How Much Does a Clydesdale Horse Cost? [2026]

Clydesdales are the gentle giants of the horse world—famous for their feathered feet, massive size, and calm temperament. But how much does one of these magnificent draft horses cost?

Quick Answer: Clydesdale Horse Prices

What Makes Clydesdales Special

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 16-18+ hands (often 17-18 hands)
• Weight: 1,800-2,200+ pounds
• Colors: Bay with white markings most common
• Feathering: Silky white hair on lower legs
• Markings: Often have blaze face and four white stockings

Temperament

• Gentle giants—calm and docile
• Intelligent and willing
• Good with beginners despite size
• People-oriented
• Generally easy to handle

What Clydesdales Are Used For

• Driving and carriage work
• Hitch competitions
• Trail riding
• Pleasure riding
• Parades and exhibitions
• Logging operations
• Farm work

Factors Affecting Clydesdale Prices

1. Size and Conformation

• Taller horses often command higher prices
• “Hitch quality” conformation = premium
• Good bone and substance valued
• Quality feathering adds value

2. Color and Markings

• Bay with four white stockings = classic look
• White blaze preferred
• Matched teams bring premiums
• Black Clydesdales less common, sometimes premium

3. Training Level

• Untrained: $3,000 – $8,000
• Started driving: $8,000 – $18,000
• Well-trained single: $15,000 – $35,000
• Trained team: $40,000 – $100,000+

4. Purpose

• Farm/work horses: Lower end
• Riding horses: Mid-range
• Show/hitch horses: Premium prices

Clydesdale Prices by Purpose

Trail/Pleasure Riding

• Solid riding horse: $5,000 – $15,000
• Well-trained pleasure horse: $12,000 – $25,000

Driving

• Single pleasure driving: $10,000 – $25,000
• Team (pair): $30,000 – $75,000
• Four/six-horse hitch team: $100,000 – $500,000+

Show Ring

• Local shows: $10,000 – $30,000
• Regional/national: $25,000 – $75,000
• World Champion quality: $50,000 – $150,000+

Breeding

• Broodmare: $5,000 – $25,000
• Stallion: $15,000 – $75,000+
• Foals: $3,000 – $15,000

The Budweiser Factor

The famous Budweiser Clydesdales have set a high standard:

• Must be bay with four white stockings
• White blaze required
• Must stand 18+ hands
• Horses matching these criteria = premium prices
• Budweiser rarely sells their horses

Ongoing Costs: Be Prepared!

Warning: Clydesdales cost significantly more to maintain than regular horses.

Special Considerations

Facilities

• Need larger stalls (14×14 minimum)
• Doorways must accommodate width
• Stronger fencing required
• Trailer must be draft-sized

Health Issues

• Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL): Affects feathered breeds
• Draft horse myopathy: Muscle condition
• Joint issues: Due to size
• Generally healthy and long-lived

Where to Find Clydesdales

• Clydesdale Breeders of the USA: Breeder directory
• Draft horse shows: Meet breeders
• Draft horse rescues: Adoption options
• Scottish imports: Premium breeding

The Bottom Line

Clydesdales range from $5,000 for pleasure horses to $75,000+ for premium show and breeding stock. Budget significantly more for ongoing costs—these gentle giants eat more, wear bigger shoes, and need larger facilities. If you have the space, resources, and heart for a gentle giant, a Clydesdale can be an incredibly rewarding companion with an unmatched presence.

Sources: Clydesdale Breeders of the USA, Draft Horse Journal