Turn on the forehand question

[Crazydancer]

Sorry if this seems like a daft question, when you ask for turn on the forehand, do you drop any weight into/lift weight off either seatbone??
I'm just bringing a mare (not mine) back into work, we're only just walking for around 20 mins a session, and I've just started asking for a little flexion and balancing, and today I thought I'd just ask her to try a step around her forehand as I know she's had some previous training but not sure how much (she had a foal and not been ridden for about 4 years) Moving hindquarters to the right she took my very light aid and stepped nicely away. Tried on the other side and nothing! I am aware my riding is very rusty, and I wasn't sure if she was finding it difficult, or I was not 'asking' correctly. So far she has been quite responsive to light aids, half-halts etc. Is there something I could be doing wrong, I do drop my weight more into my right seatbone so not sure if I might have been doing that and confusing her.
Thanks!

 

[Lauren_abigail]

Following this - My gelding is the same, quite happy to turn on one side but not the other - although I believe that it's down to him not being very supple as opposed to aids. But it can't hurt to hear some other opinions!

 

[Pigeon]

Try from the ground first Probably has a weaker hind limb which is normal. I keep my weight centred but you could try weighting the seatbone you want her to step under, like in leg yield.

 

[Crazydancer]

Thanks Pigeon, I had been working on that as part of her groundwork prior to getting on (she's 12 and quite 'tight' in all directions) and in fact when we hit the problem last night I did just that - hopped off, did it on the ground, then back on again. She does seem to find it more difficult that way, but will at least attempt it on the ground, but on-board we had a resounding 'no response'. I did try weighting that seatbone, but then confused myself as I wondered if I should be weighting the other side, hence the question. (My last training is lost in the mists of time....)
In the end I got a small effort after hinting for a little forward movement before asking sideways. It wasn't a good step-under, but I was happy she'd offered something. She's been left to get a bit feral so is quite opinionated although sweet and willing if you ask in the right way, so I don't want anything to be an issue - especially if I've created the issue.
Hmmm was just going to post a photo of the beast but since the forum changes I can't seem to find the right buttons...... or smileys...

*insert a happy thank you smiley here*

 

[Crazydancer]

Is this going to work? Hopefully a photo of the (not so) little lady, a rather daunting 16hh when I'm used to my 14.2hh lad!

And what she thinks about having to do some work!!