How to Price a Horse

Know if the horse is registered. Registered horses typically are worth more than unregistered horses because their bloodlines are documented and proven. Look at the horse's bloodlines to see if there are any popular lines. Popular and proven bloodlines are worth much more than unheard of or poor- performing lines.

Have the horse checked out by a veterinarian, who can make sure the horse is sound and healthy. The vet also can approve the horse for riding and performing specific tasks.

Determine the horse's training and performance level. A horse that is trained for a specific event is worth more to someone looking to compete in that event. This makes the horse ready to be ridden and used immediately rather than having to spend time and money on additional training.

Have the vet document the horse's age. If the horse is registered, its birthdate will be documented on the registration papers. Horses under age 5 are typically worth less because of lack of experience, training and performance records. Horses more than 15 are also typically worth less because of possible health and soundness problems that come with age and use. Racehorses are an exception because they compete at young ages and hit their peak when they are 2 or 3 years old.

A registered horse with a good performance record, good health and medium age is worth anywhere from $2,500 up to hundreds of thousands, depending on the discipline the horse has been proven in. An unregistered horse in good health that has had training for a specific event can be worth anywhere from $1,500 and up.

Get opinions from veterinarians and professional trainers regarding the value based on horses' specific disciplines. A trainer can give you a good idea what a horse is worth to a buyer and what the current market can bear.