Im looking for a CHEAP prelim/intermediate prospect in CA!! Know of any!!?? Ive searched up and down cal but there isnt much. Any racers that need a new job? Ill consider anything at this point but has to be sound, sane, and CHEAP (5k or under). Thanks!

Are there any tracks near you? If you know what you are doing that is probably one of your best options...

I think "inexpensive" might be a better word.

I know you're looking in CA, but have you tried in southern Nevada (Las Vegas specifically), Arizona, Oregon or Washington? You might have better luck if you expand your search a bit.

For example:
Scottsdale TB

Good luck and let us see what you come up with!

i cant travel that far due to my circumstances. there arent any tracks near me.

Have you checked around the local barns? There always seems to be someone at each barn that is trying to sell their horse or at least knows someone that is.

Horse shows can be hit or miss but might be worth a try. Sometimes they are a bit expensive though.

Are there any race trainers' or owners' barns nearby? Check the state racing association for names and locations. Many times the horses they've pulled from the track or don't think are fast enough to train further go home, which isn't necessarily near any of the tracks.

Well, I was thinking you could look around some of the online places and if something peaks your interest, email and ask for pictures. If you still like the horse, get details and a video. Then, you could possible make plans to see the horse, but I know you said you can't travel that far. That is a problem. I know it's always better to see the horse in person and ride it before buying, but if you can't travel, you may not have a choice. Or, a possibility is having someone from the forum go look for you, if they're closer and willing! I have done that for a couple people here and it was actually quite fun. Just a thought.

How about other trainers in your area? They always seems to have a few prospects, or know of someone that does.

Good luck!

Here are a couple horses that MAY work.
http://dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?form_horse_id=1070996
http://dreamhorse.com/show_horse.php?form_horse_id=1056487
HAve you tried going to local events in Ca such as Twin Rivers or Woodside Trials and asking or looking at flyers that may be up?

thanks VodkasMom, ur the only one that actually posted some horses. I have been looking online, around at the stables on the circuit, ect. I havent found anything in my price range that has enough potenial, they need to EVENTUALLY be able to jump 3'9" with 7'11" spreads without topping out at that height. I looking for the ultimiate diamon in the rough...

Since you're not near any tracks, I would start searching back yards. It will be a hard hunt, but I think you will be able to find something if you stick with it. Check newspaper ads and flyers at feedstores. Try to see as many horses in person as possible.

One woman from my barn did this and bought herself a nice 6 or 7 yr old Paint that wasn't working out as a WP horse. The mare is about 16.2 and has a lot of TB blood. She was about to take the mare on trial for a week and was able to jump her through gymnastics. Wow. The mare is currently going(and winning!) Novice and there is no doubt she will go Prelim in the future.

A while back I found a nice registered WB cross in a backyard for $2500. He didn't turn out as an eventer, but he's a great children's hunter that's showing the A circuit now. So you can find nice horses, but its definately a hunt and somewhat of a risk.

Good luck! Let us know what you find.

Ahh, so you wanted ads. Here's an entire list of Thoroughbreds and TB crosses in CA $5000 and under. Have fun!

Oh, I found some pictures of the Paint mare from her first Novice event. Nice find eh? http://erikolsenphotography.exposuremanager.com/g/kallie_s_hope_08

i want a horse with more scope they need to be able to jump 4' courses.

She schools Prelim height and questions consistantly now.

But I think any type of horse you look at is going to be a crapshoot. Unless you spend big bucks on a horse that is running Prelim/Intermediate and is proven, there is no guarentee that any prospect will go as far as you hope. I hope my little Pilot will go Prelim. I think he's a nice dude. But I have no way of knowing for sure.

So basically, you want US to find YOU the ultimate eventing horse? Highly unlikely. Will we get a finder's fee?

What circumstances prohibit you from doing your own legwork? Without the willingness to compromise, you will always fall short of your goals. JMO, of course.