I know it's a premium feature to pull straws, but do you have to be premium to have straws? Say, if a basic stable won a contest that involved straws, would the straw owner be able to send them the straw they won? If so, how would the winner go about using the straw? Just wanted to know because I see so many contests that involve straws and I was wondering what happens if basic stables win straws or are offered straws in exchange for a horse or something. Thanks!

No, basic stables can't receive, pull or use straws. Usually in contests like that, the owner (who's usually Premium) can offer the winner X amount of LC's. (Live covers)

If you were once premium, but your upgrade ran out, you don't lose straws that were in your possession. But as a basic stable, you can't do anything involving straws.

Ok, thank you both for the help :)