Rules for Horse footing?

[dcollins]

My understanding of horses and real-life cavalry is that they're really optimal for smooth, open areas. That is, in hilly/ brooken/ wooded/ rough areas, men on foot will move faster than horses. I've read many times that on a rough slope, a rider may need to dismount and lead the horse in stead of riding it.

Are there any D&D rules that reflect that? It seems by the core rules that in a rough area, everyone goes slower by the same amount -- that is, horses will outpace men everywhere, even a steep slope or rugged terrain. Any rules anyone knows of that simulates the extra difficulty horses have on rough terrain, etc.?

 

[Legildur]

I think your basic assumptions are okay, but be aware that there is a lot of mountain country riding here in Australia. Horses can get into some pretty rugged terrain, particularly on the smaller pony and whaler type horses. They can be surefooted and reliable. Often they are/were used for cattle herding in the rugged high country. The main advantage they have is the ability to carry greater weight than what a person with a backpack could carry and, of course, their endurance - if properly cared for.

 

[Stalker0]

Are there any D&D rules that reflect that? It seems by the core rules that in a rough area, everyone goes slower by the same amount -- that is, horses will outpace men everywhere, even a steep slope or rugged terrain.

This is actually not true, as horses can use their run feat in open terrain, going much faster than people.

And unless the terrain is very mountainous could I see a horse going slower than a man.

 

[Infiniti2000]

It's not true. Riders dismount because the added weight may cause problems. Without the added weight (or even with it, but it's riskier), the horse will always be faster. The problem is that when the horse injures a leg, he's sol. Can the rider carry the horse back to the barn? Obviously not, and the horse shouldn't walk on it (if it will heal at all), so the risk in riding a horse in really rugged terrain far outweighs the advantages of going fast.

Of course, this basically amounts to the same thing. You'd need rules to simulate the dangers a horse faces in rugged terrain.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

If you apply the horse's size under 3.5, much of the time the horse will be "squeezing" in rough or close terrain. Apply the reduced movement rate for rough terrain only; for close terrain, the horse will take a movement penalty as well as AC and ability check penalties. While that doesn't force dismounting, it certainly makes it easier to operate when dismounted rather than mounted.

It's probably the one advantage to 10x10 horses!

 

[dcollins]

If you apply the horse's size under 3.5, much of the time the horse will be "squeezing" in rough or close terrain. Apply the reduced movement rate for rough terrain only; for close terrain, the horse will take a movement penalty as well as AC and ability check penalties. While that doesn't force dismounting, it certainly makes it easier to operate when dismounted rather than mounted.

It's probably the one advantage to 10x10 horses!

Yeah, I did consider that, and it's a good solution to woods, swamps, undergrowth, etc. But I couldn't think how it would apply to terrain that's just a steep slope and/or rocky underfoot.

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Yeah, I did consider that, and it's a good solution to woods, swamps, undergrowth, etc. But I couldn't think how it would apply to terrain that's just a steep slope and/or rocky underfoot.

Like, say, a narrow foot-trail along a rocky slope? It's wide enough for horses and people to walk (5'), but it isn't wide enough to allow a horse to fight effectively (hence squeezing penalties).

 

[frankthedm]

It's probably the one advantage to 10x10 horses!

I think being encouraged to make a mini for that chubby horse is a good thing too!

 

[Kealios]

I think your basic assumptions are okay, but be aware that there is a lot of mountain country riding here in Australia. Horses can get into some pretty rugged terrain, particularly on the smaller pony and whaler type horses. They can be surefooted and reliable. Often they are/were used for cattle herding in the rugged high country..

Yea, just watch the movie "Man From Snowy River". Great movie--am I dating myself?

 

[Legildur]

Yea, just watch the movie "Man From Snowy River". Great movie--am I dating myself?

I wasn't going to mention the movie, even though it was a great example of cross country riding, as I was unsure of the audience exposure to it. But yeah, you and I are both dating ourselves with references to this movie