What Happens When You Buy a Second Horse in Skyrim?
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The short answer is: you can own multiple horses in Skyrim, but only one can be your active, fast-traveling mount at any given time. Purchasing a second horse simply adds it to your stable (figuratively, of course) and allows you to switch between them as needed, providing different stats and aesthetics depending on the horses you acquire.
Exploring the Equestrian Life in Skyrim: Beyond Shadowmere
Skyrim offers a diverse landscape best explored on horseback. While the first horse you acquire, or even a stolen one, can serve its purpose, the temptation to expand your stable is often irresistible. However, the game mechanics surrounding multiple horses can be a little confusing. Let’s delve into what you can expect when you invest in a second steed.
Managing Multiple Horses: A Practical Guide
Once you purchase a second horse, the previous one essentially becomes inactive. It remains where you last dismounted it. This means if you left it at your house in Whiterun, that’s where it will stay. The new horse you purchased then becomes your active mount.
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Switching Horses: To switch back to your original horse, you need to physically travel to where you left it and mount it. This action then designates that horse as your active mount again, and the second horse will remain wherever you dismount it.
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Fast Travel: Importantly, only your active horse will travel with you when you fast travel. The other horses will remain where they were last left. This is a key consideration when choosing which horse to use for a long journey.
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Horse Inventory: Sadly, horses in Skyrim do not function as pack mules. You cannot store items in your horses, regardless of how many you own.
The Allure of Variety: Why Own More Than One Horse?
While the practical benefits of owning multiple horses might seem limited, there are several reasons why a Dragonborn might want to expand their equestrian collection:
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Aesthetic Preference: Different horses have different appearances. Perhaps you prefer the sleek look of a black horse over a brown one, or vice versa. Owning multiple horses allows you to ride whichever one suits your mood or the current location.
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Unique Horse Attributes: Certain horses, like Shadowmere (obtained through the Dark Brotherhood questline), possess unique attributes such as higher health, stamina, and the ability to regenerate health quickly. Having access to these horses offers a tactical advantage in combat. Arvak, the ethereal horse summoned from the Soul Cairn, provides a convenient and unique mount that can be summoned anywhere.
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Roleplaying Immersion: For players who enjoy roleplaying, owning multiple horses can add to the immersion. Perhaps you have a sturdy warhorse for battles and a faster horse for exploration.
The Horse-Buying Experience: Where to Acquire Your Steeds
Horses can be purchased from stables located in major cities throughout Skyrim:
- Whiterun Stables: Located just outside the city gates.
- Riften Stables: Found near Riften’s entrance.
- Solitude Stables: Situated outside Solitude.
- Windhelm Stables: East of Windhelm’s city gates.
- Markarth Stables: Located just outside Markarth.
The price of a standard horse is generally around 1000 gold. Remember that you can only buy horses from stable owners, and stolen horses will not offer the fast-travel benefits of a purchased steed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Skyrim Horses
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about owning and managing horses in Skyrim, covering various aspects of equestrian life within the game:
1. Can horses die in Skyrim?
Yes, horses can die from enemy attacks, falls, or even friendly fire. Keeping your horse protected during combat is essential, especially when facing powerful foes. However, unique horses like Shadowmere and Arvak can regenerate health or be resummoned, making them less vulnerable.
2. How do I heal my horse in Skyrim?
You cannot directly heal your horse with spells or potions. The best way to protect your horse is to keep it out of harm’s way. Horses, especially unique ones like Shadowmere, regenerate health on their own.
3. What happens if my horse dies?
If your purchased horse dies, it’s gone for good. You’ll need to purchase a new one from a stable. Shadowmere, however, will respawn after a few in-game days near the location where it died. Arvak, being a summoned horse, can simply be re-summoned.
4. Can I customize my horse in Skyrim?
Unfortunately, horse customization is very limited in the base game. You cannot change their appearance or add armor. However, mods are available that offer greater customization options.
5. Can I store items on my horse?
No, you cannot store items on your horse in the vanilla version of Skyrim. This is a common request from players, and many mods address this limitation by adding saddlebags or other inventory options for horses.
6. How do I make my horse follow me?
Horses generally follow you for a short distance. However, they will remain wherever you dismount them if you travel too far on foot. The best way to keep your horse “with” you is to always fast travel with it as your active mount.
7. Can I ride a horse indoors?
No, you cannot ride a horse indoors. The game will automatically dismount you when you enter a building or cave.
8. What is the fastest horse in Skyrim?
There is no significant speed difference between the standard horses you can purchase from stables. Shadowmere is generally considered one of the best horses due to its high health and stamina, making it more durable in combat. Arvak, while not exceptionally fast, offers the convenience of instant summoning.
9. Can I steal a horse in Skyrim?
Yes, you can steal horses. However, stolen horses do not offer the fast-travel benefits that purchased horses do. If you dismount from a stolen horse and travel a significant distance, it will likely return to its original location.
10. How do I get Shadowmere?
Shadowmere is obtained by completing the Dark Brotherhood questline. Specifically, it is rewarded during the quest “The Cure for Madness.”
11. How do I get Arvak?
Arvak is obtained by completing a quest in the Soul Cairn, which is accessible during the Dawnguard DLC questline. The quest is called “Soul Cairn Horse.”
12. Can followers ride horses in Skyrim?
No, followers cannot ride horses in the vanilla version of Skyrim. Several mods address this limitation, allowing your companions to ride alongside you.
13. Do horses have stamina in Skyrim?
Yes, horses have stamina, which is depleted when sprinting. If a horse’s stamina is fully depleted, it will slow down to a walk.
14. What are the best horse mods for Skyrim?
Some popular horse mods include:
- Convenient Horses: Adds features like horse inventory, follower horse riding, and more advanced horse management options.
- Immersive Horses: Overhauls horse behavior and adds realistic features like horse needs and training.
- Better Horses: Improves the appearance and stats of horses.
15. Is it worth buying a horse in Skyrim?
Absolutely! While not strictly necessary, owning a horse makes traversing the vast landscape of Skyrim much faster and more enjoyable. It’s a worthwhile investment, especially for players who dislike fast travel and prefer to explore the world on horseback. Investing in a unique horse like Shadowmere or Arvak can provide significant advantages, making your adventures even more rewarding.