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How Much Does a Clydesdale Horse Cost
Nov
How Much Does a Clydesdale Horse Cost? Full Pricing Breakdown (2025 Guide)
Clydesdales are one of the most recognizable horse breeds in the world — famous for their size, power, and gentle temperament. Their popularity means demand is high, and with demand comes a wide range of costs. Whether you’re looking for a family-safe riding horse, a trained driving partner, or a registered show-quality Clydesdale, understanding the true cost is essential before making a decision.
This 2025 pricing guide breaks down everything you need to know about the cost of purchasing and owning a Clydesdale horse, including purchase prices, hidden expenses, long-term care, and what affects price differences. If you’re searching for Clydesdale horses for sale, this guide will give you complete clarity.
1. Average Purchase Price of a Clydesdale Horse
Like most horses, Clydesdale prices vary based on age, training level, temperament, registration, and overall quality. Below are the most accurate and updated 2025 price ranges.
A. Untrained Foals & Yearlings — $2,000 to $4,000
These are young Clydesdales between a few months and 2 years old. They typically:
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Have no riding or driving training
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Require significant time before being ridden
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Suit breeders and experienced owners
First-time horse owners should avoid this category.
B. Lightly Trained Young Adults (3–5 Years) — $4,000 to $7,500
These horses may:
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Know basic groundwork
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Have light saddle or harness exposure
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Be ready for further training
A good choice for intermediate owners.
C. Fully Trained Riding or Driving Horses — $8,000 to $15,000
This is the most popular category for buyers. These Clydesdales typically:
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Ride confidently (walk, trot, canter)
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Drive single or double
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Are traffic-safe and farm-safe
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Have good manners on the ground
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Suit family homes and beginners
You’re paying for reliability and safety.
D. Registered Show-Quality Clydesdales — $15,000 to $25,000+
These may include:
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Premium bloodlines
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Advanced training
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Show ribbons or titles
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Exceptional conformation and feathering
Often purchased by breeders and competition homes.
E. Rare or Premium Clydesdales — $20,000 to $50,000+
These horses stand out due to:
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Unusual colors (roan, sabino, rare markings)
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Exceptional size (18+ hands)
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Elite genetics
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Proven performance history
Only sold by reputable breeders and specialist farms.
2. What Affects the Price of a Clydesdale Horse?
Not all Clydesdales are priced equally. Here are the biggest factors influencing cost:
A. Age
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Younger = cheaper
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Mature and trained = higher price
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Senior = usually discounted
B. Training Level
A calm, safe, fully trained Clydesdale always costs more — and for good reason.
Training categories include:
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Groundwork
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Riding
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Driving
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Farm work
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Parades and public events
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Therapy or beginner-safe
Every level of training adds value.
C. Temperament
Buyers pay more for:
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Bombproof
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Family-safe
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Beginner-friendly
A well-tempered horse saves owners from future headaches — and risks.
D. Conformation & Build
Show-quality conformation increases price dramatically. Judges look for:
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Straight legs
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Balanced movement
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Long neck
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Strong hindquarters
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Thick, clean feathering
Better conformation = better longevity.
E. Color & Markings
Traditional bay and black Clydesdales are common, but rare colors bring premium prices:
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Blue roan
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Red roan
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Tobiano
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Sabino
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High chrome markings
The more visually striking the horse, the higher the cost.
F. Registration & Pedigree
Registered horses with proven lineage and DNA verification are more valuable. Buyers prefer:
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Clydesdale Breeders of the USA (CBUSA) registered
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DNA tested
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Pedigree papers
Registration increases both resale and breeding value.
G. Height & Size
Larger Clydesdales (17–18+ hands) often cost more due to rarity and demand.
H. Location & Transportation
Shipping a Clydesdale can add $1,000–$5,000 depending on distance.
For buyers around the world, Diamond E Horse offers safe and reliable shipping arrangements to make the process smooth.
3. Hidden Costs to Expect After Buying a Clydesdale
While the purchase price is important, long-term costs matter even more. Clydesdales are gentle giants — but they are giants, and their upkeep reflects that.
Below are typical expenses to expect.
A. Feeding Costs — $250 to $500 per Month
Clydesdales require more feed than average horses. This includes:
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Hay
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Grain
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Supplements
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Salt/minerals
Draft horses also require higher protein intake to maintain muscle.
B. Farrier Costs — $200 to $400 Every 6–8 Weeks
Draft horse shoes are:
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Larger
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Heavier
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More expensive
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Require specialized farriers
Even barefoot trims cost more due to size.
C. Veterinary Care — $300 to $800 Annually
This includes:
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Vaccinations
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Deworming
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Dental floats
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Routine checkups
Unexpected vet visits cost extra.
D. Tack & Equipment — $800 to $3,000+
Because of their size, Clydesdale tack is special order:
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Draft saddles
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Oversized bridles
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Harness gear
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Extra-large halters
Quality gear ensures comfort and safety.
E. Boarding — $400 to $900 per Month (If You Don’t Have Land)
Costs depend on:
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Location
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Pasture vs. stall
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Included services
Draft horses may require larger stalls or reinforced fencing.
F. Transportation — $1,000 to $5,000 (One-Time)
Transport costs depend on:
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Distance
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State-to-state shipping
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International shipping
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Air freight
Reputable farms like Diamond E Horse assist buyers with shipping options.
4. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): What to Budget
Year 1 Estimated Cost
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Purchase price: $8,000–$15,000 (for a trained horse)
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Feed & care: $5,000–$8,000
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Tack & equipment: $800–$3,000
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Vet & farrier: $1,500–$2,500
➡️ Total Year 1 Estimate: $15,000–$28,000+
Annual Cost After Year 1
➡️ $5,000–$9,000 per year
This varies based on your location and whether you board your horse or keep it at home.
5. Are Clydesdales Worth the Cost?
For most owners, absolutely.
Clydesdales offer:
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Unmatched gentle temperament
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Stunning beauty and presence
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Reliable riding and driving ability
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Family-safe calmness
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Low spookiness
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Great value for size and training
They are one of the best beginner-safe draft breeds and hold value well when properly cared for.
6. Where to Buy a Clydesdale Horse Safely
When looking for Clydesdale horses for sale, always buy from a reputable, transparent seller.
Diamond E Horse is a trusted source for:
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Healthy, trained horses
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Honest descriptions
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Smooth communication
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Video proof upon request
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Fast, professional worldwide shipping
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Safe buying process
Each horse listed is evaluated for temperament, training, and health — ensuring buyers get true quality.
Conclusion: Understanding the Real Cost of a Clydesdale
Clydesdales are stunning, loyal, and dependable horses, but they require proper budgeting. Once you understand the purchase price, training value, long-term costs, and the factors influencing price, buying becomes a smart and confident decision.
Whether you’re looking for a beginner-safe gelding, a trained driving pair, a show mare, or a rare-colored Clydesdale, knowing the cost helps prepare you for a successful long-term relationship.
When you’re ready to find your perfect gentle giant, visit Diamond E Horse to explore high-quality, well-trained Clydesdales for sale.
