How do I unlock the improved stirrups for better horse stats?

Unlocking improved stirrups in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for enhancing your horse''s performance, including speed, acceleration, and stamina drain reduction. Stirrups are a type of saddle accessory that directly impacts your horse''s stats, making them a critical upgrade for players who rely on their horse for travel, combat, or hunting. To unlock and purchase improved stirrups, you must progress through the game and meet specific requirements.\n\nFirst, you need to visit a stable to access the stirrups. Stables are located in major towns such as Valentine, Saint Denis, and Strawberry. Once inside, interact with the stable hand to view the saddle and stirrup options. However, not all stirrups are available immediately. Improved stirrups are locked behind both story progression and your Honor level. You must reach at least Chapter 2 in the main story to unlock the ability to purchase better stirrups.\n\nTo unlock the best stirrups, you must also increase your Honor level. High Honor unlocks the best stirrups, such as the Hooded Stirrups, which provide the maximum stat boosts. To raise your Honor, perform positive actions like helping strangers, donating to camp, or sparing enemies during missions. Conversely, negative actions like killing innocent NPCs or committing crimes will lower your Honor, delaying your access to these upgrades.\n\nOnce you meet the requirements, you can purchase improved stirrups from the stable. The Hooded Stirrups, for example, cost around $145 and provide a +2 boost to speed and acceleration, as well as a 50% reduction in stamina drain. These stats make a significant difference in long-distance travel and high-pressure situations like chases or escapes. If you''re short on cash, consider completing missions, hunting legendary animals, or looting enemies to gather the necessary funds.\n\nA common challenge players face is balancing Honor progression with gameplay. If you prefer a more chaotic playstyle, you may struggle to unlock high-tier stirrups. To mitigate this, focus on small Honor-boosting actions, such as greeting NPCs in towns or fishing and releasing fish. These actions add up over time and help you maintain a high Honor level without drastically altering your playstyle.\n\nIn summary, unlocking improved stirrups requires visiting a stable, progressing through the story, and maintaining a high Honor level. Prioritize positive actions to boost your Honor and save money for the best stirrups. With these upgrades, your horse will become faster, more agile, and better suited for the challenges of the Wild West.