Taming horses in Breath of the Wild sets the foundation for exploration, fast travel, and tactical combat. With a few well timed approaches, you can transform wild steeds into reliable allies on your journey across Hyrule.
This guide covers practical methods, timing windows, and behavior quirks that shape the botw horse taming experience. Read through the key phases, refer to the stats table, and use the FAQ to solve specific taming situations you might encounter.
| Horse Name | Bond | Speed | Control | Typical Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt | 3/5 Stars | High | Low | West Necluda |
| Star-Gazed | 4/5 Stars | Medium | Medium | Lanayru Region |
| Sunray | 5/5 Stars | Medium | High | Near Outskirt Stable |
| Fragile Fury | 2/5 Stars | Low | Low | Faron Grassland |
Approach and Initial Contact
Before you can botw horse taming, you need to understand how Link communicates with wild horses. Approach slowly, avoid sudden sprinting, and keep weapons sheathed to reduce fear.
Use the camera to scan for glowing eyes at night, which often reveal horses that are easier to approach under cover. Align your movement with the horse’s gait to stay within taming range without triggering a flee response.
Mounting and Bond Building
First Successful Ride
The moment you stay on a horse for a few seconds without dismounting, the bonding meter begins to rise. Each successful ride adds progress toward full trust.
Gallop and Spin Techniques
Pressing both acceleration buttons while holding the reins guides the horse into a controlled gallop, which speeds up bond growth. Spinning the left stick gently helps keep the horse calm during tense moments.
Advanced Control and Riding Mastery
Once the horse trusts you, you can issue commands through the stable menu or with precise stick inputs. Proper timing for rein pulls determines how sharply the horse turns or how quickly it stops.
Experiment with short bursts of speed followed by gentle braking to maintain momentum while avoiding panic. Advanced players use these controls to navigate tight combat arenas and steep cliffs.
Stable Management and Horse Stats
Registering tamed horses at stables lets you name them, check their stats, and swap saddles. A well balanced horse excels in speed, control, and bond stability.
Keep an eye on bond ratings, because a high bond means the horse will revive you more reliably when you fall in battle. Matching your playstyle to these traits improves overall adventure efficiency.
Refined Techniques for Consistent Botw Horse Taming Success
- Scan the environment before approaching to spot safe paths and avoid cliffs.
- Approach at a walking pace and match your steps to the horse’s rhythm.
- Use short sprints followed by pauses to build bond without overwhelming the animal.
- Name and register each horse at a stable to track progress and preferences.
- Practice turning and stopping in open fields before attempting mountain routes.
- Leverage the camera angle to maintain a calm, non-threatening stance.
- Prioritize bond development early to ensure reliable support in boss fights.
- Experiment with different horses to find traits that match your exploration style.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does my horse run away immediately when I get close?
Approach from the side rather than head on, slow your movement, and avoid raising your weapon to prevent triggering a flight response.
Can I speed up bonding by feeding the horse?
Horses do not eat hay or fruit to speed bonding; consistent rides and calm behavior are the primary factors in building trust.
Is it better to tame a fast horse or a highly controllable one?
Fast horses help with travel, while controllable ones excel in combat and technical sections; choose based on your current objectives.
What happens if I dismount during a dangerous section?
Dismounting safely near obstacles prevents the horse from panicking, but remember that some cliffs and ravines can cause instant fall damage if you misjudge the jump.