The rider protagonist often faces a dual conflict that's both external and deeply personal. On one hand, there's the literal, physical challenge of mastering a mount—be it a dragon, a horse, some fantastical beast, or even a motorcycle in a dystopian setting. This creates immediate, high-stakes action: staying alive during a chaotic stampede, navigating treacherous terrain, or executing complex maneuvers during a chase. It's the most visceral part of their struggle.
But I think the more interesting friction usually comes from the symbiotic relationship itself. The bond between rider and mount isn't a given; it's a constant negotiation of trust, will, and sometimes survival. There's a power dynamic to figure out. Is the rider truly in control, or is it a partnership? I've seen stories where the mount has its own agenda, leading to internal conflict for the MC who has to choose between their goals and their companion's instincts. That tension, the question of who's really leading whom, can drive a whole narrative.
Then you've got the societal angle. In a lot of these worlds, riders form an elite class, a specialized guild, or a military order. That comes with politics, rivalries for prestige, and the weight of tradition. The MC might clash with rigid instructors or envious peers. If their bond is unusual—like bonding with a creature considered inferior or forbidden—they're fighting prejudice on top of everything else. Their greatest challenge isn't always a monster; it's proving their place in a system built around their very skill.