What are the best horse upgrades for faster mission completion?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, having the right horse upgrades can significantly improve your mission completion speed, especially when aiming for Gold Medals. Horses are your primary mode of transportation, and their speed, stamina, and handling can make or break your performance in timed missions. To maximize efficiency, focus on acquiring a high-tier horse, upgrading its equipment, and bonding with it to unlock its full potential.\n\nFirst, prioritize obtaining a fast and reliable horse. The best horses for speed include the Arabian (found near Lake Isabella), the Missouri Fox Trotter (available at the Scarlett Meadows Stable in Chapter 4), and the Turkoman (unlocked during specific missions or purchased in stables). These horses have high speed and acceleration stats, which are crucial for reaching objectives quickly. For example, the White Arabian can be tamed early in the game and offers excellent speed and handling, making it a great choice for new players.\n\nNext, invest in horse equipment upgrades. Saddles and stirrups play a vital role in improving your horse''s stamina and speed. The best saddle in the game is the Panther Trail Saddle, which provides a significant stamina drain reduction. To craft it, you need to hunt a perfect panther pelt, which can be found in the forests south of Braithwaite Manor. Pair this saddle with the best stirrups, such as the Hooded Stirrups, to further boost your horse''s speed and acceleration. These upgrades are essential for maintaining high speeds during long rides or chases.\n\nBonding with your horse is another critical factor. As you bond with your horse (by feeding, grooming, and riding it), its stamina and health cores will improve, and it will respond better to your commands. A fully bonded horse (Level 4) will have a significant stamina boost, allowing you to gallop for longer periods without stopping. This is particularly useful in missions with tight time constraints, such as ''Pouring Forth Oil IV,'' where you need to chase a train across the map.\n\nTo further enhance your horse''s performance, use Horse Stimulants and Horse Meal. These items temporarily boost your horse''s stamina and health, ensuring it can maintain top speed during critical moments. You can craft or purchase these items from general stores or the Fence. For example, Horse Stimulants can be crafted using Sage and Ginseng, which are commonly found in the wild.\n\nFinally, practice efficient riding techniques. Use the cinematic camera mode to auto-ride to your destination while holding the gallop button. This allows you to focus on planning your next move without worrying about navigation. Additionally, learn to use the ''calm'' feature (pressing the left stick) to restore your horse''s stamina mid-gallop, which is especially useful during long rides.\n\nBy combining a high-tier horse, upgraded equipment, bonding, and consumables, you can significantly reduce mission completion times and increase your chances of earning Gold Medals. These strategies are particularly effective in missions like ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' where speed and stamina are crucial for success.