How can I prevent my horse from being injured by hostile NPCs?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is one of your most valuable assets, and protecting it from hostile NPCs is crucial for maintaining mobility and efficiency in the game. Hostile NPCs, such as bandits, lawmen, or rival gangs, can target your horse during combat, leading to injuries or even death if not managed properly. To prevent this, you need to understand the game mechanics and adopt strategies to keep your horse safe.\n\nFirst, always keep your horse''s health and stamina in check. Regularly feed your horse with hay, wild carrots, or horse tonics to maintain its health core. Use stimulants like horse stimulant or oatcakes to boost stamina during intense situations. A healthy horse is more likely to survive encounters with hostile NPCs. Additionally, bonding with your horse (reaching level 4) increases its health and stamina stats, making it more resilient.\n\nDuring combat, position your horse strategically. Avoid leaving it in open areas where it can be easily targeted. Instead, park your horse behind cover, such as rocks, trees, or buildings, to shield it from enemy fire. For example, during ambushes in areas like Lemoyne or the Heartlands, dismount and lead your horse to a safe spot before engaging enemies. This minimizes the risk of your horse being hit by stray bullets.\n\nUse the ''Flee'' command to send your horse away from danger. When you anticipate a fight, hold the ''Call Horse'' button and select ''Flee'' from the radial menu. This instructs your horse to run to a safe distance until you call it back. This is particularly useful in missions like ''Pouring Forth Oil'' or ''The Battle of Shady Belle,'' where large-scale combat can overwhelm your horse.\n\nEquip your horse with a better saddle and stirrups to improve its stats. The best saddles, such as the Panther Trail Saddle or the Rattlesnake Vaquero Saddle, provide significant boosts to health and stamina regeneration. These can be crafted or purchased from stables like the one in Saint Denis. Additionally, consider purchasing horse insurance from the stables, which allows you to recover your horse if it dies.\n\nIn hostile areas like Van Horn or Thieves'' Landing, avoid unnecessary confrontations. These locations are filled with aggressive NPCs who will attack you and your horse on sight. If you must pass through, stay on the outskirts and avoid drawing attention. Use stealth to navigate these areas, and if a fight breaks out, prioritize eliminating threats quickly to protect your horse.\n\nFinally, always carry Horse Reviver in your inventory. This item can save your horse if it gets critically injured. You can purchase Horse Reviver from general stores or craft it using specific herbs. Keep at least two bottles on hand, especially during missions or exploration in dangerous territories like Roanoke Ridge or Gaptooth Ridge.\n\nBy following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your horse to hostile NPCs. Remember to stay vigilant, plan ahead, and always prioritize your horse''s safety during combat or exploration.