I recently bought a horse and brought him home this past sunday. he's settling in fine and everythings been going well. the only problem is that i havent ridden in over a month and i'm a little nervous about getting back in the saddle. and i dont want my insecurities to transfer to him. can anyone tell me what to do about my nerves?

Just groom him a lot, and take it easy. If you are scared of riding him, then take a few lessons on another lesson horse, then after you get your riding confidence up, take some lessons on your new horse. Good luck!

no problem, just get someone to come with you and be there for you, if you are nervous get someone you know to come and ride him first just to make sure he is nice and easy to ride and r-e-l-a-x if you get nervous as you know he will feel it, just trust in him and maybe ride on soft ground so it wont hurt if you fall off
:-)

I had the same problem about 3 weeks ago. I hadnt ridden in over a year...I got bucked off a horse and banged up pretty bad. I bought an older mare (17yo) that I knew had been ridden alot. I was scared to ride her for the first 2 weeks. But I brushed her everyday, until I felt comfortable and I knew she felt comfortable.
If you feel that you have bonded with this horse, which I did, I slowly saddled her up and took several deep breaths....closed my eyes and just sat there on her (with her still tied up, of course) until I felt ready to move forward. This helped me. I was still a little nervous the second time, but I did this again and felt better.

I'm not sure how your horse riding community is. If you know someone who has a milder or smaller horse to ride, then you can ask them to ride their horse. Eventually it all comes back to you. Then you and your horse can have a pleasant and safe ride.

Did you have a bad experience?

What I suggest is this - work with him on the ground for a few weeks. Do some lounging, round penning, working on his ground manners etc. This is really going to allow you to get to know him, his personality and really give you a chance to bond with your new guy! I suggest this for everyone as itssuch a good way to get to know your horse, taking the time on the little things. After that if youre still really nervous (and youre right, it will tranfer to him if your really nervous) then I would ask a local coach to help you out or a friend who is horse knowledgable! But if he hasnt given you a reason to worry, if youve ridden before, you should be ok!

Good Luck! : 0)

Why should you be nervous? If you have gone out and got a horse, surely you know how to ride? I mean, you would have tried him before you bought him, yes? So why buy him, if you felt scared of the horse?

I really dunno!

Hi,
Just relax. You'll do fine. I just rode my horse for the first time in over 6 months. (winter, hunting season... so on)
We did fine. Just hop on and it all comes back naturally! The key is to act calm so your horse does the same. I know it can be scary, sometimes I get a little Nervous(been riding continuously for over 7 yrs.) its totally normal! Just BREATH!!!!!
Relax, Go Ride and DO'NT WORRY it will all come back when you get in the saddle!
Hope this helps!
Happy Ridding!