What’s the best way to keep my horse from being scared by gunfire?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, keeping your horse calm during gunfire is essential for maintaining control and avoiding dangerous situations. Horses in the game have a fear mechanic that causes them to panic when exposed to loud noises like gunfire, predators, or explosions. If your horse panics, it may buck you off or run away, leaving you vulnerable. To prevent this, you need to build your horse''s trust and use specific strategies to keep it calm during combat.\n\nFirst, focus on bonding with your horse. Bonding is a core mechanic that improves your horse''s behavior and responsiveness. You can increase your bond level by feeding, grooming, and patting your horse regularly. As your bond level increases (up to level 4), your horse will become less skittish and more reliable in stressful situations. For example, a level 4 bonded horse is far less likely to panic during gunfire compared to a level 1 horse. Spend time riding and caring for your horse to build this trust.\n\nNext, use the calming mechanic during gunfire. When your horse starts to get nervous, hold the ''Calm'' button (L3 on PlayStation, LS on Xbox). This action reassures your horse and reduces its fear level. If you''re in the middle of a gunfight, make sure to calm your horse frequently, especially after loud noises like gunshots or explosions. This will help prevent it from bolting or throwing you off.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to position your horse strategically during combat. Avoid standing directly in the line of fire or near enemies. Instead, keep your horse at a safe distance or behind cover. For example, if you''re ambushed in a forest, dismount and use trees as cover while your horse stays nearby. This minimizes the risk of your horse panicking and ensures you can quickly remount if needed.\n\nUpgrading your horse''s equipment can also help. Equip your horse with a better saddle and stirrups, which improve its stamina and health. A horse with higher stamina is less likely to panic and can recover faster from stressful situations. Additionally, consider using the ''War'' or ''Multi'' horse breeds, as they are naturally more resilient to gunfire and combat. Breeds like the Ardennes or Hungarian Halfbred are excellent choices for players who frequently engage in shootouts.\n\nFinally, practice situational awareness. If you know you''re about to enter a gunfight, prepare your horse by calming it beforehand. For example, before robbing a train or attacking an enemy camp, take a moment to reassure your horse. This preemptive action can make a significant difference in how your horse reacts during the chaos.\n\nIn summary, keeping your horse calm during gunfire requires a combination of bonding, strategic positioning, and proactive calming. By building a strong bond, using the calming mechanic, and equipping your horse with the right gear, you can ensure it remains steady even in the most intense situations. These tips are especially useful for new players who are still learning the game''s mechanics, but even experienced players can benefit from refining their approach to horse management.