Welcome to Zephyr Town! As you settle into your new life as a farmer, you’ll quickly discover that getting around and hauling your goods to the weekly bazaar is quite the chore. While your own two feet can only get you so far, a four-legged friend can change everything. That’s where your trusty steed comes in. Mastering the art of Story Of Seasons Grand Bazaar Horse Training is not just a fun activity; it’s a fundamental step toward becoming a successful and efficient farmer in this bustling world. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from acquiring your first horse to winning the thrilling horse race.
Having a horse isn’t just about faster travel. It’s about companionship, upgrading your farming capabilities with a cart, and participating in one of the town’s most exciting festivals. But before you can gallop your way to victory, you need to build a bond with your equine partner. This involves daily care, understanding its needs, and consistent practice. Think of it as building a relationship—the more effort you put in, the greater the rewards. Let’s get you saddled up and on the path to becoming an expert equestrian.
How to Get Your First Horse in Grand Bazaar
Before you can even think about training, you need a horse. Unlike in some other farming simulation games, you don’t start with one, nor can you simply buy one right away. In Grand Bazaar, your first horse is a gift, a sign that you’re becoming an established member of the community.
You will receive your horse from Enrique and Felix, the father-and-son duo who run the town’s animal shop. The event will trigger automatically once you meet a specific in-game milestone. To get your horse, you must reach the Spring of your second year. On Spring 2nd of Year 2, Felix will visit your farm in the morning and gift you a horse. There is no other way to get the first horse, so patience is key during your first year. When you receive it, you’ll get to give it a name. Choose wisely, as this companion will be with you for a long time!
The Essentials of Story of Seasons Grand Bazaar Horse Training
Once your new friend has arrived, the real work begins. The core of horse training in this game revolves around increasing your horse’s Friendship Points (FP). A higher friendship level not only makes your horse happier but also directly impacts its performance, especially its stamina, which is crucial for winning the horse race. Here’s a breakdown of the daily tasks you should perform.
Daily Care: The Foundation of Friendship
Just like with your other livestock, consistent, positive interaction is the fastest way to your horse’s heart. These simple actions, when done every day, will steadily increase its friendship level.
- Brushing: The first thing you should do each day is brush your horse. You can buy the Brush tool from Enrique’s shop, “Animals,” at the bazaar. Simply equip the brush and use it on your horse once a day to keep it clean and happy. This small gesture shows you care and contributes significantly to its FP.
- Talking: Interacting with your horse is just as important. Stand next to it and press the ‘A’ button to talk to it. It’s a quick and easy way to earn some affection.
- Treats: While not as direct as brushing, giving your horse treats is another way to show affection. Horse Treats can be purchased from Enrique’s shop and are a reliable way to boost friendship.
As seasoned farming gamer “Old Man Fitz” often says, “The tools in your shed are only as good as the relationships you build in your barn. A happy horse will carry you farther than a neglected one ever could.”
Using the Stethoscope to Monitor Progress
How do you know if your efforts are paying off? The Stethoscope is an invaluable tool for any animal owner in Grand Bazaar. Purchased from Enrique’s shop, this item allows you to check the current friendship level of your animals, including your horse. When you use it on your horse, it will display a message indicating its affection towards you. This feedback is essential for tracking your training progress and ensuring you’re on the right track.
Riding Your Horse: Practice Makes Perfect
Of course, the most practical part of training is riding. To ride your horse, simply approach it and press the ‘A’ button (when not holding a tool). Riding your horse every day serves two purposes: it increases its friendship level and allows you to travel across the map much faster. The more you ride, the more comfortable your horse becomes, and this bond is what ultimately translates into better performance during competitions. Regular riding is non-negotiable if you plan to compete in the horse race.
Upgrading Your Capabilities: The Horse Cart
The single biggest advantage of having a horse in Grand Bazaar is the ability to use a horse cart. Early in the game, you’re limited by the small capacity of your rucksack, which makes gathering materials and transporting goods to the bazaar a slow process. The horse cart changes the game entirely.
Once you have your horse, you will automatically receive a cart. To attach it, simply walk up to the cart on your farm and interact with it while your horse is nearby. The cart functions as a mobile storage chest, allowing you to carry a significantly larger quantity of items. This is invaluable on bazaar days, as it enables you to sell more products and maximize your profits. You can load it up with produce, foraged items, and animal products throughout the week, and then simply ride your horse, cart in tow, to the bazaar to sell everything.
Competing in the Horse Race: A Test of Skill
The ultimate test of your Story of Seasons Grand Bazaar horse training is the Horse Race, which takes place on Spring 25th each year. Winning this festival not only comes with bragging rights but also a fantastic prize that can be a huge boost for your farm.
To participate, you must sign up with Felix between 10 AM and 1 PM on the day of the festival. The race itself is a test of your horse’s stamina and your ability to manage it effectively. Your horse’s stamina is represented by a series of hearts on the screen during the race.
How to Win the Grand Bazaar Horse Race
Winning isn’t just about having the highest friendship level; it requires strategy during the race. Here are the key tactics for crossing the finish line first:
- Manage Your Stamina: The most critical element is stamina management. You have a regular speed and a faster dash. Dashing consumes stamina hearts. If you run out of stamina completely, your horse will slow to a crawl for a few seconds, allowing opponents to pass you easily.
- Use Your Dash Wisely: Don’t hold down the dash button continuously. Use it in short bursts, especially on straightaways. Let go of the button to allow your stamina to recover slightly before dashing again.
- Look for Carrots: During the race, you will see carrots appear on the track. Running over these will instantly restore some of your horse’s stamina. Prioritize grabbing these carrots, as they can be the difference between winning and losing. Plan your path to intercept as many as you can.
- High Friendship is Key: While strategy is important, a horse with a higher friendship level will naturally have more stamina to begin with. This is why daily care and training throughout the year are so vital. A horse with a high FP can withstand more dashing and recover faster.
By combining consistent daily care with smart race-day strategy, you’ll be well-equipped to claim the top prize and prove you’re the best rider in Zephyr Town.
An action shot of the horse race in Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, with the player's horse dashing to grab a carrot for a stamina boost, key for winning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to get the horse in Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar?
You will automatically receive a horse as a gift from Felix on Spring 2nd of your second year in the game. You cannot get it any earlier, so you must play through one full in-game year first.
Can I own more than one horse in the game?
No, in Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, you can only own one horse. This horse is your primary companion for travel, hauling your cart, and participating in the annual horse race.
What is the best way to increase my horse’s friendship quickly?
The most effective method is consistency. Brush and talk to your horse every single day without fail. Riding it daily also contributes significantly to raising its friendship points over time.
What happens if I neglect my horse?
Neglecting your horse by not brushing or talking to it will cause its friendship level to decrease. This will result in lower stamina and a poor performance in the horse race. In severe cases of neglect, animals can become sick.
What is the prize for winning the Horse Race?
Winning the Horse Race for the first time typically rewards you with a wonderful, a rare and valuable item used for upgrading your tools and making special items at the workshop. Subsequent wins will yield other valuable rewards.
Conclusion: A Partnership for Success
In the world of Grand Bazaar, your horse is more than just a pet or a mode of transportation; it’s your partner. A well-cared-for horse will revolutionize your farm’s efficiency by allowing you to haul massive amounts of goods with the horse cart. The journey of Story of Seasons Grand Bazaar horse training is a rewarding one, culminating in the thrill of competition at the annual race. By dedicating a small amount of time each day to brushing, talking, and riding, you build an unbreakable bond that pays dividends in both friendship and farm productivity. So, cherish your equine friend, train diligently, and together you’ll ride your way to prosperity in Zephyr Town.
