Dwarves and Medium Mounts

[Dungeon Master of Fine Arts]

I am confused as to whether or not Dwarfs are capable of riding medium mounts.

I might be imagining it, but I have it in my head that and animal should be one size larger than the character if it's to be ridden. I can't find a source in the texts though.

Keeping that in mind, I found the following:

The Core Rule Book states in the equipment chapter:

Core Rule Book wrote:

A horse is suitable as a mount for a human, dwarf, elf, half-elf, or half-orc.

A pony is smaller than a horse and is a suitable mount for a gnome or halfling.

While the Bestiary states under the Pony's description:

Bestiary wrote:

Ponies are smaller breeds of horses better suited to halflings, gnomes, and dwarves, but they also make fond pets for humans as well. They stand 3 to 4 feet tall and weigh about 600 pounds.

A light load for a pony is up to 100 pounds, a medium load is 101–200 pounds, and a heavy load is 201–300 pounds. A pony can drag 1,500 pounds.

The statistics presented above are for a typical pony. Tougher ponies with the advanced simple template exist, but are relatively uncommon and, unlike horses, these creatures are not generally called “heavy ponies.” Like horses, ponies can be trained for combat with the Handle Animal skill, and such mounts often serve halflings, gnomes, and other small races as steeds in combat.

Is it a typo, in the Bestiary and Dwarfs shouldn't have been included in the Pony's description?

I'm raising this question because I have a Dwarf player who wishes to ride a medium bear and I'm uncertain if I should allow it.

What do you think?

[James Jacobs]

The Bestiary is in error.

Dwarves, as Medium creatures, need to ride Large mounts.

[bigkilla]

Yeah, I think a Dorf would be required to ride a large mount as they are medium sized.

Dammit, beat by 1 second!!

[Coridan]

Ponies were originally an exception to that rule in 3.5. Primarily because the idea of a Dwarf riding around on a horse as opposed to a pony is absurd looking.

[LovesTha]

Doesn't that just mean there needs to be a slightly larger pony that counts as large. Say a Heavy Pony.

[Chris Mortika]

Ooooh! A Dire Pony!!

James, if it shows up in a Bestiary, and it's pink, there's a ten-spot in it for you.

[Dungeon Master of Fine Arts]

Thanks for the replies folks. I found a some great links with info on some awesome pony variants:

Earth Pony
Pegasus Pony
Unicorn Pony

[Chris Mortika]

Nicely done.

(slow clap)