Friesian Horse Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Supplies, Food, and More!

If you’re looking for a noble, intelligent, and eager-to-please draft horse, a Friesian may be your best friend. But how much does it cost? Read this article to discover Friesian horse prices in 2024.

Is a Friesian Horse the Right Breed for You?

While these beautiful equines are easy-going, willing to please, and gentle giants, there are a few things to consider before buying a Friesian horse. Here are 6 of them.

1. Friesians Are Highly Sensitive Horses

People love Friesians so much because they are big babies that will sweep you off your feet with their charming looks and personalities. In fact, they are highly sensitive to the bond they form with their human and can sense emotions at a deeper level than other horse breeds. On the other hand, If you are not looking for a horse that thrives on human connection, or if you are not a fan of opening up about emotions, a Friesian may not be a good choice of horse for you. Above all, if you’re looking for a hooved pal to share your deepest emotional secrets with, they are willing to guard them with their life.

2. They Do Not Tolerate Warm Weather Well

If you live in an area where it is hot all year round, you may want to reconsider buying a Friesian. Their thick manes and coats make it hard for them to regulate the hotter temperatures. They also have darker pigmented coats, which absorb the sun’s rays faster than lighter-colored horses, which can make them prone to heat stroke and exhaustion. Luckily, a plentiful supply of food and water can help. 

3. They Are Not Usually Budget Friendly

Due to the breed’s demand, Friesians are not generally a budget-friendly breed. Depending on the use of your Friesian horse, the cost can skyrocket from $100,000 to almost $500,000 thousand just to buy one. But you can save a little money by adopting a Friesian or buying a yearling. 

4. They Can Be Headstrong

Friesians have a vibrant and lively spirit. As a result, they can give you a run for your money when it comes to training, care, and riding. Also, they are not recommended for a beginner rider who has no respect for rein or saddle manners.

5. They Are Prone to Serious Health Issues

Fresians may have award-winning grace and stealth, but they also have serious health issues. For example, they are prone to four life-threatening conditions, such as aortic artery rupture. This condition is where a blood vessel in the heart ruptures, which results in fatality. They are also prone to another condition, which is known as “megaesophagus,” which is a stomach condition that results in breathing and swallowing problems. Annual veterinary checkups and healthy maintenance will help to prevent serious complications.

6. They Are Not Built for Speed

You may want to think twice if you’re considering entering your Friesian in a race. For one thing, they are not made for speed. At most, they can run at a speed of 30 mph. Next, due to their proneness to heart conditions, running a Fresian could increase their chances of going into heart failure.

What Are the Positives to Owning a Friesian Horse?

Wondering what the rewards are to own a Friesian horse? Here are 5 reasons you should buy a Friesian horse.

1. Most Friesians Are Gentle

Friesians are known to be gentle giants. They have a docile temperament and enjoy socializing with humans and other horses. In fact, in Native American culture, they are recognized as powerful yet gentle beings.

2. Willingness to Learn

If you’re looking for a draft who will work hard and is open to learning new skills, a Friesian may be your best choice of horse. They have a lot of energy and require attention to keep them from getting bored. What better way than to teach them something new? 

3. They Are Photogenic

If you want a hooved model for your photography class practice, a Friesian is it! They have shiny coats and glistening manes that dance in the wind as they run. Coupled with their prancing movements, they are a sight that could make any yard look like an enchanted meadow.

4. They Don’t Get Scared Easily

Many horse breeds can become easily spooked. Friesians, however, can remain calm even if a scary plastic bag floats by. Conversely, the temperament of your Friesian can depend on the genetics and their bloodline.

5. They Love to Be Pampered

Their luscious manes and breathtaking coats require daily and weekly grooming. These sweet equines love to be primed! You’ll also need to provide consistent grooming, such as bathing, to prevent skin issues, such as rashes, which Friesians are prone to.

What Are Friesian Horse Prices in 2024?

There are some running jokes that a Friesian is like a designer car of horses due to cost. Five aspects that will determine the cost of your Friesian horse price in 2024 include:

• Gender. 
• Bloodline.
• Type. There are different types of Friesian horses that you can buy. For example, the baroque horse is bred to resemble the original Friesian war horse. Whereas, the sport Fresians are in-demand due to their athletic talents.
• Age.
• Size.
• Training. Training may be necessary if you have a high-spirited horse. Plus, you may need to splurge on training lessons for yourself.

A Friesian horse will cost you anywhere from $500 for a foal to $750,000 or more for a high-quality bloodline. On the contrary, if you adopt a Fresian, you could spend as little as $15,000 or less.

It is also important to remember that a Friesian horse is bred in the United States based on the demands of the industry. Since Friesians are not as popular, it is harder to acquire a foal without breeding Friesians with a good bloodline. The better the bloodline, the more expensive your horse will be. 

Friesian Horse Feeding Prices in 2024

In general, Friesian horses eat numerous small meals and drink a ton of water. On average, a Friesian horse will consume about 20 lbs of food and 8 gallons of water per day. 

Friesians demand a wider range of foods in their diet, which are used to maintain their energy, keep their muscles strong, and help promote a healthy lifestyle. It is recommended that 50% of their diet is composed of grass. To balance the grass ratio, the remaining 50% of your horse’s diet must consist of grains such as oats, barley, and other grains that your vet may recommend. 

Legumes, veggies, and fruits must be incorporated into their diet, as well as fatty acids, which help provide shiny coats and luscious manes. 

A Friesian should be consuming at least 1.5% to 2.5% of its weight for optimal performance. If you are showing, jumping, or riding your Friesian, then you should increase their feed to provide the right amount of energy.

Average Feeding Cost Per Month: $1,000-$2,0000

A basic diet for a Friesian horse is not overly costly. But if they need supplements added to their diet, it can cost you about $2,000 each month.

Breakdown of Feeding Costs Per Month

• Grass or Hay: $150/day
• Horse Grain: $100/bag 
• Supplements(if needed): $50 or more
• Fruits and veggies: $75/day if needed

Average Veterinary Costs: $1300+

From a routine exam, testing, and deworming, you can expect to pay at least $1300 per year. If there are emergencies, surgeries, etc, you can expect your expenses to skyrocket as much as $10,000 or more per year.

Veterinary Cost Breakdown

• Annual exam: $200-$500
• DNA tests: $50 to $75
• Deworming: $75
• Emergency visits: vary upon case
• Insurance: varies
• Dental: $200
• Farrier: $1,500
• Medicine if your horse becomes ill: $100 or more

Average Tack and Equipment Supply Costs: $10,000+

A good saddle and reins are a well-worth investment, but they are not cheap. On the other hand, purchasing high-quality tack and equipment such as lessons and riding boots is a smart idea. It protects both you and your horse from injury. Most of the cheaper supplies are not well-built and can fall apart.

If you are considering using your Friesian to pull wagons or for working purposes, you may be looking at an additional $300 to $1,000 or more.

Tack Item Essentials for Friesians

• Saddle
• Saddle pad
• Blanket
• Bridle
• Halter
• Reins
• Dressage saddle
• Boots for rider
• Trousers
• Helmet
• Lungeline
• Harness
• Food tray
• Drink trough
• Stimulation toys. Toys can keep your horse busy, which will help them stay active, thus eliminating destructive behaviors that come with boredom. For example, a horse ball can keep them entertained for hours, and it’s a blast to watch!

Stable and Paddock Prices in 2024: $10,000 to $45,000

If you have the space in your backyard to build a stable and a paddock, you can save yourself on monthly costs to board your horse. On the flip side, the average cost for a barn and adequate yard will be around $45,000. 

If you are looking into boarding your horse, it will cost you, on average, about $3,600 per month. Consequently, you should check out the boarding stable to make sure that it is well-kept, the stalls are clean, and it is safely secured to prevent as many mishaps as possible.

Stable and Paddock Pricing Breakdown

• Stable: $45,000 to $750,00
• Gates: $500 or more
• Paddock: $25,000 per acre
• Stable or barn supplies: $1,000

Total Cost of Friesian Horse Prices in 2024: $500,00 

Between the cost of buying or adopting, supplies, and maintenance, the total cost of Friesian horse prices in 2024 is $500,000 or higher. Moreover, you can always save money by providing the proper diet, care, and maintenance, which can save you a ton on veterinary bills.

The prices of owning a Friesian horse in 2024 are expensive. But, if you are willing to splurge, you will have a horse that can turn heads, steal hearts, and walk beside you.