What’s a Horse with Health Issues Worth? Simple Pricing Tips for Sellers

What’s a Horse with Health Issues Worth? Simple Pricing Tips for Sellers

So, you’ve got a horse with a health problem—and now you’re trying to figure out what it’s worth.

Maybe the vet said arthritis. Maybe it’s an old injury. Or maybe your horse needs daily meds or special shoes.
You’re not alone. Lots of horse owners end up in this spot.
And pricing a horse with health issues?
Well, it ain’t always easy. But it can be done—fairly, honestly, and without too much headache.

Let’s walk through it together.

First Things First—Be Honest With Yourself

You love your horse. We get it.
He’s been a good partner. Or maybe she’s got a heart of gold and will still nicker when you walk in the barn.

But when it comes to selling a horse with health issues, you gotta take off the rose-colored glasses.

Buyers need the truth.
And the truth is—health issues lower a horse’s price. Sometimes a little. Sometimes a lot.
But that doesn’t mean the horse has no value.

How do you feel about that?
Take a second and really think it over. You can still find a great home for your horse. You just need to price it right and be upfront.

What Kind of Health Issue Are We Talking About?

Not all health problems are equal. Here’s a simple way to think about it.

1. Minor Issues

Stuff that needs some care, but doesn’t affect everyday riding.

  • Needs special feed

  • Needs light meds or supplements

  • Slight arthritis or stiffness, managed with rest or joint support

These horses might only lose 10–30% of their market value.

2. Moderate Issues

Problems that affect how or how often they can be ridden.

  • Lameness that comes and goes

  • Heaves or respiratory conditions

  • Hoof problems needing frequent farrier work

These horses often sell for 30–60% less than a fully sound horse.

3. Serious or Permanent Conditions

Conditions that may stop them from being ridden or require a lot of care.

  • Severe arthritis

  • Past major injury

  • Can’t be ridden at all, pasture pet only

In these cases, the horse may not be sold for much—or at all.
But don’t give up. Some folks out there are looking for companions, therapy horses, or retired pasture pets.

Tell the Truth—It Builds Trust

Let’s be real. Nobody likes surprises—especially not the kind with vet bills attached.

The best way to sell a horse with health problems?
Be honest. Put the details right in your ad.

  • What’s the condition?

  • What treatment do they need?

  • Can they still be ridden? If so, how often and at what level?

  • What does the vet say?

It might scare off some buyers. But it also helps the right buyer say yes.

And when someone drives out to see the horse, they’ll trust you more if everything you said matches what they see.

Use the Horse Price Calculator to Get a Starting Range

Now here’s where we make life easier.

Head over to HorsePriceCalc.com.
This free tool helps you figure out what a horse might be worth based on:

  • Age

  • Breed

  • Training

  • Health

  • Location

Just answer a few questions, and boom—you’ll get a pricing range that takes health into account.

It won’t do all the thinking for you. But it’s a whole lot better than guessing.
It’s like a second opinion from a friend who doesn’t sugarcoat things.

Look at Similar Horses Online

Ever price stuff at a yard sale by looking up what others are charging?
Same thing here.

Check out other listings on sites like MyHorseForSale.com. Look for horses with:

  • Similar health issues

  • Similar age and training

  • Listed in your area

Are they asking $2,000? $800? Nothing at all, just “to a good home”?

Those numbers help you set expectations—and show you what buyers are willing to pay right now.

Should You Lower the Price More for the Right Home?

Here’s something else to think about:
Do you care more about the money—or about where your horse ends up?

It’s okay if the answer is both.
But if your horse can’t do much anymore, or needs extra TLC, you might get more interest at a lower price—or even by offering them free to the right person.

Some folks are looking for companion horses. Others want a gentle old soul for their grandkids to groom.
These people won’t show up for a $2,000 pasture pet—but they might for $200 and a story.

A Quick Story from the Barn

I once helped my neighbor sell her old mare. The horse had arthritis pretty bad—couldn’t trot without limping.
But she was safe, sweet, and still loved being brushed and walked on a lead rope.

We listed her for $500 to a good home. A retired school teacher drove two hours to come meet her. Said she wanted a calm horse just to feed apples to and keep her other gelding company.

That old mare lived out her days spoiled rotten.
Sometimes, the right price ain’t about the dollars. It’s about giving the horse a soft landing.

Final Thoughts

Selling a horse with health issues isn’t easy. But it is possible.

The key?
Be honest. Be clear. And be realistic.

Use the Horse Price Calculator to get a fair range.
Compare other listings on MyHorseForSale.com.
And think about what matters most—cash in hand, or peace of mind that your horse ended up somewhere good.

Your horse may not be perfect on paper, but they still have value.
Somewhere out there, someone’s looking for a horse just like yours.

What would make you feel good about the price?
Would you trade a little money for the comfort of knowing your horse is loved?

Only you can answer that.
But now you’ve got the tools to do it smart.