Can a cavalier voluntarily dismiss his mount?

[darth_borehd]

Can a cavalier voluntarily dismiss his mount and get a new one right away?
They mention what happens if the animal dies but not what would happen if you release the animal from service.

Druids can trade-in their animal companions for another one better suited to their current environment. Can cavaliers do that too? For example, when entering a desert, can a cavalier let his horse go and get a camel? Or get an aquatic creature when going underwater?

[Odo Hillborne]

From the PRD:

Quote:

A cavalier's bond with his mount is strong, with the pair learning to anticipate each other's moods and moves. Should a cavalier's mount die, the cavalier may find another mount to serve him after 1 week of mourning. This new mount does not gain the link, evasion, devotion, or improved evasion special abilities until the next time the cavalier gains a level.

They way the text is written above, the Cavalier forms a strong bond with his Mount, and wouldn't want to dismiss him. But it is not expressly forbidden.

My cavalier wouldn't do it. But he might get a camel to ride while in the desert, and have his faithfull mount either wait for him to finish in the desert and come back, or take the mount along unencumbered by his rider...

[darth_borehd]

Thank you. It seems to be allowable, but the barding and tricks will not "transfer".

[Azothath]

Dismissal of a (bonded) Mount is intentional, cavaliers just don't accidentially do it.
It would take the prescribed time to attract and gain a new Mount. Training would have to begin again and the feats require the cavalier gain a level.
If the PC bought the gear it stays with the PC. Whatever the Mount gained through class abilities goes with the Mount.
It would be best to do it right before you gain a level. The GM should allow you to change it out when you gain a level, taking a week plus any training time.

[Evilserran]

Beastrider archtype can kind of help you get around it, via last line in quoted text.

At 1st level, a beast rider forms a bond with a strong, loyal companion that permits him to ride it as a mount. This mount functions as a druid’s animal companion, using the beast rider’s level as his effective druid level. The animal chosen as a mount must be large enough to carry the beast rider (Medium or Large for a Small character; Large or Huge for a Medium character). The beast rider does not take an armor check penalty on Ride checks while riding his mount. The mount is always considered combat trained, and begins play with Endurance as a bonus feat. A beast rider’s mount does not gain the share spells special ability.

Each time the beast rider increases in level, he can choose to select a new, more impressive mount better suited to his increased power.