Firstly, it's so good to be back!

I'm working on a Mounted Combat build for an upcoming game I'm going to be in. I honestly have no clue where to start.

The game starts at level five and will be going Epic eventually, but for now I'm only worried about Level 5. I'm allowed all books printed by Wizards, possibly some 3rd party, but absolutely no homebrew

I've never played a mounted charger(which is preferred) but I'm assuming there are much better options than Halfling Paladin of Freedom 5/Halfling Outrider 5/Cavalier 10. I'd like to focus as much on Power Attack and Lancing as possible.

Thanks all!
Sam