When I was stuck in SoCal without my horse, I also didn't have a ton of money, but I NEEDED a horse fix! I signed up for riding lessons at Pierce College... dirt cheap, went on for something like 14 weeks in a row, and they were actually really good with beginners. (I was a little ticked off that the rule was EVERYBODY had to start in the basic class, but what the heck, it was horse time, and I DID learn a few new things!) I'm not sure where you are either, but it wouldn't hurt to look into whatever local community colleges, Park and Rec, etc might be available.