:eek:


It's all relative. If you have more money, you spend more money. What you choose to spend it on is up to you.

[Aubreyyy]

I'll play devil's advocate here.

I've sat on 4 horses in my lifetime that had a exorbitant asking price. All four times, I didn't know how expensive til' after I rode. All four times I walked away saying "Huhhhh?" Wouldn't have paid half of that- while they were nice horses, they didn't feel like 6 figure horses to me. I just tried a horse out LAST WEEK that I almost LAUGHED when they told me the price- it was a nice horse, but in this economy, I could have bought two horses that performed better!

I would never pay that much for a horse because even if it walked on water and I was making 100X that a year, I'd still feel like I was wasting money.

[Mimi La Rue]

One of my bosses has several six-figured horses. He has professionals ride these horses and they win big prize money doing so. His daughter who is 16 years old also rides some of these horses and they have put her to the top. She went from doing walk-trot classes in 2004 to riding in a 35k grand prix this month. It makes sense for them to have six-figured horses and it has definitely worked for them.

[angrychinchillas]

I think it's interesting to note, too, that a six-figure horse is only a six-figure horse when the right person is evaluating it. Consider all those dirt-cheap European warmbloods - they're not worth much to those who are selling them, because they can't jump high enough. They don't do hunters in Europe, so anything that can't do the big stuff isn't worth much. Once a hunter trainer looks at it, though, and evaluates it based on other criteria - not how high does it jump, but HOW does it jump, and how does it go? - the pricetag can instantly skyrocket. Which is why so many trainers got in on the business of importing European warmbloods as hunters or eq horses.

Likewise, there are -lots- of really fancy ponies around . . . But many of them are sitting in pastures, and their owners haven't a clue as to what they could do. When someone with an experienced eye evaluates them, buys them for next to nothing, and puts some training and show miles on them, suddenly you have a $75k pony. How did it happen? The right person looked at it, and brought it to the attention of the appropriate market. That's all it is.

It's a bit of a sidetrack, sorry - but I feel the original question's been pretty much answered. People pay that much for horses because they can, and because they feel they're getting value for the money, i.e., a better chance at the ribbons. And that better chance generally comes because the horse has been evaluated by professionals, trained, tried and tested, and has come out on top more often than not. You -could- buy a $5k horse (off the track, out of a backyard, whatever) and it -could- outperform a six-figure horse. But unless you have professional-level evaluatory skills and training and marketing skills, it's going to be a big crapshoot whether or not the horse will win. The money they're paying is for the fact that the horse is to reduce or eliminate that risk.

Ah, risk-aversion. ;)

[Thomas_1]

First let me apologies for this ignorant (and probably naive) post, and certainly no offense is meant to those who do spend this much money on a horse.

I am just curious why would you spend that much money if you could buy just as good horse for 50K? (Even that seems like a whole lot of money to me.) What a totally bizarre question!

It seems to me that you don't understand market worth. Either that or you've spotted a fantastic bargain!

Do please send me a PM and tell me where all these horses are that are selling for 50k that are no different from the ones that sell for $100,000k ???!!!! Do make sure it's a PM because I need to get in first to buy these proven high level performance horses worth 6 figures but selling for less than half their true market worth ;)

I guess I just find it so difficult to comprehend since I bought my mare dirt cheap. I just imagine it how easy it would be to buy a $50K horse then donate the other 50K and how many lives that much money could change. So you have a horse that is worth considerably less.

Your rationale is bizarre and odd in my opinion.

A bit like saying "I have a Ford Fiesta that cost $8,000. Why on earth would anyone want to buy a Ferrari for $300,000. Don't they crash just the same? And how many miles per gallon do ferraris do? Why don't rich people just all buy Ford Fiestas and donate the extra money to the poor?"

If you want a high performance car and can afford it, then you don't give a fig for what the running cost is and you don't buy a ford fiesta!

Also isn't a $100K horse just as likely to hurt themselves as a 5K one is? I am sure you would have insurance on a horse like that but it would still be a lot of money down the hole.... There's not a lot of 5k horses winning top level events and producing top level horses. You're comparing apples with lemons!

I am just a broke non-showing-horse-owner and I would just love some insight to this side of the horseworld. You want a high level performance horse then you buy a one that's proven as up to the job. You then put a high level performance rider that's proven he/she is up to the job on top (or behind it... I drive too ;) ) and Bob's your uncle, Mary's your aunt, you're highly likely to have a winning combination that is likely to go farm.

Performance competing isn't about luck you know!

[Equilibrium]

I don't think it's a bizarre question especially of a younger person. Those of us who don't have or can't afford 6 figure horses would probably love to afford the luxury. But I sure don't begrudge someone who can. And more credit to the people who make them 6 figure horses. Just don't be too depressed if you don't have one because not many do. And I'm quite happy with my budget horses.

At least in the H/J world if your paying 6 figures, especially in the economy, it's probably worth it. I use to get on a racehorse filly someone paid 4.2 million for that never got past a 3/8 mile breeze. She had a pedigree alright, but no performance and hasn't seemed to light the world on fire in her broodmare career either.

Terri

[*JumpIt*]

Just don't be too depressed if you don't have one because not many do. And I'm quite happy with my budget horses.

Oh, I'm not! I love my cheap mare, because I can't afford to show all of my pleasure is gained from competing against ourselves to be better every time we ride. Just spending time with her is my reward.

I don't even think it is the comparison of the 50k to 100k horse that is relevant, I just don't think spending $100k on anything whether car, horse, boat, ect. is a wise idea unless it is a need.

I just don't think I am on that leveland I won't understand it until I am older and I am more apart of the marketing part of the horse world. I'll just continue to be happily oblivious. :)

[mvp]

To the OP. Whatever your age, I find your question and attitude refreshing. I'll assume for the sake of realism that the six figures isn't your money, but that it would come from your parents' pile.

There's a limit to how much we can make while teens, right? Our A job, going to school, doesn't pay well. Most of us also need to pay for college, or go back to the parents' stash for that money, too.

If you have figured out that money ought to be spent wisely, even ethically, then I think you are ahead of the game.

Your parents are quite lucky. I was an unreasonable child. I thought that if I did well in school, also worked hard at the barn (I didn't even own my own, but cleaned stalls and rode others' cast offs), then dammit, I deserved a matching grant from the 'rents! It wasn't my fault that horses matching my talent, desire and work ethic cost might realistically cost five figures. That was their problem, and they were bad, bad people to just unceremoniously bail on their end of the bargain. Can you imagine? I have spent time apologizing to my family for being a total pain and thanking them for what they did do to support me.

It took me buying my own, paying for my own, learning to improve all of them-- good, bad, ugly, mine or not-- to discover that my values line up somewhat with those of my financially conservative and socially responsible parents.

Today I make my own five figure horses. I don't want to write a big check for a horse. I don't want to show at a level that requires one of these as a ticket of admission since I think that kind of "sport" doesn't quite reward the athletes who got to where they are by the really pure means I'd like. This is not to say that talent, hard work and desire don't fortuitously come with wealth, too. They do-- well-heeled people have to ride without stirrups just like po folks. So great wealth is not a sufficient condition for being competitive. But when extraordinary wealth, a great deal of money unfairly earned (yes, it happens!), or a mountain of bad debt incurred to stay at the very top, are a necessary condition, I'm gone.

I have nothing to say about others' decisions. But I do think it's tough to defend the expensive horse world to people outside it as a socially responsible thing to do. It used to be my complaint that I wasn't bankrolled well enough to spend my money "badly" with the big dogs. Now my complaint is that even thought I don't want to do that, I get associated with the "horsey set" whose collective or sometimes spectacular excesses earns them a bad reputation.

Things might be easier all the way around (even for the horses!) if the top ones didn't have to be worth quite so much money.

[Van Gogh]

Sorry not to hijack thread for a moment but I was brushing my teeth and couldn't help but posting :yes:

I'll play devil's advocate here.

I've sat on 4 horses in my lifetime that had a exorbitant asking price. All four times, I didn't know how expensive til' after I rode. All four times I walked away saying "Huhhhh?" Wouldn't have paid half of that- while they were nice horses, they didn't feel like 6 figure horses to me..

And not just you Aubreyyy... This type of thing has been said several times...

What we have to remember is that there are different types of six-figure horses.
A) The kind that is wonderful, will go around anywhere, anytime, jumps good, moves good, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. They will be the winner in a lot of places but get to Devon, Harrisburg, Washington, etc and they are 5th, 6th, they get a ribbon. Against the best in the country they are in there but not the winner. And who wouldn't want to ride this kind? (ok maybe a few of your don't want the push button type but for the rest of us!)

B) The most beautiful, well-bred, best moving, best-jumping, SOB that walked the earth. They either win at Devon, Harrisburg, against anyone, etc or dumb you on your butt :D

Both types of horses are big money and there are people out there that would pay good money for both types! Just because you sat on a horse that was worth six- figures doesn't mean they felt like six-figures. We have a horse in our barn that we got offered six-figures for and it is the most uncomfortable/ jerk/ prima-donna Thing- but it wins!

[ReeseTheBeast]

Please don't make fun of me for my ignorance, I only posted because I wanted to learn not to be mocked. :(

JumpIt, there is nothing wrong with asking questions- nothing at all - so please don't berate yourself for your "ignorance," and instead salute yourself for your drive to learn, your passion for the sport and for being brave enough to ask such [honest] questions (especially among a discipline that is so frequently identified as 'elitist'). :yes:

Relatedly, I couldn't agree more with these posters:

JumpIt, I don't think your post was rude or ignorant... I think it's great that if you had $100K to spend, you'd give half to charity. I can relate better to an idealistic teenager like you than the one wanting to do a credit check on the sellers of the six-figure horse she's looking at, but I digress...

To the OP. Whatever your age, I find your question and attitude refreshing.... If you have figured out that money ought to be spent wisely, even ethically, then I think you are ahead of the game.

Your parents are quite lucky...


;) :) :yes:

[gg4918]

I dunno if I agree that all 6-figure horses are push buttons though-- I bet a lot of those big jumpers are very very difficult to ride, and they are probably high six figures!

You can say that again! and again! and again! and again! and again! I'm all too familiar with it!

[Thomas_1]

I don't even think it is the comparison of the 50k to 100k horse that is relevant, I just don't think spending $100k on anything whether car, horse, boat, ect. is a wise idea unless it is a need.
You'll make someone a perfect wife ;)

Mine on the other hand, has much more expensive tastes :)

[europa]

Maybe it is just me but part of the pride of being a good rider/equestrian is the ability to take a young horse and develop it into a horse that people want to pay big money for. I think part of the problem today is that YRs want to buy the best made horse to ensure their success. Then what? You haven't done anything but been packed around! Which brings me to my whole disgust of the stiff non-effective positions that I see people ride around displaying with no ability to feel the horse's mouth.

Maybe it is just me but I would not enjoy that. Everything I have ever owned and bred has been green green and I enjoyed the whole process. That is what shaped me. I was successful in the As and also did jumpers in Europe. I bet half these kids today can't even braid their own mounts or wrap a decent standing bandage. GEESH

[Midge]

I certainly see where everyone is coming from, it just seems like so much money to me (as a broke teenager). And in this economy I just imagine it a little frivolous unless you were a professional. (again I am very inexperienced in the show world, please don't judge my simple minded opinions)

Thanks for all the responses and I am sure there is a big difference in the quality of horses between 50 - 100k. I guess for the average rider like me, who comes from an average non-horsey family it's all just hard to comprehend. :)

Taking a world view it IS a lot of money, especially when you think of the good that money can do elsewere. I'd be writing a horse show check and thinking a poor family of four could pay their rent and buy some groceries too with that money.

OTOH, rare things are valuable because they are rare. Look at the difference in the price of houses based on where they are. Take a cheapie little house on an acre in the suburbs damn near anywhere in Indiana and it will be less than $100,000. Put in in Manhattan and it's 100 times that.

Look at cars. You can buy a brand new car for $10,000. Why would you spend $100,000? Because you get something made out of leather and wood and steel and engine parts so finely engineered they will practically never wear out. Unless you prefer something made out of plastic and plastic and plastic. If you are fortunate enough to choose the better quality, why wouldn't you?

OTTB's are less than $2500 because there are lots and lots of them. And while you can 'made up your own', it is a crap shoot for even the most talented. Every BNT will tell you stories about the ones that didn't work. So, even if you do want to make up your own, and you can afford it, you'd pick something more likely to succeed, which will still cost more than an OTTB.

[eggbutt]

To take this down one further, I have horsey friends (in different sets), that can't figure out why I will spend 3K a week for a horseshow, or $250 (every 4 weeks) for a set of shoes when they can go to a show for $50 and have the cowboy slap on a set of steel shoes for $65 (every 12 weeks). I think it's relative, what you are used to and the crowd you run with. If you want to play with the big boys, you need to pay like the big boys. I don't like it but unfortunately, it's the business.

Amen!

[magnolia73]

If you think about supply and demand....

You need a sound horse. So that cuts out a bunch of prospects. Needs to move according to hunter specifications, so cuts out a bunch of horses. Needs to jump 3'6 and up- not just once, but 8-10 on a course and needs to do it looking great. Cuts out a bunch more. Then it needs to live in a stall on the road, going to new places week in/week out.... and stay sane. Cuts out all the nervous nellies. Then it needs to put up with riders who might mistakes. Even fewer. Then it needs to be an attractive animal and there are general desirable sizes.

That's a pretty rare animal. As rare as one that runs fast or can do piaffe and spectacular extensions. So.... not much supply, but a lot of demand.

I look at my horse- she is so sweet and I love her to death.... but she fails to meet most of those requirements. LOL, she is big and pretty.

So... your horse might jump 3'6, but jump flat, move with a bit of knee action, maybe get a bit hot on the first day or two of a show, maybe slam on the brakes when you see the flyer and ask.... still a super nice, but not the reliable winner in the best company.

The nicest thing is that there is a place for the less expensive, less talented horses to shine, at local shows or in lower divisions. Which is a good thing since most of can't afford $100k or the big A shows as a steady diet.

[ybiaw]

Same here. However, my mom always told that horseback riding was a hobby and was never, ever going to be a career choice for me. When I am jealous of the girls who do get the six figure horses, she tells me to do well in school, get a nice paying job, and buy my own six figure horse. Plus, you know what, if you can spend that much money a fragile animal then all the power to you.

OMG, I think I love your mom. Go give her a big hug from "ybiaw" and tell her THANK YOU for being awesome. :D

[Thomas_1]

Maybe it is just me but part of the pride of being a good rider/equestrian is the ability to take a young horse and develop it into a horse that people want to pay big money for. Nice idea. But truthfully, how many horse trainers do you know that have turned a low value young horse and developed it into a horse that is going to sell for more than $100,000.

Truth is that most big money horses start life as being pretty high value purpose bred horses in the first place and the reason why they end up top level is that they're owned and competed by those few trainers and riders that have the ability to get them to top level.

I think part of the problem today is that YRs want to buy the best made horse to ensure their success. That's no different nowadays to how it always was. For centuries folks with money have option to buy what they want rather than have to scratch about trying to make it.

Then what? you've had the privilege of being able to buy and own and ride a fantastic animal.

You haven't done anything but been packed around! In my experience there's VERY few high level performance horses that don't need very good riders/drivers. A high value, fantastic performance horse is just the same as any old horse if it's got someone on it's back who doesn't know how to get the best out of it.

Which brings me to my whole disgust of the stiff non-effective positions that I see people ride around displaying with no ability to feel the horse's mouth. Now that irritates the heck out of me but I see a lot more of that with novice owners on cheap horses than I do at upper levels.

Everything I have ever owned and bred has been green green and I enjoyed the whole process. How many have you sold for more than $100,000?

I bet half these kids today can't even braid their own mounts or wrap a decent standing bandage. At those sort of top levels, I've got to say that I've not met many riders who don't know how to merely bandage a horse. If they don't then they're ordinarily paying someone else to do the job for them.

[Aubreyyy]

Sorry not to hijack thread for a moment but I was brushing my teeth and couldn't help but posting :yes:



And not just you Aubreyyy... This type of thing has been said several times...

What we have to remember is that there are different types of six-figure horses.
A) The kind that is wonderful, will go around anywhere, anytime, jumps good, moves good, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. They will be the winner in a lot of places but get to Devon, Harrisburg, Washington, etc and they are 5th, 6th, they get a ribbon. Against the best in the country they are in there but not the winner. And who wouldn't want to ride this kind? (ok maybe a few of your don't want the push button type but for the rest of us!)

B) The most beautiful, well-bred, best moving, best-jumping, SOB that walked the earth. They either win at Devon, Harrisburg, against anyone, etc or dumb you on your butt :D

Both types of horses are big money and there are people out there that would pay good money for both types! Just because you sat on a horse that was worth six- figures doesn't mean they felt like six-figures. We have a horse in our barn that we got offered six-figures for and it is the most uncomfortable/ jerk/ prima-donna Thing- but it wins!

I totally get that. And I totally get that super talented horses don't have to be an easy ride- hell, jumping a 5' jump probably doesn't feel easy on ANY horse!

I was just really surprised because they still took a lot of work- one in particular had a HORRIBLE canter and was so heavy on the front end I had to switch to a pelham in the middle of a lesson so it wouldn't pull my arms off! Another was totally happy to go around the ring bent to the outside, another flipped out with his head whenever I asked for contact.

Sure, it could have been my riding, but I expected for $100k-200k the horses would pretty much be able to go around nicely without a lot of "input" in that area. NOT EVEN TALKING ABOUT JUMPS HERE, just hacking around.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

People spend that much because they want the horse....a horse of that quality is rare, and they have the money....and that is what makes them happy.

I don't understand why someone would spend 10,000+ on a vacation....or 100,000 on a wedding......but many people do....and that is their right.

Things are all relative....and while that money might do good spent in other ways....someone probably has worked their a$$ off to earn that money. I worked my butt off to get top grades in 8 years of upper level education (while working as well--waiting tables, mucking barns etc.)....took out loans to pay for it....and then spent 10 more years working 70-80+ hours a week to earn my money and make my career so I could afford my horses. I watch half of it go to the government each pay check....some will be spent on good causes, some benefits me and some to help good hard working people...but some to also be wasted on people who don't/wont work half as hard. Such is life.

But if someone wants to spend their hard earned money on something that they enjoy....more power to them. I will never spend 100K purchase price on a horse personally....primarly because I like starting green youngsters and the process of training them....but you can bet I spend more than that on the up keep over the life time of my horses. Money that my family/friends wouldn't spend or would spend to do something differently. But the Horses are what keep me happy and sane.....and otherwise, I would probably be giving the money to some DR. while I sat on their couch instead;)

I have however ridden a few 100,000 horses.....some were dreams, others quite difficult...but all very very talented in their job and worth what was paid for them.

[europa]

Actually, I haven't sold any yet for that figure! I kept all my horses with the exception of my jumper mare in Germany who I could not bring back due to quarantine.

I could have easily sold my first two for close to the equivalent in "The Day"...one was a uber lovely 3'0 3'3 children's hunter extraordinare and the other was a 3'6 4'0 medal horse. I now breed Oldenburgs and Hanoverians....however this is not about me.

The stiff EQ is not just the novice group....I see lots of the medal contenders just throwing the reins away and still doing crest releases which just sends me over the moon.

As far as horse care maybe you see a different group then I do....I don't see it. And as far as the scope of 3'6 horse any WB worth it's salt can do that height. If they are well bred they are going to have that sweeping shoulder movement if you have bred to the good Hunter types like Escudo and others.

As far as 100k wouldn't pay it for anything except maybe a breeding stallion.

[Midge]

I do understand that some people are just lucky and are blessed to be in a wealthy family and the others that have worked hard for it do deserve the 100k horses.

I guess it is just frustrating at times.


Well, here's an opportunity to learn something that will be true throughout your life no matter what happens: life is not fair. There will always be someone richer, smarter, more
talented, better looking, you name it, no matter what.

All poor people are not deserving of charity and all rich people are not selfishly thinking only of themselves.

Life lasts a long, long time. When you are 50, you are not going to feel appreciably different inside than you do right now. You think at some point you become 'adult', but you don't. You (I am talking generic 'you' now, not specific) just make enough mistakes that you hopefully stop repeating them quite so often. You will also as an adult realize that damn! every time your parents took you to a horse show for the week-end, maybe it wasn't on their top ten things they wanted to do, but they did it for you and you somehow didn't get that your parents like to have fun too and they sacrificed their fun for you. You just thought you were entitled. (Kids, say thanks to the 'rents!)

And the biggest one of all that I see staring me in the face at the horse shows day after day after day: money does not buy happiness.

[Moesha]

And the biggest one of all that I see staring me in the face at the horse shows day after day after day: money does not buy happiness.


But is sure as Hell Helps. ;)

[BABYGREENTB]

Another important point is that people spend A LOT of money showing on the circuit, so if they're going to be spending that kind of money to show, they want to be WINNING. Unfortunately, that comes with a price!

[katie16]

I certainly see where everyone is coming from, it just seems like so much money to me (as a broke teenager). And in this economy I just imagine it a little frivolous unless you were a professional. (again I am very inexperienced in the show world, please don't judge my simple minded opinions)

Thanks for all the responses and I am sure there is a big difference in the quality of horses between 50 - 100k. I guess for the average rider like me, who comes from an average non-horsey family it's all just hard to comprehend. :)

My advice to you is to go spectate at a top show (Devon is coming up). Even then you may not be able to fully understand the differnce in the price tags. However, you should be able to see the difference in physical quality (conformation, movement, jump, etc.).

Of course it would be a little easier for you to compare with having a $100k horse do a trip followed by the $5k horse doing the same trip, but you won't have that option at Devon! Maybe take videos for later comparison.

[Trixie]

Maybe it is just me but part of the pride of being a good rider/equestrian is the ability to take a young horse and develop it into a horse that people want to pay big money for. I think part of the problem today is that YRs want to buy the best made horse to ensure their success. Then what? You haven't done anything but been packed around! Which brings me to my whole disgust of the stiff non-effective positions that I see people ride around displaying with no ability to feel the horse's mouth.

What you spend on a horse really has nothing to do with riding ability. I've seen stiff, non-effective riders at every level and from every financial background, on every price range of horse. Likewise, I've seen good riders from every financial background, on every price range of horse. Buying an expensive horse doesn't ensure the ability to ride it, and it doesn't ensure a packer, either.

Maybe it is just me but I would not enjoy that. Everything I have ever owned and bred has been green green and I enjoyed the whole process. That is what shaped me.

You're right, that is just you. People take different things from riding. Some want to bring along greenies, some just want to enjoy riding perfect courses on a made horse. There is no right or wrong way to enjoy horse sports as long as the horses are happy and well taken care of.

I've not spent 6-figures on a horse, nor do I have any plans to. Like europa, and many others, I do enjoy the "process." However, I also really enjoy getting on really nice horses and riding around, so I can absolutely see why someone would. Different goals for different folks.

[magnolia73]

Maybe it is just me but part of the pride of being a good rider/equestrian is the ability to take a young horse and develop it into a horse that people want to pay big money for. I think part of the problem today is that YRs want to buy the best made horse to ensure their success. Then what? You haven't done anything but been packed around! Which brings me to my whole disgust of the stiff non-effective positions that I see people ride around displaying with no ability to feel the horse's mouth.

True enough- that can be lucrative.

But there is something to be said for riders who have learned how to "show off" really great horses. The skill of World Cup rider is about getting the maximum performance out of a horse at his peak. It's almost a different learning track from teaching a greenie to be sane.

And like Trixie said- bad riders at all price points. Great ones too. Yeah, it is a little sad to see a horse of substantial talent ridden by a hack who could care less about riding. But a lot of those people with big money horses are passionate about the sport and lucky to have the bankroll and ride quite well.

[Lucassb]

(snip)
But for all the posters in this thread who explain why expensive horses are expensive and why they are better than less expensive ones... where were you in the other ammy-centric threads where so many argued that anyone with a dream, and eye and some effort could get into the big leagues? Apparently not true! Let's call a spade a spade, but do it consistently.

Of course it's true.

There are any number of examples of people who have done that successfully. Those who cannot or do not wish to BUY a made up, six figure horse have the choice of making up their own. You *can* buy a young, relatively inexpensive horse (or OTTB) and if you have a good eye, some patience and a willingness to put the time and effort in, you can make up your own very nice, competitive horse. It is certainly harder to do, and it does require TALENT and hard work... plus a generous amount of patience to put the required time in. I have a friend with a serious, winning A/O hunter that she paid less than $10k for. However, she bought him as yearling. He is now a six figure horse (not that she is interested in selling, as she made him up for herself.)

Obviously the buy young/green horse program is not a free ride, either. Inexpensive horses cost the same to feed, shoe etc as more expensive ones. Showing ANY horse on the big circuits is expensive, even if done without an army of grooms, a big tack room set up etc... and those costs are the same no matter what you paid for the horse. However, if someone really wants to do it - there are certainly ways to do so successfully.

[BAC]

You CAN'T usually buy a "just as good" horse for a lesser price.

Exactly!!!:yes: You get what you pay for, most of the time. Of course there are always exceptions. Everyone's budget and priorities are different and if you can afford a fancy, expensive horse go for it.

[phoenix mom]

An adult rider in our barn just bought a six figure horse and she can afford it but I wondered why she would spend the money. Now I know. He is beautiful, talented and will take her to any jump and land her safely on the other side. Her last horse was a sometimes stopper. She did a lot of winning in Ocala and has a smile on her face whenever she rides. This will probably be her last horse and she decided to go for it. To her is is worth every penny and all the trainers that got commissions were happy too.

[findeight]

But for all the posters in this thread who explain why expensive horses are expensive and why they are better than less expensive ones... where were you in the other ammy-centric threads where so many argued that anyone with a dream, and eye and some effort could get into the big leagues? Apparently not true! Let's call a spade a spade, but do it consistently.

But they can get in and do..riding OTHER PEOPLES 6 figure horses. So it's possible.

And I don't recall anybody saying realizing that dream resulted in buying for 4 figures and selling for 6, winning the circuit championship at WEF or being selected for International teams.

But you can go horse show and do well on an appropriate level, maybe not the elite. But well enough.

[meupatdoes]

Of course it's true.

There are any number of examples of people who have done that successfully. Those who cannot or do not wish to BUY a made up, six figure horse have the choice of making up their own. You *can* buy a young, relatively inexpensive horse (or OTTB) and if you have a good eye, some patience and a willingness to put the time and effort in, you can make up your own very nice, competitive horse. It is certainly harder to do, and it does require TALENT and hard work... plus a generous amount of patience to put the required time in. I have a friend with a serious, winning A/O hunter that she paid less than $10k for. However, she bought him as yearling. He is now a six figure horse (not that she is interested in selling, as she made him up for herself.)

Obviously the buy young/green horse program is not a free ride, either. Inexpensive horses cost the same to feed, shoe etc as more expensive ones. Showing ANY horse on the big circuits is expensive, even if done without an army of grooms, a big tack room set up etc... and those costs are the same no matter what you paid for the horse. However, if someone really wants to do it - there are certainly ways to do so successfully.

Thank you.

And I don't recall anybody saying realizing that dream resulted in buying for 4 figures and selling for 6, winning the circuit championship at WEF or being selected for International teams.

As for findeight, I know of more than one horse that was bought for 4 digits and resold for 6.

One sold for over $300,000.

Another came off a truck as a birthday party pony ride pony, and got made up into a 6 digit winner.

I'm currently riding a young horse that was bought for 4 digits as a weanling that has the potential to be a 6 figure horse in probably one if not two disciplines.

I don't think I'll ever spend over $25k for anything (and that is vastly exceeding the highest price I've ever paid for a horse).
It's too much fun to make them up.

[findeight]

We had a birthday pony in the barn to that went for 6 figures later in life.

What I meant is it is not common and you can't hang your hat on being able to turn them for that.

But you don't have to do that to find success.

[BSFKimbees]

Coming from a breeding standpoint:

I have experience from the womb to the first two years of training a prospect. By the time you reach a horse's 3rd birthday, most certainly their 4th, the amount of money that one wraps up into a particular horse's future career is honestly pretty close to their asking price (while still with the breeder of course). When they leave the breeder and go to a trainer (finish trainer ect), that's when the price starts to goes up in most cases.

A show prospect takes a lot of $ to breed, raise, train, campaign, show ect... So, in essence the best deal that anyone can get is either breeding one yourself or buying directly from the breeder.

However, unless you have a very good eye, are a professional or work with one, or have the knowledge to bring a prospect along, that's a gamble that people are not willing to take. W/O good training a horse is just a prospect.

In the case of the $100K and up horse, the work is typically already done for them and that's what you're paying for and in pretty much all cases, are worth every penny when you consider what it costs to bring a prospect to that level. :yes:

Of course there are always going to be good deals out there, but it's a gamble no matter what way you look at it.

There was a GREAT article written not so long ago about the approximate costs to bring a long a GP horse. From birth to Champion... I'm going to try and locate that as I found it extremely interesting and used it for reference on a couple of occasions when selling a horse. It would astound you to hear what goes into these guys!

Typically, you get what you pay for! Although, look at who's in the Rolex right now. God bless the OTTB's (Off Track TB's) and the people that brought them to that level. We all know what can happen to a OTTB once they leave the track!

[LetsChat]

And let's not forget commissions... Commissions help these horses prices go up. I am not saying they aren't worth it but many times you find a $60,000 or $70,000 horse going for $110,000 because this trainer contacted the other and it was a third trainer's customer who eventually paid. Let's not be naive, a lot of the money made in horse sales isn't really for the worth of the animal. Especially with BNT where the name and reputation are a "good will" type cost. And for those that question whether you can buy a cheaper horse and make it up. I know of one very well known importer who can buy horses in Europe for around $30,000 - $40,000 USD, put a little training (few months) in them, show them a few times and presto these animals are selling for $150,000. He knows how to pick them, knows what is in style and makes the money. People do it. And finally let's not forget the worst part of the business. The cheats who find a sucker with money, sell them a "6-figure" horse, the people move trainers and find out the horse is worthless but now want to know how to recoupe their money. That happens too. Just because someone is paying that kind of money doesn't necessarily mean the horse has any talent, it just means that the person buying had the money and believed it was worth that. Unfortunately there are many rich, ignorant people in the horse world that are doing it for status and nothing more.

[BSFKimbees]

And let's not forget commissions... Commissions help these horses prices go up. I am not saying they aren't worth it but many times you find a $60,000 or $70,000 horse going for $110,000 because this trainer contacted the other and it was a third trainer's customer who eventually paid. Let's not be naive, a lot of the money made in horse sales isn't really for the worth of the animal. Especially with BNT where the name and reputation are a "good will" type cost. And for those that question whether you can buy a cheaper horse and make it up. I know of one very well known importer who can buy horses in Europe for around $30,000 - $40,000 USD, put a little training (few months) in them, show them a few times and presto these animals are selling for $150,000. He knows how to pick them, knows what is in style and makes the money. People do it. And finally let's not forget the worst part of the business. The cheats who find a sucker with money, sell them a "6-figure" horse, the people move trainers and find out the horse is worthless but now want to know how to recoupe their money. That happens too. Just because someone is paying that kind of money doesn't necessarily mean the horse has any talent, it just means that the person buying had the money and believed it was worth that. Unfortunately there are many rich, ignorant people in the horse world that are doing it for status and nothing more.


I could not agree more in some cases, great point (sadly). OP - There is a lot to factor into the 100K+ horse so you are truly getting some great responses here!

Good post and I admire the young lady that started it.

"When you stop asking, you STOP learning"... So, never stop asking!

[rabicon]

To the OP I'm going to give you an example somewhat, its dressage though just because I don't have time to look up hunters or jumpers right now watch videos below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVa9amiejxo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjQfGHGFKH4

Now you tell me which is the 500,000+ horse and which is the maybe 20,000 horse. Its the same in hunters. Proven horses that can do the job and shown that they can the price goes up. Horses that are built and have the endurance and technique to do certain moves and things well price goes up. If he has knees up to his eyes and is quick and balanced and can jump the moon with a rider and hardly ever knocks a rail the price will be high. If horse has perfect bascule and even knees, tight below with a easy ride and nice breeding a lot of times and can win with amazing company price goes up. Thats why people buy and train and sell, because they can make money from taking a baby not broke to a competition horse for different levels and make a profit. Its like saying I can buy a nice unbroke 5year thats never done anything for the same price I can buy a broke horse thats never been anywhere. Nope, the broke horse will sell for more. If you had to choose and had a 3K horse that has never shown with no training, moves okay and you could probably bring along some or you had a 3K horse that is a okay mover , has been to a few shows and has jumped 2'6 courses and won some ribbons. Same temperment, same looks, same mover same everything but one has show experience which would you pay 3K for??? Thats why prices go up, the one that has shown some and jumped 2'6 courses is going to be more than the other thats never shown or jumped because of the training. The higher the horse can go and win the higher the price will go. I hope I didn't confuse you more lol

[MissIndependence]

I always find these threads amusing. Why would someone buy a 6 figure horse? Because they can. Because they want to. Because it makes them happy. Welcome to capitalism. This is a frivolous sport. There is no "justification" for the money, time and resources we spend on it. There are people who choose to give all their money to charity. I give some of my money to charity, and I also spend an obscene amount on horses. That floats my boat. That is my divine right and priviledge as a fine American. Why does it matter whether people own expensive things in general?

Buy a horse YOU can afford and appreciate it. Enjoy the sport. I have bought 6 figure horses, and 4 figure horses. I can promise you that the 6 figure horses were not automatically "easy" to ride but they were definitley a lot nicer than the 4 figure horses....and they were champions, amazing freaks of nature and incredibly talented. Price does not equal "easy" in the horse world.....although easy can fetch a high price. There are wonderful stories about people buying horses off the kill floor and making them into winners....and that is fanastic. I salute them, the horses, and the people who put in the time. I am a working amatuer who runs a company, raises a family, and was taking care of 2 VERY ill and dying parents in my home for the past 9 years. I had no time, inclination or ability to buy green or baby horses and didnt have 5 years to make them up. I didnt care to ride in the baby green division. I like to jump big, fast and my schedule demands compromise. So I paid for it.

FYI - I am not "independently" wealthy. I dont have a trust fund, or a rich husband. I run my own company, I make the money and I figure what the hey? We only live once....so make it worth everything. I dont have millions socked away....I spend my money on my horses, my family, traveling, and living my life now. As a cancer survivor my life is about the immediate moment. That is why I have bought a six figure horse in my life. Everyone else can give you their story. I would ALSO drive an Aston Martin and own a yacht if I had the money to do that too :). But I don't.....lol.

[phoenix mom]

GOOD FOR YOU MISS INDEPENDANCE and well said. Enjoy your horse you earned it and therefore deserve it!!!!!!!

"Spread my work ethic, not my money."

[Filly85']

Thank you.

And I don't recall anybody saying realizing that dream resulted in buying for 4 figures and selling for 6, winning the circuit championship at WEF or being selected for International teams.

As for findeight, I know of more than one horse that was bought for 4 digits and resold for 6.

One sold for over $300,000.

Another came off a truck as a birthday party pony ride pony, and got made up into a 6 digit winner.

I'm currently riding a young horse that was bought for 4 digits as a weanling that has the potential to be a 6 figure horse in probably one if not two disciplines.

I don't think I'll ever spend over $25k for anything (and that is vastly exceeding the highest price I've ever paid for a horse).
It's too much fun to make them up.


I absolutely agree with this. I won't ever pay six-figures for a hunter. NEVER. But that is just my choice. Why? Because you can find yearlings in the 10k-20K range that you can train up to be a six figure hunter. Sometimes, you get lucky, and can get a great young one for even cheaper. I will be a very hard working individual one day who won't have time to do all the training of my horses myself, and will need some help too due to time constraints. However, buying the ready made horse takes all the fun out of it for me. Even when I was a kid and my parents had the money to spend, I didn't want a packer. Now, I only buy babies because I like them the most. You also have more bragging rights if you pick out a young one yourself, do a wondeful training job, and it turns out. The bond is also deeper if you're with them when they are young.

Now, racehorses are different because you do have the potential to actually make your money back if you have a good eye and a lot of luck. Racehorses are a lot more expensive, in general, than hunter/jumpers though. If I like a two year old in-training at a sale, I would imagine that I would spend six figures for one that I like. Hopefully, I will get to the point where I can buy a six figure racehorse on my own by the time I'm in my mid-thirties.

[NumberTenOx]

Just a minor point I haven't seen made yet; if it has I'm sorry.

About giving the money to charity - that's a grand thing to do and I'm very active that way and everyone should be.

However, if you spend 100k on a horse, it's not like that money disappears. It goes into someone else's bank account, and they spend it on other things, perhaps even a charity.

Even the charity uses the money to buy things, which then goes into someone elses pocket.

The horse industry is just like every other industry: hard work and luck turn raw materials into something that people want and will be willing to spend money on. There is no need to feel guilty about this. It is not a zero-sum game. The more value that is created and the more the money moves around the better off we all are. If we all stopped wanting things and buying them - everyone suffers (e.g. the current economy).

Of course there are plenty of details that change the morality of the situation: is anyone or any animal getting hurt? Is environmental damage being done that no one is paying for? But in the main - buy those horses!

And to think I'm a Democrat...

[shawneeAcres]

I've never sold a 6 digit horse and doubt I ever will. Can you buy cheap, make it up and sell for more, well yes you can. The big issue is, can you do it yourself or will you pay to have someone else do it! We purchased a LOVELY 3 year old "track reject" (never started but was trained) for under $1000. In two years we sold him for a good five figure price. But two years is a lot to invest in terms of time, money and RISK. I bought him without seeing him move (it was a racehorse sale) much at all since MOST of the time he was on his back feet! But he was gorgeous to look at, great conformation and black which is always a good color! After three months and the stuff he was on wore off, he settled but then looked like hell for several months. Once he began to get over the effects of the track steroids and hormones (that the trainer told me up front he had been on), he started gaining weight and went into serious training. WE did the work and he is now heading to the "A" show ring and eventually will do the A/O and probably be that 6 figure horse. It is all in what you want to take on, and some people don't want to make up a prospect, they want to step on and ride and win everytime out. I sometimes wish I could afford to do that at my age now! But doubt I ever will!

[beenanddone]

Sure, it could have been my riding, but I expected for $100k-200k the horses would pretty much be able to go around nicely without a lot of "input" in that area. NOT EVEN TALKING ABOUT JUMPS HERE, just hacking around.


When i was looking for my horse I said the SAME thing! haha... When it comes down to it, a horse is a horse. Sure, the 6 figure horses are going to be beautiful, nice moving, jumping machines. But lets face it, a horse is a horse, they're all going to have their quirks.

I do understand the feeling though. You kind of expect to just get on and have it easy. I think the difference with the more expensive horse is that they have all that great training and talent behind them for you to work with and learn from, whereas the lesser priced horses still are a) learning or b) not as talented.