How do you increase your horse’s stamina core effectively?

Increasing your horse’s stamina core in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for maintaining long rides, escaping danger, and improving overall performance. The stamina core determines how long your horse can gallop or sprint before tiring. To effectively increase it, you need to focus on bonding, feeding, and proper care.\n\nFirst, bonding with your horse is the foundation for improving its stamina core. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and each level unlocks new abilities and increases your horse’s stats. To bond with your horse, spend time riding it, brushing it, and feeding it. Patting your horse after calming it during stressful situations also boosts bonding. For example, if your horse gets spooked by predators or gunfire, calming it with the ''G'' key (PC) or ''L3'' (console) and then patting it will improve your bond.\n\nFeeding your horse the right food is another critical step. Horses require a balanced diet to maintain their stamina core. Items like hay, wild carrots, and apples are excellent for replenishing stamina. You can find wild carrots in the open world, particularly in areas like Big Valley or near the Dakota River. Purchasing premium horse meals from stables or general stores is another option. Feeding your horse regularly ensures its stamina core remains full and gradually improves over time.\n\nRegular grooming is also important. Dirt and mud can reduce your horse’s stamina regeneration, so brushing it with a horse brush keeps it clean and healthy. You can find brushes at stables or general stores. Additionally, resting your horse at camp or in towns allows its stamina core to recover faster. Setting up camp in areas like Heartlands or near Valentine provides a safe spot for your horse to rest.\n\nUsing horse stimulants and tonics can provide a temporary boost to your horse’s stamina. Items like Horse Stimulant or Potent Horse Stimulant are available at general stores or crafted using herbs like Burdock Root. These are particularly useful during intense chases or long journeys. For example, if you’re being pursued by lawmen or predators, using a stimulant can give your horse the extra stamina needed to escape.\n\nFinally, upgrading your saddle and stirrups can significantly enhance your horse’s stamina. High-quality saddles, such as the Improved or Special Saddles, reduce stamina drain while riding. Stirrups like the Hooded Stirrups further improve stamina efficiency. These items can be purchased at stables, with the best options available in cities like Saint Denis or Blackwater.\n\nIn summary, increasing your horse’s stamina core involves bonding, feeding, grooming, using stimulants, and upgrading equipment. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your horse performs at its best, whether you’re exploring the wilderness or engaging in high-stakes missions.