ok so i'm going to take horse back riding classes (my aunt has horse and she rides so she's teaching me) and i love animals and i love patting/grooming/feeding horses but i'm a little bit nervous to be up on such a big animal that could trample me! ahhhh! ok maybe i'm really nervous! what do i do? help!

Ask your aunt to help you be more comfortable with the horses. She'll know what to do.

What I have seen people do is, the one who is learning rides infront of the person who is teaching. Plus of course the teacher picks out the calmist horse from the bunch. I'm sure she can give you the smallest one to ride, and build up your confidence.

I was nervous at my first riding lesson too. Just understand that horses are flight animals not flight animals. that means that they will run away from there fears instead of fighting things. Your aunt will put you on a horse that is safe to ride. Spend time around the horses to see how innocent they are. With more experience you will gain confidence. Take it slow and realize that no horse would want to harm you.

you really won't enjoy riding at all if your really scared so first things first you need to get over it. they can be big and scary but remember a lot of ponies can feel if your tense and nervous and pick it up on themselves. horses won't trample you and if they do something like that then they'll probably be scared themselves.

Start with a leader (your aunt) and that will probably make you feel safe. don't rush into things like canter and jumping. once you feel relaxed and safe about walking round with a leader do it on your own - just walking round the school. Only push yourself forward a bit when you're confident with that and your relaxed.

Do not worry because if you think about it - being around horses [patting/grooming/feeding etc] could be just as dangerous as being on one if not more because they can't trample you if your sitting on them!!

Don't feel forced to rush into lessons because you've got the opportunity - wait for yourself to feel ready and willing to learn to ride then you will enjoy yourself more.

lastly start with a really steady bomproof plodder who won't scare you - this is the best way to gain confidence and only start hacking once you feel happy about wide open spaces and riding generally. remember that hacking is very different to schooling because you're not in a confined space.

good luck - you have got a great opportunity so make the most of it if you're confident and i think most importantly relax and take it slowly.
hope i've helped!!

You are lucky, it is your aunt that is teaching you to ride. If you are really nervous of getting up on that horse and riding why not call auntie and arrange a one on one meeting with her and a horse. She may be willing to walk you through the first steps of being introduced to a horse, and actually getting up there on the saddle and sitting there and maybe even her leading the horse around with you sitting there...perhaps you could help groom and pet the horse. It will be fun...then after the first encounter, all things will seem much more simpler. good luck