Is There a Riding Trainer in Pandaria? Your Guide to Mounts and Training in Pandaria
The short answer is: no, there isn’t a dedicated riding trainer specifically located in Pandaria that teaches you the base riding skill needed to use mounts. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t ride in Pandaria. The way mount riding works in World of Warcraft has evolved over the years, and Pandaria, introduced in the Mists of Pandaria expansion, is part of that evolution. Instead of a specific trainer in the region, the ability to ride ground mounts is automatically learned upon reaching the appropriate level. This streamlined approach means you don’t need to seek out a trainer within Pandaria to start your mount journey there. This is also true for the new Dragonflight expansion. You automatically learn the skill needed to ride a mount.
While you won’t find a classic riding trainer in Pandaria, the region is rich with unique mounts and vendors. Let’s explore how you can navigate the world of Pandaria on horseback (or other creature-back) and get the most out of your mounted adventures.
How Riding Skills Work in Modern WoW
Unlike earlier versions of World of Warcraft, you no longer need to seek out specific trainers to learn the basic riding skill. This was streamlined with the introduction of the Dragonflight Expansion. Instead of a gold fee, it is now automatically learned when reaching the required level. You automatically learn the Apprentice Riding skill at level 10, and you can use a wide range of ground mounts.
Leveling and Mount Accessibility
- Level 10: You automatically learn the Apprentice Riding skill, allowing you to use ground mounts.
- Level 30: You unlock the ability to use Flying Mounts.
This means that the moment you enter Pandaria, you will be able to use any ground mounts that you possess. You won’t need to search for a riding instructor or pay a fee to be able to ride your favorite mount.
Pandaria: A Hub for Unique Mounts
Though lacking a riding instructor, Pandaria more than makes up for it with a plethora of unique mounts. From the majestic Cloud Serpents to the sturdy Yak mounts, there’s a mount for every adventurer in Pandaria.
Where to Find Pandarian Mounts
- The Order of the Cloud Serpent: Several stunning Cloud Serpent mounts are acquired by completing the Order of the Cloud Serpent questline in Jade Forest. These are typically rewards or drops from certain bosses.
- Vendor Mounts: Yak mounts can be purchased from vendors in Kun-Lai Summit. Also, you can get dragon turtle mounts from the Pandaren Racial vendor in Stormwind.
- Raid and Dungeon Drops: Some mounts are rare drops from bosses within Pandaria dungeons and raids, such as the Reins of the Thundering Ruby Cloud Serpent which may drop from Alani, and the Clutch of Ji-Kun, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Riding in Pandaria and Beyond
1. Where can I buy Mount Pandaren?
Pandaren mounts, such as the Dragon Turtles, can be purchased from the Pandaren Camp in Stormwind City, located just north of the Dwarven District by the big balloon. These can be acquired by any player regardless of race or faction after they have achieved the correct level.
2. Where can I learn to ride undead horses?
The Undead Horse Riding Instructor, Velma Warnam, can be found in Tirisfal Glades. She is specifically for players of the Undead race.
3. Where do I get apprentice riding skill in WoW?
Apprentice Riding is automatically learned at level 10. You no longer need to visit a trainer to purchase this skill. You start with the most basic skill, which lets you use most mounts.
4. Where can I learn Horse Riding in Classic WoW?
Horse Riding is taught by Randal Hunter at the Eastvale Logging Camp in Elwynn Forest and requires that your character be level 40. The base training costs 20 gold (before discounts). This is specific to Classic World of Warcraft and not the Retail version of the game.
5. How do I learn the 225 riding skill?
In older versions of World of Warcraft, the riding skill at 225 was learned at several different locations, with a cost of 800 gold. If you play the Classic versions of the game, check the guides for your specific faction and version. In the current version of the game, all the riding skills are automatically learned upon reaching the proper level.
6. How do you get riding skills in Dragonflight?
In World of Warcraft Dragonflight, riding skills are automatically learned upon reaching the appropriate level. You don’t need to visit a mount trainer or pay gold.
7. How much does a mount cost in Vanilla WoW?
The base cost of rare racial mounts is 80 gold, while epic racial mounts cost 1000 gold. These costs can be reduced through reputation with the specific faction. The riding skill itself costs 20 gold per level (before discounts). This price does not apply to the current Retail version of the game.
8. What are some of the mounts available in Pandaria?
Pandaria boasts mounts like the Clutch of Ji-Kun, Dread Raven, Vicious Kaldorei Warsaber, Heavenly Golden Cloud Serpent, and several Gladiator’s Cloud Serpents, among others.
9. How do I get Pandaria mounts?
Many Pandaria mounts are obtained through completing the Order of the Cloud Serpent quest line, dropping from bosses, or purchasable from vendors.
10. Is there a Dwarf riding trainer?
Ultham Ironhorn is a dwarf ram riding trainer located on Amberstill Ranch in Dun Morogh. This is primarily used in the Classic versions of World of Warcraft.
11. Is there a riding trainer in Stormwind?
Darlene Stokx is a human riding trainer located just outside of Old Town next to SI:7 in Stormwind City. This is primarily used in the Classic versions of World of Warcraft.
12. What are the rarest mounts in WoW?
Some of the rarest mounts include the Black Qiraji Resonating Crystal, Vicious War Croaker, Deepstar Polyp, Ashes of Al’ar, and Deathcharger’s Reins.
13. What is the most expensive mount in World of Warcraft?
The Swift Spectral Tiger is considered the most expensive mount, due to its rarity from the World of Warcraft trading card game. Unused cards can be sold for thousands of dollars.
14. How much does level 40 riding cost in Classic WoW?
Level 40 riding in Classic WoW includes the riding skill, and either 80, 100 or 1000 gold for your mount.
15. How do I improve my riding speed?
Beyond the base speeds, there are several ways to increase mounted speed through items, quests, and enchants that can stack, though most of them are only available in lower levels: Enchanting Recipe (+2%), Carrot on a Stick Quest (+3%), and Mithril Spurs (4%)
Conclusion
While you won’t find a traditional riding trainer in Pandaria, the region is incredibly accessible in terms of mounting and exploration, thanks to the current automatic riding skill acquisition system. The focus of Pandaria is on experiencing its rich lore, unique mounts, and diverse landscapes. By reaching the appropriate level, you will be able to use any ground mount in your collection. With all these details in mind, you’re now fully equipped to ride into Pandaria and explore all it has to offer.