How Much Does a Clydesdale Horse Cost? Draft Horse Prices [2026]

The Clydesdale is one of the most recognizable horse breeds in the world—massive, powerful, and adorned with distinctive feathered legs. Famous for their role in parades and as the iconic Budweiser horses, Clydesdales have captured hearts for centuries. But how much does one of these gentle giants actually cost?

Quick Answer: Clydesdale Horse Prices

Type	Price Range
Rescue/Grade Clydesdale	$1,000 – $3,000
Trail/Pleasure Horse	$3,000 – $8,000
Riding-Quality Clydesdale	$5,000 – $15,000
Driving Horse	$7,500 – $20,000
Show Quality	$10,000 – $35,000
Breeding Stock/Elite Show	$25,000 – $75,000+
Budweiser-Quality Matched Team	$100,000+

Why Clydesdales Cost What They Do

1. Limited Supply

Clydesdales are relatively rare:

Fewer than 5,000 registered annually in North America
Breed was nearly extinct in the mid-20th century
Fewer breeders than common breeds
Long gestation and slow maturity

2. Size Requirements

Raising Clydesdales costs more:

Eat 2-3 times more than average horses
Need larger facilities
Specialized farrier care for huge hooves
Higher veterinary costs (more medication, larger equipment)

3. Breeding Challenges

Finding quality stallions is difficult
Breeding season limited
Foaling requires experienced care
Horses not mature until age 4-5

Factors That Affect Price

Color and Markings

The classic Clydesdale look commands higher prices:

Bay with white blaze and four white socks: Most desirable
Black: Premium prices for solid black
Brown, roan, or chestnut: Slightly lower prices
White feathering: Silky, abundant feathers add value

Size

Clydesdales range from 16 to 18+ hands:

Under 17 hands: Lower prices (considered small)
17-17.2 hands: Average pricing
17.2-18 hands: Premium pricing
Over 18 hands: Highest prices for show and hitch work

Training Level

Unstarted youngster: Lower price
Green broke: Moderate price
Trained to ride: Higher price
Trained to drive: Premium price
Hitch experienced: Highest prices

Registration

Papers matter:

Full Clydesdale registration: Higher prices
Grade (unregistered): Significantly lower
Clydesdale crosses: Most affordable

Clydesdale Prices by Purpose

Driving/Hitch Work

Traditional Clydesdale use:

Single hitch horse: $7,500 – $15,000
Team member: $10,000 – $25,000
Show hitch quality: $20,000 – $50,000
Matched six-horse hitch: $150,000+

Riding

Yes, you can ride Clydesdales—they make excellent mounts:

Trail horse: $5,000 – $12,000
Dressage prospect: $8,000 – $20,000
Pleasure riding: $5,000 – $15,000

Farm Work

Draft work still has appeal:

Work horse: $4,000 – $10,000
Logging/farming: $6,000 – $15,000

Breeding

Broodmare: $8,000 – $25,000
Breeding stallion: $15,000 – $75,000
Foals (registered): $3,000 – $10,000

Ongoing Costs: The Giant Reality

Clydesdales cost significantly more to maintain than average horses:

Expense	Average Horse	Clydesdale
Feed (monthly)	$200 – $400	$400 – $800
Hay (monthly)	$150 – $250	$300 – $500
Farrier (every 6-8 weeks)	$50 – $150	$150 – $350
Veterinary (averaged)	$50 – $150	$75 – $250
Feather care products	N/A	$30 – $75

Total monthly cost: Plan for $800-$1,500 minimum for a Clydesdale, compared to $400-$800 for an average horse.

Special Considerations

Feather Care

Those beautiful leg feathers require maintenance:

Regular washing and drying
Susceptible to “scratches” (fungal/bacterial infection)
Mud and moisture are enemies
Some owners clip feathers for easier care

Space Requirements

Standard 12×12 stall is too small
Need 14×14 or 16×16 minimum
Larger trailer for transport
Stronger fencing

Tack and Equipment

Everything costs more in draft size:

Draft saddles: $500 – $2,000+
Harness: $1,000 – $5,000
Blankets: $200 – $400
Halters and lead ropes: $50 – $100

Where to Buy a Clydesdale

Breeders

Pros: Know full history, health records, breed expertise
Cons: May have waitlists; higher prices

Draft Horse Sales

Pros: Wide selection, see many horses
Cons: Competitive bidding

Private Sales

Pros: Potential value, see horse’s home
Cons: Verify papers carefully

Rescues

Pros: Lower cost, rewarding
Cons: May have unknown history or issues

Clydesdale Crosses: A More Affordable Option

If purebred prices are too high, crosses offer Clydesdale traits at lower cost:

Clydesdale x Thoroughbred (Clydesdale Sport Horse): $3,000 – $15,000
Clydesdale x Quarter Horse: $2,500 – $10,000
Clydesdale x Percheron: $3,000 – $12,000

These horses often have the size and temperament with more athletic build.

Tips for Buying a Clydesdale

Plan for the costs: Ensure you can afford 2-3x normal horse expenses
Check facilities first: Make sure your barn can accommodate a draft horse
Get a pre-purchase exam: Draft horses can hide lameness issues
Find a draft-experienced farrier: Essential before purchase
Verify registration: Check papers with Clydesdale Breeders of the USA
Consider a cross: If budget is limited

The Bottom Line

Clydesdales range from $3,000 for grade horses to $75,000+ for elite breeding and show stock. The average buyer looking for a riding or pleasure driving Clydesdale should budget $5,000-$15,000 for purchase, plus significantly higher ongoing costs than average horses. Their gentle temperament, beauty, and unique presence make them worth the investment for those prepared to care for these magnificent gentle giants.

Sources: Clydesdale Breeders of the USA, Draft Horse Journal, American Clydesdale Association