i lost my confidence i went out on hacks on a leaderope and thet really helped me

I think your problem may not be entirely with the riding but the being around the horses there self. If you ride at a riding school, how about telling your instructor and see if they will let you use one of there older or more gentle horses that you could possibly learn to ride in the future, and put them in a round pen or school/menage and sit in there with the horse and read a book. This way you will get used to being with a horse and they will get more used to you therefore not feeling as nervous as you are. Try spending time grooming a horse and just spending time with them instead of focousing on the actuall riding. Ask if you can go up after school or weekends and just spend time around the yard getting to know the horses and there personalitys, then your bound to feel better in the saddle as you will know the horse you will be riding. Good luck! Hope this helped! :)

I used to loan a gelding who was absolutely lovely but lazy as anything, however i could trust him with my life. 6 months ago i bought an irish sport mare who is about 3/4 thoroughbred. She is very forward going and is a typical mare and sometimes rears and has her tantrums. During the time i have owned her, I have never cantered her yet being in control as when i asked for canter she set off in gallop and wouldnt stop as she is very strong and is an ex eventer. I am taking it slow with her and when I feel disheartend at our lack of progress when my friends are going off to shows winning rosettes i think about all the good things i have achieved with my horse and look forward to building up our relationship and hopefully competing in the future and winning lots together. Hope this helps! :)