How Can I Keep My Leg Steady?

Hello Everybody,

I am new to this message board. My name is Louise. I just got back into riding after quitting for 3 years. Prior I had ridden for 13 years. I've always had the same issue with my legs. They want to swing at the canter. I cannot keep my leg forward at a 2 point either, nor can I post the trot without my stirrup without going all over the place. Although, I CAN ride bareback perfectly with a perfect steady leg. It almost seems to be the saddle that's causing my leg to swing. I suppose i'm trying to find an answer on what I can do to stop it from swinging. Why does it swing? Could the saddle have an impact on bad riding position? Any help is great, i'm sooo desperate! Thank you

It may be the saddle putting you into a bad position and causing you to grip with your knees or thighs. Try and concentrate on keeping your calves firm against the horse.

I agree, chances are you're pinching with your knee. Think about pushing your weight into your heel and keeping that straight line from your shoulder to your hip to your heel.
If you are pinching with your knees, imageine there being a thumbtack in your kneeroll that will poke you if you grip :)
Im sure I'll think of something else later...

I have this problem too

So, today I rode in a super nice saddle and noticed that my equitation was much better and my leg didn't swing. So i've come to the conclusion that the saddle is causing me to sit wrong and everything!! I was able to drop my stirrups and post with ease in this saddle, the other one I felt like a rag doll. I'm going to look into getting a wintec saddle, since right now I just lease and I want to be sure the horse I buy in the future will have a saddle that fits also. Anybody ever ridden in those? Are they comfortable? (the close contact ones) thanks!!!