Let's start with getting your horse situation sorted out since it's pretty crucial for getting around efficiently. Your best early option is actually checking out Semine's stables where you can get Pebbles back (this happens if you do some smooth talking with Groom Ballatay or part with about 160 Groschen). Don't worry too much about Pebbles' initial stats, because there's something interesting about this horse - after riding about 30-40km, you'll unlock a special perk that really boosts their abilities.

If you're looking at other options, you'll naturally get Herring during the story after completing "For Whom the Bell Tolls," and they come with better starting stats than Pebbles. Now, you could always buy from the local grooms, but be ready for some steep prices (might be worth it though, since a fully upgraded Pebbles can cost around 4,000 Groschen). When shopping, always check those key stats - speed for travel efficiency, stamina for longer gallops, courage so they don't panic easily, and capacity for carrying all your loot.

Here's something useful to know - if you happen across an abandoned horse from fallen riders or bandit camps, you can actually take them, but you'll want to visit Horse Handler Mikolai at the Nomad Camp (paying about half the horse's value helps avoid those nasty reputation hits). The smart play early on is sticking with Pebbles though, since that special perk makes them quite impressive later in the game.