» Wed Jun 27, 2012 6:35 pm The horses of Skyrim, with few exceptions, are juggernauts of unstoppable power when Dovahkiin saddles one up. You see, when the Dragonborn decides to jump on his or her favorite stallion, the horse soaks up 95% of all incoming damage. Damage isn't shared or anything unrealistic, no, it is just that nothing actually hits the Dragonborn.
I was strolling along on my horse when I hear a roar in the clouds and a Dragon drops to the ground. I have nothing to fear while riding my Equestrian Battle Tank because every time the Dragon uses his Breath Attack or decides to attempt to gnaw at my face, my brave horse 'Stone Wall' takes the whole fiery breath of the Dragon and shrugs off the sharp teeth. Meanwhile, Dovahkiin is nestled ontop of this Tank Destroyer, testing out his shiny new crossbow. I do like the Crossbow a lot, by the way.
Moving on, I will admit, eventually your horse will perish after taking what amounts to a MOAB's worth of damage and you will be forced to resume the battle on foot.
Unless you are riding Shadowmere.
While most horses can only take so much damage, Shadowmere is literally invincible. No amount of Dragons fire can drop Shadowmere, not even a hit from a giant, Skyrim's space program, will phase Shadowmere .(Admitably, the giant is the only enemy that likely can consistently his Dovahkiin on horseback though) The only force nature can provide to eliminate this threat to mortality is gravity. Only falling damage can defeat this bringer of doom.
I am not lobbying for the nerf of Shadowmere, however, it is worth looking into a means to knock Dovahkiin off his high horse. Spears, pole arms and the like could help. Or perhaps if enemies were more inclined to actually hit Dovahkiin instead of Shadowmere.
Please give your own thoughts on the matter and thank you for your time.
