*[[Saddle]]s and [[horse shoe]]s will raise the maximum speed. A horse's gear can only be accessed or changed when tamed, and only by the tamer.
*As mobs attack tamed mounts before the rider and horses do not withstand much damage, it's usually wise to ride them untamed (to untame simply tame another animal).
*As mounts will go neither up nor down slopes over a certain max, it can be wise to ride to avoid falling off mountains. Horses can ride up and down a straight 30 slope ramp.
*Being mounted provides a very substantial advantage in combat. It's usually much easier to kill a strong mob (or other opponent) when riding.
*Mounts are unaffected by the rider's stamina and health. Therefore riding makes it possible to retreat from combat regardless of low stamina/critical wounds.
*'''"It has lightning movement."''' - This causes a much higher speed boost.
*'''"It can carry more than average." ''' - The rider's inventory will affect the horse's speed less.
*'''"It has very strong leg muscles." ''' - The horse can be ridden on much steeper slopesSlopes affect the horses speed less.
*'''"The legs are of different length." ''' - This causes a very severe speed penalty.