Using a combat mount that is not an animal companion.

[Oryan77]

Ah, the DC 10 Handle Animal to get it to perform a trick is part of what I was wanting to know. That's what I was overlooking. Thanks.

 

[Grogg of the North]

Do Warhorses that are not animal companions ever level up with the party?

If you're the GM, of course it can!

I had a party of 2 PCs once that were helping the church of Ehlonna. As a thank you, the priestess performed a ritual to bless the PC's dogs and make them more formidable.

If you're a PC, then see if you can convince the party and the GM that your warhorse needs to go visit the ancient forest of druid-ness and drink from the enchanted waters there. Unless the party wants your mount to get shot out from you every other combat.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

Be sure to apply the Warbeast template. That's a HD increase that can be used for any animal, EXCEPT apparently a Warhorse, so perhaps start with a regular horse?
If you didn't investigate [MENTION=1165](Psi)SeveredHead[/MENTION] 's Wild Cohort suggestion, you should.
If you use the Awaken spell suggestion, be sure to do the Warbeast and Wild Cohort stuff first.

The Handle Animal Guide should have all tons of useful ideas.

 

[frankthedm]

Handle animal can be used to train larger animals and some other critters. It just takes time.