The Extravagant Saddle in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the more unique and stylish horse gear items you can obtain in the game. With its ornate design and elegant golden finish, it stands out from the standard gear options available to most players. More than just an aesthetic upgrade, it symbolizes a level of achievement and exploration that many completionists strive to reach. Unlike saddles you can buy or find easily, the Extravagant Saddle requires you to take on a specific challenge. Understanding how to unlock this saddle involves knowing exactly where to go, what to do, and how to best prepare for the journey ahead.
What Is the Extravagant Saddle?
The Extravagant Saddle is a decorative piece of horse gear that changes the appearance of your steed’s saddle in Breath of the Wild. Although it doesn’t offer mechanical advantages like increasing speed or stamina regeneration, it is a reward for completing a specific mini-game. This makes it a badge of honor among players who enjoy discovering every hidden item the game has to offer.
Key Features
- Visually distinctive with gold and ornamental patterns
- Can be equipped on registered and tamed horses
- Does not provide stat boosts but improves aesthetics
- Rewarded through a horseback archery mini-game
Players looking to improve their horse’s look will find this saddle to be a worthy addition to their collection, especially when paired with complementary bridles like the Extravagant Bridle.
Where to Get the Extravagant Saddle
To obtain the Extravagant Saddle, you need to travel to the Highland Stable area in the Faron region. This stable is near the southern part of the map and is close to Lake Hylia. Specifically, you should head to the Mounted Archery Camp, located southwest of the Highland Stable, near the mounted archery mini-game.
How to Reach the Mounted Archery Camp
If you’ve already discovered Highland Stable, travel to it and head southwest. You’ll find the Mounted Archery Camp nestled among cliffs and grassy plains. It is best accessed with a horse, as you’ll need one for the mini-game that awards the Extravagant Saddle.
- Nearest shrine: Shae Katha Shrine or Ishto Soh Shrine
- Look for signs leading toward the archery camp from the stable
- Ensure you have a registered horse with high stamina and speed
Be sure to bring a bow with a decent firing rate and enough arrows for multiple attempts.
How to Unlock the Saddle: The Mini-Game Challenge
The only way to get the Extravagant Saddle is by excelling in the Mounted Archery mini-game run by Jini, the character who hosts the challenge. He can be found near the camp and will offer you the opportunity to test your skill in mounted archery. The goal is to shoot as many targets as possible while riding your horse through a set course within a time limit.
Mini-Game Requirements
- A registered horse with good speed and control
- A reliable bow (e.g., Royal Bow or Knights Bow)
- At least 2030 arrows for practice and multiple runs
- 20 rupees to start the challenge
After accepting the challenge, you will be timed and scored based on how many targets you hit. The reward you receive depends on your final score.
How to Get a High Score
To earn the Extravagant Saddle, you need to hit a specific number of targets, generally around 23 or more in a single run. This can be tricky, so mastering a few techniques will go a long way in helping you succeed.
- Stay centered on the path for smoother aiming
- Use slow-motion aiming (by jumping and drawing your bow) strategically
- Prioritize closer targets and avoid long-distance shots unless confident
- Practice the course to learn target locations
- Adjust camera angles ahead of each run for better visibility
Patience is key. You may need several tries to hit enough targets, but each attempt will improve your familiarity with the layout and timing.
Tips to Prepare for the Challenge
Choose the Right Horse
Not all horses are equal when it comes to mounted archery. Choose a horse that balances speed with handling. Overly fast horses can be harder to control, while very slow horses may not give you enough time to hit targets.
- Ideal stamina: 34 wheels
- Ideal temperament: Gentle or mild
- Bond level: 100% to ensure responsive controls
You can increase a horse’s bond level by feeding it apples, calming it after mounting, and avoiding falls or collisions.
Equip a Suitable Bow
Bows with a quick draw time and high durability work best. You’ll be firing rapidly while moving, so avoid slow or overly heavy weapons.
- Recommended bows: Soldier’s Bow, Royal Bow, or Savage Lynel Bow (if available)
- Carry backups in case your primary bow breaks mid-run
Stock Up on Arrows
Although the mini-game provides some arrows, bringing your own ensures you won’t run out during practice runs. Wooden arrows are sufficient and can be purchased at most general stores.
What Happens After Winning
Once you successfully hit the required number of targets, Jini will reward you with the Extravagant Saddle. It will be placed directly into your inventory, and you can take it to any stable to equip it on your registered horse.
Equipping the Saddle
- Visit any horse stable
- Talk to the stable hand and choose ‘Customize horse’
- Select the Extravagant Saddle from the list
You can also pair the saddle with the Extravagant Bridle if you’ve earned it previously, creating a matching set for your horse.
Why Go After the Extravagant Saddle?
While the Extravagant Saddle doesn’t boost performance, it is one of the most stylish gear pieces available in Breath of the Wild. It reflects dedication and skill, especially since it’s tied to a timed challenge that not all players complete. Moreover, it’s a great way to personalize your horse and show off your archery prowess to fellow players or in screenshots.
Getting the Extravagant Saddle in Breath of the Wild is a rewarding experience that combines exploration, skill, and a bit of patience. By locating the Mounted Archery Camp, preparing the right gear, practicing the mini-game, and mastering mounted shooting mechanics, you can earn this elegant piece of horse gear. Even though it’s purely cosmetic, it serves as a mark of achievement and adds flair to your rides across Hyrule. If you’re someone who enjoys collecting rare items and completing every challenge the game offers, the Extravagant Saddle is definitely worth pursuing.