Horse valuations

Question
Hi,

I'm about to have a vetting done on a horse I very interested in buying. After a 10 year breaking from owning a horse I'm a bit unsure of myself and my abilities to assess the value of this horse.

He is a 16.2HH 11 year old TBX chesnut gelding. Who has been used at a equine college for BHS exams and training. His owner has done some dressage with him, but he is green when it comes to jumping (he hasn't really done much). His faults are he is a little spooky when hacking alone and quite dominant in the field.

I've ridden him at the college quite a bit and the owner has agreed to a one month trial. She wants 3500, can you tell me whether you think this is a reasonable, considering age and faults?  

Answer
Katrina,
  It would greatly help me out if you could tell me what area of the country this horses is located? and if you could tell me a little about the horses confirmation.  
Right now the market is pretty bad, so it is the time to buy!  I have many clients who are jumping on bargain horses all over the country, which, in any other situation they would not be able to afford.  However I do believe that $3500 is a bit over priced for a green, somewhat spooky, inexperienced 11 year old without much of a competition backround.  If you are interested I could do an actual appraisal on him prior to your purchasing him to make sure you are not paying way to much.  Is the current owner flexible in his price, or will she not let him go for less than $3500?  If she is not willing to negotiate, I would definately pass, because after training, and time spent showing, plus cost of upkeep, you will never get your money back on him if you were to resell in a few years.  If you want to go through with the appraisal, I do have a service contract, and I normally get $175, however, I am currently offering a New Client Discount of 15%, which brings the cost down to $148.75.  
Please let me know if you have further questions, or would like to go ahead with an appraisal of this horse, or would like help searching for another horse.  Feel free to visit my website for more details, www.myhorsequotes.com  or give me a call (732)773-5106 for further information or questions.
Samantha Brunner