I really wish Beth had have given the unique mounts more speed and endurance. I understand that Shadowmere , but other than that, all of the unique mounts are just regular horses with a specific name. Even the Dawnguard mount looks as though it runs similar to the normal mounts. Bummer!

I prefer the speed they go at to be honest, it's better for going up mountains and the like. Faster horses wouldn't be as manouverable. Though endurance would definitely be useful, considering the number of times I've gone over cliff edges when I wasn't paying attention.

I like Shadowmere cuz it helps me on Dragon battles when the dragon is on ground it a destraction can kill the Dragon faster.

I prefer that most horses are, in fact, horses and not mythical beings

I like the horses as they are, I just wish their anatomy wasn't so goofy. I mean seriously, have you paid attention to the back legs of a horse in Skyrim even when it's just walking? The running/galloping animations make the back legs even goofier, and it doesn't even look like natural running.

I really like Arvak, he looks badass as all get-out, but the goofy back legs are more prominent with him and I just can't take him seriously because of it.

I wish Bethesda had added in enemies that fought by horseback in with patch 1.6...imagine having Imperial/Stormcloak horseman charging at you in the middle of a battle or having a bandit ride out of a fort to meet you. Epic.

But I'm fine with how Bethesda handled named and ordinary horses otherwise.

perhaps next time around, the only weapon that's any good on a horse back is the bow anyway

Calvery battles would be nice to have, yes.

I'm not happy with it, but that's because it's such a far cry from what Rockstar achieved with Red Dead Redemption. That set the standard for horses in games for me, and Skyrim's horses can barely see Rockstar's, let alone keep up with them.

I also think mounted combat is flawed right now, considering a lack of first person (especially for archery), being unable to use magic, bound weapons, staffs, etc, and the fact that there are no mounted enemies to take on all drag it down in my eyes.

Also, I want to be able to name my horses. Same with the stray dogs I keep bringing home, and the weapons and armor I'm forging. I don't want to have to enchant something just to be able to name it, especially because enchanted weapons are so hideous to look at.

Agreed! So, what can you use on horseback then? Just bows?

Bows on horses are pretty awesome. Just make a breton with a full beard and distinct Asian features, let him wear Orcish armor, and poof! You have a Mongol horse archer, and you can proceed to plunder Tamriel.

thats a lot because of the engine, if Bethesda never make a new engine then i'm afraid we will be stuck with the same horse mechanics forever