The roar of the crowd, the thundering of hooves, and the sweet taste of victory—welcome to the most exciting event in Mineral Town! The Story Of Seasons Friends Of Mineral Town Horse Race is more than just a competition; it’s a chance to prove your bond with your trusty steed and win some of the most valuable prizes in the entire game. Whether you’re a first-time farmer or a seasoned veteran, winning the Derby is a major milestone. But it takes more than just showing up on race day. It requires dedication, a solid training plan, and a bit of track-side strategy. This guide will break down everything you need to know to gallop your way to the winner’s circle and claim those coveted medals.
Understanding the Mineral Town Derby
The horse race, also known as the Derby, is a biannual event held at Rose Square. It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase the results of your hard work and bond with your horse.
When Does the Horse Race Happen?
Mark your calendars! The event takes place twice a year, giving you two chances to compete or place your bets. You can find the Derby happening on the 18th day of Spring and the 18th day of Fall. On these days, most villagers will be at Rose Square, and the shops in town will be closed. Mayor Thomas acts as the host and the prize vendor, so be sure to talk to him to get started. You can enter your own adult horse in the race or simply enjoy the festivities and bet on the outcomes.
Getting Your Horse Race-Ready
You can’t win the race without a horse, and you certainly can’t win without a well-trained one. Your journey to victory begins long before you step onto the track. It starts the day you receive your pony and builds with every interaction.
From a Young Pony to a Loyal Steed
Early in your first Spring, Barley will visit your farm and ask if you can care for a young pony. Say yes! This is the only way to get a horse. For the first year, it will be too young to ride. During this time, your focus should be on building affection. Talk to it and brush it every single day. Using the brush not only cleans your horse but also significantly raises its friendship level. A happy and loved horse is the foundation of a future champion. Once it matures into an adult, you can finally put a saddle on it and begin proper training. How it looks can vary, and while it doesn’t impact performance, you might be interested in the different appearances they can have, which is similar to learning about story of seasons horse colors in other contexts.
The Secrets to Effective Horse Training
Once your horse is an adult, training becomes a daily priority. The goal is to max out its Stamina and Speed. These stats are hidden, but you can be sure they increase with consistent effort.
- Daily Riding: Ride your horse every day. Simply getting on and riding around your farm is the primary way to increase its stats.
- Brushing and Talking: Continue to brush and talk to your horse daily. This is crucial for maintaining and increasing its affection, which directly impacts its performance in the race. A horse with the maximum 10 hearts will run its heart out for you.
- Avoid Leaving it in the Rain: Just like your other animals, leaving your horse outside in rainy or snowy weather will cause its stress levels to rise and affection to drop. Always bring it back to the stable at night and during bad weather.
Dr. Sarah Miller, a fictional equine behaviorist, notes:
“The bond between a farmer and their horse in games like Story of Seasons mirrors real-life equestrian principles. Consistent, positive interaction is the key. The horse’s willingness to perform under pressure, like in a race, is a direct reflection of the trust and care it has received.”
Race Day Strategy: How to Win Big
When the 18th of Spring or Fall arrives, it’s time to put your training to the test. Head to Rose Square with your horse and get ready for the main event.
Race Mechanics and Controls
The horse race isn’t about mindlessly mashing buttons. It’s a game of stamina management. During the race, you’ll see a stamina bar next to your horse’s name, represented by green hearts. Pressing the ‘A’ button (or equivalent) will give your horse a temporary speed boost—a spur—but it will also consume stamina. If you deplete the stamina bar completely, your horse will slow to a crawl for a few seconds to recover. The key is to use your boosts strategically to maintain a lead without burning out.
A simple yet effective strategy is:
- Tap the spur button a few times at the very beginning to get a head start.
- Let your horse run at its normal pace for the middle portion of the race, allowing its stamina to recover slightly.
- As you round the final turn and head for the finish line, use your remaining stamina for a final burst of speed.
The Art of Betting: Earning Medals
Even if your horse isn’t ready to compete, or if you just want to earn extra medals, you can bet on the three races that happen throughout the day. Talk to Mayor Thomas to buy betting tickets. Each ticket costs 50G.
You can view the odds for each horse before placing a bet. Lower odds (like x2) mean the horse is a favorite and more likely to win, but the payout is small. Higher odds (like x25) indicate a long shot, but a win will result in a massive medal payout. A good strategy is to save your game before betting, see who wins, then reload and place your bet on the winning horse. While some consider this cheating, it’s an effective way to rack up medals quickly.
The Coveted Horse Race Prizes
Winning medals is the main goal of the Derby. After the races are over, you can exchange your hard-earned medals with Mayor Thomas for some exclusive and incredibly useful items.
What Should You Buy with Your Medals?
Here are the top-tier prizes you should save your medals for:
| Prize | Medal Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Power Berry | 900 Medals | A must-have item that permanently increases your maximum stamina. |
| Jewel of Truth | 1,000 Medals | One of the nine elusive jewels needed to craft the Stamina-saving Gem of Truth. |
| Dress | 250 Medals | A cosmetic item you can place in your dresser. |
| Diamond | 1024 Medals | A very valuable gem, great for profit or as a high-end gift. |
| Broach | 18 Medals | A gift you can give to villagers. |
The Power Berry should be your absolute first priority. After that, the Jewel of Truth is essential for dedicated collectors. The other items are nice but less critical for game progression. The easiest way to get enough medals for the big prizes is to win the race with your own horse, which awards you a significant number of medals, and supplement that by betting.
Mayor Thomas standing behind a counter displaying the prizes available for purchase with medals at the horse race.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many hearts does my horse need to win?
To have a very high chance of winning, your horse should have at least 8 hearts of affection, though 10 hearts is ideal. High affection translates to better performance and more stamina.
Can I participate in the first year’s horse race?
You cannot race your own horse in the first year because it will not be fully grown yet. However, you can still attend the event to bet on the other horses and start saving up medals.
What is the fastest way to earn medals?
The fastest way is the save/reload trick. Save your game right before talking to Mayor Thomas to start a race you are betting on. Watch who wins, then reload your save file and bet all your tickets on that winner.
How much training is enough?
There’s no magic number, but a consistent routine is key. If you ride, brush, and talk to your horse every single day from the day it becomes an adult, it should be in prime condition by the next Derby.
Can I lose my horse?
No, you cannot lose your horse. If you neglect it, its affection will drop, and it won’t perform well, but it will never leave your farm.
Your Path to the Winner’s Circle
Winning the Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town horse race is one of the most rewarding experiences the game has to offer. It’s a true test of your dedication as a farmer and a friend to your animals. By focusing on building a strong bond with your horse through daily care and consistent training, you’ll be well-prepared for race day. Master the art of stamina management on the track, play the betting game wisely, and you’ll soon have enough medals to buy the most sought-after prizes in Mineral Town. Now, saddle up and get ready to ride to victory
