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

In Red Dead Redemption 2, keeping your horse calm around predators is crucial for survival and efficient travel. Horses can become frightened by predators like wolves, cougars, and bears, causing them to buck you off or flee. To avoid this, you need to understand the game mechanics and take proactive steps to manage your horse''s fear.\n\nFirst, always keep your horse''s Bonding Level high. A higher bond means your horse will trust you more and stay calmer in dangerous situations. Bonding increases by feeding, grooming, and patting your horse regularly. At Bonding Level 4, your horse is less likely to panic and will respond better to your commands, even when predators are nearby.\n\nSecond, use the Calm command frequently. When you sense danger, such as hearing growls or seeing red dots on your mini-map, press the Calm button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox). This reassures your horse and reduces its fear. If you''re riding through predator-heavy areas like Tall Trees or Roanoke Ridge, keep your horse calm even before you encounter danger.\n\nThird, equip your horse with the right gear. The Panther Trail Saddle, available after completing the Horseman 9 challenge, improves your horse''s stamina and health, making it more resilient in stressful situations. Additionally, using Horse Stimulants or Horse Tonics can temporarily boost your horse''s stamina and health, helping it stay calm longer.\n\nFourth, avoid riding directly into predator-infested areas. Instead, dismount and scout ahead on foot. For example, if you''re hunting cougars in Big Valley, leave your horse a safe distance away and approach on foot. This prevents your horse from panicking and allows you to deal with the threat without risking your mount.\n\nFifth, use Dead Eye to eliminate threats quickly. If a predator charges, activate Dead Eye and target its weak points (head or heart) to kill it before it can scare your horse. This is especially useful against wolves, which often attack in packs. Always carry a powerful rifle or shotgun for these encounters.\n\nFinally, consider using specific horse breeds known for their bravery. War horses like the Ardennes or Turkoman are less likely to spook compared to other breeds. These horses are available at stables like the Scarlett Meadows Stable or the Blackwater Stable, depending on your progress in the game.\n\nBy following these steps, you can minimize the risk of losing your horse to predators. Always stay alert, keep your horse calm, and be prepared to defend yourself and your mount in dangerous situations.