I know that you like the white but I really think it would benefit from some kind of subtle pattern in the background.

I love his face. It's tiny, but completely readable.

Thanks for all the comments!

Stickman:  I hope it's a bit more horse-like now.  After messing with it I realised it was the eyes being to close together.  Not perfect but better I hope...lol

I understand that the head of the horse is stylised but it feels weird to me, like a transplant from a fox or a dog? 

Good pic! I thought he was riding a wolf (Princess Mononoke) at first. If you've still got time, I'd say tweak the horses head and this would make it almost perfect!

My graphicsgale keeps changing the colors on me.  WTF?  I'm not sure what to do.

EDIT:  No matter what I do I can't seem to fix this.  eg: I set the rgb of the darkest color to 58-36-46 and it changes to 56-35-45.  If anyone could help me it would be appreciated.

EDIT AGAIN:  Seems to be fixed.

Seems to be an issue with your colors :<

I think it's a good start but needs more time...I'm echoing what cure said about the horse.  Also, perhaps you should give the rider a bit more height. 

 i felt something off with the horse as well but LOVED the palette

I see what you mean.  Although I think it's due to a poorly defined neck and mane. 

i think the horse's head is too small/slender and the body too bulky, differentiating between the body and main would help a bit, as it is legs are a bit frail looking (especially given the large frame of the horse)