Ok, I just have to say, I think it sucks that the others you were riding with were not more help to you. You were a beginner off road rider, you should have been given a little extra attention, it's just the sportsman like thing to do. It's just not a way to welcome someone to a new sport, I would be mad about that. But, I guess we've all been there and we just put our big girl pants on and deal with it. That's all I'm gonna say about that.

Otherwise, the advise given from others is all good. I still walk down hills sometimes, I've wiped out on plenty of tree roots and rocks. Keep your eyes on what is coming at you not just the road in front of you, don't let anyone make you feel rushed, and there's no shame in crying.