Stables are scattered around Middle-earth and make up a network of travel routes. You will be able to travel between any stables you have previously discovered on your travels. Not all stables are connected to each other so you will need to do a little exploring to discover all the possible travel routes available from each area.
Stable masters won’t allow untested adventurers to take their horses into dangerous regions so don’t be surprised if you’re told your level is too low to use a certain travel route. You will also come across stables that are controlled by the various factions of Middle-earth. You won’t be able to use any of their mounts until you prove yourself a worthy ally. In all cases, you’ll be parting with coin for the convenience.
Personal Mounts
Moving from point to point through established stables is all well and good but any adventurer worthy of the name will want a horse of their very own for exploring the wilds beyond the safety of the established travel routes.
At level 35 players can purchase a mount from Éogar the Horse-master after completing the Fresh Steeds quest arc. Hobbits and Dwarves should select ponies, while men and elves will need a horse.
Additional mounts will become available as you journey through Middle-earth. As factions come to trust you and accept you as one of their own they will make their unique horses and ponies available to you. Some will prove a bit more sturdy in rough terrain than those you purchase in Bree-land.
Be sure to keep an eye out for festivals and opportunities to enter horse races. Winners are awarded specially outfitted horses for their efforts.
Note: You may encounter players at level 25 with personal mounts. The Bree-Horse was given as a reward to founders and lifetime members in the fall of 2007. These can be used at level 25 though they are considerably slower than the mounts purchased at level 35.
