How do I avoid failing missions by keeping my horse alive and healthy?

Keeping your horse alive and healthy in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial for avoiding mission failures, as many missions require you to ride your horse or rely on it for transportation. Horses are not just tools; they are companions that need care and attention. If your horse dies during a mission, you may fail the objective, lose progress, or even lose the horse permanently. To prevent this, you need to understand the game mechanics related to horse health, stamina, and bonding, and take proactive steps to maintain your horse''s well-being.\n\nFirst, always monitor your horse''s health and stamina cores. These are displayed in the bottom-left corner of the screen when riding or near your horse. The health core determines how much damage your horse can take before dying, while the stamina core affects how long your horse can run or gallop without tiring. To replenish these cores, feed your horse regularly with items like hay, apples, carrots, or horse tonics. You can purchase these items from general stores or find them in the wild. For example, wild carrots can be found near the Dakota River or in the Heartlands.\n\nSecond, bond with your horse to improve its stats and responsiveness. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4 and are increased by spending time with your horse, brushing it, feeding it, and calming it during stressful situations. A higher bonding level increases your horse''s health and stamina, making it more resilient during missions. To bond quickly, pat your horse after every ride, brush it when it gets dirty, and feed it after long journeys. For example, if you''re traveling from Valentine to Saint Denis, take breaks to care for your horse along the way.\n\nThird, avoid dangerous situations that could harm your horse. During missions, enemies may target your horse, or environmental hazards like cliffs, trains, or predators can cause fatal injuries. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and steer clear of risky areas. For instance, when riding through the Grizzlies, avoid narrow paths near steep drops. If you encounter enemies, dismount and take cover to prevent your horse from being shot. Additionally, equip your horse with a better saddle and stirrups to improve its stamina drain rate and overall performance.\n\nFourth, always carry Horse Reviver in your inventory. This item can save your horse if it gets critically injured during a mission. You can buy Horse Reviver from stables or general stores, and it''s worth stocking up before starting a mission. If your horse goes down, quickly approach it and administer the reviver to bring it back to life. For example, during the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil,'' where you ride through enemy fire, having Horse Reviver on hand can prevent mission failure if your horse is hit.\n\nFinally, choose the right horse for the job. Different horse breeds have varying stats, such as speed, health, and temperament. War horses, like the Ardennes or Hungarian Halfbred, have higher health and are more resilient in combat, making them ideal for missions with heavy gunfire. Race horses, like the Arabian or Thoroughbred, are faster but more fragile, so they''re better suited for missions requiring speed. Visit stables in towns like Valentine or Saint Denis to purchase or upgrade your horse.\n\nIn summary, to avoid mission failures due to your horse''s death, monitor its health and stamina, bond with it regularly, avoid dangerous situations, carry Horse Reviver, and choose the right horse for the mission. By following these steps, you''ll ensure your horse stays alive and healthy, allowing you to complete missions successfully.