Alright guys thanks for the advice, I'm workin on a massive redux, basically redrawing everything and using the original as a template. I will post when it's complete.

Why do people think of it as wood?  Well, it's brown and it has a vaguely woody texture to it.  What is it supposed to be?  In all the pics that I've seen those parts have been golden; is there any reason they're brown here?

For the lighting, making it more dramatic might indeed be a good option;  you can use the lighting to great effect in directing focus, as well, which could also add to this piece.  To be honest, Arachne put this much better than I could in the comment on this piece.

As for the hooves, that might help, it's probably worth giving it a shot.  One thing about them that bothers me a bit is their dark outline, especially at the top.  I don't think you really need it to keep the two parts distinct (though I suppose it could be just part of the design, seeing as I'm not overly familiar with Arceus)

(and don't worry, I'm not really hatin' on Pokemon)

I don't see why ppl think it's wooden. It's obviously not. I tried to have the lightsource consistant like in the top left. I could make it more dramatic. Maybe changing the hooves direction would make more sense to the direction that he's facing.

And you can't hate on pokemon.

Yeah, Pokemon is dead...

...er, uh, I mean, yeah, nice sprite.  Well, nice start, anyway; I think that what you've drawn has a lot of potential, but it's not really living up to it yet.  One big problem is that everything on him (with the exception of his back right leg) is about the same brightness, so it all has the same visual priority.  Basically, it makes everything look flat.  You really need to think more about your lightsource; decide where the light is coming from, and adjust the sprite accordingly.
The leg placement also looks a bit uncomfortable, though it's kinda hard for me to tell, not being four-legged.
Anyway, it's still a good sprite, but it could yet be a really great sprite.

It's cool. But. I dunno, some things are weird. Woodenframe? Shouldnt it be gold?
His face is pretty weird too. And the shading isnt really good. Some things look flat, like its facing towards you even though its walking left.

I cant do this, but i just wanna point it out.

nice.his legs are weird

Triforce! That's the only I could get =\

(I'm not that big into games)

The weird wooden frame thing thats somehow attached to its midsection is reminiscent of the wing things on the spaceship in Captain Future.  Anyone know what I'm talking about?