Sohei Mounted Combat Feats - Horse Master

[Red Griffyn]

My Googlefoo did not reveal any FAQ or answer to my questions:

1. Is there a list of specified feats that count as "Mounted Combat Feats" that the Sohei (monk archetype) can take.

2. If not is there a good basis for a Sohei to take the Horse Master feat?

Monk bonus feats allow them to bypass the pre-reqs for feats in their list of bonus feats. This is how some monks get Dragon Style or other such feats. The Sohei archetype states:

"Bonus Feats: A Sohei may select mounted combat feats as bonus feats. "

I was hoping to build a 1 Cavalier (Saurian Champion) - Monk (Sohei) X and use the first or second bonus feat to pickup Horse Master. The Saurian Champion archetype removes the ability to build a lancer, but saves you 1000gp for muleback cords, saves you a feat on undersized mount, and lets you romp around on a dino (very thematic). Otherwise I'm going to have to go Goliath druid or something (a more powerful choice I feel given that it is a full caster) but less of a mounted combat feat build.

To me, Horse Master is a mounted combat feat on the basis that it includes pre-reqs related to mounts, the ride skill, is listed as a combat feat, it relates to a mount/animal companion's ability to fight.

What do you guys think?

[Badblood]

I'm assuming that this isn't for PFS? If this is for PFS, then the answer if definitely no. In PFS, the Additional Resources spell out that Horsemaster can only be taken by level 4 Cavaliers.

If not...then I think you stumbled on an unclear rule area, because its not like any feats are specifically marked as mounted combat feats. You might be able to argue your case to a GM. Personally, I don't think it was the intention for Sohei Monks to be able to take Horse Master. My reasoning is that when they said mounted combat feats, they meant to only include every feat that has Mounted Combat as a prereq. But like I said, that's just my opinion. Your GM might see things your way.

[CBDunkerson]

I have always assumed that the 'mounted combat feats' were... Mounted Combat and subsequent feats in the same chain (e.g. Mounted Combat -> Ride By Attack -> Spirited Charge).

Extending that to any feat which is used in combat while mounted might make sense, though I doubt it was the intent... but even then Horse Master seems potentially a bridge too far as it is really improving the mount rather than the character's fighting ability while mounted.

[Name Violation]

Horse master is in no way, shape, or form a mounted combat feat

[Stephen Ede]

Have to agree with the previous two posts.

Horse Master is not a Mounted Combat feat.
It's a Buff your Animal Companion/Special Mount feat.