Where can I find the best horse-related survival tips?
Horse care and survival are critical aspects of Red Dead Redemption 2, as your horse is your primary mode of transportation and a loyal companion. To ensure your horse thrives, you need to focus on feeding, grooming, bonding, and upgrading its equipment. Start by bonding with your horse, as this increases its stamina, health, and responsiveness. Bonding is achieved by riding, brushing, feeding, and calming your horse. Each bonding level unlocks new abilities, such as rearing, skidding, and better handling.\n\nFeeding your horse is essential to maintain its health and stamina. Horses can eat hay, wild carrots, apples, and other provisions found in the world. Wild carrots are particularly useful as they are free and can be found in the open world, especially in the Heartlands region near Valentine. Always keep a stock of horse provisions in your satchel to avoid running out during long journeys. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain, while underfeeding causes weight loss, both of which affect performance.\n\nGrooming your horse is another key mechanic. Use a brush to remove dirt and mud, which improves its health and appearance. You can purchase a brush from stables or general stores. Grooming also increases bonding, so make it a regular habit. If your horse gets dirty during a storm or while riding through muddy terrain, stop at a nearby water source to clean it. This prevents health degradation and keeps your horse in top condition.\n\nStamina and health cores are vital for your horse''s survival. These cores can be replenished using horse tonics, which are crafted or purchased. Crafting requires specific herbs like Ginseng and Yarrow, which can be found in the wild. Alternatively, visit a stable or general store to buy pre-made tonics. Always monitor your horse''s cores during intense activities like galloping or combat, as low stamina can lead to exhaustion.\n\nUpgrading your horse''s equipment is equally important. Visit stables to purchase better saddles, stirrups, and saddlebags. The best saddles, like the Improved or Special Saddles, significantly boost stamina and health regeneration. Stirrups improve speed and acceleration, while saddlebags increase storage capacity for provisions. These upgrades are expensive but worth the investment for long-term survival.\n\nFinally, always carry Horse Reviver in your inventory. If your horse is critically injured, this item can save its life. Horse Reviver can be purchased from general stores or crafted using specific herbs. Losing a horse can be devastating, especially if you''ve bonded with it, so always be prepared for emergencies.\n\nPractical tips for horse survival include avoiding dangerous areas like predator-infested regions or steep cliffs. If you encounter wolves or cougars, use Dead Eye to protect your horse. Additionally, always hitch your horse in safe locations to prevent it from wandering off or being stolen. By following these steps, you''ll ensure your horse remains a reliable companion throughout your journey in Red Dead Redemption 2.