Crusader vs Fighter / Cleric

[BeholdreR]

I'm building a mounted cleric of Erastil for kingmaker and I'm not sure if it is better to take a Crusader or to dip in 1 fighter lvl for the armor and weapon prof,as well as the the extra feat!

I plan to have a small race with the animal domain (animal companion) so I could choose Gnome and be proficient with the weapons I craft (lance, greatsword, bastardsword ect.)

I'm gonna have the role of the only party healer/buffer so I want to be the best I can while at the same time contribute to the weak frontline as the other players are ranged...

[Nicos]

I think the fighter/cleric is overall better. a crusader have one level more of spellcasting but lost a lot in the proccess.

[blackbloodtroll]

I am interested to see this build.

Have you considered the Magical Knack trait?