How do I increase my horse’s stamina and health?

Increasing your horse’s stamina and health in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for improving its performance during long rides, combat, and other activities. Stamina determines how long your horse can gallop or sprint before tiring, while health affects its ability to withstand damage. Both stats can be improved through bonding, feeding, grooming, and using specific items.\n\nBonding is the primary way to increase your horse’s stamina and health. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and each level unlocks additional stamina and health cores. To bond with your horse, spend time riding it, brushing it, feeding it, and calming it when it gets spooked. For example, patting your horse after a long ride or feeding it hay or wild carrots will increase bonding. Bonding level 4 provides the maximum health and stamina boosts, so prioritize building this relationship early in the game.\n\nFeeding your horse the right food is another critical factor. Horses require a balanced diet to maintain and improve their cores. Items like hay, wild carrots, and apples are excellent for replenishing stamina and health. You can find wild carrots in the open world, particularly in grassy areas like the Heartlands. Purchasing hay or apples from stables or general stores is also a reliable option. Avoid feeding your horse spoiled or low-quality food, as it won’t provide the same benefits.\n\nGrooming your horse regularly is another way to improve its health and stamina. Dirt and mud can accumulate on your horse, reducing its overall condition. Use a horse brush to clean it, which you can purchase from stables or general stores. Grooming not only improves your horse’s appearance but also boosts its health and bonding level. Make it a habit to groom your horse after long rides or when it gets dirty during missions.\n\nUsing horse tonics and stimulants can provide temporary boosts to stamina and health. These items are particularly useful during intense moments, such as chases or combat. Horse Stimulant and Horse Reviver can be crafted or purchased from general stores. For example, Horse Stimulant instantly restores stamina, allowing your horse to sprint longer during a pursuit. Keep a few of these items in your inventory for emergencies.\n\nUpgrading your saddle and stirrups can also enhance your horse’s stamina and health. Saddles like the Improved or Special Saddles reduce stamina drain while riding, and stirrups provide additional bonuses. Visit a stable to purchase or customize these items. For example, the Panther Trail Saddle, unlocked by completing Master Hunter Challenges, significantly reduces stamina drain and is one of the best options in the game.\n\nFinally, avoid overworking your horse. Pushing your horse too hard without breaks can lead to exhaustion, reducing its stamina and health over time. Calm your horse by patting it or feeding it during long rides. If your horse’s stamina core is low, slow down and let it recover. This is especially important during missions where you need your horse to perform at its best.\n\nIn summary, focus on bonding, feeding, grooming, and using the right equipment to improve your horse’s stamina and health. These steps will ensure your horse remains reliable and resilient throughout your adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.