How do I stop the bug where the horse won’t equip saddles?

The bug where your horse won’t equip saddles in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be frustrating, but it’s often caused by specific in-game mechanics or glitches. This issue typically occurs when the game fails to recognize the saddle or when the horse’s inventory is improperly managed. Understanding the game’s mechanics and following a few troubleshooting steps can help you resolve this problem.\n\nFirst, ensure that the saddle you’re trying to equip is compatible with the horse. Different horses have unique saddle requirements, and some saddles are only usable on specific breeds. For example, the improved saddles unlocked through the Trapper require a higher bonding level with your horse. If you’re trying to equip a saddle on a temporary or stolen horse, the game may not allow it. Always check the horse’s stats and bonding level before attempting to equip a saddle.\n\nIf the saddle is compatible but still won’t equip, try saving your game and reloading. This simple step often resolves minor glitches. To save, open the pause menu, navigate to the Story tab, and select Save Game. After saving, reload the same file or restart the game entirely. This refreshes the game’s memory and can fix issues related to item recognition.\n\nAnother common cause of this bug is an overfilled horse inventory. Horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 have limited storage for saddles, weapons, and other items. If your horse’s inventory is full, the game may prevent you from equipping a new saddle. To fix this, open your horse’s inventory by approaching it and holding the appropriate button (e.g., L2/LT on consoles). Remove any unnecessary items, such as duplicate saddles or unused equipment, to free up space.\n\nIf the issue persists, try switching to a different horse. Visit a stable, such as the one in Valentine or Saint Denis, and interact with the stable hand. Select the option to change your active horse and choose a different one. After switching, attempt to equip the saddle again. This method often bypasses glitches tied to a specific horse.\n\nFor players experiencing this bug during missions, it may be tied to scripted events. Some missions temporarily lock your horse’s equipment, preventing you from changing saddles. Complete the mission and check if the issue resolves afterward. If not, follow the steps above to troubleshoot further.\n\nFinally, if none of these solutions work, consider verifying your game files or reinstalling the game. Corrupted files can cause persistent bugs, and reinstalling ensures a clean version of the game. On PC, use platforms like Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher to verify file integrity. On consoles, reinstalling may be necessary.\n\nTo avoid this bug in the future, always manage your horse’s inventory carefully and avoid overloading it. Regularly save your game to prevent progress loss and ensure compatibility between saddles and horses. By following these steps, you can minimize the chances of encountering this frustrating issue and enjoy a smoother gameplay experience.