InThe Witcher 3,you may come across a short side quest in the countryside to the east of Oxenfurt about a missing horse. An elderly farmer will ask Geralt to help him track down his mare, which he believes to be stolen. After some negotiation, Geralt will agree to help him find the animal.

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Like many of the game’s shorter side quests, Spooked Mare may seem easy to complete on the surface, only to throw some narrative curveballs at you after talking to all parties involved. The hardest part of this quest isn’t the brief, and optional, combat encounter but deciding how you will resolve the conflict.

Where To Start Spooked Mare

This quest issoutheast ofOxenfurt. You can reach it byfast traveling to Novigrad Gateand crossing the bridgeto the east.At the junction,turn south and follow the road,passing several buildings and eventually reachingan old man leaning on his fence.He will call out to Geralt for help.

He tells the witcher thathis horse is missingand that he needs her back. While his initial payment is nothing short of insulting, Geralt willget a better pricewithout much hassle andaccept the quest.

An annotated screenshot of The Witcher 3’s map, showing where a quest can start.

Useyour Witcher Senseswhile traveling further south topick up the horse’s trailnot far from the farmer’s home. Follow them a short distance tofind a Scoia’tael camp.

Dealing With The Scoia’tael

Geralt will confront the Scoia’tael, telling them that he needs the horse back. They willrefuse to give her up, explaining that they need the horses to evacuate their wounded.Geralt will have three choicesin dealing with them.

Pay Them

Geralt willpay 100 crownsto take a horse peacefully.

Your rewardis far lower than 100 crowns,making you lose money for choosing this option.

You will needDelusion at level twofor this option.

Fight Them

The Scoia’tael will not take your threats lightly and fight you.There are three swordsmenandone archer.

Let Them Keep The Horse

Geralt willwalk away from them,ending the quest butforfeiting the reward.

Assuming youmanage to take a horse,all you will need to do isride it back into its penat the owner’s home to receive your reward.

You willreceive a larger rewardfor bringing back adifferent horse.While it will not be the original, it will be younger.Avoid the gray horsefor this outcome.

Geralt’s Witcher Senses highlight a set of hoofprints in a dirt road in the countryside.

Next:The Witcher 3: Complete Guide And Walkthrough

An elven man wearing light armor with a sword on his hip regards Geralt with caution by a stable in the woods.