This is what I do.
When making a turn I do not turn my body at all. I only use my upper body for stops by shifting my weight back.
To make a turn to the right, I press with my right calf to get the horse to flex, and I bump with my left heel if he isn't turning enough. I also would pull my to my hip pocket with the right rein, leaving slack in the left rein.
Your heels should stay down and toes forward. If the horse doesn't turn with light bumping with your left heel you can move it forward towards his shoulder, helps bring them around more.
That's the way I do it:), Depending on how well the horse is cooperating each day:), sometimes they will just turn with no bumping with the outside leg, just a light press with the calf and slight pressure on the inside rein.
Becky
Wow, where is everybody tonight? Tuffy is still sore and if he's not better by Monday I may have to call the vet. I really do think he's just cut too short but I'm starting to get a little worried. Tuffy has the crappiest feet in the world and it's darn near impossible to keep him sound but this is too much.
Sharn, cat still missing. I think that one's a goner.
Becky, I think trying out an english saddle would be lots of fun for you. I've never used a wintec but I haven't heard anything bad about them. Go for an "all purpose" type or a dressage type. You probably don't want a "close contact" unless you plan to jump.
Oh! OK.
So to make a right, applying pressure with the right calf is correct.
Whew! I started using my legs more today, along with leaning back when he steps or walks downhill.
Poor fella was just so sad lookin' with his little boot on. But the trail leader assured me that even though it's slightly heavier than a shoe, he wouldn't be clumsy.
I disagree. He felt a bit clumsy beneath me when we were going through some really soft, damp ground. Like the boot was picking up gunk and taking him off-stride.