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What’s the best way to train a horse to handle gunfire?

Training a horse to handle gunfire in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for maintaining control during combat or high-pressure situations. Horses have a bonding level system, ranging from Level 1 to Level 4, which directly impacts their behavior and responsiveness. A higher bonding level means your horse will be less likely to panic when exposed to gunfire. To train your horse effectively, you need to focus on building trust, exposing it to controlled gunfire, and reinforcing calm behavior.\n\nStart by bonding with your horse. Spend time grooming, feeding, and patting it to increase your bonding level. You can also lead your horse on foot or ride it frequently to build trust. Bonding is crucial because a horse at Level 4 will be far more resilient to loud noises like gunfire compared to a Level 1 horse. To speed up bonding, use items like hay, carrots, or sugar cubes, which can be purchased from stables or general stores.\n\nOnce your horse reaches at least Level 2 bonding, begin exposing it to gunfire in a controlled environment. Find a quiet area, such as the open plains near Valentine or the outskirts of Rhodes, where you won’t attract unwanted attention from lawmen or hostile NPCs. Equip your revolver or rifle and fire a few shots while standing near your horse. Pay attention to its reaction—if it starts to panic, calm it by pressing the appropriate button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) and speaking soothingly.\n\nGradually increase the intensity of the gunfire exposure. For example, start with a single shot, then fire multiple rounds in quick succession. If your horse remains calm, reward it by patting or feeding it. If it bolts, chase it down and continue calming it until it stops panicking. Repeat this process over several in-game days to reinforce the behavior. Consistency is key, as horses learn through repetition.\n\nAnother effective method is to engage in combat while mounted. Ride your horse to a bandit camp or ambush site, such as Six Point Cabin or Hanging Dog Ranch, and use your horse as cover while shooting enemies. This simulates real combat scenarios and helps your horse acclimate to the chaos of gunfire. Be sure to keep an eye on your horse’s stamina and health, as prolonged exposure to danger can cause it to flee or become injured.\n\nIf your horse continues to struggle with gunfire, consider using the Horse Meal or Horse Stimulant items, which temporarily boost its stamina and courage. These items can be crafted or purchased and are particularly useful during intense training sessions. Additionally, ensure your horse is well-fed and rested before training, as a tired or hungry horse is more likely to panic.\n\nFinally, remember that some horse breeds are naturally more skittish than others. War horses, such as the Ardennes or Hungarian Halfbred, are bred for combat and handle gunfire better than breeds like the Arabian or Thoroughbred. If you’re struggling with a particularly nervous horse, consider switching to a breed with higher courage stats.\n\nIn summary, training your horse to handle gunfire requires patience, consistency, and a focus on bonding. Start in a safe area, gradually expose your horse to gunfire, and reward calm behavior. Engage in mounted combat to simulate real-world scenarios, and consider using items or switching breeds if necessary. With time and effort, your horse will become a reliable companion in even the most chaotic situations.