Exploring the vast, stunning landscapes of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an adventure in itself, but it can be a long walk. That’s where a trusty steed comes in. Knowing how to train a horse in Zelda Breath of the Wild is essential for traversing the kingdom efficiently. Taming a wild horse isn’t just about travel; it’s about forming a bond with a companion who will carry you through treacherous fields and into breathtaking new territories. This guide will walk you through everything from spotting the right horse to making it your loyal partner.
Finding the Perfect Steed: Where to Look
Before you can train a horse, you need to find one. Wild horses roam in herds across many regions of Hyrule, but some areas are better for finding high-quality mounts than others. For your first horse, a great spot is the field just past the Dueling Peaks Stable. However, for horses with better stats, you’ll want to venture out a bit further.
Key locations for finding wild horses include:
- Taobab Grassland: Located in the Lake Tower region, this area is famous for its powerful horses, including the legendary Giant Horse.
- Upland Lindor: Situated south of the Hebra Tower, this spot is known for herds that often contain horses with superior stats.
- The Fields of Akkala: The vast open plains in the Akkala region are another excellent place to search for a new companion.
A good rule of thumb is to look for solid-colored horses. While spotted horses are easier to tame, horses with a single, uniform color (like black, brown, or white) typically have better stats for speed, stamina, or strength.
A detailed in-game shot of Link crouching in tall grass, slowly approaching a wild black horse in Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Art of Taming: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve spotted a horse you like, the real challenge begins. Taming a horse in Breath of the Wild requires a mix of stealth, patience, and quick reflexes. Don’t be discouraged if you get bucked off a few times; it’s part of the process.
“Every horse has a unique spirit. The key is not to break it, but to build a partnership based on trust. The taming process is your first conversation with your new companion,” says Dr. Hestus Ramella, a fictional expert in Hyrulean equine studies.
Step 1: The Stealthy Approach
Horses are skittish creatures. If you run directly at them, the entire herd will bolt. You need to approach your chosen horse quietly from behind. Crouch down by pressing the left stick and move slowly. It’s best to approach from directly behind the horse, as its peripheral vision is quite good. Wearing stealth-enhancing armor like the Sheikah Set or consuming a stealth-boosting elixir can make this much easier.
Step 2: Mounting Your Horse
Once you’re close enough, you’ll see a prompt to “Mount.” Press the A button to leap onto the horse’s back. The moment you land, the horse will start bucking wildly, trying to throw you off. Be prepared for the next, most crucial step.
Step 3: Soothing the Beast
As soon as you’re on its back, start pressing the L button repeatedly to soothe the horse. You’ll need to keep an eye on your stamina wheel. Taming a more spirited horse consumes a lot of stamina, and if you run out, you’ll be thrown off. The more difficult the horse, the more stamina and soothing it will require. If you’re struggling, consider upgrading your stamina or bringing along stamina-restoring meals.
Step 4: The First Ride
Once the horse calms down and stops bucking, it’s officially tamed. However, it won’t be perfectly obedient just yet. You’ll need to gently guide it in the direction you want to go. If it tries to veer off course, soothe it again with the L button to reinforce your command. The goal is to get it to the nearest stable.
From Wild Companion to Loyal Partner: Building Your Bond
Taming is just the beginning. To unlock your horse’s full potential, you need to increase your bond. A higher bond means the horse will respond more readily to your commands, have more spurs for galloping, and even perform special maneuvers. You can check your bond level by speaking to the staff at any stable.
There are two primary ways to increase your bond with your horse:
- Consistent Soothing: Whenever your horse follows a command correctly, like starting a gallop or coming to a stop, give it a soothing pat with the L button. This positive reinforcement builds trust.
- Feeding: Horses love apples and carrots. Hold one of these items in your hand and stand near your horse’s head. It will happily eat the snack, and your bond will increase.
Making it Official: How to Register Your Horse
Once you’ve successfully ridden your tamed horse to a stable, you can make it your permanent companion. Speak to the man at the front desk to register your new mount. This process costs 20 rupees.
During registration, you’ll be able to:
- Name your horse: Give your companion a fitting name.
- View its stats: The stable master will tell you the horse’s stats, which are ranked from one to five stars in Strength, Speed, and Stamina.
- Saddle and bridle it: Once registered, your horse will be equipped with a saddle and bridle, and you can board it at any stable in Hyrule. You can keep up to five horses registered at once.
The user interface for registering a horse at a stable in Zelda: Breath of the Wild, showing the stats for strength, speed, and stamina.
Special Mounts in Hyrule: Beyond the Wild Herd
While taming wild horses is a core part of the game, there are also unique mounts you can find. These special horses, like the pure white Royal Stallion or the massive Giant Horse, require even more stamina to tame but offer incredible abilities. Finding them is a quest in itself and a true mark of an expert rider. Exploring the world is the best way to uncover rumors about these legendary beasts.
Frequently Asked Questions about BotW Horses
How do you get a horse to come to you in Breath of the Wild?
Once your bond with a registered horse is high enough, you can whistle by pressing down on the D-pad. If your horse is within earshot, it will run to your location. This is incredibly useful for summoning your ride after a climb or a battle.
Can your horse die in Breath of the Wild?
Yes, unfortunately, your horse can be killed by enemies. However, there is a special location in Hyrule where you can find the Horse God Malanya, who has the power to revive any of your fallen registered horses, for a price.
What is the best horse in the game?
This depends on your preference. Some players prefer maximum speed, while others value stamina for long gallops. The Royal Stallion has excellent speed and stamina, while the Giant Horse has maximum strength but cannot gallop. Taming different wild horses with solid coats is the best way to find a combination of stats that works for you.
How many horses can I own?
You can have up to five horses registered and boarded at stables across Hyrule. You can also have one temporary horse that you have tamed but not yet registered.
Conclusion
Mastering how to train a horse in Zelda Breath of the Wild transforms your experience of the game. It turns a long, lonely journey into an exciting expedition with a trusted friend. From the thrill of the chase to the satisfaction of a perfectly timed gallop across Hyrule Field, your equine companion is a vital part of the adventure. So get out there, find a herd, and begin the rewarding process of earning a loyal steed for your epic quest.
