Windrider Windriders are the knights of the sky , riding their flying mounts into combat . With time and experience , rider and mount move in graceful unison that makes them increasingly formidable opponents . The mount of a windrider is well disciplined and trained for combat . A windrider has a close relationship with her mount similar to the relationship between a spellcaster and his familiar . A windrider can intuitively sense the emotional mood of her mount from a distance . As the bond grows , the windrider and her mount can communicate as effectively as though they shared a common language , though other creatures cannot understand the communication without magical help . In time this bond between the windrider and the mount becomes telepathic - each can see through the other ' s eyes . As they ride in combat , windriders and their mounts learn to watch for one another ' s safety in combat . Windriders . Gryphon Riders . The Wildhammer dwarves of Aerie Peak long ago befriended the mighty gryphon s and these Windriders have helped the Alliance in various wars and conflicts , lending their aid to its cause in order to keep the skies free . They are renowned for defeating many mighty dragon s during the capture of Alexstrasza , darting around the crimson giants with astounding agility , confusing it and its handler , and finally one dwarf would swoop in and strike a killing blow to the head or skull . In close combat , Gryphon riders wield the legendary Stormhammers , but when taking down a dragon , creatures of thick scale where a hammer would be little use , they have been known to strike with long - handled battle axes with adamantium blades , biting through the scale . Wyvern Rider ( Wind Rider ) . The sapient wyverns of Kalimdor were eager to ally themselves with the shamanistic Horde . Impressed by the orcs ' commitment to honor and victory , the wyverns allowed the orcs to ride them into combat against those who would disturb the tranquility of Kalimdor and its denizens . The wyverns , who share a common ancestry with both dragons and gryphons , use their powerful claws and razor - like fangs against both airborne attackers and ground troops , while their riders may hurl envenomed spears at the enemy . Wyvern riders carry envenomed spears that have been coated with the lethal venom from Stranglethorn ' s giant jungle snakes . When pierced by these spears , the riders ' enemies are weakened and slowly eaten alive as the vile poison courses through their bodies . Dragonhawk Rider . Swift flying unit mounted by an Elven warrior . The fierce warriors of the Dragonhawk battalions are often the first into combat , picking apart the enemy ranks and surrounding enemy towers with dense fog so that reinforcements can strike unhindered by enemy defenses . Attacks land and air units . Troll Batrider . Light flying unit with incredible perception . Good at destroying buildings . The fire obsessed Troll Batriders are often used as reconnaissance for the Orcish Horde . Hippogryph Rider . Hippogryph s have a keen awareness of aerial tactics . Without riders , they attack in quick dives , striking with their beaks followed by swipes with their talons . Female hippogryphs avoid direct combat . If trapped on the ground , hippogryphs charge , trying to get space to regain the air . Carrying night elf archers , hippogryphs make careful circling attacks , darting within range long enough for a shot before wheeling away . Windwarriors . The most elite of windriders become Windwarriors .