Horse Ranch Expansion Pack - An Honest Review

@TheMoritani really well thought out and written review, you make a good point about the height sliders in particular. I know it's been long requested for Sims too. With the horses, I used all the other sliders available to make a horse bigger and more muscular in it's appearance to create a bigger horse, since I couldn't adjust the height. I had a look at the horse breeds that would be larger IRL, such as Clydesdale and ideally they would be bigger. But it's like dog breeds too. Because of the current game mechanics, a Great Dane isn't the size it should be. But I understand that's really problematic with the limitations of CAS. I think it's more likely we'll see customisable sizes in the next steps of the franchise with Project Rene. I'm on Xbox Series X but I wouldn't be surprised if there's a mod in the works for horses though.

The 2 main things I like most about the pack are first of all the horses themselves. They are beautiful and clearly were lovingly created. Their friendly personalities surprised me and I don't have to work hard to integrate them into the household or build a relationship. They don't allow you to sideline them or leave them in the background and they speak to the Sim in their own way when they want to interact but they can also happily keep themselves occupied for a while. My Sim constantly got little queued actions to listen to her horse. I found that endearing. I also found their needs more simple to tend to, in comparison to the dogs and cats. My household pets needs have been a little unstable and difficult to maintain lately and it was a relief that the horses weren't in the same state. Needs don't drop suddenly for them...at least for me. I love that they also interact with the other animals in a friendly way and they tend to follow the dogs around and rub noses with them to make friends. That's a lovely touch (the dog disagreed and hid in a tent).

The second thing I love is how the pack sits in the game, regarding the other worlds. It has so many applications for the rest of the game. I started out in Henford on Bagley, I've made some improvements to Oasis Springs. It took a few days before I even started to build in Chestnut Ridge. I see how it fits with Tartosa, Windenburg, Strangerville and more. That's the real genius of the pack for me, it makes my other worlds better.

My only disappointment is that my Sims don't like the furniture! I was happy to see new beds just for starters, but my Sims get up each morning with 3 hours worth of aches and pains. I don't really understand why the furniture is so nicely designed but uncomfortable. However it's not the only pack that's done that. I think on a real working ranch or farm it's well known that people get up at first light and need a good night's sleep so for me, those beds should be a 9 or 10 comfort to get them up early and refreshed for a lot of hard work.

The little goats are an unexpected addition and an absolute delight. Cutest animals in the Sims for me. I could watch them hop around all day.

I've enjoyed the pack so much the hardest thing has been switching it off. I'm going over my self imposed Sims curfew every day because I'm completely lost in it. Next step... nectar making! I am absolutely loving designing a beautiful Vineyard 🥰🐎.