= Small mods that change the visuals =

Previously, the horse looked like it was made of steel and commanded respect with its appearance.

Exactly, it looked like steel, like the blade of a necromancer's scythe, and had that same bluish hue. What respect could there be for a rotten nag oozing with pus? A horse should evoke a different association.

Now the horse looks like an eel... slippery, slimy, and unpleasant to the touch 😅

That's exactly what it should be. So, I think the second option is excellent. And, as I said before, it's better in terms of execution quality.