Pets aren't incredibly strong, as they're not meant to be used for combat. But because of this, they're terrible for the intimidation skill, which is based on the mount's strength.

Syntax: INTIMIDATE
Engrage your steed into a fury and it will attempt to intimidate another steed,
sending it panicking. The success of the intimidation depends on your skill in
riding and the level of your steed versus the level of the target steed and the
riding skill of its rider (if mounted).

Is there anything that can be done about this, or is the solution to just buy a better mount?