How can I increase my bond with my horse faster?
Increasing your bond with your horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for unlocking better performance, such as increased stamina, health, and responsiveness. The bond level ranges from 1 to 4, with each level requiring consistent care and interaction. To speed up the bonding process, focus on a combination of feeding, grooming, patting, and riding your horse.\n\nFirst, ensure your horse is well-fed. You can feed your horse by opening the item wheel, selecting the horse section, and choosing hay, wild carrots, or other horse provisions. Feeding your horse regularly not only restores its health and stamina but also increases the bond. Wild carrots, for example, can be found in the open world or purchased from stables. Feeding your horse after long rides or battles is a great way to show care.\n\nGrooming is another key mechanic. Use the brush in your inventory to clean your horse when it gets dirty. Dirt accumulates over time, especially when riding through muddy areas like the swamps near Saint Denis or the muddy trails in Lemoyne. Grooming your horse not only improves its appearance but also boosts the bond level. You can access the brush from the item wheel under the horse section.\n\nPatting your horse is a simple yet effective way to increase bonding. After mounting your horse, press the appropriate button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) to pat it. Do this frequently, especially after stressful situations like galloping through rough terrain or escaping predators. Patting your horse calms it down and strengthens your bond.\n\nRiding your horse is one of the most effective ways to increase bonding. Spend time traveling long distances, exploring the map, or completing missions on horseback. The more time you spend riding, the faster your bond will grow. Additionally, performing maneuvers like calming your horse while galloping or navigating tricky terrain can further boost the bond. For example, riding through the mountainous regions of Ambarino or the dense forests of Big Valley can provide opportunities to practice these skills.\n\nAvoid actions that harm your bond, such as overworking your horse, crashing into obstacles, or neglecting its needs. If your horse is injured, use horse reviver or visit a stable for treatment. Neglecting your horse’s health or leaving it stranded for too long can decrease the bond level.\n\nFinally, consider using horse tonics and stimulants to improve your horse’s performance and bonding speed. These items can be crafted or purchased from general stores. For example, Horse Stimulant can be crafted using Indian Tobacco and Sage, which are commonly found in the Heartlands or near rivers.\n\nBy combining these methods—feeding, grooming, patting, riding, and avoiding harm—you can quickly increase your bond with your horse. A strong bond not only enhances gameplay but also deepens the emotional connection between Arthur and his trusted companion.