Clydesdale Horse Prices in 2023: Purchase Cost, Supplies, Food, and More!

What are Clydesdale horse prices in 2023? To get the actual cost of ownership, you must include purchase costs, supplies, food, and more. Clydesdales are perhaps the most recognizable breed of horses. They are Scottish draft horses that originated in the 18th century from Clydesdale, or the valley of the River Clyde, most of which is in Lanarkshire, a county in the south of Scotland. Clydesdales were initially used for farming and agricultural purposes. Today, Clydesdales are most recognized as carriage and show horses.

2023 Clydesdale Horse Prices

According to the Clydesdale Breeders of the USA, the cost of buying a Clydesdale varies depending on age, gender, and overall health of the horse. Young Clydesdales cost between $4,000 and $8,000. Adult Clydesdales will set you back between $10,000 and $30,000. That price can rise to $35,000 if you want to purchase a trained Clydesdale or one with premium bloodlines, an award-winning show record, or specific colors and markings.

Expected Food Costs for Clydesdales

Clydesdales are large horses. Large horses have big appetites. Mature Clydesdales grow to over 6 feet tall and weigh between 1600 to 2400 pounds. In general terms, Clydesdales consume about 2% of their body weight daily. Variables include the amount of daily work and activity a Clydesdale has. Still, you can plan on needing 25-50 pounds of hay and 2-10 pounds of commercially prepared feed available for them daily. Estimated monthly food bills are between $175 and $650 per month to meet your Clydesdale’s food intake needs.

The Cost of Supplies for your Clydesdale

This can be a tricky one, as many supplies are one-time purchases for your new horse. You’ll need extra supplies depending on whether you are boarding your horse or keeping them on site, which then adds the expense of a proper stable or barn and corral. Typical boarding costs are between $500 and $2000 monthly. Do you plan on using them as a riding horse? Add your saddle, bridle, halter, lead, blankets, and saddle bags to the expense column. You’ll need a feed bucket, water trough, and various activity-related toys to keep your Clydesdale entertained and occupied. Treats, grooming kits, and an equine-specific first aid kit are a must. We know these horses are a massive breed, needing a lot of space, nourishment, and care, so monthly expenditures to keep your Clydesdale happy, well-fed, and healthy run between $650 and $2500.

Veterinary Care for Clydesdales

With all pets, quality veterinary care is essential. It’s no different with horses. Horses should see a vet regularly for teeth cleaning, floating, deworming, and necessary vaccinations. Experienced farriers are necessary for the Clydesdale’s large hooves. It costs a little more to have veterinarians or farriers travel to your farm or boarding facility. Shoes for Clydesdales can cost $150 to $200. Routine wellness checkups and equine maintenance costs are between $350 and $600 annually. Additionally, many horse owners now pay up to $50 monthly for equine insurance to help offset any expenses incurred from unforeseen medical emergencies.

Additional Costs of Clydesdale Ownership

While we’ve tried to cover the basic expenses of purchasing and owning a Clydesdale in 2023, there are always additional expenses that occur. Horses, just like any animal, should have daily mental and physical stimulation to remain healthy. Boarding houses and controlled barn situations do not regularly provide this, so it’s up to you. There is a wide range of pasture and barn stall toys and activities to help with the enrichment and curiosity of Clydesdales. Large exercise balls can provide engagement and enrichment in the pasture, while feeder toys can help when the horses are in the stall. Your horse’s unique way of using these things will determine how often you need to replace or replenish them. If you plan to show your Clydesdale or enter specific competitions with them, there is the additional training and show costume expense. Transportation to events means owning and maintaining a truck and trailer or paying a transport company to move your horse as necessary, all at additional cost.

Clydesdale Ownership

Owning any horse is an expensive undertaking. Clydesdales, because of their size, magnify those expenses. The rewards of owning a Clydesdale include having a gentle giant as a companion for the next 25-30 years. The Clydesdale is an excellent and versatile choice for horse lovers looking for a companion animal that can be ridden or used for agricultural or community work. Horse ownership is beneficial to the owner’s health. Spending quality time outdoors, whether grooming, riding, training, or just hanging out with your Clydesdale, creates a lifetime bond between you and your horse while providing exercise and stress and anxiety reduction for you in a fresh air environment.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Chris Klonowski/iStock via Getty Images