How do you revive a critically injured horse?

Reviving a critically injured horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a crucial skill for players who want to maintain a strong bond with their mount and avoid losing it permanently. When your horse is critically injured, it will collapse and lie on the ground, unable to move. At this point, you have a limited window of time to act before the horse dies. The key to saving your horse lies in using a Horse Reviver, a consumable item that can restore your horse to full health.\n\nTo revive your horse, you must first ensure you have Horse Reviver in your inventory. This item can be purchased from general stores, stables, or the in-game catalog. It costs around $4.50 and is worth keeping in stock, especially if you frequently engage in dangerous activities like combat or exploration in hazardous terrain. If you don’t have Horse Reviver, you can also craft it using specific ingredients: one Ginseng and one Yarrow, combined with a bottle of alcohol like Whiskey or Brandy.\n\nOnce you have Horse Reviver, approach your injured horse carefully. If the horse is in a dangerous area, such as near enemies or predators, clear the area first to avoid further harm. When you’re close to the horse, a prompt will appear on the screen, instructing you to administer the Horse Reviver. On consoles, this is typically done by pressing the appropriate button (e.g., Triangle on PlayStation or Y on Xbox). On PC, the keybind will depend on your settings. After administering the reviver, your horse will stand up, fully healed and ready to ride.\n\nIt’s important to note that if you fail to revive your horse in time, it will die permanently. This means you’ll lose all progress in bonding with that horse, as well as any customizations or upgrades you’ve applied. To avoid this, always keep an eye on your horse’s health during combat or risky situations. You can check your horse’s health and stamina cores in the bottom-left corner of the screen. If the cores are low, feed your horse or use items like Hay or Horse Tonics to restore them.\n\nOne common challenge players face is running out of Horse Reviver at critical moments. To prevent this, always carry at least two or three bottles of Horse Reviver in your inventory. Additionally, if you’re exploring remote areas like the Grizzlies or the swamps of Lemoyne, consider saving your game frequently. This way, if your horse dies, you can reload a previous save and avoid losing it permanently.\n\nAnother practical tip is to avoid reckless behavior that puts your horse at risk. For example, galloping through dense forests or rocky terrain can cause your horse to trip and take damage. Similarly, engaging in gunfights while mounted can make your horse an easy target for enemies. If you’re in a dangerous situation, consider dismounting and leading your horse to safety on foot.\n\nFinally, building a strong bond with your horse can also help in critical situations. A higher bond level increases your horse’s health and stamina, making it more resilient to injuries. You can increase your bond by feeding, grooming, and patting your horse regularly. A well-cared-for horse is less likely to succumb to injuries, giving you more time to react in emergencies.\n\nIn summary, reviving a critically injured horse requires quick action, preparation, and a good understanding of the game’s mechanics. Always carry Horse Reviver, monitor your horse’s health, and avoid unnecessary risks to keep your mount safe. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse remains a loyal companion throughout your journey in Red Dead Redemption 2.