How Much Does a Mustang Horse Cost? Adoption & Price Guide [2026]

Mustangs are living symbols of the American West—wild, free, and filled with spirit. These horses can make incredible partners, but adopting or buying one requires understanding what you’re getting into.

Quick Answer: Mustang Prices

How to Get a Mustang

BLM Adoption Program

The Bureau of Land Management manages wild horse populations and offers horses for adoption:

• Online auctions: Bid starting at $125
• Adoption events: In-person selection
• Incentive program: Receive $1,000 after adopting
• Requirements: Facilities inspection, no kill buyers

Mustang Heritage Foundation

• TIP (Trainer Incentive Program): Trainers gentle horses
• Extreme Mustang Makeover: 100-day training competitions
• Adoption auctions: Trained horses available

Private Sales

• Previously adopted Mustangs with title
• Already trained and titled
• Higher prices but ready to ride

What Makes Mustangs Special

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 13-16 hands (varies by herd)
• Build: Compact, sturdy, strong bones
• Feet: Legendary toughness—often barefoot
• Colors: All colors possible

Temperament

• Intelligent and observant
• Strong survival instincts
• Can be initially fearful
• Form incredibly strong bonds once trusting
• Self-preservation minded

Athletic Abilities

• Excellent endurance
• Sure-footed on trails
• Hardy and tough
• Low maintenance

Mustang Prices by Herd

Some herds are more sought after:

Premium Herds

• Kiger Mustangs (Oregon): Dun coloring, Spanish heritage—$2,000-10,000
• Spanish Mustangs: Pure Spanish bloodlines—$3,000-15,000
• Pryor Mountain (Montana): Spanish characteristics—$1,500-8,000

Standard Herds

• Most BLM horses from Nevada, Wyoming, Utah
• Great horses, more common
• Starting at $125 adoption fee

True Cost of Mustang Ownership

Initial Costs (Untrained Mustang)

• Adoption fee: $125-500
• Transportation: $200-1,000
• Facility upgrades: $500-2,000 (round pen essential)
• Initial vet care: $200-500
• Training: $1,500-5,000 (professional help recommended)

Total first year: $2,500-9,000 for untrained Mustang

Ongoing Costs

Note: Mustangs are typically easy keepers with tough feet—often cheaper to maintain than domestic breeds.

Is a Mustang Right for You?

Good Candidates

• Experienced horse handlers
• Patient individuals
• Those who enjoy training process
• Trail riders wanting hardy partners
• People with proper facilities

Not Recommended For

• Beginners (unless adopting trained Mustang)
• Those wanting quick results
• People without round pen/safe facilities
• Those needing a horse to ride immediately

What Mustangs Excel At

• Endurance: Natural stamina
• Trail riding: Sure-footed, sensible
• Ranch work: Tough and willing
• Competitive trail: Excellent partners
• Western disciplines: Athletic and quick

The Bottom Line

Mustangs offer incredible value—you can adopt one for as little as $125 (plus actually receive $1,000 through the incentive program). However, the true cost includes training time and potentially professional help. For experienced handlers willing to invest in the relationship, Mustangs become loyal, tough, and rewarding partners. For beginners, consider adopting a TIP-trained Mustang or purchasing a well-trained titled horse.

Sources: Bureau of Land Management, Mustang Heritage Foundation, American Mustang