The only thing that keeps this mini from an 8 (IMHO) is that you've actually gotten too close in the picture. On the gold on the beast's armour, you can see the brushstrokes, and where the paint didn't settle properly. Could also use a bit more shading, all around.
the rider is ok I like it. you could only give some shadows to armour of the beast or maybe a bit of drybrush to make it look used (it looks like brand new :-) ) Green eyes of the beast are cool .