pushing a mount

[Number47]

After looking up, and using, the overland travel rules on page 143 of the PHB, I am left with a couple questions/problems. The rules for hustling overland and for traveling more than 8 hours seem pretty clear. They also would seem to apply to only the mount. In other words, mean or evil people could simply ride their mounts to unconsciousness and suffer no other penalties. In fact, it looks like you can force your horse to hustle (double base move) for a good five hours before it means anything bad, as long as you don't use it in combat. The problem I have with this is that the rider suffers no penalties, not even for if they ride hard for twelve hours.

Shouldn't the rider be affected, at least some? Or is there some rule that I am missing in this?

 

[kreynolds]

Shouldn't the rider be affected, at least some?

You could impose a -12 circumstance penatly to any check that involves his stiff behind.

Or is there some rule that I am missing in this?

Yeah, there is something you're missing. The horse. Who's to say it would just go along with running itself to near-death? I'm thinking you would need to make a really good ride check to push a horse that hard. Sure, they're pretty stupid, but self-preservation instincts are more powerful than even the most intelligent mind or skilled rider.