How to get a free horse in Oblivion Remastered

The original Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was released in 2006, and Bethesda surprised fans by announcing and shadow-dropping a remastered version on April 22, 2025. Whether you're a first-time player or a returning adventurer, exploring the vast province of Cyrodiil is much easier with a trusty steed. Horses in Oblivion come in different breeds, speeds, and durability levels, so choosing the right one can make a big difference in your journey.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to obtain Prior Maborel’s Paint Horse (a free starter mount) and Shadowmere (the best horse in the game).

1. How to Get Prior Maborel’s Paint Horse (Free Starter Horse)

One of the first quests in Oblivion’s main storyline is "Deliver the Amulet," where you must take the Amulet of Kings to Jauffre, the Grandmaster of the Blades. Here’s how to get your first horse along the way:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Complete "Deliver the Amulet"

• After escaping the Imperial City Sewers, head to Weynon Priory, located northeast of Chorrol.
• Speak to any monk inside the chapel to learn Jauffre’s location.
• Give him the amulet to complete the quest.

Start the Next Quest, "Find the Heir"

• Jauffre will now assign you the quest "Find the Heir" (to locate Martin Septim).
• If you ask him for help, he will suggest speaking to Prior Maborel for assistance.

Talk to Prior Maborel

• Prior Maborel will offer you his horse to aid in your mission.
• Even if you decline, the horse will still be available.

Claim Your Free Horse

• Go outside to the stables near Weynon Priory.
• You’ll find "Prior Maborel’s Paint Horse" waiting for you.
• Important: Only take this horse—stealing any other horse in Cyrodiil is a crime!

Things to Know About Prior Maborel’s Horse:

• It’s a temporary mount – The horse technically still belongs to Prior Maborel, so it doesn’t count as "owned."
• Slow but useful early on – This horse is one of the slowest in the game but helps with early travel.
• Can die permanently – Unlike some special horses, this one can be killed by enemies or accidents.

2. How to Get Shadowmere (The Best Horse in Oblivion)

If you want the fastest, strongest, and most durable horse in Oblivion, Shadowmere is the ultimate mount. This black, red-eyed steed is a reward from the Dark Brotherhood questline.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Join the Dark Brotherhood

• First, you must commit a murder to trigger the Dark Brotherhood’s attention.
• Sleep in any bed, and you’ll be visited by Lucien Lachance, who invites you to join.

Complete the First Quest: "A Knife in the Dark"

• Go to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary (near Cheydinhal).
• Speak to Ocheeva and complete the initiation kill.

Advance Through the Dark Brotherhood Quests

• Continue completing missions until you unlock "The Purification."
• This quest becomes available after several assassinations.

Complete "The Purification" Quest

• Ocheeva will inform you that Lucien Lachance has summoned you.
• Travel to Fort Farragut and speak to Lucien.
• He orders you to kill all members of the Cheydinhal Sanctuary (including Ocheeva).
• Once done, return to Lucien to complete the quest.

Receive Shadowmere

• Lucien rewards you with Shadowmere, who will be waiting outside Fort Farragut.

Why Shadowmere is the Best Horse:

• Extremely Fast – One of the fastest mounts in the game.
• Near-Invincible – Shadowmere is essential to a quest, meaning she cannot die permanently. If "killed," she will recover after a short time.
• Aggressive in Combat – Unlike regular horses, Shadowmere will attack enemies if provoked.

Final Tips for Horse Riding in Oblivion

• Horse Theft is a Crime – Only take horses given to you or purchased legally.
• Fast Travel Still Helps – While horses speed up travel, fast-traveling from the map is instant.
• Horse Armor DLC (Original 2006 Joke Reference) – The infamous "Horse Armor" microtransaction is (thankfully) included for free in the remaster.

Conclusion

Whether you’re riding Prior Maborel’s humble Paint Horse or the legendary Shadowmere, having a trusty steed makes exploring Cyrodiil much smoother. The 2025 remaster of Oblivion brings improved visuals and performance, making it the perfect time torevisit—or experience for the first time—one of Bethesda’s greatestRPGs.

Will you choose the free starter horse or work your way up to Shadowmere? The choice is yours, adventurer!

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