The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has proven to be a smash hit since its recent release, evidenced by the fact it's already sold over ten million copies. The game follows Link's quest to take down the treacherous Ganondorf. It also features many world-building points native to its prequel, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, such as hunting dragon parts and cooking, while introducing elements like building machines. With so much world to explore, players can rely on one other familiar feature: mounts.
In both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, horses are used to travel around the vast open world of Hyrule. While there is a variety of different horses with different colorings and stats, in TotK, several horses are wholly unique, making them a must-have for completionists and collectors alike. Acquiring these horses range in difficulty, but like with any rare item, the process is as satisfying as the result.
Stalhorse
Unlike most horses in the game, Stalhorses are skeletal in appearance. While this makes them unique and a must-have for many players, the undead beasts have their downsides. For instance, they can't be registered in stables due to rumors that they are cannibalistic. This rumor seems to be unfounded, since players won't lose their registered horses when taking the Stalhorse into their care.
To find Stalhorses, players can search the Akkala Highlands, Hebra Mountains, Ranch Ruins, and Rutile Lake. If players travel to the Snowfield Stable, they'll receive the quest "Stalhorse: Pictured!" which tasks players with finding a nearby Stalhorse. To best mount a Stalhorse, it's recommended that players drop in from above, since this will lessen the Gloom effect that plagues these horses.
Epona
When most players think of horses in the Zelda franchise, they think of Epona. The majestic Clydesdale has been Link's loyal companion since Ocarina of Time. Interestingly, players can't acquire her through a quest or event in Tears of the Kingdom.
The only way to get Epona is to scan a Link or Twilight Princess Link Amiibo from Super Smash Bros. on the Switch. Even then, Epona isn't a guaranteed spawn. Players may need to try multiple times to summon her.
Ganondorf's Horse
Featured in Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess, Ganondorf's horse is a hulking beast that looks as tough as he is. Luckily for players of Tears of the Kingdom, the horse is fairly easy to find. Ganondorf's horse can be found grazing among other horses in a pasture on the peninsula to the west of Deepback Bay.
The trouble with Ganondorf's horse comes in his taming. Taming horses are incredibly taxing on Link's stamina, and this steed will test Link even more. It will take players a minimum of two full stamina wheels before Ganondorf's horse begins to calm, and bonding with him afterward requires lots of pats and treats. It's recommended that players pack plenty of stamina-boosting food and armor before attempting to tame this beast.
Zelda's Golden Horse
One of the most treasured horses in Tears of the Kingdom is Zelda's gorgeous golden horse. To acquire it, players need to accept the quest "Possible Princess Sightings" from Penn at the Lucky Clover Gazette. This quest eventually takes Link to the Snowfield Stable, where Harlow sends players on a side quest to find Zelda's golden horse, who has fled north.
Heading north after the horse brings players face-to-face with the Frost Gleeok. If players are careful, they can get around it without a fight. Eventually, the golden horse can be found in North Tabantha Snowfield. This horse can be tamed by sneaking up on it and then sprinting before mounting.
Giant White Stallion
The Giant White Stallion, a breed unique to Tears of the Kingdom, is exactly what it sounds like: a massive white horse that dwarfs Link. The stallion is rumored to be a descendent of the horses used by Hylian royalty, making it a must-have for any collector. To find it, players should head to the Lake of the Horse God, south of Highland Stable. Players will recognize this area as the same location where the Horse God was found in Breath of the Wild.
Taming the Giant White Stallion follows the same process as other horses in the game, though it is much more difficult. Players will need to bring energizing elixirs or stamina-boosting armor, because the taming process eats away stamina bars like Ganondorf's horse does. Those who are lucky enough to tame the Giant White Stallion will be rewarded with a horse boasting maximum strength and a wild temperament, though its low speed may be a drawback to some players.