Welcome, aspiring virtual ranchers, to the ultimate guide on horse training in Farming Simulator 19! If you’ve ever dreamed of seamlessly integrating these magnificent creatures into your farming operations, or simply want to master their capabilities, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from basic handling to advanced utilization, ensuring your horses become valuable assets on your digital farm.
The Foundation: Understanding Your Equine Companions
Before diving into training, it’s crucial to understand the basics of horse mechanics in Farming Simulator 19. Horses are not just cosmetic additions; they possess specific functions and require care to perform optimally.
Acquiring Your First Horse
You can purchase horses from the in-game shop. They appear as icons on the map, allowing you to select and buy them. Once purchased, they are assigned to your player profile. You can then approach them with a trailer to transport them to your farm.
Basic Needs: Food and Water
Like their real-world counterparts, horses in Farming Simulator 19 require sustenance. They need to be fed grass or hay regularly. Ensure you have a consistent supply. While water isn’t a direct mechanic, maintaining their food supply is paramount for their well-being and trainability. A well-fed horse is a responsive horse.
The Training Process: From Novice to Expert
Training in Farming Simulator 19 is less about complex commands and more about familiarization and gradual integration into farm tasks. The core idea is to spend time with your horse, expose it to various farm activities, and gradually increase its “training” level.
Level 1: Basic Familiarization
The first stage of training involves simply having your horse with you. Take it out of the stable, hitch it to a trailer, and ride it around your farm. The more time you spend with your horse, the higher its training level will gradually increase. There’s no explicit button to “train”; it’s an organic process tied to interaction.
Level 2: Introducing Work
Once your horse has a decent training level (visible in the shop menu when you select it), you can begin introducing it to basic farm work. This primarily involves tasks that require pulling, such as plowing, harrowing, or cultivating fields.
Hitching and Pulling
To get your horse to pull equipment, you need to:
- Purchase a suitable trailer or implement: Ensure it’s designed for horse-drawn use.
- Approach the horse with the trailer/implement: Position yourself correctly so the hitching prompt appears.
- Hitch the equipment: Once hitched, you can begin controlling the horse to pull.
Initially, the horse might struggle with heavier implements or difficult terrain. This is where the progression of its training level becomes apparent. A higher training level means greater strength and efficiency in pulling tasks.
Level 3: Advanced Utilization and Speed
As your horse’s training level approaches 100%, you’ll notice a significant difference in its performance. It will be able to pull heavier loads with greater ease and at a faster pace. This is when horses truly shine as valuable farmhands.
Utilizing Horses for Speed
While not as fast as tractors, horses can be surprisingly effective for certain tasks, especially when their training is complete. They are particularly useful for:
- Early-game field preparation: Before you can afford powerful machinery, horse-drawn plows and harrows can get your fields ready for sowing.
- Transporting smaller items: Quickly move goods around your farm without needing to start up a tractor.
- Navigating smaller farms: Their maneuverability can be an advantage in tight spaces.
Pro Tip: Keep your horse well-fed and interact with it frequently to maintain and maximize its training level. This ensures it’s always ready for demanding tasks.
Maximizing Efficiency: Tips for Horse Training
Beyond the basic mechanics, several strategies can help you get the most out of your equine workforce.
Choose the Right Horse
Different horse breeds in the game might have subtle differences, though the core training mechanics remain the same. Experiment to see if you prefer the look or perceived performance of certain breeds. However, focus on consistent training for all horses.
Consistent Feeding Schedule
Regularly replenish your horses’ food troughs with grass or hay. This is the single most important factor in maintaining their training progress and ensuring they are always in top condition. Don’t let them go hungry!
Active Interaction is Key
The more you actively use your horse – whether riding it, hitching it to equipment, or simply having it nearby – the faster its training level will increase. Make it a part of your daily farming routine.
Consider Using Multiple Horses
For larger tasks, consider using multiple horses hitched to the same implement or trailer. This can significantly increase your pulling power and speed up operations, especially in the early to mid-game.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While horse training in Farming Simulator 19 is straightforward, some players might encounter minor hurdles.
“My horse isn’t training!”
- Ensure it’s fed: This is the most common reason for stalled training. Check the feed levels.
- Increase interaction: Are you actively using the horse? Riding it, hitching it, or moving it around the farm contributes to its training. Simply letting it stand in the stable won’t advance its level.
“My horse is too slow/weak.”
- Training level: The horse’s training level is the primary factor. Ensure it’s close to 100%.
- Implement weight: Are you trying to pull an implement that’s too heavy for a lower-trained horse? Try a lighter one or wait until the horse is fully trained.
- Terrain: Uneven terrain or slopes will naturally slow down any horse.
“How do I sell a horse?”
You can sell horses back at the shop, similar to how you bought them. Approach the shop icon with the horse trailer containing the horse you wish to sell.
The Role of Horses in Your Farming Empire
Ultimately, horses in Farming Simulator 19 offer a unique and rewarding experience. They harken back to a simpler time in agriculture while still being a viable and engaging part of the game’s mechanics. Mastering their training allows for a deeper connection to your virtual farm and provides a charming alternative or supplement to your mechanical fleet.
Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting your agricultural journey, investing time in understanding and training your horses will undoubtedly enhance your gameplay. So, hitch up, ride out, and let your equine partners help you build the farming empire of your dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I start training a horse in Farming Simulator 19?
A1: Training is an organic process. Simply acquire a horse, keep it fed, and actively use it for riding or farm tasks. Its training level will increase over time with consistent interaction.
Q2: What is the fastest way to increase a horse’s training level?
A2: Consistent feeding and actively using the horse for various tasks like riding, plowing, or pulling trailers are the most effective ways to increase its training level.
Q3: Can horses be used for all farming tasks?
A3: Horses are primarily used for pulling implements like plows, harrows, and cultivators, or for transporting goods with trailers. They are not suited for tasks requiring high speeds or complex machinery operations like combine harvesters.
Q4: Do different horse breeds have different training speeds or stats?
A4: While cosmetic differences exist, the core training mechanics and progression apply universally to all horses in Farming Simulator 19. Focus on consistent care and use for any horse.
Q5: What happens if I don’t feed my horse?
A5: If a horse is not fed, its training level will not increase and may even decrease over time. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining and improving their performance.
Q6: Can I use horses alongside tractors?
A6: Absolutely! Many players use horses for specific tasks, especially in the early game or for smaller fields, while relying on tractors for larger-scale operations. They can complement your fleet effectively.
Q7: Where can I buy horses in Farming Simulator 19?
A7: Horses can be purchased from the in-game shop. Look for the horse icon on your map to find the purchasing location.
