Tight postition?

I heard somebody tell another ride that they were too tight, I don't really understand what this means so could somebody help me out. Also my pony spooked the other day and my instructor asked me if I was gripping too hard and I had no idea what she was talking about!

When She said if you were gripping I think she ment with your knees.

Too tight might mean they are not soft and relaxed in their body. That she may be too tense.
Gripping may mean that you were hugging your pony unnecessarily with your legs, and possibly made her nervous which instigated a spook. But who knows. Lol

Thanks to both. Yeah well I think my pony spooked because he heard the door squeak but it could have just been at the same time.