History: From Persian military training to world-class sport

Polo is over 2,500 years old. Originally developed on the Iranian plateau as a training exercise for cavalry, it spread across Central Asia to India. British colonial officers discovered the sport in Manipur (northeast India) in the 19th century, brought it to England and from there to the whole world. The first British polo club was founded in 1869. In Germany, the Polo Club Bad Homburg, founded in 1898, is the oldest still active polo club.

Rules: How polo works

Polo is played on the largest playing field of all team sports: 270 m × 180 m — that’s about nine football fields. The most important rules:

• Teams: 4 players per team
• Game time: 4 to 8 chukkers (game segments) of 7 minutes each
• Goal: 7.3 m wide goal opening at each end of the field
• Ball: Hard plastic, diameter 8.5 cm
• Mallet: Wooden mallet with a bamboo shaft, wooden head, length depending on the horse’s size
• Handicap system: -2 to +10 goals — the best players in the world have +10

The Polo Horse: Key to the Game

A polo horse (officially called a “polo pony”) is not an ordinary riding horse. It must stop, turn, and accelerate quickly — in a match, a player often uses four to eight different horses because no horse can withstand the intensity of an entire game. The most popular breeds:

• Argentine Criollo × Thoroughbred cross: The global standard, agile, maneuverable, and durable
• Thoroughbred (English Thoroughbred): For speed, nowadays mainly used as a crossbreed partner

A good polo pony costs between 15,000 and 80,000 euros. A professional player needs 6 to 16 horses for a season.

Major Polo Tournaments Worldwide

• Guards Polo Club (Windsor, UK): The most famous polo tournament in Europe, located right next to Windsor Castle
• Argentine Open (Palermo, Buenos Aires): The most important tournament in the world, considered the “Wimbledon of Polo”
• Sotogrande International Tournament (Spain): European elite, international atmosphere
• Palm Beach International Polo Championship (Florida): Top event in the United States
• German Championship: Held at venues in Bad Homburg, Hamburg, and Berlin

How Much Does Polo Cost? Realistic Budgets

• Taster session / Polo Lesson: 100 – 250 euros (on school horses)
• Beginner (own equipment, no own horses): 3,000 – 8,000 euros per season
• Ambitious amateur player (own horses, 1–2): 30,000 – 80,000 Euro/season
• Handicap player (multiple horses, trainer, tournaments): 100,000 – 300,000 Euro/season
• Professional player (+6 to +10 handicap, professional team): 500,000 – 2,000,000 Euro/season

Polo in Germany: Growth of a Niche

In Germany there are around 40 polo clubs with several thousand active players in total. Polo is not a mass sport here, but a growing scene: Entrepreneurs, bankers and artists appreciate the social environment as much as the sport itself. Events such as the Polo Masters Hamburg and the Berlin Polo Open give spectators a glimpse into this exclusive world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Polo

• Can you play polo without your own horses? Yes — many clubs offer school horses for beginners. Only at an ambitious level do your own horses become worthwhile.
• Why do players change horses so often? A chukker lasts 7 minutes — after that the horse is exhausted. The rules allow any horse changes between chukkers.
• What does Handicap +10 mean in Polo? The highest award, only a few players worldwide hold this rank. In Germany, there is currently no +10 player.

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This FIV guide leads you through all the relevant topics — from the most expensive horse breeds to monthly maintenance costs, up to the most coveted equestrian sports of the horse-loving upper class.

Overview of the Most Expensive Horse Breeds

Not every breed costs the same. While you can find a solid leisure horse for 3,000 to 8,000 euros, prices for real elite breeds often start at 20,000 euros — and there is practically no upper limit.

• Arabian: The oldest elite breed in the world. Prices from 8,000 to 250,000 euros, breeding stallions significantly higher.
• Friesian: The black dream horse from the Netherlands. Between 10,000 and 100,000 euros, KFPS-certified stallions more expensive.
• Andalusian / PRE: Spanish Baroque breed with natural collection. 8,000 to 150,000 euros.
• Hanoverian: Germany’s most successful dressage horse. Young talents from 5,000 euros, international competition horses up to over a million.
• Lipizzaner: The white horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Very rare, 30,000 to 150,000 euros.

What a Luxury Horse Really Costs

The purchase price is just the beginning. A horse in high maintenance costs 800 to 3,000 euros per month — depending on the boarding stable, training effort, and medical care. The most important cost items:

• Boarding stable: 300 to 1,500 euros per month
• Veterinarian + Farrier: 100 to 300 euros monthly
• Equipment: 500 to 15,000 euros one-time (saddle, bridle, blankets)
• Insurance: 500 to 2,000 euros annually
• Equestrian instructor and competition costs: variable, 50 to 1,000 euros monthly

The Equestrian Sports of the Upper-Class Horse Enthusiasts

Riding is not the same everywhere. Three disciplines dominate the social life of the wealthy equestrian scene:

Dressage — Elegance at the Highest Level

Dressage has been an Olympic sport since 1912 and is considered the most demanding equestrian discipline of all. Germany is a world power in this sport: Isabell Werth, the most successful rider in history, has won six Olympic gold medals. The highest levels — piaffe, passage, and pirouette — require years of training for both horse and rider.

Polo — The Sport of Kings

Polo is the most expensive team sport in the world. A professional player needs four to eight horses per match, and a team costs easily over 100,000 euros per season. In Germany, the Polo Club Bad Homburg is the oldest — founded in 1898. Internationally, the Guards Polo Club in Windsor and the facilities in Sotogrande and Buenos Aires lead the rankings.

Horse Racing — Tradition and Investment

The Hamburg Derby, held since 1869, is the most prestigious galloping race in the Federal Republic of Germany. Racehorses offer not only sporting excitement but also speculative investment potential — syndicate shares are possible from just a few thousand euros.

Luxury Riding Apparel: From Hermès to Pikeur

Those who ride stylishly invest in quality. The French fashion house Hermès is legendary for handcrafted leather saddles (from 5,000 euros), elegant riding boots and gloves. The German brand Pikeur dresses the best dressage riders in the world. Helmets from Samshield (Paris) are considered the standard for professionals and cost between 500 and 1,200 euros.

Horses as an Investment

Top racehorses can dramatically increase in value after major wins. Syndicate models make participation in a racehorse accessible even for beginners: For 3,000 to 20,000 euros, you buy shares in a running racehorse, share prize money, maintenance costs — and naturally the risk. Breeding farms like the Schlenderhan Stud (since 1869, the oldest private stud in Germany) or the Schafhof Stud (known for its yearling auctions) are established players in the German-speaking investor market.

The Most Beautiful Horse Breeding Farms in Germany

The State Main and Land Stud Celle in Lower Saxony has existed since 1735 and is one of the oldest warmblood breeding farms in Europe. The Schlenderhan Stud in North Rhine-Westphalia has already produced five German Derby winners. In Bavaria, the Schafhof Stud runs annual elite auctions, where yearlings change hands for six-figure sums.

Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Horses

• What is the most expensive horse in the world? The racehorse Fusaichi Pegasus was sold for approximately $70 million in the year 2000. In the sport sector, dressage horses such as Totilas changed owners for around 10 million euros.
• From when is a horse considered a luxury horse? There is no fixed definition, but in general language, horses with a purchase price of around 20,000 euros and with a special breed, lineage or training are referred to as luxury horses.
• Which breeds are suitable for beginners? Hanoverians and warmbloods in general are considered friendly and versatile. Arabian thoroughbreds are more suitable for experienced riders.
• What is the CHIO Aachen? The World Festival of Equestrian Sports, the largest equestrian competition in the world, is held annually in Aachen and attracts over 350,000 visitors.
• Can you make money with horses? This is generally possible with racehorses through prize money and stud fees, although it is highly risky. Most horse owners account for horses as part of living expenses, not as an increase in wealth.

Overview of all topics in the Horse & Riding section

Horse Breeds

• Arabian Thoroughbred: The oldest noble breed in the world
• Friesian: The black dream horse from the Netherlands
• Andalusian / PRE: Spain’s proudest breed
• Hanoverian: Germany’s Olympic dressage horse
• Lipizzaner: The white horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna

Costs & Purchase

• Buying a horse: Prices, checklist & purchase examination
• Keeping a horse: Monthly costs in detail

Sport & Events

• Polo Sport: The luxury sport of kings
• CHIO Aachen: The World Festival of Equestrian Sports
• Dressage: Olympic sport, lessons & Isabell Werth
• Horse racing in Germany: Derby & galloping races

Lifestyle & Investment

• Luxury riding gear: Hermès, Pikeur & Samshield
• Racehorse as an investment: Syndicate, costs & opportunities
• German studs: Celle, Schlenderhan & Schafhof

Gallop racing vs. Trotting

In Germany, two main forms of horse racing are held on the racetrack:

• Gallop racing (Flat racing): Jockey sits in the saddle, the horse gallops over the distance (usually 1,000 – 2,400 m). The more elegant, prestigious form.
• Trotting: Driver sits in a two-wheeled sulky (carriage), the horse trots (trot is the required gait). Popular in some regions of Germany.
• Steeplechase (Hurdle and chase races): Horse and jockey overcome obstacles — less common in Germany than in Great Britain.

German Derby Hamburg: The most important gallop race

The German Derby has been held at the Hamburg-Horn racecourse since 1869 and is Germany’s most important flat race. Every July, several tens of thousands of spectators gather for the 2,400 m race. The prize money amounts to 750,000 euros — one of the highest in Europe. Breeders, owners, and enthusiasts from Germany, Ireland, France, and England compete here.

Other important racecourses in Germany

• Iffezheim (Baden-Baden): Spring and autumn meeting, a social highlight in the region, prize money over 2 million euros per meeting
• Hoppegarten (near Berlin): Historic facility, founded in 1868, today modernized and of international standard
• Gelsenkirchen-Horst: The trotting racing mecca in North Rhine-Westphalia
• Düsseldorf, Hannover, Munich-Riem: Other thoroughbred racecourses

International top races

• Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Paris-Longchamp, October): The most prestigious race in Europe, with a prize money of 5 million euros
• Epsom Derby (United Kingdom, June): The most classic race in the world, since 1780
• Kentucky Derby (USA, May): First part of the American Triple Crown
• Dubai World Cup: The richest race in the world (12 million USD)

Famous Racehorses in History

• Winx (Australia): 33 wins in a row, considered the best racehorse of all time
• Frankel (United Kingdom): Unbeaten in 14 races, stallion for 125,000 € stud fee
• Galileo (Ireland): Father of numerous champions, up to 650,000 € stud fee
• Totilas (Germany): Although a dressage horse, it symbolizes that horses can be worth millions

Racehorse Prices: What Thoroughbreds Really Cost

• Yearling (1-year-old racehorse, auction): 5,000 – 3,000,000 Euro
• Well-trained race youngster (2 years old): 20,000 – 500,000 Euro
• Already racing racehorse: varies greatly depending on results
• Stallion (after a successful career): 1 million – 100 million Dollars (Top stallions)

Common Questions About Horse Racing

• Can you bet on German horse races? Yes — Totaliwetten (state-regulated) and private bookmakers. Bets start from 2 Euros.
• How can a private individual get a racehorse? Through syndicate shares (starting at around 1,000 Euros), direct purchase at auctions, or through race stable owners.
• How much does a successful jockey earn? Starting money, race percentages (usually 5–8% of the prize money) and retainer contracts. Top jockeys earn 500,000 – 2,000,000 Euros annually.

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History: From War Horse to Equestrian Idol

The history of the Andalusian begins on the Iberian Peninsula, where Moorish invaders crossed Arab and Berber horses with Iberian native breeds in the 8th century. The result was a horse that was unmatched both in battle and in representation. Spanish kings used PRE stallions as gifts to European courts — the Andalusian became a first-class status symbol.

The Yeguada Militar in Jerez de la Frontera, the state military stud, has existed since the 16th century and is still active today. Jerez is the Mecca of PRE breeding.

Characteristics of the Andalusian

• Head: Noble, slightly arched (subconvex), large eyes, wide nostrils
• Neck: Long, muscular, high-set — the “swan neck” is typical
• Body: Compact, deep in the chest, strong croup
• Movement: Natural collection — the shoulder lifts clearly when trotting, suggesting Piaffe ability from birth
• Fur: Predominantly gray and brown, less commonly black
• Mane: Abundant, often wavy or curly

ANCCE — The Studbook of the PRE

The ANCCE (Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española) maintains the official studbook. Every horse registered as PRE receives a passport number and microchip. Without ANCCE documentation, a horse is not officially considered Pura Raza Española. Germany has its own ANCCE breeding association with a growing community.

Feria del Caballo: Jerez in May

The Feria del Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera is the most important horse show in the world for PRE. Every year in May, breeders, buyers, and enthusiasts from all over the world gather. Andalusians in their finest Iberian attire — ceremonial clothing, silver-plated bridles, the Jineta riding style — shape the image of the city.

Use of the Andalusian

• Dressage: Their natural high school conformation makes them excellent dressage horses up to the Intermediaire level
• Working Equitation: Traditional Iberian working style with obstacles, PRE dominates this discipline
• Baroque Dressage and Rescue High School: Capriole, Levade, Croupade — classical lessons
• Film and Theater: Very popular in Spanish and international productions

Purchase prices for Andalusians

• Young foal without complete ANCCE papers: from 5,000 Euro
• Riding horse with ANCCE passport: 10,000 – 35,000 Euro
• Trained competition horse (Intermediaire): 40,000 – 100,000 Euro
• Award-winning stallion: 80,000 – 200,000 euro and more

Common Questions About the Andalusian

• What is the difference between PRE and Lusitano? The Lusitano is the Portuguese variant of the Iberian horse, slightly different in profile (often more subconvex) and with its own studbook (APSL). Both share common roots.
• Is the Andalusian suitable for show jumping? Less so — its build is designed for dressage and collection, not for clearing large obstacles.
• How spirited are Andalusians? Lively, but not difficult. They are considered friendly and intelligent — often described as the “easiest difficult breed.”

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How Racehorses Make (and Lose) Money

A racehorse has four potential income sources:

• Prize money: Direct income from race successes. German Derby: 750,000 euros. Prix de l’Arc: 5 million euros. However, the vast majority of racehorses run in significantly less prestigious races.
• Stud fees (stallions): Successful race stallions become breeding stallions. Galileo: up to 650,000 euros per breeding. Frankel: 125,000 euros. An average stallion: 2,000 – 15,000 euros.
• Sale after career: Well-bred horses with a known pedigree are sold after their racing career as breeding or leisure horses.
• Value increase during the career: A yearling bought for 30,000 euros that wins the Derby is suddenly worth millions.

Syndication Models: Entry without Full Ownership

The syndication is the standard model for private individuals who want to invest in racehorses without bearing the full ownership costs:

• Structure: 10–20 participants buy a share (e.g. 5–10%) in a horse each
• Cost sharing: Training, vet, stable fees are shared proportionally
• Prize money distribution: After deducting all costs, it is distributed proportionally
• Entry costs: 1,000 – 30,000 euros for a syndication share, depending on the quality of the horse
• Annual maintenance costs: 3,000 – 15,000 euros shared proportionally

Syndication exchanges like Horse Racing Ireland Syndication or providers like Cool More and various German race yards offer structured participation models.

The Auctions: Where Prices Are Made

The most important auction houses in the German-speaking region:

• Iffezheim Yearling Sale (Baden-Baden): Annually in October, 100–200 yearlings, prices 10,000 – 500,000 Euro
• Gestüt Schafhof Elite Sale: Bavaria, renowned for Bavarian warmbloods and thoroughbreds
• Tattersalls (Newmarket, UK): Europe’s most important sale for thoroughbreds, annual turnover several hundred million Euro
• Keeneland Sales (Kentucky, USA): World’s largest horse sale, individual prices up to 16 million USD

Risks: What Investors Need to Know

• Injury risk: 30–40% of all racehorses suffer from treatable injuries during their career
• Performance risk: Only about 5% of all racehorses generate significant prize money earnings
• Total loss: Possible in case of serious accident or life-threatening illness
• Liquidity risk: Selling a horse immediately is difficult, price reductions are the norm
• Time investment: Even as a syndicate member, one should have an interest in the sport

Tax Aspects in Germany

In commercial horse keeping (breeding, boarding horses, race stable as a business), losses can be deducted as business expenses for tax purposes. However, the tax office checks the intention to make a profit (hobby vs. business). With a tax advisor who has agricultural expertise, a lot can be shaped here.

Common questions about race horse investments

• Can you really make money with race horses? On average: no. Exceptions exist for exceptional horses or very cheap purchases. Most investors lose money — but still do it gladly.
• What is a yearling? A one-year-old horse that has not yet raced. Evaluated at auctions based on pedigree and exterior appearance.
• Are there race horse funds? Yes, especially in Ireland and the UK. Structure similar to a closed fund, regulated by the FCA (UK).

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Hermès: The Legend Among Equestrian Brands

Hermès began in 1837 as a saddlery in Paris, crafting bridles, saddles, and horse gear for European aristocracy — long before it became a global luxury conglomerate. To this day, the Equestrian line remains the heart of the brand. Upon entering a Hermès boutique, one finds entire floors dedicated exclusively to equestrian equipment:

• Hermès Saddle: Handmade, French leather, 5,000 – 30,000 euros depending on model and customization
• Riding Boots: Hand-stitched leather, from 1,500 euros — with engraved monograms upon request
• Gloves, Whips, Leads: 150 – 800 euros, identifiable by the characteristic H pattern
• Riding Helmet (with Hermès Embellishment): 1,200 – 2,500 euros, hand-padded leather

A Hermès saddle is not just equipment — it is a status symbol, an art object, and remains in use for decades. Well-maintained examples from the 1990s often exceed their original purchase price today.

Pikeur: Germany’s Premium Riding Apparel

Pikeur, founded in 1957, is Germany’s most important brand for dressage riding apparel. What began as a functional sport brand has evolved into a synonym for elegant riding fashion. The difference from cheaper competitors becomes apparent as early as the first gallop:

• Dressage Jackets and Competition Suits: 400 – 1,200 euros — strictly tailored, FEI-compliant
• Full-Seat Riding Pants: 200 – 600 euros — grip material on the entire inner side for optimal seating
• Riding Boots (Faux Leather and Real Leather): 150 – 800 euros
• Competition Shirts and Tie Clips: 80 – 200 euros

Practically all German national dressage riders — from Isabell Werth to Jessica von Bredow-Werndl — regularly wear Pikeur. Those competing in tournaments do not stand out in a negative way with Pikeur: the judges see elegance rather than distraction.

Samshield: Helmets for Professionals

The French helmet manufacturer Samshield has revolutionized the riding helmet market. Previously, safety helmets were either safe or stylish — Samshield has proven that both can be achieved. A Samshield helmet combines the highest level of safety (FEI-approved, VG1 standard) with luxury aesthetics:

• Miss Shield Slim: Popular dressage model with a flattened profile, 600 – 950 euros
• Premium models with Swarovski crystals: 1,200 – 2,500 euros — customization upon order
• Shadowmatt Finish: Matte lacquer in various colors, no shine for television cameras
• Customization: Helmet color, leather sweatband color, crystal design, monogram

PS of Sweden: Scandinavian Luxury Design

PS of Sweden is the young luxury alternative from Sweden and in a few years has become the most popular brand among ambitious amateur riders. The Swedes have understood that riders want not only functional equipment but also fashion that can be worn outside the stable:

• Innovative materials: 4-way stretch, breathable, machine-washable
• Unmistakable Scandinavian design — minimalist color schemes
• Riding pants: 200 – 500 euros, also available as silicone full-seat
• Jackets and vests: 250 – 600 euros, with removable inner lining
• Riding helmets: 350 – 700 euros in cooperation with UVEX

Ariat: Technology from California

Ariat, founded in 1993 in Union City (California), has changed the world of riding boots with its technological approach. Founder Beth Cross brought sports shoe technology into the riding arena:

• ATS Technology (Advanced Torque Stability): Prevents twisting and protects the ankle joint
• Widely used in show jumping, western riding, and eventing
• Boots: 200 – 800 euros — cheaper than European luxury brands with similar comfort
• Riding booties and chaps: 100 – 300 euros

Overview of Other Premium Brands

Budget Overview: What Does a Full Setup Cost?

The total costs for riding gear vary greatly — depending on ambitions and brand preferences:

Tip: Those who invest in luxury brands should take care of maintenance. A Hermès saddle that is regularly treated with leather care lasts 30+ years — and retains its value.

Caring for Riding Gear: How to Keep Luxury Long-Lasting

High-quality riding gear requires careful maintenance. Those who ignore this can lose hundreds of euros due to negligence:

• Leather Care: Treat saddles, boots, and leather gloves monthly with high-quality leather oil (e.g., Effax Leather Balsam)
• Washing Riding Trousers: Never above 30 degrees, gentle wash cycle, no dryer — silicone trims are sensitive to heat
• Helmets: Remove the inner lining and wash separately, outer shell only with a damp cloth
• Competition Jackets: Air out immediately after competitions, store in protective covers, chemical cleaning only for heavy soiling

Sustainability in the Luxury Equestrian Industry

Sustainability is gaining importance in the equestrian world. Some brands are already responding:

• PS of Sweden: Recycled materials in several collections, PETA-Approved Vegan options for boots
• Kingsland: Sustainability report since 2022, reduction of plastic packaging
• Hermès: Uses only leather from tanneries with complete traceability

Those who want to completely avoid leather can now find complete vegan alternatives from Ariat and PS of Sweden, which are hardly distinguishable in quality and appearance from real leather.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Riding Gear

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