Unleash Your Equestrian Fantasies: The Ultimate Guide to The Sims 4's Epic Horse Ranch Expansion Pack!

The Sims 4's upcoming Horse Ranch expansion pack introduces a new world with exciting activities for players to explore. With horses as the centerpiece, Sims can create, raise, train, and breed these majestic animals on their very own ranch. The highly anticipated release on July 20 has fans eagerly awaiting the chance to delve into the captivating world of Horse Ranch. Game Rant recently attended a preview event, giving fans a sneak peek at the multitude of possibilities and experiences awaiting them with their horses.

Much like cats and dogs in The Sims 4, horses can be fully customized and become integral members of the household. In the Create-A-Sim feature, players have the opportunity to create their own unique horse from scratch, with over 30 different horse breeds to choose from. The customization options include selecting the horse's patterns, mane and forelock, size, and riding equipment. Additionally, players can assign up to three traits from a selection of eleven horse-exclusive traits, such as Aggressive, Brave, Defiant, Energetic, Fearful, Free Spirit, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Mellow, and Needy. Moreover, breeding horses in the game unlocks certain hidden traits that are only available through this method.

In the game, players have the opportunity to train their horses in four different skills: temperament, agility, jumping, and endurance. The proficiency in these skills, as well as the level of the Sim's Horse-Riding skill, directly influence the horse's performance in various competitions. Higher riding skills result in different animations for the Sim and less chances of being thrown off the horse.

Sims can bring their horses to the Equestrian Center in Chestnut Ridge to participate in exciting competitions like Barrel Racing, Show Jumping, Endurance Racing, and Western Pleasure. Achieving good placements in these competitions unlocks the Ultimate Horse Championship, which represents the highest level of competition. Successful performances not only earn Simoleons, plaques, trophies, and other rewards but also allow the Sims to enter higher divisions. Horses must be properly fed and cared for, just like any other animal in The Sims 4. Taking care of a horse strengthens the bond between the Sim and the horse, which in turn affects the ease of riding it.

The Chestnut Ridge world was designed with a focus on horses, featuring large lots and expansive open spaces for Sims and their equine companions. Sims can engage with each other and their surroundings while riding, with various training locations available to enhance their horses' skills. In this immersive world, players can gather grass to feed their horses and also send them on quests to search for hidden items in wild grass.

Additionally, horses in Chestnut Ridge can interact with the new miniature goats and sheep introduced in the Cottage Living pack, as well as other animals from the same expansion. For players who appreciate the countryside-themed gameplay offered by the Cottage Living pack, the Horse Ranch and its equine residents make for a perfect addition to their virtual world.

The Sims 4's Horse Ranch Expansion Pack launches July 20 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.