How do I unlock the Horse Health Core upgrade?

To unlock the Horse Health Core upgrade in Red Dead Redemption 2, you must focus on bonding with your horse and improving its overall condition. The Horse Health Core is a vital stat that determines your horse''s durability and ability to recover from injuries. This upgrade is tied to your horse''s bonding level, which ranges from Level 1 to Level 4. As you increase the bonding level, your horse''s Health Core will improve, allowing it to take more damage and recover faster.\n\nTo start, you need to bond with your horse. Bonding is achieved by spending time with your horse, performing actions such as feeding, grooming, patting, and riding. Each of these actions contributes to the bonding experience points (XP) required to level up. For example, feeding your horse hay or wild carrots, grooming it with a brush, and patting it after a ride all add to the bonding progress. Riding your horse over long distances and performing calm maneuvers, such as slowing down before stopping, also helps.\n\nOnce you reach Bonding Level 2, your horse''s Health Core will begin to improve. At this level, you will notice a slight increase in the Health Core''s maximum capacity. To reach Bonding Level 2, you need to accumulate approximately 250 bonding XP. This can be done by consistently interacting with your horse over a short period. For example, if you ride your horse from Valentine to Rhodes while patting and feeding it along the way, you should reach Level 2 relatively quickly.\n\nAt Bonding Level 3, the Health Core upgrade becomes more significant. By this point, your horse will have a much larger Health Core, making it more resilient in combat or dangerous situations. To reach Level 3, you need around 650 bonding XP. This requires more consistent effort, such as completing missions with your horse, avoiding spooking it, and ensuring it is well-fed and groomed. For instance, if you take your horse on hunting trips or use it during story missions, you will naturally build up the required XP.\n\nFinally, at Bonding Level 4, your horse''s Health Core will be fully upgraded. This is the maximum level of bonding, and it provides the highest possible Health Core stats. To reach Level 4, you need approximately 1,500 bonding XP. This requires long-term commitment, such as using the same horse for extended periods, avoiding injuries, and maintaining its condition. For example, if you use your horse exclusively for several chapters of the game, you will likely reach Level 4 without much additional effort.\n\nIn addition to bonding, you can further enhance your horse''s Health Core by using specific items. Horse Tonics, which can be purchased from stables or crafted using herbs like Ginseng and Yarrow, temporarily boost your horse''s Health Core. These tonics are particularly useful during intense missions or when traveling through dangerous areas. For example, if you are planning to ride through the Grizzlies or engage in a shootout, using a Horse Tonic beforehand can give your horse an extra edge.\n\nTo summarize, unlocking the Horse Health Core upgrade requires consistent bonding with your horse through feeding, grooming, patting, and riding. As you progress through the bonding levels, your horse''s Health Core will improve, making it more durable and resilient. Additionally, using Horse Tonics can provide temporary boosts to the Health Core, ensuring your horse remains in peak condition during challenging situations. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse is always ready for whatever the Wild West throws at you.