fear in the stall

Question
Hi Becca,

I am a rider, age 27, who has recently returned to riding after 10 years.  I love to ride; however, since beginning my lessons a few weeks ago, I have developed this strange fear of grooming/tacking a horse in his/her stall.  I can feel myself getting nervous as soon as I enter the stall, and I KNOW that the horse senses my nervousness.  If the horse even starts to turn around slightly, I have to leave the stall and calm myself before I enter again.  I guess any advice on how to read horses actions in the stall would help.  Also, any tips on human "stall etiquette" would probably help me relax.  

I am new to my barn, and have asked people for help with tacking when I get nervous, but I feel sort of embarrassed doing this because I am an advanced rider who has no fear when on a horse.  

I really hate this handicap and don't want this to affect my relationship with horses and riding.

I appreciate any advice you can give


Answer
Francesca,
I love how completly honest you are,in recognizing your fear. Your fear is completly normal, and fairly easy, with the proper knowledge to get over.
First you need to recognize what makes you nervouse, is it when the horse moves, when his ears go back, when he lifts up his hind leg.
Being able to read his body language is quite helpful since it can help you know the difference between the horse being mad ( ears back, body tense) or that your grooming a ticklish spot ( ears back listening to you horses body twiching slightly)
I would recemend that you read up on horse body language and spend as much time as possible just observing horses in the field and while others are taking care of them. Also NEVER be afraid to ask for help, acciedents happen when you DONT ask for help.
Please feel free to ask me any more questions in more detail.