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How do I unlock the Horse Bonding Tracker in the game?

To unlock the Horse Bonding Tracker in Red Dead Redemption 2, you must first tame or purchase a horse and begin building a bond with it. The Horse Bonding Tracker is a crucial feature that allows you to monitor your relationship with your horse, unlocking new abilities and improving its performance as the bond level increases. The tracker becomes available as soon as you start interacting with your horse, but it requires specific actions to progress through the bonding levels.\n\nTo begin, you need to acquire a horse. You can either tame a wild horse or purchase one from a stable. Taming a wild horse involves approaching it slowly, calming it with the ''Calm'' button (L3/LS on consoles), and then mounting it when prompted. Once mounted, you must soothe the horse by repeatedly pressing the ''Calm'' button until it stops bucking. After successfully taming the horse, it becomes your temporary mount. Alternatively, purchasing a horse from a stable, such as the one in Valentine or Saint Denis, immediately makes it your primary horse.\n\nOnce you have a horse, the Horse Bonding Tracker becomes active. Bonding with your horse is achieved through consistent interaction. Key actions include feeding, grooming, patting, and riding your horse. Each of these actions contributes to increasing your bond level, which ranges from Level 1 to Level 4. At Level 1, your horse will respond to basic commands, but as you progress, it will unlock new abilities such as rearing, skid turns, and increased stamina and health.\n\nTo maximize bonding, focus on daily interactions. Feed your horse by opening the item wheel, selecting ''Horse Care,'' and choosing food like hay, apples, or wild carrots. Groom your horse using a brush, which can be purchased from stables or general stores. Pat your horse by standing next to it and pressing the ''Pat'' button (L3/LS). Additionally, riding your horse for extended periods and avoiding actions that scare or harm it, such as running into obstacles or firing guns nearby, will help build trust.\n\nA common challenge players face is maintaining the bond during intense gameplay, such as gunfights or chases. If your horse becomes agitated or injured, it may temporarily lose trust. To mitigate this, always carry horse revivers and tonics to heal your horse if it gets hurt. Avoid reckless riding in dangerous areas, and dismount during combat to prevent your horse from panicking. If your horse does flee, whistle to call it back once the danger has passed.\n\nPractical tips for faster bonding include completing missions that involve horseback riding, as these often provide significant bonding opportunities. For example, the early story mission ''Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego'' requires you to hunt a bear with Hosea, and the extended horseback ride during this mission is an excellent chance to bond with your horse. Additionally, stabling your horse at a camp or stable ensures it remains safe and healthy, preserving your bond.\n\nIn summary, the Horse Bonding Tracker unlocks automatically when you acquire a horse and start interacting with it. By consistently feeding, grooming, patting, and riding your horse, you can increase your bond level and unlock new abilities. Avoid actions that scare or harm your horse, and use practical strategies like carrying horse revivers and completing missions to strengthen your bond. With patience and care, you''ll have a loyal and capable companion for your adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.