How Much Do Gypsy Horses Cost?

A Gypsy horse costs from $6,000 for a young prospect to over $50,000 for a purebred adult.

Understanding the costs involved can help you make an informed decision if you’re hoping to purchase one of these beautiful animals. Let’s discover how much Gypsies cost based on factors like location, training, pedigree, rarity, and upkeep.

How Much Do Gypsy Horses Cost In The US?

In the US, Gypsy horses usually cost between $6,000 and $50,000. Prices can vary based on factors like age, training, pedigree, and importation. These breeds are relatively rare outside of Europe, so importing one to the US will increase the price.

What Factors Influence The Cost Of A Gypsy Horse?

Purchasing a Gypsy Horse can vary based on several factors. Here’s a detailed breakdown.

Age

Age is a key factor in the cost of a Gypsy horse:

• Foals (babies): Young and full of potential, foals generally cost between $6,000 – $15,000.
• Young horses (2-5 years old): With some training and experience, these horses cost around $8,000 – $25,000.
• Mature horses (6+ years old): Experienced and often well-trained, mature Irish Gypsies can range from $10,000 – $40,000.

Training and skills

The level of training impacts the price:

• Untrained horses: $6,000 – $12,000
• Basic training: $15,000 – $35,000
• Advanced training (suited for competitions or complex work): $25,000 – $50,000

Horse training unlocks the full potential of Gypsies, just like it does for other breeds. For instance, the cost of a Tennessee Walking horse that’s been trained is always higher than the one that’s not.

Pedigree and bloodline

Pedigree plays a big role in pricing:

• High pedigree: Horses with impressive bloodlines and championship ancestry cost between $15,000 – $45,000.
• Average pedigree: Less prestigious pedigrees mean lower prices, typically $6,000 – $20,000.

This is similar to other breeds – for example, the cost of an American Paint horse (up to $25,000). A strong pedigree can significantly increase the price, especially if the horse competes at high levels.

Size and build

The size and build of a Gypsy horse affect its cost:

• Larger horses: Bigger, more robust Gypsies can cost $10,000 – $40,000.
• Smaller horses: Smaller or less heavily feathered horses range from $6,000 – $20,000.

Gender

• Mares: Female horses cost between $8,000 – $25,000.
• Geldings: Generally more affordable, geldings are priced from $6,000 – $20,000.
• Stallions: Stallions with strong pedigrees can cost $15,000 – $45,000.

Health and condition

• Excellent health: A healthy horse with no major issues costs between $6,000 to $50,000.
• Health issues: Horses with chronic health problems might be priced from $1,000 – $8,000.

Location

Where you buy your Gypsy horse can impact the price:

• Cheaper areas (e.g., Midwest, rural regions): $6,000 – $15,000
• Expensive areas (e.g., California, Florida, East Coast): $15,000 – $45,000

Purpose

The intended use of the horse influences its cost:

• Workhorses: Horses suited for work tasks cost between $6,000 – $20,000.
• Show horses: For competitions and shows, prices can go from $20,000 – $50,000.
• Companion horses: For a pleasure horse, prices range from $6,000 – $25,000.

Importation

If you’re bringing a Gypsy horse from Europe, importation costs can add significantly to the price:

• Import fees: $3,000 – $6,000
• Travel costs: Transportation from the seller to the UK can vary from $8,000 to $12,000.
• Documentation and health checks: Compulsory health checks and paperwork can cost an additional $500 – $3,000.

How Much Does It Cost To Own A Gypsy Horse?

Owning a Gypsy horse could set you back between $13,000 and $58,000+ per year. Here are the different costs that come with owning a Gypsy horse.

Boarding costs

The cost of boarding a horse depends on which boarding service you choose. For Gypsies, you may spend from $1,200 to $14,400 yearly.

Basic boarding: $200 – $600/ month

• It covers their stall, food, and daily care.

Full-service boarding: $500 – $1,200/ month

• Includes extras like grooming, training, and/or special diet.

Pasture boarding: $100 – $350/ month

• Access to pasture and often a shelter.

Feeding costs

The cost of feeding your Gypsy varies based on what your horse eats. Expect to spend between $2,280 and $5,250 annually.

• Hay: $100 – $300/ tonne, per month
• Grain: $50 – $150/ month
• Supplements: $20 – $100/ month

Healthcare and vet bills

Healthcare costs for Gypsies can vary based on vet/emergency visits, trims, and shoeing. Plan to spend between $1,200 and $4,200 each year.

• Routine vet care: $35 – $70/ month
• Farrier services: $40 – $85/ every 6-8 weeks
• Emergency care: $500 – $2,500

Insurance costs

The cost of insuring your horse depends on which horse insurance company you use, as well as the type you opt for. Expect to spend between $450 – $1,200 annually.

• Mortality insurance: 3-5% of the horse’s value/year, $150 – $500 annually
• Major medical insurance: ~$300 – $1,200 per year

Gear and accessories

Equipping your horse with essential gear and accessories can cost between $250 – $1,000 per year.

• Saddle: $500 – $3,000 – a suitable saddle for a Gypsy horse must be durable and fit well, accommodating the breed’s unique build.
• Bridle and halter: $50 – $250 – includes a bridle and halter suitable for the horse’s size.
• Horse blankets: $100 – $400 each – blankets or rugs are necessary for protection against cold and wet weather.
• Miscellaneous gear: $50 – $200 – brushes, buckets, and all the little extras.

Training costs

Training costs for your Gypsy horse depend on the type of training. Expect to pay between $6,000 and $20,000 each year.

• Basic training: $500 – $1,000/ month
• Specialised Training: $800 – $2,000/ month

Registration costs for shows and events

If you’re planning to compete with your Gypsy horse, expect to spend between $2,500 and $12,000 annually.

• Show fees: $100 – $400/ event
• Travel and accommodation: $200 – $1,000/ event

How Much Do Gypsy Horses Cost In The UK?

In the UK, a Gypsy horse (also known as Irish Cob, Tinker horse, or Gypsy Vanner) can cost anywhere from £2,000 to £20,000 ($6,100 to $24,400).

Younger, untrained horses are typically priced on the lower end of the scale. For context, the cost of a young Gypsy Cob is very similar to how much a miniature horse costs (£500-£5,000+ in the UK and $500-$7,000 in the US).

Well-trained, show-ready Gypsies come at a premium. Horses with exceptional bloodlines or those that belong to the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society (GVHS) can even exceed £20,000 ($24,400).

FAQs

Why are Gypsy Vanner horses so expensive?

Gypsy Vanner horses are expensive because they’re rare, beautiful, and selectively bred for their calm and strong nature. Their long, flowing manes and feathered legs add to their allure. Importing them is costly due to regulations and their grooming needs are high.

What is the difference in cost between other horse breeds and Gypsy horses?

Gypsy Vanners generally range from $6,000 to $50,000, making them pricier than many other breeds. For example:

• The cost of a Percheron horse is $1,000 and $25,000+
• The cost of a Belgian horse may run you $5,000 to $25,000+
• The cost of a Mustang horse is $500 to $12,000+
• The cost of a Shire horse may set you back $2,500 and $20,000+
• The cost of a Palomino horse is $2,500 to $25,000+

Are Gypsy Cob horses good for beginners?

Gypsy Cob horses are ideal for beginners. They’re naturally calm and patient, and less likely to react unpredictably. Plus, their easygoing nature means they’re more forgiving of mistakes, making the learning process smoother and less stressful.

Final Thoughts

The cost of owning a Gypsy Vanner horse in the UK can range from $6,000 to $50,000. These breeds aren’t only aesthetically appealing but also come with a price tag reflecting their rarity, pedigree, and the care they require.