Taming the Wilds: Understanding Multiple Horses in Skyrim
So, you’re roaming the snow-capped peaks and dragon-infested ruins of Skyrim, and you’ve acquired a taste for equine companionship. The question is, what happens when your stable starts to overflow? Having multiple horses in Skyrim is entirely possible, but the game mechanics dictate a somewhat nuanced approach. The last horse you ride becomes your active, following horse. Any previously ridden horses will generally return to their original stable of purchase (if purchased), or the location they were last found (if a quest reward or stolen). However, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee their safety, as they are still vulnerable to the dangers of the Skyrim wilderness. This means they can be attacked by enemies and, tragically, even die. It’s a horse-eat-dragon world out there!
The Mechanics of Multiple Horse Ownership
Skyrim allows you to own an unlimited number of horses. However, the game only designates one as your “primary” horse at a time. This designation is determined by the last horse you mounted. This “primary” horse will be the one that follows you when you fast travel and waits for you outside of towns.
The other horses in your stable effectively go into a sort of “standby” mode. They’ll either return to their original purchase location, or remain where you last left them. The key takeaway is that only the last ridden horse will benefit from fast travel following functionality.
The game doesn’t actively track every horse’s exact location with pinpoint precision after you dismount and switch to another one. Therefore, ensuring their survival requires some careful planning on your part. For instance, if you switch horses in a bandit-infested area, the dismounted horse will attempt to travel to its “home,” potentially running straight into danger.
Survival of the Fittest (or Luckiest)
Because non-active horses are not protected, it’s possible to lose them permanently. While essential quest horses like Shadowmere are programmed to respawn after a certain number of in-game days (usually 10), regular purchased or found horses are not so fortunate. If a dragon decides your old steed looks like a tasty snack, that’s curtains for Dobbin.
There is a slight caveat with stolen horses such as Frost. If you take him to a stable or the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary and then switch to another horse (like Shadowmere), Frost will return to the place you originally found him near the Black Briar Lodge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skyrim Horses
Here are some frequently asked questions related to horse ownership in Skyrim, designed to address common concerns and maximize your equine experience:
1. Can I have more than one horse following me at a time?
No, Skyrim’s game mechanics only allow for one actively following horse. The last horse you rode will be the one that stays with you and appears when you fast travel.
2. What happens to my old horse when I buy a new one?
If you purchased your previous horse, it will generally return to the stable where you bought it. However, keep in mind that it can be attacked by enemies during its journey back.
3. What happens to Shadowmere if I get another horse?
If you abandon Shadowmere for another horse, there is a risk of finding her corpse if you fast travel. Return to the location where you fast-traveled from and you may find her there, if enemies were present. She will respawn, so wait ten in-game days, kill all the enemies in the region, and then she should reappear when you fast travel again.
4. Can I keep Frost and Shadowmere at the same time?
Yes, you can acquire both Frost and Shadowmere. However, Frost is a stolen horse, so if you ride him, then pick up Shadowmere, Frost will automatically return to the location where you first found him. They will never appear at the same stable simultaneously.
5. Is it worth keeping Frost in Skyrim?
Frost is definitely worth keeping. He has higher stats than most purchased horses and attacks enemies more often. His unique name and handsome appearance make him a desirable steed, especially if you prefer to avoid the Dark Brotherhood.
6. What gender is Shadowmere?
Interestingly, Shadowmere’s gender is inconsistent between games. In Oblivion, the character who mentioned Shadowmere’s gender was male and identified her as female, while in Skyrim, the character who mentioned Shadowmere’s gender was female and identified her as male. This suggests the horse might be genderless or androgynous.
7. Can Shadowmere walk on water?
By default, Shadowmere cannot walk on water. However, there are mods available that grant Shadowmere this ability, along with poison/disease resistance, stealth perks, and even combat spells.
8. Will my horse wander off in Skyrim?
If you own the horse, it generally won’t wander off unless it’s being attacked. Wild or stolen horses will usually return to their original locations.
9. Can you steal a horse and keep it permanently in Skyrim?
No, you can’t permanently keep a stolen horse. Wild or stolen horses will always return to their original location. You must buy a horse for 1000 gold or earn one through a quest to have it remain with you.
10. Are horses worth buying in Skyrim?
Horses are incredibly expensive in the early game, and it costs 1000 gold to buy one, which is not worth it at all. It’s a better idea to save that money and put it towards better weapons and gear.
11. How do you get the Unicorn in Skyrim?
The Unicorn is found just west of the entrance to Lost Prospect Mine. It is a wild horse and will run away from you if approached. It must be tamed. The Unicorn is part of the Creation Club content.
12. Can you ride a dragon in Skyrim?
Yes, you can ride a dragon in Skyrim after obtaining all three Words of Power for the Bend Will Shout through the Dragonborn main questline.
13. Who is better, Arvak or Shadowmere?
Shadowmere is the stronger and more offensive horse, and will respawn if killed after 10 days. Arvak dies when the 60-second time limit is over. Arvak will never die as long as you’re mounted.
14. How do I get rid of Shadowmere without killing him?
The easiest way to “get rid of” Shadowmere is to simply ride another horse. After a while, if you don’t engage with Shadowmere, he will eventually disappear.
15. Is Shadowmere the fastest horse in Skyrim?
While Shadowmere is an excellent horse with high health and stamina, other horses are actually faster. But Shadowmere is the best because it is acquired as a reward for completing the Dark Brotherhood quest “The Purification”.
Beyond the Stable: Further Exploration
The nuances of horse ownership in Skyrim are just one small piece of the vast and intricate world Bethesda has created. If you’re interested in learning more about the mechanics of game design, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society. Understanding how games like Skyrim are constructed can enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of the gaming experience. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Ultimately, managing multiple horses in Skyrim requires awareness of the game’s mechanics and a willingness to prioritize the safety of your steeds. While it’s possible to amass a stable of magnificent animals, the responsibility for their well-being rests squarely on your shoulders, Dragonborn. Happy riding!