so, me and my parent are thinking of MAYBE getting/boarding a horse. It's a huge if, as it is pricey for us. (NOT out of budget/unaffordable) I'm also not ready yet, so it would be at least 2 months until I feel confident enough in my skill to own a horse. (yay! Time to research)I just have a few questions, as I want to know what to expect.

1: If I'm doing pasture board, can my horse eat just grass and hay? (grazing and hay nets in pasture) Or would I have to give them grain/supplements/fruits/vegetables too? (some of those as treats)I know grass is quite high in sugar, so I'm thinking that's not the best, but what would I do otherwise?

2: Do I need to be there everyday? I'm thinking it's okay if I'm there every other or third day, but I don't know. What worked best for you guys? It's not that we're busy, we both do school/work from home, but it seems like a major inconvenience to drive there everyday, and expensive for gas! my horse would be with a herd and have access to food/water/shelter at all times.

3: What's the best way to buy a horse? Online, barns, auctions, ect? And where can I find these places? I prefer a beginner/intermediate, older horse (7-15), 15/16 hands but I don't have much of a preference, and at least 1100 lbs. I don't know where to find a horse that fits these requirements that's not super expensive. My budget is no more than 4000 USD and very ideally around 2000 USD or less.

Probably won't happen though. I'm going to ask my trainer about it, and do more research. Any other tips/advice as well?