The relationship between rider and horse is complex – the horse has a mind of its own, but can be guided by the skill of it’s rider.  So, what if the rider has a special skill, like Evasion?  Will the mount benefit from this skill?

I can certainly understand a ruling that says while the rider might well use his Evasion ability for a reflex save that affects both rider and mount, he can’t very well help the horse dodge.  Granted, but what if we assume for the moment that the mount has Evasion?  If the mount makes its save, would it not also carry the rider to safety in some fashion?

What if the mount is intelligent?  Say for example my loyal War Griffon has Evasion and we’re fireballed.  The Griffon saves … can I fail?

I know the rules as written would simply have both mount and rider affected seperately, ignoring for the most part the complication of riding.  I’m just curious if there might be a better mechanism or perhaps future feat tree that would focus more on mounted combat, or mounted combat on an intelligent mount …