How Much Does A Mustang Horse Cost?

Mustang horses cost anywhere between$500 and $12,000in the US. These costs vary depending on where you buy them, how old they are, and their level of training.

In this article, we will cover the various aspects that influence the cost of a Mustang horse, including ongoing costs for owners.

How Much Does A Mustang Horse Cost In The US?

Mustang horses cost between$500 and $12,000. They are “cheap” options as far as equine purchases go. For reference, that’s only slightly less than the cost of a Tennessee Walking horse ($3,000 to $10,000).

However, the training and maintenance, especially of a wild Mustang, are not as cheap.

What Factors Influence The Cost Of A Mustang Horse?

Let’s explore how various factors impact the Mustang horse price.

Age

Young, untrained Mustangs cost far less than older, well-trained ones, especially if they have impressive show records.

• Foals: $500 – $2,000
• Young horses (2-5 years old): $1,500 – $4,000
• Mature horses (6+ years old): $2,500 – $5,500

Training and purpose

Feral horses or newly adopted Mustangs are often inexpensive, particularly through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) adoption program.

Mustang horses that are trained and have proven experience in competitive events, like Extreme Mustang Makeovers or trail competitions, command significantly higher prices.

• Untrained: $500 – $1,500
• Riding/driving trained: $3,000 – $7,000
• Competition horses: $5,000 – $12,000

Pedigree and bloodline

Mustangs are descendants of Spanish horses and are a mix of various breeds. Horses from established conservation programs or famous herds (like those from Nevada’s Pryor Mountains) are valued higher.

Mustangs adopted through the BLM are usually mixed/non-pedigreed. Their price reflects minimal formal handling and training.

• Purebred: $2,000 – $8,000
• Mixed/non-pedigreed: $500 – $3,500

Size and build

Larger Mustangs, typically standing 15 hands or more, are rare and can be more valuable due to their size and strength. The more common, smaller Mustangs (14-15 hands) are less expensive but still valued for their hardiness and stamina.

• Larger/heavier: $3,000 – $7,500
• Smaller/lean: $1,500 – $4,500

Gender

Mares and geldings are often sold at a lower price compared to Mustang stallions. Stallions have breeding potential and are, therefore, more valuable.

• Mares: $1,000 – $5,000
• Geldings: $1,500 – $6,000
• Stallions: $2,000 – $7,500+

Health and condition

The healthier the Mustang, the higher the price they will fetch. This is rarely an issue with this breed, as their wild origins mean they are naturally hardy and accustomed to living in harsh conditions. As a result, they are considered low maintenance.

• Healthy: $2,000 – $6,500
• Health problems: $150 – $2,500

Location

Mustangs in or near western states, where they are most commonly found in the wild, are generally cheaper. Adoption fees through the BLM are also typically lower here.

In areas where Mustangs are less common, such as the East Coast or urban parts of California, prices can be higher due to transportation costs and greater demand for these unique horses.

• Cheaper areas (Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, etc.): $150 – $3,500
• Expensive areas (East Coast, California, etc.): $3,000 – $10,000+

Purpose

Mustangs used for light farm work or pleasure riding are priced the lowest. Mustangs trained and actively competing in events, particularly in Western disciplines or trail challenges, can reach higher price points.

• Work horses: $2,000 – $5,000
• Competition horses: $5,000 – $12,000+
• Pleasure horses: $1,500 – $6,000

How Much Does It Cost To Own A Mustang Horse?

On average, this is how much it costs annually to own a Mustang horse:

• Low end: $7,360 – $18,700. This can be less if you own your own land and keep the horse outdoors.
• High end: $36,300 – $59,460. Likely on full livery and training.

Owners are liable for various ongoing costs for housing, feeding, and caring for their Mustang horse. While they are considered low maintenance in the wild, domesticated Mustang costs can rack up.

If you’re seeking an affordable, low-maintenance horse, the cost of a miniature horse (between $500 and $7,000) might make it the perfect alternative.

Boarding costs

The cost of boarding a horse depends on the type of boarding you choose.

Basic boarding: $250 – $600 per month

• Basic boarding typically includes a stall or pasture, feeding, and minimal care.

Full-service boarding: $800 – $1,500 per month

• Full-service boarding includes everything from feeding, cleaning, turnout, and often additional services like blanketing or regular vet/farrier scheduling.

Pasture boarding: $150 – $400 per month

• Pasture boarding is cheaper and offers the horse more time outdoors and less daily care.

Feeding costs

On average, Mustang horses weigh between 700 and 1,000 lbs and usually consume between 14 and 20 lbs of horse food daily.

• Hay: $80 – $250 per month
• Grain: $30 – $100 per month
• Supplements (hooves, joints, thyroid health): $20 – $80 per month
• Treats (carrots, apples, strawberries, blackberries, celery): $5 – $25 per month

Healthcare and vet costs

Routine veterinary care: $300 – $600 per year

• Routine care includes vaccinations, dental checks, and health exams.

Farrier services: $40 – $120 per trim (every 6–8 weeks)

• Mustangs are often barefoot and have naturally strong hooves, reducing the need for expensive shoes. Trim prices vary by region.

Emergency vet visits: $500 – $2,000 per visit

• Emergency costs can vary widely depending on the issue, such as colic or injury.

Insurance costs

Responsible horse owners should have horse insurance, which varies depending on the selected add-ons and cover level.

Mortality insurance: $150 – $300 per year

• Covers the financial losses incurred should your Mustang horse die.

Comprehensive medical insurance: $150 – $500 per year

• Covers accidental death, disease, illness, theft, and more, depending on your insurance broker.

Gear and accessories

Owners need to buy the correct tack and riding equipment for their Mustangs. If you are just starting out and have no existing gear and accessories, the ultimate horse equipment list mainly consists of:

• Saddle: $500 – $2,000 (prices vary based on the quality and customization)
• Bridle and halter: $50 – $200
• Horse blankets: $100 – $300
• Other accessories (grooming kits, lead ropes, etc.): $50 – $150

Training costs

Turning feral horses into domesticated ones requires extensive training. Owners of wild Mustangs should prepare for long and costly training sessions if they intend on using them as riding horses.

• Professional training (gentling and groundwork): $500 – $1,500 per month
• Specialized training (competition, trail riding, or advanced handling): $1,000 – $3,000 per month

Registration costs for shows and events

If you plan on entering your Mustang in competitions, shows, and events, make budgetary allowances for the costs. These may include:

• Show registration fees: $50 – $300 per event
• Travel and accommodation: $200 – $1,500 per event

How Much Does A Mustang Horse Cost In The UK?

The cost for a Mustang in the UK might range from £4,000 to £15,000 (about $4,800 to $18,000) or more, depending on factors like training and lineage.

These wild horses are native to the US and are rarely bred in captivity outside North America. Therefore, importing a Mustang can push the price higher compared to what you might pay in the US.

Importing costs

Overall, importing a Mustang to the UK can cost an additional £10,000 to £20,000+ (about $12,000 to $24,000+), depending on logistics, making the total investment significantly higher than buying a local horse.

For example:

• The cost of a Belgian draft horse is from $5,000 to $25,000+ (about £4,000 to £20,000+)
• The cost of a Palomino horse is from $2,500 to $25,000+ (about £2,000 to £20,000+)
• The cost of a Percheron horse is between $1,000 and $25,000+ (about £800 to £20,000+)

FAQs

How long do Mustangs live?

The average life expectancy for Mustang horses is 30 years.

What would be a good alternative to Mustang horses within the same price range?

If you are looking for a horse with a gentler predisposition:

• The cost of a Gypsy horse is around the same as a Mustang if you include training.
• Shire horse costs are higher initially but they may make for a better investment as they require less training, can perform the same duties, and have the same life expectancy as Mustangs.

What is the most a Mustang horse was sold for?

In May 2024, a wild filly Mustang was auctioned and sold for $60,000. The horse named Thora was sired by the grand stallion Thor.

If you consider the cost of an American Paint horse, for example, you could get between six and 60 Paint horses for that price.

Final Thoughts

Mustangs in the US are priced between $500 and $12,000, whereas in the UK, they could go as high as £15,000+.

These breeds could be a great addition to your herd. But do not be swayed by their initial low cost. They require just as much care and possibly more training than other breeds. Double-check all the costs of owning a Mustang to make an informed decision based on your budget.