Zelda Botw Extravagant Saddle

Riding across the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the game’s most enjoyable experiences. Whether galloping through grassy fields or climbing steep mountains, a well-equipped horse can make all the difference. Among the customizable features in the game is the option to change your horse’s gear, and one of the most sought-after accessories is the Extravagant Saddle. This ornate saddle not only enhances your horse’s aesthetic but also reflects the grandeur of your accomplishments. While it doesn’t offer stat boosts like speed or stamina, the Extravagant Saddle is a prized reward for players who appreciate style and completion. Unlocking it requires more than just owning a horse; it demands a strong command of minigames, exploration, and a touch of flair.

Where to Find the Extravagant Saddle

Location and Prerequisites

The Extravagant Saddle is not something you can stumble upon during regular exploration. It is a reward for successfully completing the Horseback Obstacle Course minigame, which is located at the Highland Stable in the Faron region. If you’ve never visited this area before, it’s situated southeast of Lake Hylia, near the Ka’o Makagh Shrine. The minigame is run by a character named Blynne, a former mounted archery master who now challenges riders to prove their skills in precision and control.

Before taking on the challenge, make sure you have a registered horse with a decent bond and good stats. A horse with high speed and responsiveness will give you an advantage, especially when trying to beat the time limit and maneuver through tight turns.

How to Start the Horseback Obstacle Course

What You Need to Know

• Talk to Blynne: Speak to the man outside Highland Stable to start the challenge.
• Pay the Entry Fee: You’ll need to pay 20 rupees to attempt the course.
• Ride Your Registered Horse: Only horses you’ve registered at a stable can be used.

Blynne will explain the rules: you must ride through a series of gates and jump over obstacles as quickly as possible. The course emphasizes both speed and precision. Missing a gate or obstacle will slow you down, so it’s important to be as clean and efficient as possible.

Tips for Beating the Course

Mastering Horse Control

Success in the obstacle course isn’t just about having a fast horse it’s about mastering how you control it. Here are some tips to help you secure the Extravagant Saddle:

• Use a Gentle Horse: A horse with good handling is better for precision turns.
• Bond Level Matters: Max out your horse’s bond for better responsiveness.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t hesitate to retry the course to learn where to save time.
• Time Your Spurs: Use your spurs wisely on straight paths, not during sharp turns.
• Cut Corners Smartly: Get close to each post without hitting it to shave off seconds.

To win the Extravagant Saddle, you need to complete the course in under 1 minute and 30 seconds. It may take a few tries, but once you get used to the course layout, it becomes much easier to optimize your run.

Claiming Your Reward

The Extravagant Saddle Unlocked

Once you complete the Horseback Obstacle Course in the required time, Blynne will reward you with the Extravagant Saddle. This elegant piece of tack features gold accents and a regal design, setting your steed apart from the ordinary mounts seen throughout Hyrule. It’s purely cosmetic, but for players who enjoy customizing their equipment and showing off their achievements, it’s a satisfying addition to your inventory.

After earning the saddle, you can equip it by speaking to the stablehand at any horse stable. Just choose Customize Horse Gear and select the Extravagant Saddle from the list. Keep in mind, your horse must have a maximum bond and be equipped with a normal saddle before it can be swapped.

How the Extravagant Saddle Compares

Style Over Stats

Unlike some other horse gear in Breath of the Wild, the Extravagant Saddle doesn’t provide gameplay benefits. It won’t make your horse faster, increase its stamina, or improve its turning radius. However, it’s arguably the most visually impressive saddle in the game, often paired with the Extravagant Bridle, which can be earned through mounted archery.

For comparison, here are a few notable saddles in the game:

• Traveler’s Saddle: Basic gear given with most horses.
• Royal Saddle: Found near the Mounted Archery Camp; adds elegance with Hyrule royal motifs.
• Ancient Saddle: Allows you to summon your horse instantly, but must be found in the DLC content.
• Extravagant Saddle: The most ornate saddle, purely for aesthetics and prestige.

If you’re looking for function over form, the Ancient Saddle is more practical. But if you’re the kind of player who enjoys fashion and attention to detail, the Extravagant Saddle stands out as a trophy of skill and dedication.

Pairing with the Extravagant Bridle

Complete the Look

To complete your horse’s luxurious look, consider earning the matching Extravagant Bridle. Unlike the saddle, the bridle is rewarded for scoring 20 or more points in the Mounted Archery Challenge located near the Mounted Archery Camp, west of Highland Stable. This event is a bit more difficult, requiring accurate arrow shots while riding at high speed. Together, the Extravagant Saddle and Bridle create a cohesive and majestic appearance for your mount.

Is the Extravagant Saddle Worth It?

A Reward for Completionists and Style Lovers

While the Extravagant Saddle may not be essential for defeating Calamity Ganon or exploring the furthest reaches of Hyrule, it serves as a testament to the breadth of activities available in Breath of the Wild. It encourages players to engage with the game’s side content, to explore new areas, and to improve their mastery over subtle mechanics like horseback riding.

For players who take pride in collecting every unique item or simply want their horse to look the best it can, the Extravagant Saddle is a worthwhile goal. It rewards skill and persistence without relying on luck or grinding, and it adds a touch of elegance to your adventuring partner.

The Extravagant Saddle in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild represents more than just flashy horse gear. It’s a symbol of achievement for those who take the time to master one of the game’s more challenging minigames. Though it doesn’t enhance your horse’s stats, it enhances your experience by rewarding effort and providing a unique visual payoff. Whether you’re a completionist, a lover of all things stylish, or just want your steed to stand out from the herd, pursuing the Extravagant Saddle is a worthy journey in itself across the vast and captivating world of Hyrule.