How do I keep my horse clean and healthy in RDR2?

Keeping your horse clean and healthy in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for maintaining its stamina, speed, and bond level. A well-cared-for horse will perform better in races, chases, and long rides across the vast open world. To ensure your horse stays in top condition, you need to focus on grooming, feeding, and avoiding damage.\n\nFirst, grooming is a key mechanic for keeping your horse clean. Dirt, mud, and blood can accumulate on your horse over time, reducing its health and stamina cores. To clean your horse, approach it and press the appropriate button (L2/LT on consoles) to access the interaction menu. Select ''Brush'' to remove dirt. You can also lead your horse into shallow water, such as rivers or lakes, to wash off mud and grime. The brush can be purchased from stables or general stores for a small fee.\n\nFeeding your horse is equally important. Horses have two core stats: health and stamina. These cores deplete over time and need to be replenished with food. You can feed your horse hay, wild carrots, apples, or specialized horse meals purchased from stables. Open your satchel, select the food item, and choose ''Feed to Horse.'' Overfeeding can lead to weight gain, while underfeeding can cause your horse to become underweight. Both extremes affect performance, so aim for a balanced diet.\n\nAnother critical aspect is avoiding damage to your horse. Running into trees, rocks, or other obstacles can injure your horse and lower its health core. Additionally, gunfire or predator attacks can cause severe harm. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and use the ''Calm'' option (L3/LS on consoles) to soothe your horse during stressful situations. If your horse is injured, use Horse Reviver or visit a stable for treatment.\n\nBonding with your horse also plays a significant role in its health and performance. Bond levels increase as you spend time with your horse, and higher bond levels unlock better stats and abilities. To bond faster, pat your horse regularly, lead it on foot, and avoid actions that scare or harm it. A high bond level ensures your horse responds better to commands and stays calm in dangerous situations.\n\nFinally, stables are your go-to resource for advanced care. Visit any stable, such as the one in Valentine or Saint Denis, to purchase better equipment, upgrade your horse''s stats, or even buy a new horse. Stables also offer services like horse insurance, which ensures your horse is replaced if it dies. Always carry Horse Reviver in your inventory to revive your horse in emergencies.\n\nIn summary, keeping your horse clean and healthy involves regular grooming, proper feeding, avoiding damage, and building a strong bond. By following these steps, you''ll ensure your horse remains a reliable companion throughout your adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.