Hey guys, in the campaign I'm currently playing I am a level 3 cavalier. I really want to multiclass into paladin since my guy 's backstory is he was training to become a paladin when his temple got attacked.

Anyhow, the rest of the party is a Rogue, a Wizard, an oracle of Flames, a Bard and a Ranger
Most of us are very new to pathfinder, and I don't want to go with a super optimized build, but I want it to be effective becaus I'm pretty the much the only sting standing between the bad guys and a caster paté

Here's what I have currently:

Dolvar - level 3 Cavalier of the Order of the Star

15 Str
15 Dex
18 Con
12 Int
12 Wis
13 Cha
(These stats were rolled for)

Feats:
Mounted Combat
Precise strike (teamwork)

Equipment wise I currently use a longsword, a chainmail and a heavy steel shield, as well as a Lance for on the horse.

The main problem I have is my feat progression, as I do not know which feats are worthwhile to take for a sword and board guy, I've been told TWF is not worth it with a shield and shield bashing isn't particularly good. (as you can see I haven't even taken a lvl 3 feat) Additionally, at what point would I be wanting to dip into Paladin, and which level spread between the two classes would be best?

In combat I feel that I am limited to "stand in the way so everyone hits me and let the rest deal with everything else", which honestly has been working rather well since we've been stuck in caves for now, but in the future I fear that my effectiveness, and thus my threat is going to plummet

Additionally, as a rule of thumb we are limited to the CRB and APG, however anything awesome enough or flavourful enough can be discussed with the GM (Deific Obedience (Iomedae) is on the to get list)