What’s the best way to bond with a new horse quickly in RDR2?

Bonding with a new horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for improving its stats, responsiveness, and overall performance. The bonding system is tied to four levels, with each level unlocking new abilities and making your horse more reliable. To bond quickly, focus on activities that increase trust and familiarity, such as riding, grooming, feeding, and calming your horse.\n\nFirst, start by riding your horse as much as possible. Every minute spent riding contributes to bonding progress. To maximize efficiency, take your horse on long rides across the map, such as from Valentine to Saint Denis. Avoid fast travel, as it skips the bonding process. Riding at different speeds (walking, trotting, and galloping) also helps, as it simulates real-world interaction and builds trust.\n\nGrooming your horse is another effective way to bond. Use the brush in your inventory to clean your horse whenever it gets dirty. This not only increases bonding but also improves the horse''s health and stamina. Grooming is particularly useful after riding through muddy areas or during rainstorms. You can find brushes at general stores or stables, so always keep one handy.\n\nFeeding your horse is equally important. Use items like hay, apples, carrots, or wild carrots (found in the open world) to keep your horse well-fed. Feeding restores health and stamina while also boosting bonding. Avoid overfeeding, as it can lead to temporary stat reductions. A good strategy is to feed your horse after long rides or intense activities like hunting or combat.\n\nCalming your horse during stressful situations is crucial for bonding. If your horse gets spooked by predators, gunfire, or other threats, press the calm button (L3 on PlayStation, LS on Xbox) to soothe it. This not only prevents your horse from bucking you off but also strengthens your bond. For example, if you encounter a pack of wolves near Big Valley, calming your horse will help you both survive the encounter and deepen your connection.\n\nFinally, patting your horse regularly is a simple yet effective way to bond. Approach your horse and press the pat button (Square on PlayStation, X on Xbox) to show affection. This can be done while standing still or riding. Patting your horse after completing tasks, such as hunting or delivering items, reinforces positive behavior and accelerates bonding.\n\nTo summarize, the best way to bond with a new horse quickly is to combine riding, grooming, feeding, calming, and patting. Focus on consistent interaction and avoid neglecting your horse during gameplay. By following these steps, you can reach Bonding Level 4 in a matter of hours, unlocking perks like increased stamina, better handling, and the ability to perform advanced maneuvers like drifting and rearing.