How Much Does A Shire Horse Cost?

A Shire horse costs between$2,500 and $20,000. The price variations are influenced by factors such as age, size, experience, pedigree, gender, and coat color.

In this article, we’ll explain how each factor affects the cost of purchasing a Shire horse. We will also uncover the cost considerations for owning these draft horses.

How Much Does A Shire Horse Cost In the US?

Shire horses cost between $2,500 and $20,000+ in the US. The exact price depends on factors such as the horse’s health, size, training level, and regional demand.

What Factors Influence the Cost of A Shire Horse?

Here are the main factors that influence the price of the Shire horse breed:

Age

Foals: $2,500 – $6,000

• Shire foals are an investment, and the price reflects their potential as future working or competition horses.

Young horses (2-5 years old): $4,000 – $10,000

• Shires in this age range have started their development but may still need training, making them more expensive than foals.

Mature horses (6+ years old): $8,000 – $15,000

• Mature Shires, especially those trained and in good health, are more expensive due to their readiness for work or competition.

Training and skills

Untrained: $2,500 – $7,000

• Untrained Shires are more affordable, but since these horses are often used for agricultural tasks, training is essential.

Riding/cart pulling trained: $6,000 – $12,000

• Shires trained for riding or farm work are valuable, given their versatility and strength.

Competition horses: $10,000 – $20,000+

• Shires excelling in competitions or horse shows can command a higher purchase price, especially if they’re proven winners.

Pedigree and bloodline

Purebred: $8,000 – $20,000+

• Purebreds, especially those from top bloodlines, are sought after for Shire horse breeding, work, or showing, and their price reflects their lineage.

Mixed/non-pedigreed: $3,500 – $8,500

• Shires with mixed bloodlines are often cheaper but still have many of the same characteristics that make the breed desirable.

Size and build

Shires are one of the biggest horse breeds—and large horses in the equine world mean larger price tags. The average Shire horse measures between 18 and 19 hands, with the tallest one ever recorded measuring 21.5 hands.

Larger/heavier: $10,000 – $18,000

• Bigger Shires with impressive stature and build can fetch a premium, especially for work purposes.

Smaller/lean: $5,000 – $10,000

• While still powerful, smaller Shires typically cost less and are often easier to handle or maintain.

For context: A miniature horse costs between $500 and $7,000 and is 8.5 hands tall.

Gender

Mares: $4,000 – $12,000

• Mares are priced depending on their breeding potential or training.

Geldings: $5,000 – $15,000

• Geldings are often priced higher due to their temperament, especially when trained for riding or driving.

Stallions: $10,000 – $25,000+

• Stallions are costly, especially those with a strong pedigree, as they can bring significant value to breeding programs.

Health and conformation

Healthy: $6,000 – $18,000

• Healthy Shire horses, ready to work or compete, will cost more based on their overall physical condition.

Health problems: $5,00 – $6,500

• Shires with health concerns are more affordable, but they may require extra care or medical attention, which can increase ownership costs.

Demand and availability

The market value for Shire horse breeds may be slightly higher as The Livestock Conservancy considers their numbers “critical.”

Cheaper areas (Midwest, rural regions): $4,000 – $10,000

• In areas like the Midwest, where farming and working horses are more common, Shires can be found at lower prices due to supply and demand.

Expensive areas (East/West Coasts, urban regions): $8,000 – $20,000+

• In places with higher demand and less availability, like the East or West Coasts, Shires are more expensive due to the cost of transport and higher market value.

A great alternative here would be a Percheron horse. The cost of a Percheron horse starts at $1,000—slightly less than Shire horses but has a similar demeanor and carries out similar duties.

Purpose

Work horses: $5,000 – $12,000

• Shires used for farm work or pulling are priced depending on their training and capability.

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

• Shires bred and trained for competition, whether in pulling events, shows, or even parades, command a premium.

Pleasure horses: $4,000 – $10,000

• Shires kept for pleasure riding or driving are often more affordable, but their price still reflects their size and training.

For context: The cost of a Belgian draft horse ($5,000 to $25,000+) is not far off from Shire horses and makes for a good (and sometimes cheaper) alternative.

How Much Does It Cost to Own A Shire Horse?

Apart from the initial purchase cost, owners should be aware of the ongoing maintenance, care, and boarding costs.

Boarding costs

The cost of boarding a Shire horse depends on your livery preferences and the level of care you want for your horse.

Basic boarding: $350 – $800 per month

• Shires are the largest horse breed and need large stalls. Basic boarding usually includes feeding and turnout.

Full-service boarding: $1,200 – $2,000 per month

• Full-service boarding includes stall and horse care, such as feeding, stall cleaning, health checks, and sometimes training.

Pasture boarding: $200 – $500 per month

• This option includes a pasture plus a basic shelter for the horse, oftentimes without daily care like feeding and grooming.

Feeding costs

Shire horses weigh between 1,800 lbs and 2,400 lbs. Given that horses should consume around 2% of their body weight, Shire horses consume around 40 lbs of horse food daily.

• Hay: $150 – $400 per month
• Grain: $80 – $200 per month
• Supplements (hooves, joints, thyroid health): $50 – $120 per month
• Treats (carrots, apples, strawberries, etc.): $20 – $50 per month

Healthcare and vet costs

Routine veterinary care: $400 – $800 per year

• Shires require regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and dental work.

Farrier services: $100 – $250 per trim (every 6-8 weeks)

• Trims or special shoes for work purposes.

Emergency vet visits: $700 – $3,000 per visit

• Have an emergency budget for unexpected health issues like injuries or surgeries.

Insurance costs

How much you’ll budget for insurance depends on the horse insurance company, your insurance type, and the selected add-ons. The two most popular options are:

Mortality insurance: $400 – $700 per year

• Provides cover for the financial loss you’ll face if your horse dies untimely.

Comprehensive medical insurance: $300 – $1,000 per year

• Provides coverage for illness, death, disease, theft, and more, depending on the insurance provider.

Gear and accessories

Riders need the appropriate horse equipment for a Shire horse. Here is what you must budget for:

• Saddle: $1,200 – $3,500 (Shire horses are larger, and therefore require a saddle to accommodate their size)
• Bridle and halter: $100 – $350
• Horse blankets: $150 – $500
• Other accessories (grooming kits, lead ropes, etc.): $100 – $300

Training costs

Professional training: $600 – $1,800 per month

• Shires may need professional training for riding, driving, or work purposes.

Specialized training: $1,200 – $3,500 per month

• The costs climb if you need specialized training for competitions or specific work skills due to the level of expertise required.

Registration costs for shows and events

Show registration fees: $100 – $400 per event

• Entering Shire horses in shows or competitions costs more, as the stakes (and rewards) are higher.

Travel and accommodation: $300 – $2,500 per event

• Moving the horse around for events requires larger trailers and more space, and accommodations can be pricey depending on the location.

If you’re more interested in events like endurance racing, a Mustang horse is also an option. Mustang horses cost $500 to $12,000—far less than Shires and excel at long-distance competitive sports.

How Much Does A Shire Horse Cost In the UK?

The price of a Shire horse in the UK is about £2,000 to £20,000. Generally, you can expect the following price ranges:

• Foals: £2,000 – £4,000
• Young, untrained Shires: £3,000 – £6,000
• Well-trained Shire horses: £5,000 – £10,000+
• Top-quality Shires: £10,000 – £20,000+

These prices can fluctuate depending on the horse’s health, breeding quality, and market demand. Additional costs like boarding, feed, and care also apply.

FAQs

What is most a Shire horse has sold for?

In 2019, a six-year-old Shire mare sold for a record-breaking $60,000(£47,500) in the UK.

For context, consider the cost of a Gypsy horse ($6,000 to $50,000) or the cost of an American Paint horse ($2,000 to $25,000). That’s four top-quality Gypsy horses or five premium American Paint horses.

Which horse breed is better or stronger than a Shire horse?

Belgian draft horses are often stronger than Shire horses despite the Shire breed being taller.

How long do Shire horses live?

Shire horses have a lifespan of 25-30 years, which is considered average for most horses.

Final Thoughts 

Purchasing a Shire starts from $2,500 but may go as high as $20,000. This breed is a wonderful addition to any stable. With the correct care and training, the initial upfront costs will pale in comparison to the value they bring.