Um, depends on what you consider cheap. I've seen some older (teens) cutting horses that haul Amateurs around from 8500 to 15000. Sometimes if depends on who you know, they might work out a good deal if they know it's going to a good home and they really don't need the money. Your mom still might have some of those connections
A horse we used to show we trail rode also. He was really dependable. I can trail ride Tex (my show horse) not he's not very spooky. He was trained all around pretty well. The right horse is out there for you, keep your head up
And I'll let you know if I make it to NC. I show in Augusta a lot. It's right on the GA/SC line. Probably a little too far though.