Yes, you can absolutely save your horse in both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom if it dies in battle or from a fall. The method is simple: take your horse’s body to any stable and speak to the stable owner or a designated stable hand. They have the ability to revive your fallen companion for free.
Horses are more than just fast transportation in the vast world of Hyrule; they are companions that can grow deep bonds with Link. Whether you are navigating the sprawling fields of Breath of the Wild (BotW) or exploring the new heights and depths of Tears of the Kingdom (TotK), knowing how to acquire, care for, and bring back your trusty steed is vital. This guide provides detailed, easy-to-follow steps to ensure your equine friend is always ready for the next adventure.
Securing Your First Companion: Horse Taming Basics
Getting your first horse is a rite of passage in both major modern Zelda titles. It requires patience and stealth, especially when first attempting Zelda horse taming.
The Art of the Approach
Wild horses roam many open areas, particularly in the fields of Hyrule near Lookout Landing or the initial stages of your journey. Approaching them correctly is half the battle won.
- Stealth is Key: Wild horses have sharp hearing. Crouch down by holding ‘B’ (or the corresponding stealth button). Move slowly. If the horse’s ear twitches in your direction, stop moving until it settles.
- Use the Wind: Notice which way the wind is blowing. Approach from downwind so your scent doesn’t carry to the horse.
- Location Matters: Look for horses grazing peacefully. Horses near aggressive Bokoblins or in highly trafficked areas are often jumpier.
The Taming Process
Once you are close enough, the final part requires a bit of stamina management.
- Mount Up: When you are right next to the horse, press ‘A’ to mount it.
- Taming Minigame: The horse will immediately try to buck you off. You must rapidly press the required button (usually ‘L’ or ‘R’ depending on the console) to soothe it.
- Stamina Drain: While soothing, your stamina wheel will decrease. If you run out before the horse calms, it will throw you off.
- Preparation: Ensure you have at least one full stamina wheel, or even better, consume a stamina-restoring dish (like those made with Stamella Shrooms) beforehand. This gives you the buffer needed to calm even the wildest steeds.
After a few successful pushes of the button, the horse will calm down, and you will see a prompt indicating it is tamed. Congratulations! You have successfully performed Zelda horse taming.
The Bond of Trust: Building Horse Loyalty
A newly tamed horse is just a vehicle. To unlock its full potential, you must focus on Breath of the Wild horse bonding. A higher bond level means the horse will listen better, follow you automatically, and stay closer.
Increasing Your Bond Level
Bonding is earned through consistent positive interaction, not just riding.
- Riding Time: Simply riding the horse across Hyrule helps build trust. Longer, unbroken rides increase the bond faster.
- Feeding: If you carry apples or carrots, you can feed your horse directly by holding the required item and pressing ‘A’ when near it. This is a quick boost to the bond level.
- Grooming: When resting at a stable, interact with your horse. You can choose to groom it. This small act of care significantly improves the bond score.
- Avoiding Harm: Do not let your horse get hit by enemies or fall from high cliffs. A horse that trusts you feels safe around you.
Bond Level Benefits
The higher the bond, the more reliable your companion becomes.
| Bond Level | Link’s Authority | Horse Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Newly Tamed) | Low | Ignores recall commands sometimes. |
| 2 (Trust Building) | Medium | Responds reliably to whistles. |
| 3 (Trusted Friend) | High | Follows commands instantly; stays close when dismounted. |
| 4 (Best Friend) | Maximum | Can be commanded across greater distances; sometimes performs evasive maneuvers on its own. |
Where to Find and Register Your Mounts
Knowing how to register a horse Zelda is crucial for long-term ownership and revival services. You cannot save a horse you haven’t registered.
The Stable Network
Stables are the hubs for all horse-related activities. They are marked clearly on your map once discovered. They provide shelter, food, and the essential registration service.
- Zelda stable locations are often found near major roads, towns, or key geographical features. Look for the large, distinctive horse-head signs.
- Registration: To register any horse, speak to the stable proprietor. There is a fee (usually 20 rupees) for the first registration. This links the horse to your Rider’s Ledger.
- Storage: You can store up to five horses at any stable. If you try to register a sixth, you must choose which existing horse to release.
Locating Specific Horses in TotK
In Tears of the Kingdom, finding horses is similar to BotW, but new areas mean new opportunities. If you are searching specifically for a reliable mount, knowing the Tears of the Kingdom horse location spots helps.
The large grassy plains around Hyrule Field and the East Necluda region still host many standard horses. However, if you are looking for special breeds, explore:
- The Faron Grasslands: Good for finding slightly stronger wild horses.
- The Tabantha Tundra: While cold, sometimes hardier breeds can be found grazing near stable outskirts.
Discovering the Best Horses in Zelda
Not all horses are created equal. Their power, speed, and stamina are determined by their inherent stats. Finding the best horses in Zelda can significantly change travel efficiency.
Deciphering Horse Stats
When you examine a horse before taming it, you will see three core stats indicated by a row of stars:
- Speed: How fast the horse runs at its top speed.
- Stamina: How long the horse can gallop before needing a rest (this relates to Link’s stamina wheel, but is tied to the horse’s endurance).
- Strength (or Temperament): How easily the horse is controlled and how often it bucks.
You want a high number of stars in Speed and Stamina. The strength rating is more about how easy it is to tame initially; it doesn’t heavily impact its performance once bonded.
The Strongest and Fastest
While random generation exists, certain named or unique horses are known for superior best horse stats Zelda has to offer.
| Horse Type | Max Speed Stars | Max Stamina Stars | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Wild Horse | 2-3 Stars | 2-3 Stars | Common, easy to find. |
| Royal Guard Horse (BotW) | 4 Stars | 3 Stars | Rare, often found near Hyrule Castle ruins. |
| Giant Horse (BotW/TotK) | 1 Star | 2 Stars | Excellent strength, slow speed. Cannot wear armor. |
| Epona (Amiibo Exclusive) | 4 Stars | 4 Stars | Excellent all-around stats, highly reliable. |
| Satori Mountain Horse (TotK) | Varies | High | Often appear when the Lord of the Mountain is present. |
If you seek the absolute pinnacle of horse performance, look for horses with four or five stars in both Speed and Stamina. These are rare finds in the wild.
Unique Horses Zelda Offerings
Beyond standard horses, Hyrule features some truly unique horses Zelda allows you to acquire.
- The Giant Horse: This massive beast is incredibly sturdy and can withstand much more punishment than a normal horse. It is slower but nearly indestructible in minor scuffles. It cannot use standard horse armor, however.
- Zelda’s Royal White Stallion: A majestic white horse often found near the Snowfield Stable area in BotW. It has excellent stats and a special connection to the princess.
- The Lord of the Mountain’s Horse (Satori): In Tears of the Kingdom, a variant of the Lord of the Mountain sometimes appears as a glowing blue horse. If tamed, it has incredible stamina reserves.
Equipping Your Steed: Horse Equipment Zelda
Once you have a good horse registered, you need the right gear. Horse equipment Zelda items enhance protection, carrying capacity, and control.
Saddles and Bridles
Saddles and bridles are the most common gear pieces. They affect control and comfort.
- Saddles: These determine Link’s comfort and how easily he can stay mounted during rough terrain or combat. Standard saddles offer basic seating.
- Bridles: These control the horse’s responsiveness to commands. Better bridles allow Link to direct the horse more precisely, especially at high speeds.
Horse Armor for Protection
If you plan on fighting monsters while mounted, horse armor is essential. It reduces the damage your horse takes.
- Obtaining Armor: Horse armor is usually obtained from specific stables after completing a side quest or after reaching a high enough bond level. For example, the Traveler’s Saddle and Bridle might be available early, while the Knight’s or Soldier’s sets require more effort.
- Armor Sets: Often, armor comes in sets (Saddle + Bridle) that provide a small bonus when used together, such as slightly improved resistance or speed boost.
Carrying Capacity: Panniers
Panniers are bags that attach to the saddle, greatly expanding Link’s inventory space while riding.
- Function: These bags allow you to carry extra cooking ingredients, arrows, or mining materials without having to stop and drop items.
- Acquisition: Check the inventory of upgrade-focused stables. Often, you must have bonded well with the stable owner to unlock the option to purchase panniers.
The Worst-Case Scenario: Reviving Your Horse
Accidents happen. Link can fall, an enemy Lynel can swing a massive club, or a dragon might accidentally scorch your loyal friend. The biggest question for many players is: How do I stop being sad when my horse dies? The answer is simple: revival.
The Revival Process: Step-by-Step
It is vital to remember that horses do not die permanently in the traditional sense. They are merely knocked unconscious and require a trip to the stable.
- Confirm Death: After a horse’s health bar empties, it will collapse. A prompt may appear confirming the horse has perished.
- Locate a Stable: Get to the nearest stable location as quickly as possible. You can travel by foot or use fast travel if you are near a tower or shrine, leaving the body behind. The horse’s location is fixed until revived.
- Speak to the Stable Hand: Approach the stable owner or the attendant usually found near the stable entrance or fire pit.
- Select the Revival Option: A dialogue option will appear, often labeled “I need to talk about my horses” or specifically mentioning reviving a fallen friend.
- Confirmation: The stable hand will ask which registered horse you wish to revive. Select the name. The horse will instantly reappear outside the stable, fully healed and ready to ride. This service is always free for registered horses in both games.
Why the Horse Stays Put
When you leave your horse’s body in the field, the game engine keeps it there indefinitely. This is a blessing, as you are never under pressure to rush the revival immediately after the incident. You can finish a difficult dungeon, stock up on supplies, and return later knowing your companion is waiting patiently (or sadly lying there).
Reviving Amiibo Horses
If your deceased companion was an Amiibo-summoned horse (like Epona), the revival process is the same. However, if you are impatient, you can also re-scan the relevant Amiibo card, and the horse will reappear at your location (though this might reset its bond level depending on the specific game iteration). Sticking to the stable is the most reliable method for keeping your hard-earned bond intact.
Horse Care in Challenging Climates
Hyrule is full of extreme weather. A horse with poor protection can quickly suffer in extreme cold or intense heat.
Cold Weather Travel
Areas like the Hebra Mountains or the Eldin Peaks in winter require protection for Link. Your horse needs protection too, especially if you plan on long treks.
- Thermal Armor: Link needs cold-resistant armor.
- Horse Gear: Use horse equipment Zelda that provides cold resistance. Often, the higher-tier saddles and bridles offer minor temperature buffers.
- Warm Food Buffs: If you lack the proper armor or gear, feed your horse a Spicy Pepper or a Spicy Mushroom dish before heading out. This grants the horse a temporary warming effect, preventing stamina drain due to cold.
Hot Weather Travel
The Gerudo Desert and Eldin Volcano regions pose a different threat: overheating.
- Heat Resistance: Link must wear heat-resistant gear or use elixirs.
- Cooling Gear: Look for saddle and bridle combinations that offer heat resistance.
- Hydration: Keeping your horse cool is harder than keeping it warm. Riding slowly and resting often is crucial in the desert. Feed the horse cooling items if available, though specific cooling horse food items are rarer than warming ones.
Advanced Strategy: Choosing the Right Horse for the Job
The best horse stats Zelda offers aren’t always necessary for every task. Sometimes, a specialized mount is better suited for specific gameplay styles.
Speed Demon for Exploration
If your main goal is crossing large, open areas like Hyrule Field quickly to reach a distant shrine, prioritize a horse with 4 or 5 stars in Speed. Stamina is secondary because you can always carry stamina-replenishing meals for Link.
Tank for Combat
If you frequently engage in mounted combat against strong foes like Hinoxes or Lynels, opt for a horse with high Strength and good natural health, like the Giant Horse. While slow, its ability to absorb damage means Link can focus on attacking rather than constantly worrying about the horse’s well-being. This ties into reviving horse in Zelda preparedness—the tougher the horse, the less often you need that service.
All-Rounder for Balanced Play
For general play—a mix of exploration, light combat, and puzzle-solving—a horse with 3 or 4 stars in both Speed and Stamina is perfect. This is what most players find when they successfully complete the standard Zelda horse taming process on a decent wild find.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Zelda Horses
Can I name my horse in Zelda?
Yes. When you register a horse at any stable, the stable hand will prompt you to assign a name. You can change this name later by paying a small fee to register the horse again at any stable.
Do horses disappear if I don’t visit the stable?
No. Once a horse is registered at a stable, it is permanently tethered to that stable location (or any stable you choose to move it to). Even if you leave a horse in a field for weeks of in-game time, it will remain there until you return to retrieve it or it is killed.
What happens if I let my horse die in Tears of the Kingdom if I haven’t registered it?
If a wild horse dies before you register it, it is permanently gone. You must find a new one to tame. This is why prioritizing the initial registration is vital.
Are there horses in the Depths?
Generally, no, horses cannot travel into the Depths (the underground region in Tears of the Kingdom). The terrain is too uneven, and the environmental hazards are too severe. You must rely on vehicles, running, or your paraglider down there.
How do I get Epona without an Amiibo?
In Breath of the Wild, there is currently no known in-game method to acquire Epona without scanning the corresponding Smash Bros. or Twilight Princess Link Amiibo. In Tears of the Kingdom, she is also locked behind Amiibo use.
Can I ride non-horse creatures in Zelda?
Yes, in Breath of the Wild, you can sometimes tame larger bears or deer, but they cannot be registered at stables and cannot wear armor. In Tears of the Kingdom, Link can utilize Zonai devices attached to creatures or objects to move around, but true, registered equine companions remain horses.