What is the best way to heal a wounded horse during a mission?

Healing a wounded horse during a mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial to maintaining your mobility and ensuring your horse remains a reliable companion. Horses can sustain injuries from gunfire, falls, or collisions, and their health is displayed in the bottom-left corner of the screen. If your horse is wounded, its health core will deplete, and you must act quickly to stabilize and heal it.\n\nTo heal your horse, you need to use Horse Reviver or other healing items. Horse Reviver is the most effective solution for severely injured horses, as it instantly restores a significant portion of their health. You can purchase Horse Reviver from general stores, stables, or the in-game catalog. Always carry at least one bottle in your inventory, especially during missions where combat is likely.\n\nIf your horse is injured but not critically wounded, you can use other items like Wild Carrots, Hay, or Horse Tonics to restore its health. These items are less effective than Horse Reviver but can be useful in less dire situations. Wild Carrots can be found in the wild, while Hay and Horse Tonics are available at stables or general stores. To use these items, approach your horse, open the item wheel, and select the appropriate consumable.\n\nDuring missions, it’s important to find a safe spot to heal your horse. If you’re in the middle of a firefight, try to take cover and lure your horse to a protected area. Once you’re safe, dismount and use the healing item. If your horse is downed and unable to stand, you must use Horse Reviver immediately. Approach the horse, and the game will prompt you to administer the item. Failing to do so will result in the horse’s death, which can be devastating if it’s a high-bonded or rare breed.\n\nTo prevent your horse from getting injured in the first place, avoid reckless riding during missions. Stick to paths and avoid jumping over obstacles unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, keep an eye on your horse’s stamina and health cores, as a tired or malnourished horse is more susceptible to injuries. Regularly feed and groom your horse to maintain its cores and strengthen your bond, which improves its overall resilience.\n\nIn some missions, you may encounter scripted events where your horse is at risk. For example, during ambushes or chases, enemies may target your horse. In these situations, prioritize eliminating threats quickly and use Dead Eye to take out enemies before they can harm your horse. If your horse does get injured, don’t panic—focus on stabilizing the situation and healing it as soon as possible.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan. If your horse dies or is critically injured beyond recovery, you can call for a temporary horse or steal one from an enemy. However, this is less ideal than keeping your primary horse alive, as temporary horses lack the bond and perks of your main companion. By following these steps and staying prepared, you can ensure your horse remains healthy and ready for any mission in Red Dead Redemption 2.