In the real world, humans have tamed horses and use them as mounts. Horses have very specific characteristics that make them a viable mount, such as size, back-strength, stamina, diet, behavior, etc. That is also the reason why we don't ride animals such as deer and zebras.

In my fantasy world (a world of hovering islands), humans have domesticated Species X to be used as flying mounts. Species X are feathered animals that have six limbs, four for land locomotion plus two wings.

What anatomical characteristics would these creatures need in order to be practical flying mounts?

• Mount: an animal that people ride in order to travel arbitrary distances
• Flying: capable of self-powered and controlled movement through the air

EDIT: If such a creature seems unfeasible, an answer stating so with proper arguments is as valid as any other.

In the real world, humans have tamed horses and use them as mounts. Horses have very specific characteristics that make them a viable mount, such as size, back-strength, stamina, diet, behavior, etc. That is also the reason why we don't ride animals such as deer and zebras.

In my fantasy world, humans have domesticated Species X to be used as flying mounts. Species X are feathered animals that have six limbs, four for land locomotion plus two wings.

What anatomical characteristics would these creatures need in order to be practical flying mounts?

• Mount: an animal that people ride in order to travel arbitrary distances
• Flying: capable of self-powered and controlled movement through the air

EDIT: If such a creature seems unfeasible, an answer stating so with proper arguments is as valid as any other.

In the real world, humans have tamed horses and use them as mounts. Horses have very specific characteristics that make them a viable mount, such as size, back-strength, stamina, diet, behavior, etc. That is also the reason why we don't ride animals such as deer and zebras.

In my fantasy world (a world of hovering islands), humans have domesticated Species X to be used as flying mounts. Species X are feathered animals that have six limbs, four for land locomotion plus two wings.

What anatomical characteristics would these creatures need in order to be practical flying mounts?

• Mount: an animal that people ride in order to travel arbitrary distances
• Flying: capable of self-powered and controlled movement through the air

In the real world, humans have tamed horses and use them as mounts. Horses have very specific characteristics that make them a viable mount, such as size, back-strength, stamina, diet, behavior, etc. That is also the reason why we don't ride animals such as deer and zebras.

In my fantasy world (a world of hovering islands), humans have domesticated Species X to be used as flying mounts. Species X are feathered animals that have six limbs, four for land locomotion plus two wings.

What anatomical characteristics would these creatures need in order to be practical flying mounts?

• Mount: an animal that people ride in order to travel arbitrary distances
• Flying: capable of self-powered and controlled movement through the air

EDIT: If such a creature seems unfeasible, an answer stating so with proper arguments is as valid as any other.