prices and snobbery

[California Horse Adventures <wendyl@jps.net>]

Did someone out there actually find a horse to buy and the people would not
sell to them because they weren't top competitors? Not to call anyone a liar,
I find this EXTREMELY hard to believe. Did you offer them money? Just curious.
   On the subject of endurance horse prices, several of you have stated that
there are plenty of great horses out there that have been wormed, trimmed and
properly cared for for $1500 - $2000. or less. My question is - Where? And what
makes you think that they were wormed and trimmed and handled since birth?
I know breeders here that swear they worm their horses, and they do---once a
year whether they need it or not. 

I live in California. For the past 3 years I have looked at over 150 horses a
year for sale. Probably called on over 300 a year more and weeded them out over
the phone. Horses from the newspaper, at breeder's farms, at the track, and in
backyards.  Maybe 1 in 100 was actually the height advertised and had sort of
straight legs. I NEVER, EVER, found one that was properly trained. Or even not
screwed up. Not one time in 3 years have I gone out and looked at a horse, for
ANY price, that was sound, straight legged, had good feet and conformation, was
well cared for since birth, good ground manners, hauled and tied well, and was
capable of carrying itself in a balanced manner under saddle in a snaffle bit
with no other equipment. (ie martingale) In 1996 I vet checked 6 horses and not
one passed, and it wasn't for something insignificant.
  In the meantime, we sold 3 horses that fit that description, for $3500. -
6000.  In retrospect, I was crazy. Wish I still had them, should have sold
them for $10,000 or more. But that's not thepoint.   I would like to know
how many of you, in Calif. have found horses that fit the above criteria, at
any price, and if so, what was the price?
   Just as an aside..don't feel guilty if you bought a horse for a good price.
Everyone loves a bargain. But don't be one of those people who call me and say
"I'm looking for a registered arab gelding, about 6 years old, pretty, well
broke with trail experience, that I can race and my kids can ride alone, and
I can't spend any more than $2000....oh, and I want it to be a bay."
Wendy