How can you improve your horse’s bravery during gunfights?

Improving your horse''s bravery during gunfights in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for maintaining control and ensuring your mount doesn''t panic or throw you off in dangerous situations. Horses in the game have varying levels of bravery, which is influenced by their breed, bonding level, and how you treat them. Here''s a detailed guide to help you enhance your horse''s bravery during combat.\n\nFirst, choose the right horse breed. Some breeds are naturally braver than others. War horses, such as the Ardennes or Hungarian Halfbred, are known for their high bravery stats and are less likely to spook during gunfights. These breeds can be purchased from stables like the one in Valentine or found in the wild. If you''re early in the game and can''t afford a premium horse, focus on bonding with your current horse to improve its bravery.\n\nBonding is a critical mechanic in Red Dead Redemption 2. The higher your bonding level (up to level 4), the more your horse will trust you and remain calm in stressful situations. To increase bonding, spend time with your horse by feeding it, brushing it, and leading it on foot. Patting your horse after a long ride or during a calm moment also helps. Bonding is especially important during gunfights, as a well-bonded horse will stay closer to you and be less likely to flee.\n\nAnother way to improve bravery is to expose your horse to combat gradually. Start by engaging in small skirmishes or hunting predators like wolves or cougars. This helps your horse acclimate to the sounds of gunfire and the presence of danger. For example, you can visit areas like Big Valley or Roanoke Ridge, where predators are common, and practice shooting while mounted. Over time, your horse will become more accustomed to these situations and remain calmer.\n\nFeeding your horse the right items can also boost its bravery. Certain foods, like hay or wild carrots, improve your horse''s core stats, which indirectly affect its behavior. Additionally, using Horse Stimulants or Horse Tonics can temporarily increase your horse''s stamina and health, making it less likely to panic. These items can be purchased from general stores or crafted using herbs like Ginseng and Yarrow.\n\nDuring gunfights, keep your horse calm by using the ''calm'' command. On consoles, this is done by pressing the left stick (L3) while mounted. This action reassures your horse and prevents it from bolting. If your horse does start to panic, dismount and lead it to safety before resuming the fight. This ensures your horse doesn''t get injured or run away.\n\nFinally, avoid overworking your horse. If your horse is tired or injured, it will be more prone to panicking. Always keep an eye on its stamina and health cores, and use items like Horse Reviver if it gets critically injured. A well-rested and healthy horse is more likely to stay brave during combat.\n\nIn summary, improving your horse''s bravery during gunfights involves choosing the right breed, increasing bonding, gradual exposure to combat, proper feeding, and using calming techniques. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse remains a reliable companion in even the most intense battles.