“An Olympic Horse Can Cost More Than a Luxury Home”: Anush Agarwalla Explains Elite Dressage Costs

For most people, a luxury home is the biggest purchase they will ever make. In elite dressage, however, that kind of investment is often only the beginning.

In a recent episode of his "Introduction to Equestrian" series, Indian Olympian and Asian Games medallist Anush Agarwalla offered a candid look into the enormous financial demands behind one of the world's most exclusive Olympic sports.

Agarwalla, who became India's first-ever Olympic dressage rider, explained the costs involved in building and sustaining an elite equestrian career - from acquiring world-class horses to covering training, travel, and veterinary expenses across Europe.

"The horse is the biggest investment," Agarwalla said in the episode. "An Olympic-level horse can cost anywhere

between ₹4 crore and ₹30 crore. At that level, you are not just buying an animal - you are investing in years of breeding, training, bloodline, and experience. "

While lower-level competition horses may cost significantly less, Olympic-standard horses are valued similarly to luxury real estate in cities such as Mumbai, London, or Berlin.

But according to Agarwalla, purchasing the horse is only one part of the equation.

Training and stabling costs in Europe can range between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh every month, with elite riders requiring constant access to specialised coaching, recovery systems, nutrition programs, and professional stable management.

International travel adds another major expense. Competing regularly across countries such as Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal involves complex transport arrangements tailored specifically for horses competing at the highest level. Each competition trip can cost between ₹2 lakh and ₹4 lakh.

The episode also highlighted the importance - and unpredictability - of equine healthcare in professional dressage.

"Veterinary care is extremely important," Agarwalla explained. "Routine check-ups are constant, and if treatment is needed, the expenses can rise above ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh very quickly, especially in Europe. "

Through his educational series, Agarwalla hopes to make equestrian sports more accessible and understandable for Indian audiences by shedding light on realities rarely discussed publicly.

Beyond his achievements in competition, the Indian rider has increasingly used his platform to offer transparency into the life of an elite dressage athlete, while helping reshape perceptions around equestrian sport in India.