Horses really are majestic creatures — massive and musclebound, yet somewhat timid or skittish, depending on the horse. The Sims 4: Horse Ranch brings the equine species back into the world of The Sims, though there’s a lot more to do with them this time.
If you want to be a world-class equestrian champion, you’ll want to pick the best horse for the job. Unlike the pets in Cats and Dogs, horse breeds don’t come with pre-determined traits. So, when choosing a horse breed, it all comes down to looks and vibes.
10 Nokota
Nokota horses are beautiful, with their blue roan colouring and deep, dark manes. In reality, they are a semi-feral breed, their herds roaming the grasslands of North America — but in the Sims, they can be anything you want them to be.
Nokota horses are rather angular, though; in the Sims, they seem to be built more strongly than other horses, like the Morgan or the Mustang. Any Sim would look striking on such a gorgeous horse.
9 Shire
Are you looking for a horse that looks and feels strong? The Shire is here for all your draft horse needs. While there’s no work for horses to do in The Sims — no carriages to cart around, no plows to turn the earth with — the Shire is a gorgeous, massive beast that will compliment any ranch it belongs to.
In its default appearance, the Shire has its hair done up in knots — though no one would blame you if you wanted to let their mane grow freely. The prettiest aspect of the Shire, though, is its feathered legs. Due to its British roots, the Shire would also make a great addition to any farm in Henford-on-Bagley.
8 Unicorn
What, who doesn’t dream of coming into contact with a unicorn? It might not be possible for those of us in the real world, but what is The Sims, if not a place where you can live out your wildest fantasies? Like, you know, being able to afford a horse at all? Hey, they say unicorns can grant wishes — why wouldn’t that be true?
Okay, technically, unicorns aren’t a breed in Horse Ranch — you can add a horn to any horse to create a unicorn. But, still, they kind of count, right? You can design them however you’d like, and you have multiple horn variations to choose from — and, unlike in The Sims 3, it’s not a whole trial to befriend one. So, go ahead. Make that perfect unicorn and bring a little magic to your ranch.
7 Mustang
If someone asks you to name a horse breed, the Mustang is probably the first to jump to your mind. That is, unless you’re really well-versed in horses. The Sims 4 Mustang has a beautiful, golden-yellow coat punctuated by a dark, flowing mane and tail.
Mustangs are associated with speed and power — there’s a reason there’s a car named after them, after all. So, if you have a daredevil Sim in search of an equine best friend, you can’t really go wrong with the Mustang.
6 Morgan
Honestly, this one is mostly here because it’s reminiscent of your starting horse in Red Dead Redemption 2. There’s not much to say about the Morgan — it’s a standard-looking brown horse, a little on the smaller side compared to some other horses available to you.
Still, this is a perfectly suitable horse and a great addition to any family. It has no special skills — you'll have to develop those yourself — but it looks nice and will fill out your ranch perfectly.
5 Colorado Ranger
The color on the Colorado Ranger is just hard to resist, you know? Its front is a deep, charcoal color, while its hindquarters are white, freckled with dark spots. While the horses in The Sims 4 offer no alternate coat patterns, why mess with something so pleasant, anyway?
Honestly, The Colorado Ranger is the platonic ideal of a ranch horse. Unique looking, though still built to ride. Even its name promises adventure — it looks and feels like the kind of horse you’d trek through a mountain with. Whatever bond you form with this horse will be unbreakable.
4 Friesian
There’s something about a pure black horse that ignites your imagination. The Friesian would be a perfect addition to a more spooky-oriented household — it looks like the horse you’d see the Grim Reaper ride in on. Its feathered feet, long tail, and wild mane only accentuate its gothic vibes.
Still, in The Sims 4, the Friesian looks like a sweet horse — with big eyes that make you believe it has a kind disposition. Why not give the Headless Horseman’s steed a new home on your ranch?
3 American Paint Horse
This one is kind of self-explanatory — just look at that coloring! Mixing black and white in massive splotches across its whole body in a “pinto” coat, the American Paint Horse is just plain stunning.
The American Paint horse, in real life, is known for its participation in Western-style equestrian events, making it a great fit for any new ranching household in the Chestnut Ridge world. And it will look amazing wandering the big, open grasslands, too.
2 Arabian
The Arabian horse is one of the world's most well-known and distinctive horse breeds, and that’s no different in The Sims 4. Due to their ancient lineage, these horses have contributed to the creation of more than a few new breeds.
As long as people have dealt with horses, it seems, the Arabian has been there. So why not bring a piece of horse history to your ranch?
1 Galineers Cob
Just look at this horse. Much like the American Paint Horse, the default Galineers Cob has a pinto coat, though its white mane and tail really accentuate the dark patches of its fur. Technically a pony, the Galineers Cob is a working horse meant to pull wagons full of people along the Irish countryside.
While The Sims 4 can't give us ponies and horses — imagine the stress of trying to deal with all the height variations between the two - the Galineers Cob's feathered feet and gentle-seeming disposition make it seem like the first "first" horse for any rancher's kid.