How Much Does A Palomino Horse Cost?

Palomino horses cost between $4,000 and $12,000, with high-end pedigrees selling for over $20,000.

In this article, we’ll discuss the factors affecting the costs of palomino horses, such as age, lineage, training, breed, health, and location. We’ll also examine the ongoing costs of owning and caring for this breed.

How Much Does A Palomino Horse Cost In the US?

Palomino horse costs range from $2,000 to $12,000+ in the US. However, the price will depend on factors such as breed, color, age, gender, and pedigree. These horses are slightly cheaper in the US (compared to the UK) as they are more readily available in larger equine markets.

Looking for a more affordable breed with a striking coat? An American Paint horse costs slightly less than a palomino ($1,000 to $5,000) and is just as aesthetically pleasing.

What Factors Influence the Cost of A Palomino Horse?

Palominos are known for their striking looks, which play a key role in their purchase prices. Other factors also influence their cost, including:

Breed

Palomino is not a specific horse breed but rather a color. This means a variety of breeds can have palomino horses. Certain breeds are more expensive than others, accounting for the difference in price.

• Welsh ponies: $3,500 – $18,000. Welsh ponies on the higher end have strong pedigrees and show records.
• Quarter horses: Average around $10,000 but can go as high as $30,000 if they come from a good bloodline with show records and good coloring.
• Arabians: $6,000 -$16,500. Broodmares and stallions with good pedigrees tend to fetch higher prices for their breeding potential. Geldings and younger Arabian Palominos are on the lower price end.
• Tennessee Walking Horses: $3,500 – $8,000. This breed tends to be cheaper than others as they are mostly used for pleasure riding rather than shows and competitions.

This special coloring is what sets them apart and makes them valuable and desirable. For example, the average cost of a Tennessee Walking horse can increase by thousands of dollars if the horse is palomino.

Coloring

Palominos are known for their creamy golden coats and white manes. Generally, the richer the coat color, the higher the price tag. The breed and pedigree also play a role in the final cost.

Light: $2,500 – $7,000

• A more common coloring and often more affordable.

Golden: $4,000 – $10,000

• A classic and sought-after color.

Pearl: $7,000 – $15,000

• One of the rarer palomino colours. The pale pearlescent shade drives up prices.

Champagne: $6,000 – $12,000

• Between golden and pearl. The paler coloring makes it more expensive than classic golden palominos.

Chocolate: Can add 10% -30% to the base price

• These palomino horses are especially rare, with dark brown coats and white manes.

Age

Foals (under 1): $1,500 – $5,000

• More affordable as they require training.

Young horses (1-4): $3,000 -$8,000

• Horses may have basic training and are more valuable.

“Peak” age (5-12): $5,000 – $15,000

• In their prime, with substantial training, good conformation, and breeding potential, resulting in a higher price.

Mature (13-18): $3,000 – $10,000

• Ideal for breeding and beginner riders. Less suitable for work and competitions.

Senior (19+): $1,500 – $5,000

• Passed their prime and are often retired from competitions.

Pedigree

Palominos from prestigious bloodlines are priced higher, especially if they have show records. Strong pedigrees also mean premium breeding potential.

• Lower to average pedigrees: $1,500 – $5,000
• High pedigrees: $10,000 – $25,000+

Location

Areas with a high demand for horses have higher costs than those with a lower demand.

• High-demand areas (Kentucky, Colorado, Texas, California, Florida, etc.): $5,000 – $15,000, sometimes up to $20,000
• Low-demand areas (Midwest, Appalachian States, Southern States, etc.): $2,000 to $7,000

The international demand for this horse may also incline breeders in the US to increase their prices.

Training

Well-trained palominos cost more, as time and money have been invested in the horse before the sale. Conversely, untrained palomino’s fetch a lower price.

Untrained: $1,500 – $5,000

• A more affordable option for those wanting to train their horse from the very beginning.

Basic training: $5,000- $15,000

• Horses with basic training offer a solid foundation for further specialized training.

Specialized training: $7,000 – $20,000+

• These horses have often already competed in shows and have impressive records, resulting in their higher price.

How Much Does It Cost to Own A Palomino Horse?

Various factors are associated with the costs of owning a palomino horse, including:

Boarding costs

The costs of boarding a horse depend on the type of service and care you want provided for your horse.

Monthly costs of different boarding types:

DIY or self-care boarding: $100 – $200

• Owners are responsible for cleaning stalls, grooming, exercising, and scheduling vet and farrier visits.

Part: $300 – $1,200

• Horses are housed at a boarding facility where staff provide basic grooming and feeding services. Owners are generally responsible for cleaning the stall and covering the costs of vet and farrier appointments.

Full care: $1,200 – $2,000

• The boarding facility provides everything your horse needs, including grooming, cleaning, and exercising.

Pasture: $150 – $400

• The horse lives in an open pasture with access to a run-in shelter during unfavorable weather. The facility provides feeding and basic grooming services.

Feeding costs

On average, an owner will spend between $135 and $720 a month on feed. Since palominos are not a specific breed, it’s difficult to determine their average monthly feeding costs.

The type of horse feed you use will also impact the cost. For instance:

• Hay: $5 – $15 per 50 lb bale
• Grain: $12 – $30 per 50 lb bag
• Supplements: $109 per 10 lbs

Healthcare and vet costs

• Routine vet visits: $200 – $400 (includes routine checkups, dental care, and vaccinations)
• Emergency call-outs: $500 – $2,500
• Specialized procedures and operations: These costs will vary depending on the situation and can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Farrier costs

Farrier services cost between $50 and $150 per visit and should happen every 4-6 weeks.

Farrier fees vary depending on:

• The horse breed
• The horse’s discipline
• Size of the horse
• Shoe type and material
• Horse’s health and hoof condition
• Experience and expertise of the farrier
• Your location

Insurance costs

Horse insurance costs around $150 a year. Certain types of insurance, such as mortality insurance, cover 3-5% of your horse’s value.

Comprehensive coverage with optional extras will cost more and vary between insurance providers.

Gear and accessories

Appropriate horse equipment and tack (saddles, bits, girth, bridles, and stirrups) cost between $1,500 and $2,000.

The quality, brand, material, and sizing of your equipment influence the cost.

Training costs

Horse training ranges between $200 and $3,000 a month. The higher end of this price range would be the equivalent of daily training sessions for disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, and reining.

• Dressage: $75-$95 per lesson
• Show jumping: $100-$200 per lesson
• Reining: around $50 per hour
• Barrel racing: around $850 per month

Some palominos may not be suited to the rough terrain of trail riding. Avid riders should consider a Mustang horse. Mustang horses cost less than palominos (prices start from $500) and are easier to maintain.

How Much Does A Palomino Horse Cost In the UK?

Palomino horses in the UK cost between £1,200 and £10,500. These costs are slightly higher compared to the US as this kind of horse is not as prevalent in the UK.

FAQs

What are palomino horses best suited for?

Depending on the breed, palomino horses can be used for a wide range of activities. Most palominos are used for showing, eventing, and competitions. They can also be used for pleasure riding, farm work, and horse therapy.

If you want a working horse, you should consider draft horses. Shire horses cost more than some palominos ($2,000-$20,000) but are better for pulling and plowing.

What is the most a palomino horse has sold for?

In 2003, a Quarterhorse Palomino stallion named Gold Rush sold for $1.5 million.

For context, on average, a high-end miniature horse costs $8,000, meaning you could get 187 miniature horses at that price. Or consider the cost of a Belgian horse. Gold Rush is the equivalent of around 150 Belgian horses.

Are palomino horses bred in the UK?

Yes, palomino horses are bred in the UK. However, the market is nowhere near as large as in the US.

Final Thoughts 

Palomino horses are highly regarded not just for their unique appearance but also for their versatility across various disciplines. While most of their value is reliant on their coat color, these horses still have many remarkable skills.