So Hrim and Gobi were the first to cross the finish line over the austrian border, and that's where she has to change horses. Dante was waiting for them at an alpine stable, with Ama in shape and ready to rumble. When it was time to leave, Hrim gave Gobi a hug and a kiss, as thanks for being a great mount and getting her safe and sound through the first part, then saddled Ama for the long journey through the Alps.
I read somewhere that the throat part of a halter or bridle comes from times of war, when a horse was so exhausted that the rider had to dismount and pull the animal after them, and the throat thingy would prevent the bridle/halter from coming off. No idea of how accurate this information is, but the neck piece does seem optional to me, so I prefer to leave it out :3