Olympic horses are some of the most highly sought-after and expensive horses in the world. They have to be of the highest quality and have the right combination of athleticism, intelligence and beauty. As such, they can fetch huge prices, with some of the most successful horses selling for millions of dollars. In this article, we’ll take a look at how much Olympic horses are worth and what factors influence the cost.
What Is an Olympic Horse?
An Olympic horse is one that has been selected to compete in the Olympic Games. It is usually chosen from a group of top-level competition horses and must have the physical and mental attributes necessary for success in the sport. The breed of the horse doesn’t matter, as long as it has the necessary qualities.
How Much Does an Olympic Horse Cost?
The cost of an Olympic horse can vary greatly depending on the horse’s success and reputation. Generally, Olympic horses can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars.
Factors That Influence the Cost of an Olympic Horse
Age: Age is one of the most important factors when it comes to the cost of an Olympic horse. Generally, the younger the horse, the more expensive it will be. This is because younger horses are more likely to have the potential to become successful competition horses.
Success: The more successful an Olympic horse is, the more expensive it will be. Horses that have achieved success in the Olympic Games or other high-level competitions can fetch very high prices.
Reputation: Reputation is also an important factor in determining the cost of an Olympic horse. Horses that have achieved fame and have a good reputation in the equestrian world can often command higher prices than those that are lesser known.
Breed: The breed of the horse can also influence the cost. Some breeds are more sought-after than others, and this can affect the price of the horse.
The Most Expensive Olympic Horses
The most expensive Olympic horses ever sold include:
- Totilas: Totilas is a Dutch Warmblood stallion who was sold for $22 million in 2011. He is a highly decorated Olympic champion and is considered one of the best dressage horses in the world.
- Big Star: Big Star is a Dutch Warmblood gelding who was sold for $11 million in 2013. He is a successful showjumping and dressage horse who has competed in the Olympics.
- Cornet Obolensky: Cornet Obolensky is a Westphalian stallion who was sold for $9 million in 2009. He is a successful showjumping horse who has competed in the Olympics.
The Most Successful Olympic Horses
Some of the most successful Olympic horses include:
- Valegro: Valegro is a Dutch Warmblood stallion who competed in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. He is a two-time gold medalist and is considered one of the best dressage horses in the world.
- Sarasota: Sarasota is an Irish Sport Horse mare who competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. She is a two-time gold medalist and is considered one of the best showjumping horses in the world.
- McLain Ward: McLain Ward is an American showjumper who has competed in the Olympics since 2000. He is a two-time gold medalist and is considered one of the best showjumping horses in the world.
Where to Buy an Olympic Horse
Olympic horses can be purchased from a variety of sources, including breeders, private sellers, auctions and online sources. It’s important to do your research and make sure you buy from a reputable source.
Training an Olympic Horse
Training an Olympic horse is no easy task. It requires a great deal of patience, dedication and knowledge. Most Olympic riders work with experienced trainers who can help them develop their skills and prepare their horses for competition.
Conclusion
Olympic horses are some of the most highly sought-after and expensive horses in the world. They must have the right combination of athleticism, intelligence and beauty in order to compete at the highest level. As such, they can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars, depending on the horse’s success, reputation and breed.