I ran across the sim horse game world sometime around 1998 and moved from game to game as they shut down for a little over a year. When I began work on Arcadia in late 1999 we were a Geocities web site and a pro-boards forum. We've come a long way since our January 1, 2000 launch. Arcadia was fortunate enough to receive her own web site in 2005 and with increased PHP potential we have been able to make tremendous advances in the past five years. We are very proud to offer the publically accessible All-Breed SIM Pedigree database as well as provide amenities to emerging SIMs. My goals for Arcadia have always been simple: treat every member with dignity and respect, uphold high levels of professionalism and realism so as to build the integrity of our game, and utilize our longevity to serve the SIM community. I've had a lot of help since our launch, made countless friends, and truly hope that the positivity of my experience is extended to others.
- Viv
I stumbled upon Arcadia in August of 2010. Arcadia differs from other sims I have played because of the realism. To me, that makes or breaks a game, and it has made Arcadia. The staff and players are friendly, knowledgeable, and always helpful. The tight knit group gives you a welcome feel. Arcadia also has some automated features, such as the bank and shop, which makes things not only easier and convenient for the player, but also gives it an additional realistic feel. I have played too many sim games to count, and I plan on sticking with Arcadia for a long time, as it has definitely left an impression on me already.
- Tiffany
My interest in horses has been passed down the family from my mother. When I was younger I wasn't lucky enough to own my own horse, and went to seek refuge in a number of different horse SIM games. After one of my favourite SIMs shut down in 2005, I decided that most games didn't have the close communities that I was looking for and begun on starting my own SIM game. Soon the enormity of what I was trying to achieve struck me and when Viv contacted me about becoming a member of the All-Sim community in 2008, I instantly took up her offer, not only to expand the horizons of my game but introduce my members to another Showing community. Over time I became more and more active in the Arcadia community and after a few months decided to shut down my SIM, as Viv kindly offered my members and me a place in this fantastic game. Two years on, and I feel like I have made all the right choices. Arcadia is a realistic horse SIM with automation in all the right places, however the group of friends that are the members are still a core part of the game.
- Lydia
I've been simming for several years now and have tried them all. Most sims lack longevity or continuity of their community. This is not the case in Arcadia. I have found the game to be fun to play, realistic, and easy. I adore the automation that the Owner, Viv, has worked tirelessly on. The banking system is easy to use and understand. The automated horse registry makes creation and importation a breeze. I most especially like the automated results tracking. If you're busy like me, or even lazy like me! Then you can't go wrong with this feature.
The community in Arcadia is wonderful as well. The people are friendly, active and helpful. The full array of staff is always on hand to answer questions or just chat. Arcadia offers many ways to be active on their forum, from horsey conversations to whimsical games.
I've played many games but few, if any, come close to being as entertaining as Arcadia.
- Rhianon
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been a lover of horses. And like all little girls, I wanted one and every birthday I would wish for a horse. To fill my hunger I took riding lessons, collected models and played the early SIM games in the 1990's. However, lessons stopped when I reached high school. I stopped collecting horse models because I didn't want to clutter my room any longer. And the SIM games would shut down. In 2008 for a graduation present I recieved a 1987 gelding. As you can imagine, I was tickled pink. I wanted to do so much with him, including participating in shows. However, he's happily in retirement. He's also stabled three and a half hours away. And now that I have a young son (born in 2010), I don't go see him as often as I used to. I stumbled upon Arcadia SIM and I greatly enjoy how it strives for realism. The members are active and kind. Currently it is a small group, but it seems to be growing. I personally love how I can use my horse in the game, so I can show him like I've always wanted to.
- Bartholomew
I began playing Arcadia Sim in January of 2011 so I am still fairly new to the game myself. I have played realistic horse SIM and RP games since 1998, staying active in a few until the late 2000's. Unfortunately, after a few favorites closed down I got out of the SIM business. I have been a horse lover my whole life, actively riding and showing since the age of six. I have owned several horses over my life but I still absolutely adore SIM games. Over the short time that I've been active in the game I've seen a lot of wonderful things in this long running game. The moderators are active and quick to respond to any questions or issues that a member may be having. The automatic banking system is something I've never seen in a SIM game before and it makes it very easy to keep track of your money. The shop system is very easy to access but very realistic as the same time. The game takes a little while to get the swing of things but it is surely worth the time. Even though I am a new member, I see myself being a member of Arcadia for a long time.
- Heather S
I have never been a part of a sim like this one. It is a truly magical experience; it’s almost a reminder that dreams can come true for those who search for them. I find it to be a jewel of a sim, it’s totally free (Yes really!!) it’s completely realistic, and there is so much you can do! I actually feel connected to my horses and the community is just like a close knit family. I’ve been simming for almost 6 years, all the while searching for a haven like this one. I tried the racing sims and was disappointed to find that in order to have a winning horse on those sites, you’d find yourself emptying your pockets in your real life, just for glory on a game. I tried Hunter Jumper sims and found the number of horses and players to be overwhelming- and I just couldn’t connect. Some many sims these days are really just places for artists to put of their pictures (photo manipulations) and train ( click-spam style)with little or no chance at making against the founders and long time members of some of the bigger sites. Where is the grooming, the feeding and the tack choices you face with owning a real horse? Where are the land buying, the facility building and the veterinary care aspects of every barn owner’s life? This is the real deal here folks. As a relatively new member I am proud to say that Arcadia puts the “Horse” back in “Horsesim”.
- Jett
