Ubermount (3.5e Optimized Character Build)

Introduction
Summary::Get an epic-level mount well before level 21.

Progression
Race (Templates): Race::Strongheart Halfling

Final progression: Titan Bloodline 3 / Paladin 5 / Beastmaster 1 / Halfling Outrider 8 / Fighter 1 / Wild Plains Outrider 2]]

Highlights
Mount/Animal Companion Boosts by Level 20:
 * From Animal Companion: 4+3 (Beast Master (+3) + Bloodline) + 8+3 (Halfling Outrider + Bloodline) + 2+3 (Wild Plains Outrider) = 23
 * This gives +12 HD, +12 Natural Armor, +6 Strength, 7 bonus tricks, and all the abilities as though the character were a level 23 druid for the purpose of the animal companion/mount
 * From Mount: 5+3 (Paladin + Bloodline) + 8+3 (Halfling Outrider + Bloodline) = 19
 * This gives +8 HD, +10 Natural Armor, +4 Strength, Intelligence of 9, and all the abilities as though the character were a level 18 paladin for the purpose of the animal companion/mount
 * Total comes out to +20 HD, +22 Natural Armor, and +10 Strength if a basic (level one) animal companion is taken, enough to push even the most basic animal to epic levels
 * Remember that your animal companion/mount gains feats as normal, and thus can take Epic feats once its HD reach 21

Tactics
OR
 * Charge
 * Send animal companion in and watch the carnage

Further Optimization

 * Pick up a Valorous lance to double damage on charges
 * Pick up a wand of Rhino's Rush (Spell Compendium) to double damage on charges
 * Pick up a wand of Find the Gap (Spell Compendium) to make the first attack every round a touch attack

Limitations

 * Low Will save
 * Getting separated from the animal companion

DM Counters

 * Normal melee counters (mobility, illusions, concealment, etc)
 * Target that low Will save

Variants

 * Psychic Warrior can replace Fighter, though one point of BAB will be lost
 * To change up your animal companion a bit, you can pick up Celestial Mount for the Celestial template or Exalted Companion to get a magical beast (both from Book of Exalted Deeds) or Dragon Steed to get a dragonnel (Draconomicon), which can later be upgraded to a Young Gold Dragon (which would still be advanced by 20 HD, as above)
 * Page 204 of the Dungeon Master's Guide also details some alternate mounts