What’s the best way to avoid horse injuries in combat?

Avoiding horse injuries in combat is crucial in Red Dead Redemption 2, as your horse is not only your primary mode of transportation but also a valuable companion. Horses can be injured or killed during fights, which can disrupt your gameplay and lead to costly replacements or revives. To minimize the risk of horse injuries, you need to understand the game mechanics and adopt specific strategies during combat.\n\nFirst, always keep your horse''s health and stamina in mind. Before engaging in combat, ensure your horse is well-fed and brushed. Use items like Hay, Wild Carrots, or Horse Tonics to boost its stamina and health cores. A healthy horse is more resilient and can recover faster from minor injuries. Additionally, bonding with your horse increases its stats, making it more durable and responsive during fights.\n\nPositioning is key during combat. Avoid leaving your horse in the line of fire. When engaging enemies, dismount and take cover behind rocks, trees, or other obstacles. This keeps your horse out of harm''s way while allowing you to focus on the fight. If you must stay mounted, use the ''Calm'' command (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) to keep your horse steady and prevent it from panicking and running into danger.\n\nUse the environment to your advantage. In open areas, keep your horse moving in a circular or zigzag pattern to make it harder for enemies to hit. In tighter spaces, such as forests or towns, use buildings and trees as cover to shield your horse from bullets. For example, during the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil IV,'' where you ambush a train, position your horse behind a large rock or tree to protect it from enemy fire.\n\nInvest in a good saddle and stirrups. The best saddles, like the Panther Trail Saddle or the Rattlesnake Vaquero Saddle, provide significant boosts to your horse''s health and stamina. Pair these with high-quality stirrups to further enhance your horse''s performance. These upgrades make your horse more durable and better equipped to handle combat situations.\n\nCarry Horse Reviver at all times. If your horse does get injured, you can quickly revive it with this item. You can purchase Horse Reviver from general stores or craft it using specific herbs. Always keep at least one in your inventory to avoid losing your horse permanently. For example, during the mission ''Banking, The Old American Art,'' where you face heavy gunfire, having Horse Reviver on hand can save your horse from a fatal injury.\n\nFinally, practice situational awareness. Pay attention to your surroundings and anticipate enemy movements. If you sense a fight is about to break out, such as during random ambushes on the road, dismount and prepare your horse for safety. Use the ''Flee'' command to send your horse away from the combat zone, ensuring it stays out of danger.\n\nBy following these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of horse injuries in combat. Keep your horse healthy, use the environment wisely, and always be prepared with the right items and upgrades. With careful planning and execution, you can ensure your horse remains a reliable companion throughout your adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.