With the "Horse Ranch" expansion in The Sims 4, a new type of pet was introduced - horses. There were debates about how in the previous installment of the series, The Sims 3, all types of animals were released in a single "Pets" expansion, and players did not have to wait several more years for the appearance of horses, but overall the update was warmly received.

The gameplay turned out to be really interesting, and the horse creation editor is more detailed. Create your own ranch, participate in competitions, and find your best friend in your beloved pet. Let's break down the main features of the expansion, namely the options for interacting with these charming horses.

How to Create a Horse

The simplest option is the character creation editor. If you are creating a new family, simply click on the plus icon at the bottom panel and select "Add a Horse". Right after this, you can name your pet, and choose its character and appearance.

If you want to adopt a pet into an already created family, you can take one from the nursery for 1000 simoleons by phone. You can also use a cheat code:

1. Activate the console with Ctrl+Shift+C;
2. Enter the command: testingcheats true and confirm with Enter;
3. The next command: cas.fulleditmode on.

The cas.fulleditmode command opens full functionality of the editor even after the family has been created. You can not only quickly add new members but also edit existing ones: genetics, physique, features, etc. By default, you can only change the hairstyle, clothes, and accessories of created characters.

Another method is to rescue a horse. This new feature allows you to adopt a pet for 250 simoleons, but with an important nuance - it will be troublesome. This means that due to its life circumstances, the horse has become hard to train, has a difficult character, and it will take time for the Sim to get along with it. On the other hand, you are giving the animal a chance to rehabilitate and find a true friend. So why not take advantage of it? A great opportunity for those who play the role of an animal lover.

Personality Traits and Life Goal

In the character creation editor for Sims, a new personality trait has appeared - Horse Lover, and a life goal - Championship Rider. The character wants to become the best rider and prove it with victories in competitions. It will be easier for Horse Lovers to connect with pets, including troublesome ones, and training and communication come much better to them.

How to Care for a Horse

Unfortunately, as with cats and dogs, you cannot control horses in The Sims 4. However, they still have needs that must be met for the pet to be happy.

A stable is the "home" for your horse. It will spend its free time there, rest, and sleep. A stable can be placed anywhere on the lot or constructed as a full building with walls and fences. Horses sleep on flat objects covered with hay. Each pet can have its own stable and sleeping area - these can be set individually by clicking on the object.

From a simple stable, you can create a full enclosure or stable, where several horses can be housed with hay, cleaning items, feeding supplies, and toys. Add arches, decor items, openings, and walls to organize the space. Horses can freely pass through fences and doors, so there will be no problems with movement. If desired, gates can be locked to keep the pet in one place.

The main source of nourishment for horses is hay. It can be purchased for 30 simoleons by clicking on a feeder, or you can collect it yourself around the new town of Chestnut Ridge. A horse can graze and independently nibble weeds, meeting its needs without a Sim's involvement. Pets also love fruits - try different types to see what your horse prefers.

Maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the animal. Clean the hooves and horseshoes, polish the horse with a brush to keep its coat in good condition.

How to Breed Horses

To breed horses, you will need two opposite-sex pets living on the same ranch. Otherwise, the process is no different from breeding cats and dogs.

First, the Sim needs to build friendly relationships with one of the horses. Take care of it, communicate, feed on time, train. Over time, a special action will appear: "Encourage to Breed with...". Click on it and select the second horse. Successful conception will be known a few game hours after mating. Horse pregnancy lasts less than a Sim's pregnancy - 1.5-2 days.

How to Win Competitions

If a Sim loves to ride horses and perform tricks, they will eventually master the Horse Riding skill and can demonstrate it in local competitions. The better the skill, the higher the chances of winning. By the way, this is a great opportunity to earn simoleons.

Competitions are divided into 5 levels of difficulty. Standard competitions (4 levels) are held daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Horse Championship is a special challenge for the most experienced riders, only on Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The conduct principle is the same.

Registration takes place at the Equestrian Center in the new town. When choosing a competition, note that the horse must have the appropriate skill level to participate in the category. There is a limit on the number of entries - no more than 1 competition per day for each horse. After registration, the Sim and the pet enter a "rabbit hole." The results can be seen after the competition on the notice board.

To achieve the best results, train and develop your horse, including the skills:

• Temperament;
• Agility;
• Jumping;
• Endurance.

The success of the competition depends not only on the Sim's skill but also on the condition of the horse. Try to meet all its needs so the pet is happy and performs well. Winning competitions increases the chances of breeding champion horses.

If you want to simplify the gameplay of the expansion, use cheat codes for The Sims 4 Horse Ranch from our recent collection.