What’s the fastest way to bond with a new horse in RDR2?

Bonding with a new horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for improving its stats, responsiveness, and overall performance. The fastest way to bond with a horse involves a combination of riding, grooming, feeding, and calming the horse. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, with each level unlocking new abilities and improving the horse''s trust in you. Here’s a detailed guide to maximize your bonding speed.\n\nFirst, start by riding your horse as much as possible. Riding is the most effective way to increase bonding. Every minute spent riding your horse increases the bonding meter slightly. To maximize this, take your horse on long rides across the map. For example, ride from Valentine to Saint Denis or from Strawberry to Blackwater. These long journeys not only help you explore but also significantly boost bonding. Additionally, perform gallops and sprints, as these actions slightly increase the bonding rate compared to walking or trotting.\n\nNext, groom your horse regularly. Grooming removes dirt and improves the horse''s health, but it also increases bonding. You can groom your horse by pressing the appropriate button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) when standing near it. Make sure to carry a horse brush in your inventory, which can be purchased from stables or general stores. Grooming is especially useful after riding through muddy or dusty areas, as it keeps your horse clean and happy.\n\nFeeding your horse is another critical step. Horses have a core stamina and health system, and keeping these cores full improves their performance and bonding. Feed your horse hay, wild carrots, or other horse-specific foods like apples or sugar cubes. You can find wild carrots in the open world or purchase food from stables. Feeding your horse not only restores its cores but also increases bonding. Aim to feed your horse every 10-15 minutes during long rides.\n\nCalming your horse is equally important. When your horse gets spooked by predators, gunfire, or other dangers, press the calm button (Square on PlayStation or X on Xbox) to soothe it. Calming your horse during stressful situations not only prevents it from bucking you off but also increases bonding. For example, if you encounter a pack of wolves or a bear, keep calming your horse while riding away to maintain control and build trust.\n\nTo speed up bonding further, avoid actions that decrease trust, such as crashing into trees, running into other riders, or overworking your horse. Overworking occurs when you push your horse to sprint for too long without giving it a break. If your horse’s stamina core is depleted, it will slow down and become less responsive. To avoid this, alternate between galloping and trotting, and let your horse rest when its stamina is low.\n\nFinally, consider using specific locations to bond with your horse efficiently. For example, the Heartlands near Valentine or the open plains near Blackwater are ideal for long, uninterrupted rides. These areas have fewer obstacles and predators, allowing you to focus on bonding without distractions. Additionally, stables like the one in Valentine or Saint Denis are great for purchasing bonding-related items like brushes and food.\n\nIn summary, the fastest way to bond with a new horse in RDR2 involves a combination of riding, grooming, feeding, and calming. By following these steps and avoiding actions that decrease trust, you can quickly reach bonding level 4 and unlock your horse’s full potential. Remember to carry essential items like a horse brush and food, and choose open areas for efficient bonding sessions.