Just come back to this thread an realised actually in over 20 years of horse ownership (in the family) we (ok, my mum) have only spent over £2,500 on 2 horses. Onewas my sister's, they wanted £3,250 and I battered them down to £2,600. That was 8 years ago and he was 4yo. Mine was a very expensive £3000 as a 4yo but I have had him 17 years and would say he was worth every penny. All the others have been well under £2,500. To be honest I find it hard to contemplate a horse being worth much more - it's a horse!!! lol
Cobmum- don't know about anyone else but my cheapies have been from sales or local ads. If I was after another now I'd look on project horses. My £10 pony yearling we found living alone in a tiny field & offered £10 as that's what I had on me. Clueless owner happy to get shot.