I am currently in the market for a good, sound, experienced trail horse.  I don't care if it has any show experience or extensive arena work, although I would like it to be willing to walk, trot, and canter around the arena.  I don't care about papers, although I am not interested in gaited breeds.  I want one safe enough for an intermediate rider and one that is easy to ride.  What would you expect to spend on a horse like this?  I'm just curious what the trail horse market looks like out there in the world. 

Because of the economy right now horse are really cheap.  I agree with you on what you are looking for, I feel pretty much the same, except I do want one with a little arena work since I will be starting dressage.  Since you aren't interested in shows and papers, it makes it a little difficult to find things.  Highly bred show horses are going for dirt cheap, and so people that have ole' spot out in the pasture feel like they have no hope of getting rid of him.  Many good unregistered trail horses are being given away, or may not be posted anywhere.

Sorry to be so long winded, but I wouldn't expect to pay much, and the one horse you have posted in the critique section I feel is overpriced, but I don't know what the market is in your particular area, or what the full story is on that horse.

Just a thought in case you're looking for ole' spot; and in case you've never been left out on a trail in the middle of nowhere; a good, safe, experienced trail horse is worth quite a bit!

I'm just saying keep in mind not every horse makes a good trail horse, so just because he's not a dressage horse or a performance horse, doesn't mean he's a good, safe trail horse.

You could find one for free or close to nothing. I had a post about a group of kid safe, older horses that had been used for a YMCA program that got picked up by a horse trader and are probably going to slaughter. Go to dreamhorse.com and look at "free horses." I see free horses around here all the time that are perfectly fine horses that the owner cant afford to keep. Also lots of horses being traded for lawnmowers, cows, chickens, etc. I mean, you can find a nice showhorse for free right now, the market is just dismal!

Be VERY careful with free horses.  Even in today's market... most of them will likely have some sort of issue (training or soundness) that the owners are dealing with (and sometimes aren't willing to disclose). 

I would say good trail horses are going for somewhere around $1000-$1500 around here.  There also seems to be many in the $800 range.

txspots:

Just a thought in case you're looking for ole' spot; and in case you've never been left out on a trail in the middle of nowhere; a good, safe, experienced trail horse is worth quite a bit!

I'm just saying keep in mind not every horse makes a good trail horse, so just because he's not a dressage horse or a performance horse, doesn't mean he's a good, safe trail horse.

I agree! In my post I meant that it makes it hard to find. I have seen great trail horse that were dirt ugly, I have seen great show horses that wouldn't go near a puddle.  Breed for a trail horse doesn't matter to me, and neither do looks really,  it is all about experience, temperament, soundness, and spookiness(or lack of).  Good luck!  Have you had any more prospects other than the one you posted in CC?

I have looked at a LOT of horses...and after trying to turn my nice show gelding into a good trail horse (ha ha) I have found out that a good trail horse is worth its weight in gold!  LOL.  Seriously, most people consider their horses good trail horses if they will just follow along and not cause trouble.  I want a truly trained trail horse that will cross obstacles, follow, lead, go out alone, walk, trot, canter, etc.   You wouldn't believe how many people represent their horses as trail riding horses and the horse won't even walk out on a trail alone without causing problems.  I am suuuuper frustrated!

I'm going to look at one this afternoon...not the best looking fellow, but he's supposedly been trail ridden extensively for 4 years and has had the same owner for 4 years.  I am hopeful!

Just another market you might not have thought of --  you  might want to look at ex-foxhunters too.  Maybe they don't want to jump anymore or folks have gotten out of hunting (it's pricey!!!).  There are many of them that are good steady horses and won't be afraid to ride out alone or do whatever you want with a good mind.  If there is a local hunt near you, contacting them may give you some leads to affordable horses whose owners want them in a good home.

True flake, but just like in every category, each horse is unique.

Well I think I found a keeper!  A 7 year old paint gelding, with 4 years extensive trail riding experience.  I found him to be very responsive, very calm, and easy to ride.  He took great care of my novice husband.  Just waiting on a pre-purchase vet exam set for tomorrow morning, and then we're all set.  Got him for $1900, which I felt was reasonable for what I've been looking at in our market.  I've seen and looked at horses in the $1000 and under price range, and have found horses with a lot of issues.  Most of them have been good at following the horse in front of them, and that's about it.  The fellow I'm buying seems to be just what I'm looking for.  Keep your fingers crossed that he checks out with the vet!  I'll update.

 Oh good!  I can't wait to hear an update and see some pics!

COOL!  Hope everything checks out for y'all!!