You’re wandering through the Faron Grasslands when it hits you. There is something absolutely massive moving in the distance. It’s not a Hinox. It’s not a stray piece of Zonai tech. It is a horse, but it's basically the size of a small house. If you want to ride the giant horse Totk offers two very specific options, and honestly, they are some of the coolest mounts in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. These beasts aren't just for show. They are absolute tanks, though they come with some pretty significant trade-offs that might make you rethink your travel strategy if you're used to the speedy, nimble horses of Central Hyrule.
Most players remember the Giant Black Stallion from Breath of the Wild. Good news: he’s back. But there’s a new player in town this time around—the Giant White Stallion. Both of these horses are legendary for a reason. They have infinite stamina. Well, sort of. They don't actually have stamina spurs at all, which means they can't gallop or sprint in the traditional sense. You just hop on, and they go at a consistent, thundering pace that crushes anything in their path. It’s satisfying. It’s loud. It’s a bit of a power trip, to be honest.
Where the Big Boys Are Hiding
In Tears of the Kingdom, the locations have shifted slightly from the previous game, mostly because the world itself has been upended by the Upheaval. If you’re looking for the Giant White Stallion, you’ll need to head over to the Lake Hylia region. Specifically, he’s hanging out in the canyon area just past the Horse God Bridge. If you remember where Malanya used to reside in the old game, that’s exactly where you’ll find this behemoth. He’s hard to miss. He’s glowing white, towering over the landscape, and surrounded by steep cliffs that make the encounter feel surprisingly intimate.
The Giant Black Stallion—the one that looks suspiciously like Ganondorf’s horse from Ocarina of Time—is located further southeast. You’ll find him in the Cape Cales region, specifically near the Hateno Bay area. He’s usually just standing there, looking majestic and slightly terrifying. Unlike regular horses that might spook and bolt across the entire map, these giants are a bit more stoic. They know they're big. They aren't particularly afraid of you, but they will still buck you off into the dirt if you don't have the stamina to handle them.
The Taming Process
Let’s talk about stamina. To ride the giant horse Totk requires you to have a decent amount of it. You aren't catching one of these guys with a single green wheel. I’ve seen people try. They fail. You’re going to want at least two full wheels of stamina, or a healthy supply of stamina-restoring meals. Energizing Elixirs are your best friend here.
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- Approach from the air if possible. It’s easier to paraglide onto their back than to sneak through the grass.
- Mash the L button like your life depends on it.
- Watch your green bar. If it dips too low, pause and eat a Stamella Mushroom skewer.
- Once they settle down, pat them immediately. They respond well to "soothing," even if they look like they could eat a Lynel for breakfast.
Why You Actually Want a Giant Horse
Why bother? Regular horses are faster. You can customize them. You can make them pull wagons. The giant horses? They don't do any of that. You can't even change their saddles or manes because, according to the stable hands, "standard equipment just won't fit." It's a bit of a letdown if you wanted to put the Royal Saddle on a giant black beast, but honestly, their default look is iconic enough.
The real draw is the sheer force. These horses don't have a "sprint" button, but their base walking and trotting speeds are significantly faster than a normal horse’s trot. Plus, they have a hidden "trample" mechanic. If a group of Bokoblins is standing in your way, you don't even need to draw your sword. Just ride through them. The giant horse acts like a living boulder, knocking enemies aside and dealing damage just by existing. They also have the highest HP of any mount in the game. They are functionally immortal unless you do something truly catastrophic, like riding them off a cliff into the Depths.
The Malanya Connection
There’s a bit of a catch with these horses. In Tears of the Kingdom, you can upgrade your horse's stats by visiting Malanya, the Horse God, in the Akkala Highlands. You bring him specific meals, and he’ll boost your horse's Strength, Speed, or Stamina.
Except for the giants.
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Malanya won't touch them. He basically tells you that they are already at the peak of their natural power. This means what you see is what you get. The Giant White Stallion has 5-star Strength but 0-star (or rather, non-existent) Stamina and Pull stats. You can't use them for the towing harness. If you were planning on building a massive Zonai-powered caravan pulled by a giant horse, I’ve got bad news: it’s not happening. They are built for one thing—riding into battle and looking intimidating.
Stable Registration
Don't forget to actually register them. It sounds obvious, but the trek from the Horse God Bridge to the nearest stable (Highland Stable) is a long one, and there are plenty of distractions along the way. If you get knocked off or jump into a shrine without registering, the horse might despawn or wander back to its original location. Once they are in the system, though, they stay there. You can whistle for them just like any other horse, though they won't magically teleport to you unless you're at a stable or have the Ancient Saddle (which, again, they can't wear).
Comparing the Two Giants
Is there a difference between the Black and White versions? Purely aesthetic. The Giant White Stallion feels a bit more "holy" or "royal," fitting perfectly with the theme of Zelda’s return. The Giant Black Stallion is pure intimidation. Both have the same "Endurance" stat, which is just a fancy way of saying they have infinite "non-sprint" speed.
- Giant White Stallion: Located at the end of the canyon near Lake Hylia.
- Giant Black Stallion: Found in the wilds of the Faron/Hateno border.
- Stats: Max Strength, No Stamina, No Pull.
- Customization: None. No saddles, no harnesses, no fancy hair ribbons.
Some players prefer the White Stallion because it’s easier to spot in the dark or in the rainy climates of Faron. Others swear by the Black Stallion because it looks right at home when Link is wearing the Phantom Armor or the Dark Link set.
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Technical Quirk: The Infinite Gallop
Because these horses don't use stamina, they are technically the fastest "long-distance" travelers in the game if you're comparing them to a normal horse that has to stop and recover its spurs. On a long, straight road—like the one crossing the Bridge of Hylia—a giant horse will eventually overtake a standard horse that is constantly stopping to catch its breath. It’s a marathon vs. sprint situation. If you’re crossing the entire map, the giant horse is surprisingly efficient.
Just watch out for the steering. They have the turning radius of a freight train. If you’re trying to navigate the narrow, winding paths of the Lanayru Wetlands, you’re going to have a bad time. They are best suited for the open plains of Central Hyrule or the flat stretches of the Gerudo Canyon entrance.
The "True" Horse God Quest
If you’re having trouble finding the Giant White Stallion, talk to the NPCs at the Highland Stable. There’s a specific side quest—"The Giant White Stallion"—that directs you toward the back of the canyon. While you don't technically need the quest to find or tame the horse, it provides some nice flavor text and ensures you're looking in the right spot. The NPCs are terrified of the "giant beast," which is a fun bit of world-building.
Interestingly, some fans have theorized that the Giant White Stallion is actually a reincarnation of the horse Zelda rode in the memories of Breath of the Wild, just... grown to massive proportions due to the influx of Malice (or Secret Stones? It's unclear). Whatever the lore reason, seeing one of these things standing in a quiet glade is one of those "wow" moments that Tears of the Kingdom does so well.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Session
If you want to add these monsters to your collection today, here is the most efficient path:
- Prep Your Stamina: Cook at least 3 "Energizing" meals using Stamella Mushrooms or Staminoka Bass. If you have less than two wheels of stamina, you will likely get bucked off.
- Fast Travel to the Highland Stable: This is your base of operations for the White Stallion. Talk to the guys there to get the quest marker, then head east across the bridge and follow the water into the canyon.
- Sneak or Drop: Use a Stealth set (Sheikah Armor) if you want to walk up to them, but dropping from a Skyview Tower is way easier. Aim for the shoulders.
- The Registration Run: Once tamed, do not get distracted. Ride straight to the nearest stable. Avoid combat with Lynels or Gleeoks on the way; the giant horse is tough, but it's not invincible against a flame breath attack.
- Check the Stats: Once registered, look at the horse's profile. You'll see those beautiful five stars in Strength. Now, take him to the open fields of Hyrule Ridge and just plow through some monsters. It’s the most fun you can have on four legs in this game.
These horses are more than just collectibles. They are a different way to experience the world. You aren't just a traveler when you're on a giant horse; you’re a force of nature. Even if you can't put a towing harness on them, the trade-off of being able to trample a camp of blue Bokoblins without slowing down is well worth the effort of the hunt.