What’s the best horse for combat situations in RDR2?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, choosing the best horse for combat situations is crucial for surviving intense gunfights, ambushes, and dangerous encounters. The ideal horse for combat should have high health, stamina, and bravery stats to withstand enemy fire and remain calm under pressure. Among the available breeds, the **Turkoman** and **Missouri Fox Trotter** stand out as the top choices for combat due to their balanced stats and resilience.\n\nTo acquire a Turkoman, you can purchase one from the **Scarlett Meadows Stable** in Lemoyne or the **Blackwater Stable** in the epilogue. The Missouri Fox Trotter is available at the **Strawberry Stable** in West Elizabeth. Both horses cost around $950-$1,000, so ensure you have enough money saved up. Alternatively, you can find wild horses in specific locations, but taming them requires patience and skill.\n\nTaming a horse involves approaching it slowly while calming it with the ''Calm'' button (L3/LS on consoles). Once close enough, mount the horse and repeatedly calm it as it bucks. For combat horses, bonding is essential. Bonding increases your horse''s trust in you, improving its health, stamina, and responsiveness. Bonding levels are achieved by feeding, grooming, and riding your horse. At Level 4 bonding, your horse will be fully loyal and perform better in combat.\n\nIn combat situations, a horse''s bravery stat is critical. Horses like the Turkoman and Missouri Fox Trotter are less likely to throw you off during gunfights or when encountering predators. To test your horse''s bravery, expose it to gunfire or predators in controlled environments, such as the forests near **Big Valley** or the swamps of **Bayou Nwa**. If your horse panics, dismount and calm it immediately to build trust.\n\nTo maximize your horse''s combat effectiveness, equip it with the best saddle and stirrups. The **Improved Saddle** or **Panther Trail Saddle** significantly boosts stamina and health regeneration. Pair it with **Hooded Stirrups** for additional speed and acceleration. These upgrades are available at stables and can make a noticeable difference in prolonged battles.\n\nPractical tips for combat include positioning your horse strategically. Use cover to protect your horse from enemy fire, and dismount if the situation becomes too dangerous. Always carry **Horse Reviver** in your inventory to save your horse if it gets critically injured. Additionally, practice quick-dismounting and mounting during combat to avoid being an easy target.\n\nFor new players, focus on building a strong bond with your horse before engaging in combat. Experienced players can experiment with different breeds to find the perfect match for their playstyle. Remember, a well-trained and equipped horse can be the difference between life and death in the wild west.