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Same unit entry as in the AM codex, same points cost, except the following changes:

Additional special rules:

- scout (confers outflank as well)
- fleet (allows re-roll of charge range)
- rage
- hit and run (allows gives them a 50% chance each combat phase to disengage after said phase...not that it helps much since they're pretty useless after the initial charge, but still)

Would this make them better?

 Sir Arun wrote:
Same unit entry as in the AM codex, same points cost, except the following changes:

Additional special rules:

- scout (confers outflank as well)
- fleet (allows re-roll of charge range)
- rage
- hit and run (allows gives them a 50% chance each combat phase to disengage after said phase...not that it helps much since they're pretty useless after the initial charge, but still)

Would this make them better?

They already have Fleet.

Scout and Hit & Run I can understand.

Rage I do not get.

Why not change them from useless to possibly useful by adding one toughness (from the horse) & the ability to trade their (useless) lances for las carbines as follows.
R S Type
18" 3 Assault 2
I'd use them if that could be done.

We had a post similar to this recently. I think the suggested changes revolved around the following:

1) +1 Toughness (from the mount) - Increases survivability

2) Special Rule that grants Hammer of Wrath at S5 AP3 - makes the initial charge more reasonable (no more 20+ I5, S5, AP3 attacks) and allows them to continue to be an AP3 threat after that first charge

3) Equip them with Power Lances (S4 AP3 on charge, S3 AP4 melee) - slightly reduce effectiveness vs. 3+sv armies (2x I3 S4 AP3 per charge vs. 2x I5, S5 AP3 once per game), increase effectiveness vs. 4+sv armies

4) Give Commissars/Priests the option to buy a mount - allow options for synergy and buffing

5) Take away the "one time use only" from the Hunting Lance - doesn't affect their 'glass cannon' usage, but makes them vastly more threatening after initial charge

I quite like the combination of 1, 2, and 4. It would make them slightly more survivable and normalize their melee effectiveness, while giving the option to pay points for Fearless, Zealot, Stubborn, High Ld, etc. 3 and 5 seem to be too big of an offensive boost to me and I think they do need a slight buff in the defensive department.

DoW

Back in 2nd edition, you could take Rough Rider Command Squads. Back in the 3.5 Guard codex, you could take Rough Riders with the Carapace Doctrine. Other thoughts include:

-Give Rough Riders the Platoon treatment. Losing a slot of Sentinels for a single squad of Riders isn't an attractive option. Getting the option to take 1-3? Sure.
-Give Priests, Lord Commissars, and Company Commaders the ability to ride horses.

 MagicJuggler wrote:
Back in 2nd edition, you could take Rough Rider Command Squads. Back in the 3.5 Guard codex, you could take Rough Riders with the Carapace Doctrine. Other thoughts include:

-Give Rough Riders the Platoon treatment. Losing a slot of Sentinels for a single squad of Riders isn't an attractive option. Getting the option to take 1-3? Sure.
-Give Priests, Lord Commissars, and Company Commaders the ability to ride horses.

Also Primaris Psykers and Wyrdvane Psykers. They'd be much more useful if they could dart 12" to cast a power. And I love the image of a cavalry charge with the riders issuing lightning bolts from their fingertips.