Horse racing is back in full gallop with Patch 1.3 of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II! After numerous bug fixes and quest improvements, fans can finally enjoy racing quests like Horses for Courses and Racing Horseshoes as they were meant to be played. Whether you're looking to dominate the tracks, unlock exclusive horse perks, or just enjoy the thrill of the race, this guide has everything you need to become the fastest rider in Bohemia.
How to Start Horse Racing in KCD2 (Post-Patch 1.3)
Racing Quests Repaired:
Horses for Courses
Racing Horseshoes
These quests were previously bugged but are now fully functional thanks to Patch 1.3. You can find them by visiting:
Kuttenberg Stables: Speak to Groom Hanniker to begin your racing career.
Sasau or Semine: Additional racing-related NPCs may offer variations depending on progression.
Completing these quests will open up further opportunities to race, earn rewards, and unlock special horse traits.
Best Horses for Racing (Locations + Stats)
1. Kincsem
Location: Buy from Groom Hanniker in Kuttenberg
Speed: Highest in-game
Stamina: Excellent
Downside: Low courage (prone to panic)
2. Gringolet
Location: Obtain during "Lost Honour" quest in Sigismund's camp
Bonus: Unique story horse with good all-around stats
3. Herring
Acquisition: Earned during "Back in the Saddle" quest
Perk: Unlocks Red Herring after 50km ridden
Boost: Significant increase in speed and stamina
4. Pebbles
Location: Reclaim from Groom Ballatay in Semine
Perk: Good Old Pebbles perk boosts speed and endurance
Nostalgia Bonus: Returning fan-favorite from KCD1
5. Pisek Lad
Location: Groom Hanniker (Kuttenberg)
Balance: Great stamina and courage, good for handling rough courses
🐴 Summary Table
| Horse | Speed | Stamina | Capacity | Courage | Perk Required | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kincsem | 60 | 235 | 138 | 5 | No | Pure speed races |
| Gringolet | 60 | 194 | 288 | 15 | No | Balanced racing |
| Pebbles | 55 | 210 | 338 | 12 | Yes | Versatile post-perk racing |
| Herring | 56 | 231 | 288 | 14 | Yes | High stamina endurance |
| Pisek Lad | 55 | 194 | 338 | 23 | No | Stable and reliable racing |
Racing Perks You Can Unlock
These perks significantly improve your race performance, stamina control, and mounted combat abilities. Many are unlocked via the Horsemanship skill line, while others are tied to racing quests or specific horses.
Best Racing Perks:
1. Head Start
Unlock: Horsemanship Level 8
Effect: Press L Shift for a 10-second speed burst at the start of a race
Upgrade: Head Start II (Horsemanship 16) removes stamina cost during the boost
2. Ride Like the Wind
Unlock: Horsemanship Level 10
Effect: Reduces stamina drain by 5% while galloping
Upgrade: Ride Like the Wind II (Horsemanship 16) increases this to 10%
3. Final Stretch
Unlock: Horsemanship Level 12
Effect: Press L Shift when stamina is low to recover some stamina (120s cooldown)
Upgrade: Final Stretch II (Horsemanship 18) improves stamina recovery
4. Patch 1.3 Exclusive Perks
Airgiyn Tav: +10% ranged damage from horseback (earned by siding with Bibrek in the Horses for Courses quest)
Equestrian Explorer: 15% slower stamina drain + 15% farther fast-travel visibility (earned by siding with Mikolai)
How to Get Both: Choose "To Both!" and "First of the Thousand and Tooth" in the quest dialogue, then pass a Persuasion check
Stamina Management Tips for Winning Races
1. Don’t Sprint Nonstop
Use gallop in bursts instead of holding it down
Save energy for final sprints and straightaways
2. Watch the Stamina Bar
Slow to a trot if stamina drops below 25%
Overexertion causes horses to rear or slow
3. Equip Lightweight Gear
Use light saddles and saddlebags
Heavy gear drains stamina faster
4. Plan Your Route
Learn the race layout
Use downhill segments to recover stamina
Avoid hard turns while galloping
5. Upgrade Horsemanship
Level up to reduce stamina drain and unlock better riding perks
Best Racing Gear and Horseshoes
Gear makes a difference! Here’s what to look for:
Racing Horseshoes: Increase speed and reduce stamina drain
Light Saddles: Improve mobility and lower weight
Bridle and Caparison: Choose for minimal encumbrance
Locations for top gear:
Kuttenberg Blacksmiths
Race reward vendors (post-quest)
Rewards for Winning Races
What’s in it for you besides bragging rights?
Gold
Exclusive horse gear
Reputation boosts
Horse-related perks and titles
Progress toward new races and quests
Some quests even unlock premium horses after a series of races.
Patch 1.3 – What Changed for Racing
Key Fixes:
Horses for Courses quest fully playable
Racing Horseshoes no longer soft-locks
Horse AI tweaks improve realism and responsiveness
Riding distance tracking bugs resolved
Horsemanship perks now apply correctly during races
Final Thoughts
Horse racing in KCD2 is now a fully fleshed-out, rewarding activity. Whether you're chasing trophies, roleplaying a knightly rider, or just love the thrill of competition, this updated system brings Bohemia’s roads to life. With the right horse, smart stamina use, and a bit of practice, you’ll leave the competition in the dust.
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