Expensive (to buy) horses

[skint1]

I have recently noticed a very smart looking BE horse for sale for £80,000 Now, I am the first to admit that I'm a terrible hick and I don't suppose every horse I know personally added together would be worth even half that so this is a world into which I have absolutely no insight. am not slighting or judging the horse (who I am sure is excellent) as I am not qualified to do so, I am just curious really, is that a realistic price?

I would imagine spending that sort of money would lead to expectation of a return. I can see how a racehorse could offer such a return, but are the prizes in eventing up to that? I guess it's all relative, I couldn't pay that much for a horse if I wanted to, and if I did I would be a nervous wreck as horses never fail to surprise in the new and inventive ways they find to kill themselves!

 

[be positive]

The return for most people is the fun to be had from competing, not that many people will spend anything like £80k on a horse to have fun on, I looked at the ad and the wording is rather misleading as it claims he went to the world championships suggesting he was on a team, when in fact he did the 2*, as a young rider prospect he could be worth the money but I think it is a very ambitious price for what is an advanced horse not proven at that level so not a "schoolmaster" and probably not a horse for a pro as they will usually buy youngsters to bring on or get given the ride on a made horse by the owner.

He does look lovely, well produced by a pro in 2014 and I am sure someone with deep pockets will buy him and have great fun but they will be unlikely to see any return unless he wins Badminton in a couple of year time.

 

[paddi22]

yes i was confused by that ad too. horse and hound ads are hardly the place you would be looking if you had 80,000 to spend on an eventer?

 

[FlyingCircus]

Was also surprised by this ad. Generally those 20k + seem to have POA so you don't tend to see their actual price.

 

[glamourpuss]

Is it a realistic price for a horse. Yes.
There are lots of people in the horse world where £80,000 isn't actually a lot of money for a horse. They can afford to 'lose' it, aren't bothered about a return & will happily pay for a horse they like & they can have success/fun with.
Just as some people can afford to drive Ferrari's etc others can afford expensive horses.