How to Train for the Horse Race in Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley

In Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley, you can train for the horse race, and during the event, Bob or Gwen will become your main rivals.

But the question is: how do you approach Bob or Gwen so they’ll train with you? And when exactly can you start training for the horse race?

Before we get into the details, there are a few things you might want to know first.

There are several advantages to training for the horse race:

First, it helps you develop the best strategy to win. This is especially important if you’re following The Tale of the Horse Champion event path and aiming to defeat the Mecha Horse.

Second, training increases your friendship points with Bob and Gwen.

Third, it improves your horse’s running speed, giving you a better shot at winning the race.

If you’re having trouble or simply don’t know how to start horse race training in HM: HoLV, read the tips below carefully!

Requirements to Train for the Horse Race

Before you can start training for the horse race in Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley, there are a few important requirements you need to meet:

1. Reach at least 2 hearts with Bob or Gwen

To build friendship, talk to them daily and give them gifts they like. Bob prefers Eggs or Milk, while Gwen likes Cranberries or Full Moon Berries.

Once you reach 2 hearts, Bob or Gwen will visit your house and let you know they’re ready to help you train. They’ll also share their schedule. This cutscene will only trigger once your horse is able to run.

2. Your horse must be able to run

This is one of the main requirements. Your horse can start running once it reaches 2 hearts or more. Make sure to care for your horse every day to increase its affection.

3. Your horse must be healthy

You cannot train if your horse is in a bad mood or sick. Talk to your horse and check its condition in the Balance Sheet on the diary to ensure it’s fit for training.

4. The weather must be sunny or cloudy

Training is only possible on non-rainy days. If it rains, training is canceled — your horse can get sick in bad weather. On rainy days, Bob and Gwen won’t be at the Starling Ranch; they’ll stay inside their homes.

How to Train Your Horse with Bob or Gwen for the Horse Race

Option 1: Visit the Starling Ranch

Go to Starling Ranch on Tuesday or Thursday between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. You don’t need to bring your horse with you — just visit Bob’s farm during the correct time.

Make sure to come within the time window, because if you arrive too early or too late, you won’t find them available for training.

• Tuesday: You’ll find Gwen at the ranch.
• Thursday: You’ll find Bob instead.

Talk to Bob or Gwen, and you’ll be presented with two options: Talk or Train.

If you select Train, you can choose the type of race to practice: Short Course, Long Course, or Steeplechase.

Before the race begins, you’ll also get a chance to select items that can boost your performance during the training session.

Even though I spoke to Bob on Thursday or Gwen on Tuesday, why is there no option to train?

This usually means you haven’t met all the training requirements mentioned earlier. Please double-check those conditions.

Important Note: You may only be able to train with Gwen during Fall. So if it’s another season, wait until Fall to trigger the training option with her.

Option 2: Random Event at Home

This second scenario occurs randomly, usually in the days leading up to the official village horse race.

When you leave your house in the morning, a cutscene might trigger where Gwen or Bob visits you and invites you to train for the upcoming horse race.

During this event, you’ll be given the option to accept or refuse the invitation.

If you choose to accept, you'll be immediately asked to select supporting items for the race. After that, you'll be teleported directly to the racetrack to begin training with either Bob or Gwen.

So that’s how you can approach Bob or Gwen to train with you for the Horse Race in Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley.

Got any questions? Don’t be shy, feel free to ask in the comments below!

Read also: How to Always Win the Horse Race in Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley