As an icon of the American West, the Mustang is a truly special breed. These hardy horses are versatile, making great mounts for trail riding or even showing.
A Mustang horse will cost on average between $125-$5,000. When adopting a Mustang from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), prices start at $125 for horses with training and $25 for untrained horses. Factors such as age, training, and gender can influence the cost.
Since many wild Mustangs have little to no training when they are put up for adoption, they often only cost between a few hundred dollars to only a couple thousand. In fact, the BLM even runs an incentive program, where after a person adopts an untrained or unadopted Mustang, they will get paid $1,000. All you have to pay is a $25 adoption fee for an eligible horse. After that, you will receive $500 within 60 days of adopting and $500 within 60 days of titling.
Mustangs can be adopted at in-person events or online auctions with the BLM. Bids can be increased from $5-$250 with each new bid. In addition, some people will adopt Mustangs, then train them and place them for sale.
Factors That Influence the Price of a Mustang Horse
When finding out how much a Mustang horse will cost, these are some of the main factors that will determine the price:
Training
One of the biggest factors that can affect the price of a Mustang horse is training. Some Mustangs are put up for adoption with no training at all, whereas others are broke under saddle.
Horses that are untrained will often only sell for a few hundred dollars or even less. Since they aren’t broke, whoever buys them will need to invest a lot of time, energy, and money into training. Horses that have been started under saddle or are completely broke will sell for more money. People are willing to spend more money on a horse with prior training.
Types/Bloodlines
Since most Mustangs are adopted from the wild, little to nothing is often known of their specific bloodlines. However, there are different types of Mustangs, some of which are highly sought after.
There are six main types of Mustang horses: Pryor Mountain Mustang, Kiger Mustang, Cerbat Mustang, Spanish Mustang, Chincoteague Pony, and the Colonial Spanish Mustang. Each of these types has distinct heritage/bloodlines and characteristics that set them apart. People will often pay more for these specific types of Mustangs, as their distinct traits are desirable.
Show Record
Mustangs are known for their sturdy builds, athleticism, beauty, and their willingness to please. Due to these attributes, Mustangs can make quality show horses in both English and western disciplines.
They have proven to be show-quality horses in a variety of divisions such as trail competitions, jumping, western pleasure, and even dressage. Mustangs have even won national awards in western dressage. A Mustang with an impressive show record will likely cost $3,000 and up, with some horses going as much as $15,000 or more.
Color
Mustangs come in a large variety of different colors. Some of the most unique colors include pinto, grulla, cremello, gray, blue roan, strawberry roan, and buckskin. In some cases, people will pay more for horses with unique coloring.
Age and Conformation
Conformation can be a factor in the price of a Mustang horse. The ideal Mustang has a sturdy, strong, medium build. Horses that display a good conformation will often sell for more.
In addition to conformation, age will play a role in the cost. The ideal age of a Mustang is between 7-14 years old. Horses in this age range will be at their most fit for riding and driving. Horses in their late teens or early 20s will typically sell for significantly less.
Monthly Costs of Owning a Mustang Horse
It is important to take into consideration the monthly cost of owning a Mustang horse before buying one. Boarding a horse costs between $150-$1,000 a month, depending on whether your horse lives in a stall or pasture.
Board typically covers the cost of food, bedding, and basic care. Your horse will need its hooves done by a farrier every 6-8 weeks, which generally cost between $45 – $150. Annual veterinary costs will typically be $200-$400, with dentistry costing $80-$250 every six months to a year.
Other Options Besides Buying
Buying a horse isn’t a practical option for everyone, but fortunately, there are other alternatives. Leasing and joint ownership are the two main alternatives to owning your own horse.
In some cases, owners may offer their horses for lease. This gives you the opportunity to have partial or full use of a horse without spending as much money as owning one. Another alternative is a limited liability company (LLC) or partnership, which divides up the costs of buying and owning a horse.
Owning a Mustang Horse
Whether you are looking for a trusty trail companion or a quality show horse, Mustangs can be great horses to own. These beautiful horses come in a variety of different colors and have small to medium-sized hardy builds.
You can expect to pay between $125-$5,000 for a Mustang horse. By adopting a Mustang, you have the opportunity to get a wonderful horse at an affordable price. Mustangs are often docile and friendly in nature, but you may need to put in a lot of work if you adopt an untrained horse. If you are looking to buy a horse, a Mustang may be the right choice for you.
Source: horseyhooves.com
