how much can i expect to pay for something special

[irishmini]

right.... come on..... lets get down to business here!!!!

how much can i expect to pay for a top class horse....??

what i am talking about here is something that looks a little out of the ordinary,

i have been looking at all your american web sites, and some of these coloured horses are just fabulous looking, i especially like he ones with the araby looking faces... there doesnt seem to be the likes of that here!!!........ i have a lovely 50% american colt, who i think is smashing... ok, he's still a baby, and looks like one, but in a while i'm hoping he'll be spectacular.........but i'd love to buy another mare, and want something special...........so far my most expensive buy has been 1000 euros.......how much am i going to spend to get something fabulous???

i know what some of you are going to say!!!!! it shouldnt matter about the money, its if they are what i want...........( and i dont expect you to tell me how much you payed) yeh, i know all that, and i have two lovely mares...... who i adore, but i'd like something that other people look at and say wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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[Lauralee]

I don't know how to convert euros to american dollars BUT

I would expect to pay at least $5000 dollars for a top class horse that will win. That being said, there are ALWAYS good deals if you know what you are looking for.....

 

[Songcatcher]

Everyone has a different idea of what is "SPECIAL". For some, it may be a particular color. For others it is the head. For some, it is tiny. For others, still something different.

Keep in mind that the highest priced horse is not always the best horse. The horse I paid the most for certainly is not my best horse. Live and learn.

Farm names contribute a lot to the price. I know of one person who bought a horse for under $1,000 and went National Champion with it. That certainly doesn't mean you can do that every day.

 

[lyn_j]

[SIZE=14pt]That chestnut tpvero mare in my avitar can be had for $5000.00 SHe was Third at nationals in futurity and res champion PMC Halter and showmanship.[/SIZE]

Lyn

 

[shane]

i dont think you can put a price on it, how long is a piece of string? lol, ive thought of purchasing a better horse myself in Ireland,and importing it over from the states, but say for i nstance i buy a horse thats won grand champion and it cost 10,000 dollars, to bring it home and place it in the ring and think RIGHT IM GOING TO BEAT EVERYONE HERE TODAY, only to discover that my friend has one that gets placed first !! and theres only cost 1,500 euro lol ive see it happen,ive seen an expensive horse loose to a nice conformational horse that was home produced, in fact thats whats happening in Ireland now, there are some great breeders in Ireland at the minute who are producing great stock for not a lot of money so maybe you should look into whats in UK before spending big bucks !!!!!!!!!!!!i personally think Ireland's style of horse is slowly changing,the horses are improving all the time,there are so many good quality breeders who have the standard in there top priority,rather than the price! and is it really so important to win? at any price!! i went into showing last year and my opinion has changed so much,i was competitive, now I'm it it for the fun,and believe me its better

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[Leeana]

I've always wondering this same thing. I go threw the AMHA world magizine and The Journal and i always want to know how much people are paying for these top of the line horses. God knows i will never own one because i know i will never have the money to buy one but so far my most expensive buy has been $1,200 for Harley who is buckaroo bred way back and has some very nice other horses in his pedigree but they are not 'up front' there. I know i got him as a steal because no one can talk a price down like my father. But so far, $1,200 is the most i've spent and im sure i will be paying for that guy quit some time.

Its kind of depressing to see these multi multi thouthand dollar horses and not be able to own them, so if anyone wants to join my pity party feel free to join.

 

[Jess P]

I bought my very special miniature gelding for $1500. I couldn't ask for more. He has great conformation, style, show records, and color.

 

[Cathy_H]

I know - don't shoot me for not giving you a $ amount but new buyers may also be reading this thread.

It depends upon WHO you buy it from.

If the sales have been slow & the farm you are looking at NEEDS to sell a horse.

I've seen several very nice national quality horses for sale lately - some I felt were priced high for todays market & some very reasonable.

If you look deep & thorough enough you will find several WOW horses. I'm betting they will be reasonably priced to ridiculous.... Run an ad with exact details wanted in your desired WOW horse & the prices will be all over the board.......................................................... The smart buyer is the one that goes window shopping at the large farms with well known bloodlines & high prices then goes & finds a comparable horse for lots less - it can be done & they are out there.......................... By the way our vet came out today & his helper is from Ireland here for training - she is headed back home soon.

 

[EquineLover]

I've always wondering this same thing. I go threw the AMHA world magizine and The Journal and i always want to know how much people are paying for these top of the line horses. God knows i will never own one because i know i will never have the money to buy one but so far my most expensive buy has been $1,200 for Harley who is buckaroo bred way back and has some very nice other horses in his pedigree but they are not 'up front' there. I know i got him as a steal because no one can talk a price down like my father. But so far, $1,200 is the most i've spent and im sure i will be paying for that guy quit some time.

Its kind of depressing to see these multi multi thouthand dollar horses and not be able to own them, so if anyone wants to join my pity party feel free to join.

I agree completely with you! I also wonder what all these horses cost,and know I could never afford one.There's a girl in my 4-H club,who shows a $45,000 horse against us,whom she shows every weekend,and at world level [ they placed top ten in a class of over 500 western pleasure horses at world!!!] There's several horses that cost multi thousands showing in 4-H to.I think its completely rediculous and unfair for them to compete against us. :no: Anyway, whenever I go mini shopping,can I borrow your dad? :bgrin

The most expensive horse we've bought is $950, but like Songcather said, he's not our best horse either,it just depends on the horse.My advice: Get an eye for good horses,know what you want,and start searching,also look for bargains!

 

[Leeana]

I just wanted to add that this time of year horse prices are normally going down.

I was at a farm site a few weeks ago that had a foal marked at $4,500 and i think it was Sunday/Monday i was there agian and she was marked down to $2000.

Before winter/after nat'ls or congress i always see prices lowered especially on foals.

Equinelover, i wasnt complaining lol. People who can afford these top quality horses have worked there butt's off to get them to that point and they deserve it!

Anybody want to take a guess how much i got Royal for (in my avatar) .....$300!

Now pick your jaw up off the ground ..lol

He also got reserve his first time out!

A deal is possible!

 

[EquineLover]

If someone can afford a horse that costs that much,its fine,but, I dont think that they should compete in 4-H shows with it.My horse cost $500 with tack,and he's a really good horse,is dependable,and safe to be around.A horse thats safe to work with and be around is worth more than a show quality horse with bad manners,in my opinion.

 

[Dona]

Like others have said.....a high price tag will not guarantee you'll be getting that "special" horse who will win championships for you in Ireland. I would just look for what YOU like in a horse, and would suggest that you look at the smaller breeders, as most of the larger well-known ones tend to put much higher prices on their stock. I've seen many incredible Minis who were very reasonably priced!

:

BUT.....the REAL expense is in shipping them overseas! Depending on the country they are going to.....Shipping can cost as much as $10,000.00 per horse (or more!) to have them shipped overseas!

 

[dangerranger]

My most expensive horse was purchased for $800. He was a very experianced show horse . he had taken two riders to the national level in jumping classes. I got him at 18 yrs . when he was shown by our son we were accused of buying ribbons. he was last shown by a three yr old girl and cleaned up again for her [ at the local level]. our latest horse I paid more for fuel to haul him home than to purchase him. hes a retired race horse with over $600,000 in winnings. He ran at Churchill Downs, and Belmont. he was retired with a bowed tendon and would have ended up at a slaughter house. he should have a good chance at a second carreer as a show horse. with the right rider he turns on the personality! I only added this to show what you can get if you look,[ and because Im proud of my horses.] good quality horses can be had at bargan prices if your looking at the right time, and in the right places.DR.

 

[nootka]

Cathy H is onto something.

First of all examine your goals and wants/desires. Do some research (heck, do a LOT of it) and make sure your investment is sound and protected (such as guarantees, etc.) and then go shopping!

Many of us smaller breeders have horses every bit as wonderful as the big guys, just not as many of them nor as many dollars to promote and purchase advertising space.

In some cases I know of breeders in this area for example, that own full siblings of horses that are Nationally titled w/gorgeous offspring and producing JUST AS NICELY but at a fraction of the cost.

I think $5000 US is pretty much a fair price for a top horse, though I have gone and will go higher for the right one w/the right breeding and I would expect to, depending on how close to ideal that horse is.

For example, if I could get a miniature stallion looking like CAM's colt on the back porch (he's a half Arab), I would expect to pay a LOT and I would likely do it happily!

*LOL*

Liz M.

 

[rabbitsfizz]

Photographs are great, they show pretty horses at their best.

I would NEVER buy a horse from a photo, nor would I believe half of what I see in them!!!

Go to the shows, talk to people, go to their farms, look, learn, and DO NOT BUY!!!

Go back next year when you know them a lttle and have a little idea of what you want.

There is no need to import, I can assure you, the horse you want is already somewhere near you, price has very little to do with anything, as has been said.

 

[Jill]

I wouldn't have a clue what it would cost "over there".

Since none of these horses I'm thinking of are for sale, I am not going to put a specific figure on them but I can say that if you look around, you can get a top show horse prospect for less than some people get for very average quality horses. I can honestly tell you that some of my BEST horses were also my least expensive purchases.

Identify what you like and want in a horse, and keep your eyes open. You may eventually see just the right thing and at a good price!

 

[wiccanz]

A horse (or anything else for that matter) is only ever worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it. Whether that is $100 or $100,000 is neither here nor there.

When I look at a horse, I decide what I am willing to pay for such an animal, make my offer (if I like it enough to offer anything at all), and leave it at that. If the buyer agrees, I have a new horse. If they don't, then there is another, better one at the next farm! :bgrin

 

[Cronewolf]

:saludando: This is just sad all the years of my youth spent wishing for an Irish hunter and now to find that American horses are winning over Irish ones? Did you watch the Heritage sale Thats about what the top are selling for. Now contact some of the sucessful showers on here and start a conversation with them as to what you want. Someone like Erica sees whats out there and could be a great value in your search.

 

[Frankie]

The price for special, is what you are willing to pay. As your special may be very different than my special.

Homework is soooooooo important and follow much of the advise already given.

My top 2 show horses were not my most expensive, my best broodmare was not my most expensive mare, but what I paid for each, was what I was looking for at that particualar time.

 

[Sandee]

My 2 cents. The horse that has won the most for me and because he can breed has returned some money to me is my guy in the avatar. He is also my cheapest horse because he was getting older and the breeders really wanted to sell him. My farrier loves his feet and legs. My trainer calls him a "natural for show". Now I have 2 others that I love but they did cost me more and I may never get a "return" on those investments. They're just easier to work with and more fun. That's just the way it goes. Fate!