So last week I got fixated on finding out how much black foals actually cost, right? Like really obsessed. Started cause I saw this gorgeous video of a black thoroughbred galloping and thought “Man, owning one would be sick.” Yeah, dumb idea? Maybe. But I gotta know.

Diving Into the Rabbit Hole
First thing, obviously, hit up Google. Just typed “black foals for sale near me.” Holy crap, the prices were everywhere. Saw one advertised for $2,500. Felt a little hopeful. Clicked it. Boom. Turns out it was “black” but actually registered as “dark bay.” Total bait-and-switch vibe. Another breeder listed a “future show prospect” for $15,000. Seriously? That high already?
Spent hours sifting through ads. You quickly notice the real black ones, especially purebreds like Friesians or black Thoroughbreds, ain’t cheap. Everybody labels them “rare” and “stunning” – which drives the price way up. Kept finding myself back on the legit breeder association sites comparing stud fees for black sires too. Wasn’t helping my wallet anxiety.
Where It All Went Wrong (or Right?)
I got gutsy. Figured maybe I could actually talk to real people. Found a breeder about two hours away specializing in Friesians, including some black foals. Packed my notebook and drove up last Thursday. Place was fancy, man. Polished fences, immaculate barns. Got that sinking feeling in my stomach immediately.
The breeder, super nice guy named Doug, showed me a stunning jet-black foal. Little guy was maybe 4 months old. Pure muscle already. Doug casually mentions the price: “This fella’s $18,000.” My pen nearly snapped. Tried not to choke. Asked about the parents – champion bloodlines, of course. Then he hit me with the extras:
- Board: At least $600/month until weaned? Insane.
- Training: “Basic halter training” another $800? Come on.
- Papers: Breed registration fees? $400 minimum.
Suddenly that cheaper online ad made sense – probably didn’t include any of this crap.
Putting My Cards Down (and Getting Folded)
Alright, time for Operation Hail Mary. Found another breeder online with black American Quarter Horse foals listed around $5,000-$7,000. Seemed borderline too good? Called them up yesterday morning, tried to play it cool. Said I was serious, asked about the $5k filly in the pics. Seller paused. “That one? She’s actually got a small white marking on her belly now. Still pretty black though!” Ugh.
My big moment: pitched $4,000 cash for one “without any surprises.” Mentioned I could pick it up fast. The line went quiet. Then the guy chuckled lightly. “Son, with bloodlines like ours? I couldn’t let one go for under six, even without papers.” He said he’d “think on it,” but we both knew it was a no. Haven’t heard back. Probably won’t.
So… How Much?
Here’s the cold truth my research slapped me with:
- Bargain Basement ($2k – $4k): Rare. Usually requires major digging, compromises (older weanling, off-breeding season sales, surprise markings/color change), or sketchy sellers. Buyer beware. Very beware.
- Realistic Entry Point ($5k – $10k): Better chance for a solid black foal, decent bloodlines, but often mixed breed (QH/Thoroughbred crosses common). Still gotta factor in transport & vet checks.
- Premium Tier ($12k and WAY UP): Purebreds like Friesians or fancy show prospects. Add $$$ for champion parents. Plus all the hidden fees tacked on later.
Bottom line? Truly black foals ain’t cheap cause breeders know people want that look. My dream of a budget jet-black foal? Pretty much dead. Wasted gas money and a week of phone calls figuring it out. Still don’t own a damn horse. Guess I’ll just admire photos online for now.