I'm still a fairly new rider, and I always feel nervous about getting onto my horse a lot of the time. He doesn't freak out at all, but is there a way to keep up and not be so nervous or afraid of being with him at all?

I think you just have to stay calm and not freak out. If they don't obey your commands or things, don't get upset - they just have to get to know you better. Spend some time with them and hopefully things clear up.

But don't expect these things to happen overnight.

Yup, thats right.. You have to build a relationship with the horse, and over time, you won't be afraid to ride the horse.. Also the horse will listen to you a lot better, if it doesn't already :)
Sincerely,
UmYes?

Actually, if you are uncertain about riding your horse it might be time to find some help. I sign up for clinics from Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman and that helps my confidence. I meet new friends at the clinics and go riding with them. If I have a problem with a horse, I speak up at the clinic and learn how to work through the problem. I then go back home with my friends and continue to work on the problem. I stay safe and that makes for fun riding! Many years ago, my little voice was telling me I was unsafe on my horse. The horse bucked me off and I had to spend the night in a hospital with a broken arm and wrist. Never again.

Patience is key, and remain calm. Once you have earned the horses trust, things should be easier. Until then however, keep at it! :D

Everything takes time, and this certainly is no exception. Earning a horses trust can take a while, but it's very important that you are patient. Be very careful not to frighten your horse, or you'll truly have hell to pay.

Very true, I've seen stories of horses freaking out and even killing riders...almost makes you think of not wanting to want a horse sometimes if you're new.

You don't wanna be scaring new riders now, do you? :D

Just be calm and patient, and everything should work fine.Almost anything worthwhile in life takes time after all.

That's very true. Once you get used to riding your horse (and the horse gets used to you riding it), then it can be one of those peaceful things you can ever feel and enjoy.

It's just too bad that you can't always see / ride them as often anymore due to living in the city so often now.

Where do you find clinics like these?

Our area has a newspaper about horses and you can find information on clinics. Visit a stable and they usually have notices about clinics coming up. I also subscribe to horse magazines (printed and Internet) and they contain schedules for clinics. My friends usually tell me about upcoming clinics.

Our area has a newspaper about horses and you can find information on clinics. Visit a stable and they usually have notices about clinics coming up. I also subscribe to horse magazines (printed and Internet) and they contain schedules for clinics. My friends usually tell me about upcoming clinics.

Where would you go otherwise (if there isn't anything publisized)?

I was wondering the same thing, I've never seen articles posted around my area about things like this. It's either that or I'm just not looking that hard enough. Where do you guys usually look? Just around anywhere or no?