How do you unlock the Horse Handling skill upgrades?

Unlocking Horse Handling skill upgrades in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for improving your bond with your horse and enhancing its performance. The Horse Handling skill is tied to your bond level with your horse, which ranges from Level 1 to Level 4. Each bond level unlocks new abilities and improvements, such as better stamina, health, and responsiveness. To increase your bond level, you must spend time with your horse, perform specific actions, and meet certain requirements.\n\nTo start, you need to own or tame a horse. You can purchase horses from stables, such as the one in Valentine or Saint Denis, or tame wild horses found in the open world. Once you have a horse, you can begin building your bond by riding it, feeding it, grooming it, and calming it when it gets spooked. Each of these actions contributes to your bond level. For example, riding your horse over long distances or at high speeds will increase its stamina and responsiveness over time.\n\nFeeding your horse is another critical aspect of increasing your bond. You can feed your horse hay, wild carrots, or other consumables like apples and sugar cubes. These items can be found in the wild or purchased from general stores. Grooming your horse is equally important, as it keeps your horse clean and happy. Use a horse brush, which can be purchased from stables or general stores, to remove dirt and mud. Calming your horse by patting it or speaking to it when it gets scared also strengthens your bond.\n\nAs your bond level increases, you will unlock new abilities. At Bond Level 1, your horse will respond to basic commands like stopping and turning. By Bond Level 2, you can perform advanced maneuvers such as skid turns and quick stops. Bond Level 3 unlocks the ability to rear your horse on command, which can be useful for intimidating enemies or navigating tricky terrain. Finally, at Bond Level 4, your horse will have maximum stamina and health, and it will be more loyal and responsive in dangerous situations.\n\nOne common challenge players face is maintaining their horse''s health and stamina during intense gameplay. To address this, always carry horse revivers and stamina tonics. These items can be purchased from stables or crafted using herbs like Ginseng and Yarrow. Additionally, avoid overworking your horse by giving it breaks during long rides. If your horse gets injured, take it to a stable or use a horse reviver immediately to prevent losing your bond progress.\n\nPractical tips for unlocking Horse Handling skill upgrades include spending time with your horse daily, even if you''re not actively riding it. For example, take your horse on hunting trips or use it to explore new areas. This will naturally increase your bond level over time. Another tip is to avoid switching horses frequently, as this resets your bond progress. Stick to one horse and focus on building a strong relationship with it. Finally, always keep your horse well-fed and groomed to maintain its happiness and performance.\n\nIn summary, unlocking Horse Handling skill upgrades requires consistent effort and care for your horse. By riding, feeding, grooming, and calming your horse, you can increase your bond level and unlock new abilities. Use practical items like horse revivers and stamina tonics to keep your horse in top condition, and avoid switching horses to maintain your progress. With patience and dedication, you can master the Horse Handling skill and enjoy a loyal, high-performing mount in Red Dead Redemption 2.