Beast Rider, How does it work?

[Danzibe1989]

I understand everything about this, EXCEPT this particular part. what exactly does it mean because this is badly worded to someone like me and confuses the s$#& out of me.

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/cavalier/archetypes/paizo-cava lier-archetypes/beast-rider/

In addition, a 7th-level or higher Medium beast rider can select any creature whose natural size is Large or Huge, provided that creature is normally available as a Medium-sized animal companion at 7th level (like a bear). To generate statistics for such a mount, apply the following modifications:

Size Large
Ability Scores Str +2, Dex –2, Con +2;
Increase the damage of each of the mount’s natural attacks by one die size.

A beast rider cannot choose a mount that is not capable of bearing his weight, that has fewer than four legs, or that has a fly speed (although the GM may allow mounts with a swim speed in certain environments).

Anytime a feat or ability allows a mount to make a hoof attack, it can make a claw, slam, or other analogous attack instead.

This ability replaces the standard cavalier’s mount and expert trainer abilities.

[Valor Axeflail]

You choose an Animal Companion that's normally medium-sized at 7th level (like a Bear) that's naturally large-sized (like a Bear).

There aren't too many options to choose from. I chose a Bear.

[Danzibe1989]

I literally don't get it. Can you explain further

[Heather 540]

Ok, from what I'm reading, I think it goes like this:

Pick an animal companion that is Medium sized at level 7. Companions get a boost at either level 4 or 7, depending on the companion species. Sometimes this boost includes a size increase.

For example: Bears, Boars, Centipedes, and Small Cats start Small sized and grow to Medium sized. There are also companions that start off Medium sized and do not get a size increase later, like the Cave Salamander and Giant Frog.

If that companion species is in the game as a wild animal that is Large or Huge sized, you can use it as a mount at the larger size. You simply take the 7th level stats and abilities for the companion and add the modifications mentioned above.

You can't choose any companion that has a Fly speed (like a bird), has fewer than 4 legs (snakes and the like), or can't bear the rider's weight (check its strength score for carrying capacity). Depending on the environment the campaign will be in, the GM may allow a companion with a swim speed (like a shark). I'm assuming this rule would override the 4 legs rule but only for this specific situation.

[Gauss]

Danzibe1989, I think the problem you are having might be that you are just using the animal companion stats.
You also have to check the original version of your animal companion in the Bestiary to see what size it normally is when it isn't an animal companion.

Step 1) Select an animal companion that is medium sized at level 7, proceed to step 2.

Step 2) Determine if creature has 4 legs. If yes, proceed to step 3. If no, go back to step 1.

Step 3) Determine if creature has a fly speed. If no, proceed to step 4. If yes, go back to step 1.

Step 4) Check the bestiary for your selected animal companion. If the size of the animal (not it's animal companion version) is Large or Huge proceed to step 5. If it is not, go back to step 1.

Step 5) Increase the size of your animal companion to Large and give it the following modifiers:
Ability Scores Str +2, Dex –2, Con +2;
Increase the damage of each of the mount’s natural attacks by one die size.

(Note: I skipped the step regarding 'bearing your weight' because this is extremely unlikely.)

[Danzibe1989]

Ok all that was much better explained. Thanks