I downloaded the 1.6 patch and, although it doesn't really appeal, decided to give mounted combat a try. I mounted Shadowmere and set off in search of some enemies to "practice" on. Found some bandits and a couple of Frostbite spiders, no problem; right? Wrong!
I've had Shad for ages and he's been awesome, saving my bacon a few times! He'd taken on Dremora Lords, Volkihar vampires, even Dragons!!! In our first mounted combat fight he dies fighting bloody bandits and spiders! WTF !!
The only reason I can come up with is this; pre1.6 you had to dismount to fight and Shadowmere pitched in and was virtually invulnerable as he regenerated health and stamina so fast. Does he not regenerate if you are on his back? As I can't go back to pre1.6, I have no way to check this theory out. Can anyone confirm or disprove my idea?