How Much Does A Belgian Draft Horse Cost?

A Belgian draft horse costs between$5,000 and $25,000+. However, the price you pay will vary depending on the horse’s age, pedigree, health, and training.

In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence the cost of Belgian horses, as well as the associated costs of owning this draft horse breed.

How Much Does A Belgian Draft Horse Cost In The US?

On average, Belgian horse prices in the US range between $5,000 and $25,000+. American variants of the Belgian horse breed are slightly smaller than the European breed.

If you are looking for a breed with a similar temperament, the American Paint horse cost starts at around $2,000 and is good for riding.

What Factors Influence The Cost Of A Belgian Horse?

Many factors influence the cost of buying a Belgian horse, such as:

Age

Foals: $1,000 – $3,000

• Foals are the cheapest due to the time and costs related to training and raising them.

Young horses (2-5 years old): $3,000 – $8,000

• Prices increase with age, especially if you purchase a Belgian horse that has undergone some training.

Mature horses (6+ years old): $4,000 – $12,000

• Older horses with training or proven abilities are priced the highest.

Training

Untrained: $1,500 – $5,000

• A Belgian without formal training is on the lower end of the spectrum.

Riding/driving trained: $5,000 – $15,000

• Horses trained for riding or cart-pulling cost significantly more.

Competition horses: $10,000 – $25,000+

• Well-trained Belgian horses with competition experience fetch the highest prices.

Pedigree and bloodline

Purebred: $5,000 – $15,000+

• Purebred Belgians, such as the European Belgian draft horses, command premium prices.

Mixed/non-pedigreed: $2,000 – $7,000

• Mixed or non-pedigreed horses are more affordable.

Size and build

Larger/heavier: $6,000 – $15,000+

• The larger and more muscular the horse, the more it costs as the more potential it has for activities like farm work.

Smaller/lean: $3,000 – $7,000

• Smaller or less heavy horses tend to fall on the lower end of the pricing scale and are similar to the cost of miniature horses ( $500 and $7,000).

Gender

Mares: $3,000 – $10,000

• Mares are moderately priced unless they have high-quality bloodlines for breeding.

Geldings: $2,500 – $8,000

• Geldings are often more affordable, as they cannot be used for breeding.

Stallions: $5,000 – $20,000+

• Stallions, especially those with breeding potential, usually have the highest price tags.

Health and condition

Healthy: $5,000 – $15,000

• A Belgian horse in good condition and top health will fetch a high price – even more so if their health status is backed up by veterinary records.

Health problems: $500 – $4,000

• A horse with health problems will sell for much less and be more expensive to maintain.

Location

Cheaper areas (Midwest, Kentucky): $2,000 – $10,000

• These regions have a larger supply of draft horses, making prices more affordable.

Expensive Areas (California, Northeast): $7,000 – $25,000+

• In areas with a higher cost of living and more demand for specialized horses, prices can be significantly higher.

Purpose

Work horses: $2,500 – $8,000

• Belgians bred for work tend to be more affordable, as their purpose is mainly functional.

Pleasure horses: $4,000 – $12,000

• Horses used for casual riding or driving usually fall in the mid-price range.

Competition horses: $10,000 – $25,000+

• Horses trained and competing in shows or events are priced at the top of the scale.

How Much Does It Cost To Own A Belgian Horse?

Owning, caring for, and training a Belgian horse costs from $4,000 to $74,000 yearly, depending on what you do with the horse and how much care an training you give it yourself.

Let’s look at the breakdown of Belgian horse ownership costs.

Boarding costs

Generally, boarding costs will depend on the type of environment you opt for and the level of care you want provided.

Basic boarding: $300 – $700 per month ($3,600 – $8,400 annually)

• This usually includes shelter, feeding, and basic care.

Full-service boarding: $800 – $1,500 per month ($9,600 – $18,000 annually)

• Includes full care, such as daily turnout, grooming, and feeding.

Pasture boarding: $150 – $500 per month ($1,800 – $6,000 annually)

• Horses stay in a pasture with basic shelter, which is cheaper but offers less care.

Feeding costs

Hay: $100 – $300 per month ($1,200 – $3,600 annually)

• On average, Belgians consume about 1.5% to 2% of their body weight in hay daily, or approximately 20–30 lbs of hay per day.

Grain: $50 – $150 per month ($600 – $1,800 annually)

• The amount of grain depends on your Belgian horse’s activity levels and metabolism. Those that do light work require minimal grain, while more active or competition-level horses need additional energy.

Supplements: $30 – $100 per month ($360 – $1,200 annually)

• Supplements ensure the horse gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals. There are also supplements for special needs like hooves, joints, and thyroid health.

Treats (fruits and veggies): $10 – $30 per month ($120 – $360 annually)

• Treats like carrots, apples, strawberries, blackberries, and celery are a great way to reward your horse, though they shouldn’t be the primary food source.

Healthcare and vet costs

Routine veterinary care: $300 – $600 annually

• Includes vaccinations, dental work, and wellness check-ups.

Farrier services: $100 – $200 every 6-8 weeks ($600 – $1,500 annually)

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

• May not occur annually, but it’s smart to budget for unexpected treatments and surgeries.

Insurance costs

The price of horse insurance depends on the type of insurance company, policy, and add-ons you choose. The main ones include:

Mortality insurance: $290 – $360 annually

• Covers the financial loss of the untimely death of your horse.

Comprehensive medical insurance: $200 – $600 annually

• This includes morality, loss of use, public liability, critical care, and personal accident coverage, among others.

Gear and accessories

These are one-time costs and can last years.

• Saddle: $500 – $3,000 (depending on the brand, quality, and specialized features)
• Bridle and halter: $50 – $300
• Horse blankets: $100 – $300
• Other accessories (grooming kits, lead ropes, etc.): $100 – $300

Check out our ultimate horse equipment list to ensure you don’t miss any essential gear from your setup.

Training costs

Horse training varies per discipline. Belgian horses have an easy nature and generally require less training. For perspective, a Mustang costs far less (from $500) but incurs more costly training.

There are usually two main types of training:

• Basic training: $500 – $1,000 per month ($6,000 – $12,000 annually)
• Specialized training for shows, cart-pulling, etc.: $800 – $1,500 per month ($9,600 – $18,000 annually)

Registration costs for shows and events

Show registration fees: $50 – $500 per event

• Annual estimate: $500 – $2,000 (depending on how many shows you enter)

Travel and accommodation: $300 – $1,000 per show

• Annual estimate: $1,000 – $5,000

How Much Does A Belgian Horse Cost In The UK?

In the UK, Belgian horses cost between £4,000 and £20,000. However, purebreds and certain bloodlines can sell for a lot more.

In comparison, Percherons cost slightly less than Belgians—generally between £2,000 ($2,400) and £15,000 ($18,300)—and make excellent draft horses.

FAQs

What are Belgian draft horses used for?

The Belgian breed is used for riding and it is especially a good horse breed for heavy riders. Additionally, the horse’s physique makes them excellent for pulling carriages, plowing, logging, and farm work.

They are known as gentle giants with a docile nature. If you are looking for an affordable alternative, the cost of a Tennessee Walking horse is less than the price of a Belgian ($3,000 to $10,000). Tennessees can carry out light farm work and are known for pleasure riding and eventing.

What is the highest price a Belgian horse has been sold for?

In 2003, a two-year-old Belgian draft horse stallion was sold for $112,500 at the Mid-America Draft Horse Sale. The horse, named Captain Jim, came from an exemplary bloodline and made it into the Guinness World Records for his price.

For context, that is approximately what two high-end Gypsy horses cost (around $50,000), or what four Palomino horses cost (around $25,000).

How long do Belgian horses live?

Belgian horses have an average lifespan of 17 to 22 years. This is shorter compared to smaller horse breeds. If you are looking for a sturdy horse with a longer lifespan, a Shire horse costs somewhat less than a Belgian ($2,500 and $20,000), is large, hard-working, and has a life expectancy of up to 30 years.

Final Thoughts 

The cost of a Belgian horse may be on the higher side, but the kind, sweet temperament of these animals is priceless. However, potential owners must have the appropriate resources and budget to properly care for their horses.