You’ve heard the rumors. Somewhere in the vast, rolling hills of Hyrule, there’s a horse that isn't just a horse. It’s a ghost of the past. A shimmering, snow-white creature that looks like it stepped straight out of a storybook. Most players stumble upon the quest for the royal white stallion botw by accident, usually while hiding from a Guardian or getting lost near the Outskirt Stable.
But here is the thing: catching this horse isn't just about finding it. It's about history. And stamina. Mostly stamina.
The Legend Behind the White Horse
If you talk to an old man named Toffa at the Outskirt Stable, he’ll start rambling about his grandfather. Apparently, the guy saw the Hylian Royal Family’s horse grazing on Safula Hill ages ago. Toffa thinks the horse spotted recently is a descendant. He's right. This isn't just some random wild animal; it's effectively the grandchild of the horse Princess Zelda rode 100 years ago.
You can actually see Zelda’s original horse in several of the "Captured Memories." It’s the one she’s riding when she’s frustrated about her powers not waking up. There’s a poetic irony in Link taming its descendant a century later while the world is basically in ruins.
Where to Actually Look
Don't wander aimlessly. You'll waste hours.
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To find the royal white stallion botw, head specifically to Safula Hill. It’s located across the Manhala Bridge, just northwest of the Outskirt Stable. If you’ve found the Sanidin Park Ruins (the place with the giant stone horse statue), you’re in the right spot. The stallion usually hangs out right near that statue, standing apart from the other, more "common" horses.
It stands out. Like, really stands out. Its coat is pure white—no spots, no mottling, no grey patches. Just blindingly white fur and a long, pale mane.
Taming the Beast (Bring Snacks)
This horse is a jerk. Honestly. It’s skittish, it’s fast, and it has a temper.
- Stealth is mandatory. Don’t just run at it. Wear your Stealth Armor set if you have it. If not, crouch and move like you’re stalking a legendary predator.
- The Glide Strategy. If sneaking on the ground is too stressful, climb one of the nearby trees or the ruins themselves. Glide down and land directly on its back. It saves you the "creeping through the grass" phase.
- The Stamina Wall. This is where most people fail. The royal white stallion botw requires a lot of stamina to tame. We’re talking at least two full wheels.
If you don't have two wheels yet, don't panic. Just cook up some Enduring Fried Wild Greens or anything with "Endura" in the name. As soon as your stamina bar hits red while you're spamming the "Soothe" button, pause the game and eat. Keep hammering that L button like your life depends on it. Eventually, the pink hearts appear, and the horse will stop trying to launch you into the stratosphere.
Is It Actually the Best Horse?
People argue about this constantly on Reddit. Here’s the reality: it’s great, but it’s not "the best" in every category.
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- Strength: 4 Stars
- Speed: 3 Stars
- Stamina: 5 Stars
- Temperament: Wild
With 5 stars in stamina, you can gallop for a long time. However, it’s not as fast as a 5-star speed horse you can find in the wild near Upland Lindor. It’s a distance runner, not a sprinter. But let’s be real—you’re getting it for the aesthetic.
Claiming Your Reward
Once you’ve tamed it, ride it back to Toffa. He’ll lose his mind. He’s so happy to see his grandfather’s stories proven true that he gives you the Royal Bridle and the Royal Saddle.
These are the only pieces of gear that truly fit the horse's look. The gold trim and the royal crest make you look like a knight of the realm rather than a guy who just woke up in a cave with no pants.
A Quick Pro-Tip for 2026 Players
If you have the Ancient Bridle from the DLC, you might be tempted to swap. The Ancient Bridle adds two extra stamina spurs, giving this horse a ridiculous 7 spurs total. It makes the horse feel like it has a literal engine attached to it. However, it does ruin the "Royal" look. Decisions, decisions.
Next Steps for Hyrule's Best Rider
After you've registered your new friend at the stable (don't forget to name it something better than "Whitey"), you should head to the Mounted Obstacle Course in the Lake Region. Now that you have a horse with 5-star stamina, clearing the hurdles is significantly easier. You can win the Extravagant Bridle and Saddle there, which offers a different, more festive look for your stallion.
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Go talk to Pikango at the Outskirt Stable too. He’ll point you toward the memory at Sanidin Park Ruins if you haven’t grabbed it yet. It adds a lot of emotional weight to the horse you’re currently sitting on.
Once you’ve mastered the stallion, your next real challenge is tracking down the Giant Horse in the Taobab Grasslands. It's a completely different beast—literally—and requires a whole new set of tactics to bring home. Just make sure you save your game before you try; those Lynels in the valley don't take kindly to horse thieves.