Can I Have 2 Horses in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, absolutely! You can own multiple horses in Skyrim, but there are a few key mechanics to understand. While you can amass a stable’s worth of steeds, only one horse is considered your “active horse” at any given time. This is the horse that will magically appear when you fast travel. Understanding how the active horse system works is crucial for any aspiring equestrian in the land of the Nords.
Understanding the Active Horse System
The active horse is simply the horse you last rode. When you mount a new horse, your previous mount will automatically return to the stable from which it was purchased, or its original spawn point in the case of unique horses like Shadowmere. This means you can’t ride around with a personal cavalry following you. This active horse will stay with you across Skyrim until you mount another.
This system is surprisingly convenient. If you’re adventuring far from civilization and need to switch to a different horse, you can trust that your original steed will return to a safe location. If you find that your horse died while traveling to its original home, you can usually fast travel and find your horse waiting for you at the location.
Horse Acquisition: Variety is the Spice of Life
Skyrim offers a variety of ways to acquire horses:
- Purchasing from Stables: Every major city with a stable offers standard horses for around 1,000 gold. These are your reliable, everyday mounts.
- Quest Rewards: Certain quests, like obtaining Frost in Riften, will reward you with a horse.
- Dark Brotherhood’s Shadowmere: Completing the “A Cure For Madness” questline for the Dark Brotherhood will give you Shadowmere, the best horse in the game! It is the fastest and most resistant.
- The Soul Cairn’s Arvak: Within the Soul Cairn (Dawnguard DLC), you can obtain the “Summon Arvak” spell, allowing you to conjure a skeletal horse at will.
- Creation Club Horses: The Creation Club (paid downloadable content) often adds new and unique horses with special abilities or appearances.
- Tamed Horses: With the Creations, you can tame horses in the wild.
Planning Your Equestrian Lifestyle
Managing multiple horses in Skyrim requires some foresight. Consider these factors:
- Stable Location: Choose a stable conveniently located near your frequently visited cities. This makes it easy to switch horses and retrieve your preferred mount.
- Unique Horses: Be mindful of where unique horses like Shadowmere will return. Shadowmere will reappear at the pool near the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary. Arvak can be summoned anywhere but has a limited lifespan each summon.
- Mods: Numerous mods exist that enhance the horse-riding experience, allowing for more realistic horse behavior or even the ability to stable horses at player homes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Horses in Skyrim
What happens to Shadowmere if I buy another horse?
If you acquire a regular horse, Shadowmere will remain at his spawn point outside the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary. The new horse will become your active horse. To switch back to Shadowmere, simply return to the sanctuary and mount him again.
Can I have a follower ride a horse?
Yes! You can purchase a horse for your follower at any stable. Once you mount your own horse, your follower will automatically mount their horse.
How do I get the best horse in Skyrim?
Shadowmere is widely considered the best horse in Skyrim, due to its high health, stamina, and combat prowess. It respawns after death, so you’ll never truly lose it. Arvak is also a good option since you can summon him whenever.
Can horses die in Skyrim?
Yes, horses can die from enemy attacks, falls, or environmental hazards. This is why protecting your horse is very important. Shadowmere is the exception, as he will respawn a few days after death.
Can I name my horse in Skyrim?
Unfortunately, the base game of Skyrim does not allow you to name your horses. However, mods exist that add this functionality.
Where do my horses go when I fast travel?
Your active horse will travel with you when you fast travel. Any other owned horses will return to the stable where they were purchased, or to their original spawn location if they are unique horses.
Are horses worth buying in Skyrim?
Horses are incredibly valuable for getting around the vast landscape of Skyrim. It takes a lot of time to explore the landscape by foot. However, the price of 1,000 gold can be steep early on.
Can I customize my horse?
Not in the base game. However, some Creation Club content adds new armors and saddles for horses. Additionally, mods offer extensive customization options.
Is Frost a good horse in Skyrim?
Frost is a decent horse that can be obtained fairly early in the game. However, Shadowmere is better overall if you can get him.
How do I summon Arvak?
After finding Arvak’s skull in the Soul Cairn (Dawnguard DLC), you will learn the “Summon Arvak” spell. Cast this spell from your magic menu to summon Arvak.
Can I breed horses in Skyrim?
No, horse breeding is not a feature in Skyrim. Mods may offer this functionality.
Do horses have unlimited stamina?
No, horses have stamina, which depletes when sprinting or jumping. Using all of a horse’s stamina will cause it to slow down.
What happens if my horse gets stuck?
If your horse gets stuck, try dismounting and moving away. The horse will often teleport to your location. If that doesn’t work, fast travel to a nearby location, and your horse should reappear with you.
Can I steal a horse in Skyrim?
Yes, you can steal horses. However, they will be marked as stolen, and guards may attempt to arrest you if they see you riding a stolen horse.
Can I get a Daedric horse in Skyrim?
Yes! Some Creation Club content allows you to summon and ride a Daedric Horse. These are typically very powerful and visually striking mounts. One can find the Daedric Horse in the wild where you can kill its original owner.
How do I get a Unicorn in Skyrim?
One can encounter a Unicorn through the Creations. After taming the Unicorn, you can take them to the nearest stable and customize their saddle.
Conclusion: A Stable of Possibilities
Owning multiple horses in Skyrim adds another layer of depth to your adventuring experience. While the active horse system keeps things manageable, the variety of steeds available ensures you’ll always have the perfect mount for any occasion. Now get out there, Dragonborn, and build the stable of your dreams! It is fun to try and collect all the different types of horses the game has to offer.
For more in-depth information on how video games are being studied and used in educational settings, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.