How do I stop my horse from randomly changing coats?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is a vital companion, and its appearance, including its coat, is an important aspect of gameplay. However, some players have reported issues where their horse''s coat randomly changes, which can be frustrating. This issue is often tied to game mechanics, such as horse bonding, stable management, or even bugs. Understanding how to prevent this requires a mix of proper horse care, stable usage, and awareness of potential glitches.\n\nFirst, ensure that your horse is properly bonded. Bonding levels (1-4) affect your horse''s behavior and responsiveness, but they also play a role in maintaining its appearance. If your horse''s coat changes unexpectedly, it could be due to a bonding glitch. To fix this, spend time with your horse by feeding, brushing, and patting it regularly. You can also lead your horse on foot or ride it to increase bonding. A fully bonded horse is less likely to experience coat changes.\n\nNext, always stable your horse when not in use. Stables act as a save point for your horse''s appearance and stats. If you leave your horse unattended in the wild or swap it for another horse without stabling, the game may reset its coat to a default state. To avoid this, visit a stable in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Strawberry. Open the stable menu, select your horse, and ensure it is marked as your active horse. This locks in its appearance and prevents random changes.\n\nAnother common cause of coat changes is the temporary horse mechanic. If you tame or steal a new horse, it may temporarily replace your current horse''s appearance. To prevent this, always stable your primary horse before acquiring a new one. Additionally, avoid using the ''Horse Station'' feature at camp, as it can sometimes cause your horse''s coat to reset. Instead, manually retrieve your horse from the stable to ensure consistency.\n\nIf your horse''s coat still changes randomly, it may be due to a game bug. Rockstar Games has addressed several bugs in updates, so ensure your game is fully patched. If the issue persists, try reloading a previous save or restarting the game. You can also try switching to a different horse temporarily and then switching back to your preferred horse. This often resets the coat to its intended appearance.\n\nFinally, consider the role of mods or custom content. If you are using mods to change your horse''s appearance, they may conflict with the game''s default settings, causing coat changes. Disable or remove any mods related to horses and test the game again. For console players, ensure your game files are not corrupted by reinstalling the game if necessary.\n\nIn summary, to stop your horse from randomly changing coats, focus on bonding, proper stable usage, and avoiding temporary horse mechanics. Always stable your horse before acquiring a new one, and ensure your game is updated to the latest version. By following these steps, you can maintain your horse''s appearance and enjoy a consistent gameplay experience.