Have you ever dreamt of owning a horse? One with a white mane and a brilliant name like Spark or Storm (I would call mine Maximus — and all the Disney lovers will know exactly why). Maybe the idea crossed your mind once or twice, but then reality stepped in: the assumption that you would need a huge villa with a field, plus an extra pair of hands to look after the horse when you can’t. And the cost? 10,000 AED? Perhaps even 20,000 AED a month?

But what if I told you that prices actually start from around 3,000 AED — and that this doesn’t just cover a place for your horse to live, but proper day-to-day care as well? Surprisingly manageable, right? So what is included at that price point, what do the more premium options offer, and where do you even begin to look for a horse if keeping one suddenly feels within reach? Let’s break it all down below.

The article ended up far more numbers-heavy than expected — but at least now you know exactly what to expect and how to budget.

The first thing to ask yourself when buying a horse is: what do I actually need it for? Is it for leisurely rides through the desert or do you want something sturdy enough for mountain trails? Should it already be well-trained, or are you looking for a racing prospect?

When it comes to price, horses usually start at around 3,000 to 5,000 AED. In that range, you are typically looking at an older, trained riding horse — ideal if you are a beginner and don’t expect anything too specialised. Surprisingly, younger horses can sometimes be even cheaper, as the real expense comes from training, which is what truly adds up over time. A reliable, middle-aged horse usually costs around 15,000 AED, while a well-trained middle-aged one might range from AED 20,000 to 25,000.

Horses trained for competition, however, are in a different league — prices can climb to almost anything. A decent show jumper, for instance, might cost 50,000 to 80,000 AED, and racing horses can reach 200,000 AED or more, depending on pedigree and performance.

Another interesting category in the UAE is endurance riding — a sport where horses cover long distances (up to 160 kilometres) across natural terrain, and one that is particularly popular among Emiratis. Horses suited for endurance are considered a class of their own, and they are priced accordingly. A proven endurance horse (meaning the one that has completed official rides and passed vet checks, often with a record from the Emirates Equestrian Federation) — can cost 50,000 to 80,000 AED. An unproven prospect, still in training or yet to compete, might range from 40,000 to 60,000 AED.

While horse ownership is a deeply rooted tradition in the UAE, demand is largely driven by Emiratis, followed by Arab expats. Overall, however, ownership isn’t particularly widespread — many people who don’t ride regularly simply book a session at a local stable a few hours in advance. Most stables are even happy to provide you with your favourite horse (regular riders usually have one).

But if the idea of owning a horse has begun to take hold, there are a few routes you can explore.

Important note: Wherever you buy from, the seller should at the very least provide proper veterinary records and, ideally, some information about the horse’s training background.

Owning a horse means giving it a proper place to live, and while that may sound straightforward, the prices vary widely depending on the level of care you are looking for. In the UAE, the costs generally fall into three main categories:

Typically 1,500–3,000 AED per month. This is the most basic option, usually offering just the physical stable space. Feed and daily care are either limited or charged separately. If you buy feed yourself, expect to spend around 500–800 AED a month, with supplements adding another 200–1,000 AED depending on the vet’s recommendations and the horse’s age.

Usually 3,000–5,500 AED per month. This includes everything you need: feed and hay, bedding, daily muck-out, turnout, and a shared groom who handles feeding and basic cleaning.

Around 3,000–4,000 AED per month. Similar to full livery, but the facilities tend to be more polished — often with benefits such as air-conditioned stables or better riding arenas. The spaces, however, are usually more limited, and it isn’t always easy to secure a spot.

And here is the twist: on paper, the maths looks simple. You invest 5,000–10,000 AED upfront to buy a horse (honestly, less than many spend on a bike here), and then around 4,000 AED a month on care. It sounds manageable — almost like a good deal.

But when it comes to keeping a horse, there are three extra things that quietly — but consistently — add to your monthly budget. And here they are.

But here is where it gets tricky: unexpected illness. A single vet visit costs 300–600 AED, and if you don’t have insurance, things can escalate very quickly — an average surgery can easily reach 40,000–50,000 AED.

Interesting fact: There is Third-Party Liability insurance for horses. If your horse injures someone or causes damage — say, nudging a Porsche or a Ferrari while being walked back to its stable (not as far-fetched as it sounds, given the car parks at some UAE yards) — this policy covers the legal liability.

The most basic monthly option

A more comfortable, full-service monthly setup