I agree, I think you should work at a barn closer in exchange for riding time. You learn a lot from working around horses. If you work at a barn you get to spend a lot of time interacting with the horses as well as getting to ride more often. I think if you show you're hard working and committed then the right opportunity to lease a horse may come.

I think this TB is probably too far away and I have the feeling he may have some issues. If you're still interested in riding the TB then I think you should try him out a few times and see how it goes.

In a month I'm leaving for a six month working student job with a well respected dressage trainer. I'll be working like a dog, but I will learn so much and have the opportunity to ride many different horses. Hard work pays off!

Good luck!