What causes the "horse not bonding" glitch, and how do I fix it?

The ''horse not bonding'' glitch in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a frustrating issue where players are unable to increase their bond level with their horse, despite performing actions that should normally improve the relationship. This glitch can occur due to bugs in the game''s mechanics, such as the horse not recognizing the player''s actions or the bonding progress being reset unexpectedly. Understanding the game''s bonding mechanics is crucial to fixing this issue.\n\nBonding with your horse in RDR2 is a core gameplay mechanic that improves your horse''s stats, such as health, stamina, and responsiveness. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and each level is achieved by performing specific actions like feeding, grooming, patting, and riding your horse. If these actions are not registering properly, it may indicate a glitch. For example, if you repeatedly pat or feed your horse but the bonding bar does not increase, this is a clear sign of the issue.\n\nTo fix the ''horse not bonding'' glitch, start by ensuring that the horse you are trying to bond with is fully tamed and registered as your primary horse. If you recently stole or found the horse, make sure to saddle it and set it as your main horse in the stable. Sometimes, the game may not recognize the horse as yours, preventing bonding progress. Visit a stable, such as the one in Valentine or Saint Denis, to confirm ownership and assign the horse as your active mount.\n\nIf the issue persists, try reloading your game or restarting your console or PC. This can reset any temporary bugs affecting the bonding system. Additionally, ensure that you are performing bonding actions correctly. For example, pat your horse by pressing the appropriate button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) while standing next to it. Feed it by selecting the correct food from your inventory, such as hay or apples, and make sure to groom it regularly using the brush.\n\nAnother potential solution is to stable the problematic horse and switch to a different one temporarily. Ride the new horse for a while, perform bonding actions, and then return to the original horse. This can sometimes reset the bonding mechanics. If all else fails, consider selling the glitched horse and purchasing a new one from a stable or capturing a wild horse. While this may feel like a setback, it ensures that you can continue progressing without being hindered by the glitch.\n\nFor players who prefer to avoid selling their horse, try fast traveling to a different location or completing a mission. These actions can sometimes trigger the game to reset certain mechanics, including bonding. Additionally, avoid using mods or cheats, as these can interfere with the game''s systems and cause unexpected glitches. Always ensure your game is updated to the latest version, as patches often address known issues like this one.\n\nIn summary, the ''horse not bonding'' glitch is typically caused by bugs in the game''s mechanics or improper ownership recognition. To fix it, confirm ownership, reload the game, perform bonding actions correctly, and consider switching horses temporarily. If the issue persists, selling the horse or updating the game may be necessary. By following these steps, you can restore the bonding system and continue building a strong relationship with your horse in Red Dead Redemption 2.