How do I fix the "horse bonding reset" glitch?

The ''horse bonding reset'' glitch in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a frustrating issue where your horse''s bonding level suddenly drops, causing you to lose progress in your relationship with your equine companion. Bonding levels are crucial as they unlock abilities like increased stamina, better handling, and special commands. This glitch can occur due to bugs, game updates, or specific in-game actions, but there are ways to fix and prevent it.\n\nFirst, understand how horse bonding works. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, with each level unlocking new perks. You increase bonding by feeding, grooming, patting, and riding your horse. If your bonding level resets, it’s often due to a bug triggered by switching horses, loading a save file, or encountering a rare game error. To fix this, start by reloading a previous save file where your horse’s bonding level was intact. This is the simplest solution if you have a recent save.\n\nIf reloading a save isn’t an option, try rebuilding your bond manually. Spend time with your horse by feeding it (hay, apples, or carrots work well), brushing it, and patting it frequently. Ride your horse across long distances, as time spent riding also contributes to bonding. For example, take a trip from Valentine to Saint Denis while avoiding fast travel. This will help you regain lost bonding levels faster.\n\nAnother common cause of the glitch is switching horses too often. If you frequently swap horses at stables or tame wild horses, the game may fail to recognize your primary horse’s bonding level. To avoid this, stick to one horse as your main companion and only switch when absolutely necessary. If you must switch, ensure you manually save the game before doing so.\n\nIn some cases, the glitch is tied to specific missions or locations. For instance, missions involving temporary horse changes (like the Braithwaite mission in Chapter 3) can sometimes reset bonding. To prevent this, avoid using temporary horses during missions unless required. If the glitch occurs during a mission, replay the mission and ensure you interact with your primary horse immediately afterward.\n\nIf the issue persists, consider restarting the game or clearing the cache on your console or PC. For console players, turn off the system, unplug it for 30 seconds, and restart. PC players can verify game files through their platform (Steam, Epic Games, etc.) to ensure no corrupted data is causing the issue.\n\nFinally, always keep multiple manual saves. This is a general tip for avoiding many glitches in Red Dead Redemption 2. Save your game before major missions, after bonding milestones, and when acquiring a new horse. This way, if the glitch occurs, you can revert to a previous save without losing significant progress.\n\nBy following these steps, you can fix the ''horse bonding reset'' glitch and maintain a strong bond with your horse. Remember, patience and consistency are key to rebuilding trust and unlocking your horse’s full potential.