Stormrunner
Explorer
I agree you should go with your strengths and take an archery feat of some sort.
While Precise Shot removes the -4 for firing into melee, if your friend is between you and the target (e.g., you're firing from the 2nd rank) the target gets cover as well (+4 to AC). The Sharpshooting feat halves the target's cover bonuses, and is especially effective against foes with improved cover (e.g., firing through arrowslits).
If you want to go the mounted combat route, starting the feat chain now is a good idea, but it does represent a slight dilution of focus.
At 5th+ level, consider Ranged Disarm from Complete Warrior. Unlike Ranged Sunder and Ranged Pin, it doesn't require a good Str to be effective - it's a straight-up contest of attack rolls, which with your high Dex and good BAB is likely to be in your favor. Since you're doing it at range, you don't need to worry about AoOs or counter-disarms. It's especially effective against fighter-types, who tend to concentrate much of their wealth into one really good weapon (rather than two mediocre ones) - take away that weapon and they're much wimpier opponents. You can also shoot wands, potions, and the like out of people's hands. The downside is that many opponents, such as dragons, animals, aberrations, and many undead, don't use weapons, and you have to be within 30' so you may be vulnerable to being rushed. It's another good choice for a 2nd-rank archer - your fighter friend in front of you keeps you from being rushed, and can immediately take advantage of the fact that his opponent is now empty-handed.
While Precise Shot removes the -4 for firing into melee, if your friend is between you and the target (e.g., you're firing from the 2nd rank) the target gets cover as well (+4 to AC). The Sharpshooting feat halves the target's cover bonuses, and is especially effective against foes with improved cover (e.g., firing through arrowslits).
If you want to go the mounted combat route, starting the feat chain now is a good idea, but it does represent a slight dilution of focus.
At 5th+ level, consider Ranged Disarm from Complete Warrior. Unlike Ranged Sunder and Ranged Pin, it doesn't require a good Str to be effective - it's a straight-up contest of attack rolls, which with your high Dex and good BAB is likely to be in your favor. Since you're doing it at range, you don't need to worry about AoOs or counter-disarms. It's especially effective against fighter-types, who tend to concentrate much of their wealth into one really good weapon (rather than two mediocre ones) - take away that weapon and they're much wimpier opponents. You can also shoot wands, potions, and the like out of people's hands. The downside is that many opponents, such as dragons, animals, aberrations, and many undead, don't use weapons, and you have to be within 30' so you may be vulnerable to being rushed. It's another good choice for a 2nd-rank archer - your fighter friend in front of you keeps you from being rushed, and can immediately take advantage of the fact that his opponent is now empty-handed.