Really good mesh and wrap work. I really dig the helmet. I think the rider being slightly shorter than the average elf is fine, considering how mounted units usually look in this game.
My only gripe is that the first attack sequence lacks the oomph of the other ones. That and it does kinda look like he's whacking the bird's head. Try extending the movement to the mount itself when he swings the ax. It will go a long way to making the attack more dynamic.
Also, weapon variations (sword, spear, lance) could be a nice cherry on top of an already solid model.