My general quick breakdown of possibilities. I'd probably go a stat-based route unless you want to kinda hybridize into cav or something.
Increased stats route
31 -> +1 stat, save skill point
32 -> +2 stat
Agility Route
33 -> +1 WM, +1 Ath, +1 IF/Shd
34 -> +3 IF/Shd
35 -> +2 IF/Shd, +1? or +1 STR, +1 IF
Strength Route
33 -> +1 PS, +2 IF
34 -> +2 IF, +1 Shd
Skills route
Riding - Occasional Lance C
31 -> +3 Rid
32 -> +3 Rid
33 -> +1 Rid, +2 IF/Shd
General Improvement
31 -> +2 Shd, +1 IF
32 -> +3 IF
33 -> Maxed useful skills, some riding or stats