I'm a fairly new rider, I took lessons over the summer, and I ride my neighbors horses (don't have a horse of my own yet). I have this fear of getting thrown when I ride fast... so I don't do it much. Anyone have some tips on getting over my fear?

Your fear is understandable. As a life long horseback rider I would tell you the more you do it the more comfortable it will become for you. Also, just try to make yourself relax. The horse can sense if you are afraid or tense.

I am not a new rider, but I am not really experienced either. I always worry when they start to trot they just might make up their mind to have a long run and I will fall off. :)

Yes I understand your fear! It can be hard to keep up with them when they start to go faster, and you tend to need to learn a whole difference stance for riding. It will come with time-perhaps you could ask a confident friend for a demonstration.

I am. I'm new too and can't bear going fast yet. I know it'll get easier with time but for now, I'm scared witless. I also want to learn to jump one day too. That's another fearful spot though.

Jumping really is a bigger matter. If you are scared then the horse will know it and pull up short-horses get fearful of things like jumping too and will take their cues as to whether it's safe from you, if you have confidence. If not, well hang on tight so you don't fall off when they stop short ;)

One thing that may make you more comfortable is to ride the same horse all the time. This way you create a bond and become comfortable with each other. It is like you build trust for each other. Other than that it just takes time.

Thank you. I hadn't thought about the horse sensing my fears. I'll have to work on that.

I do ride with my neighbor a lot and she is not fearful at all. I hope it just comes with time.

I know exactly what you are saying, even though I am not an experienced rider, I know the thought process you go through, but I can assure that soon you'll be thinking, can this horse go any faster? :D

I think it is kind of like riding a bike. At first it is scary and then you are like, oh my gosh this is so simple. It just clicked one day for me and I thought, wow this is easy and fun.

That's good to hear! I feel like such a wuss when my riding partner wants to go fast and I'm too chicken! I keep pushing myself to try... hopefully it wil click for me.

You will get it soon enough, don't push yourself too hard either. It will happen as soon as you are comfortable with yourself and have built a relationship with the horse.