Cavalier and Mounted Combat feat

[MasterBuilder]

I have to admit I'm really confused about the Cavalier. Why does a mounted combat specialist class not get the Mounted Combat feat as a class feat?

Was this an oversight or something?

[Cavall]

Because mounted combat is a trick not a necessity, I would guess. Plus you gain free feats, so it's more you could but you're not forced to. Which is better

[Badblood]

Do you mean, why didn't they just give Cavalier Mounted Combat as a free feat?
I think the first reason is that Pathfinder is designed to give players choices. When a class gets a bonus feat, its usually from a list. There are some exceptions to this, like wizards getting Scribe Scroll or Unchained rogues getting Weapon Finesse; but for the most part when you get bonus feats you get options. While Mounted Combat is a great feat to take as a cavalier, there are also lots of other good choices. Like Power Attack. Or Iron Will.

And I will tell you from experience; you probably won't always have the option of having your mount with you so having some good general feats is helpful.