What’s the best horse for traversing mountainous terrain?

When traversing mountainous terrain in Red Dead Redemption 2, the best horse is the **Missouri Fox Trotter** or the **Turkoman**. These breeds excel in stamina, speed, and handling, making them ideal for navigating steep slopes, rocky paths, and uneven terrain. The Missouri Fox Trotter is particularly known for its balanced stats, while the Turkoman offers high health and endurance, which are crucial for long journeys in harsh environments.\n\nTo acquire a Missouri Fox Trotter, you can purchase one from the **Scarlett Meadows Stable** in Lemoyne or the **Blackwater Stable** in the epilogue. The Turkoman, on the other hand, can be bought at the **Saint Denis Stable** or obtained during specific missions like ''Horse Flesh for Dinner.'' Both horses require a significant investment, so ensure you have enough money (around $950-$1,050) before heading to the stables.\n\nMountainous terrain in RDR2, such as the Grizzlies or Tall Trees, presents unique challenges like steep inclines, narrow paths, and unpredictable weather. A horse with high stamina is essential to avoid frequent stops for rest. The Missouri Fox Trotter and Turkoman both have excellent stamina bars, which can be further boosted by bonding with your horse. Bonding increases stamina and health, so spend time grooming, feeding, and calming your horse to reach Bonding Level 4.\n\nHandling is another critical factor when navigating mountains. The Missouri Fox Trotter has a ''Standard'' handling type, which is responsive and easy to control on tricky paths. The Turkoman, with its ''Heavy'' handling, is slightly less agile but compensates with superior health, making it more resilient to falls or attacks from predators like wolves or cougars.\n\nTo maximize your horse''s performance, equip it with the **Hooded Stirrups** and a **Trapper Saddle**. These items reduce stamina drain and increase speed, ensuring your horse can handle long climbs without tiring. You can craft the Trapper Saddle at any Trapper location using pelts from legendary animals like the Legendary Buck or Legendary Bear.\n\nOne common challenge in mountainous areas is the risk of your horse slipping or falling. To avoid this, always approach steep slopes at a slow pace by holding the ''Calm'' button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) and using the ''Walk'' command. If your horse starts to panic, quickly calm it to prevent accidents. Additionally, avoid galloping on narrow paths or near cliffs, as a single misstep can lead to a fatal fall.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to note that bonding with your horse takes time. Start by feeding it regularly, brushing it to remove dirt, and patting it to build trust. As you progress, your horse will become more reliable in challenging environments. Experienced players can further optimize their horse''s performance by using Horse Tonics and Potent Horse Stimulants, which temporarily boost stamina and health.\n\nIn summary, the Missouri Fox Trotter and Turkoman are the best horses for mountainous terrain due to their stamina, handling, and resilience. Equip them with the right gear, bond thoroughly, and approach steep areas cautiously to ensure a smooth journey. With these tips, you''ll be able to conquer even the most treacherous peaks in Red Dead Redemption 2.