How do I improve my horse’s handling and speed?

Improving your horse’s handling and speed in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for efficient travel, combat, and overall gameplay. Horses are your primary mode of transportation, and their performance can significantly impact your experience. To enhance your horse’s stats, you need to focus on bonding, equipment, and proper care.\n\nFirst, bonding with your horse is the foundation for improving its handling and speed. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and each level unlocks new abilities and stat improvements. To increase bonding, spend time with your horse by riding, brushing, feeding, and calming it. For example, brushing your horse after a long ride or feeding it hay or wild carrots will boost its trust in you. Bonding level 4 unlocks the horse’s full potential, including better handling and responsiveness to commands.\n\nNext, equip your horse with better gear to enhance its performance. Saddles and stirrups play a crucial role in improving speed and stamina. Visit stables like the one in Valentine or Saint Denis to purchase high-quality saddles such as the Improved or Special Saddles. These saddles reduce stamina drain and increase core regeneration. Additionally, upgrading stirrups, like the Hooded Stirrups, provides a significant speed and acceleration boost. Always prioritize equipment that complements your horse’s strengths.\n\nFeeding and caring for your horse also directly impact its performance. A well-fed horse with high health and stamina cores will perform better in races and combat. Use items like Hay, Oats, and Wild Carrots to replenish its cores. You can find these items at general stores or by foraging in the wild. For example, Wild Carrots are abundant near the Heartlands region. Regularly brush your horse to clean it and improve its health core, especially after riding through mud or water.\n\nTraining your horse through races and challenges can further improve its speed and handling. Participate in random encounter races with NPCs, such as the one near Caliga Hall or the road to Rhodes. Winning these races not only boosts your horse’s speed but also increases your bond. Additionally, practice sharp turns, galloping, and stopping to improve your horse’s responsiveness. Over time, these actions will make your horse more agile and easier to control.\n\nFinally, consider the breed of your horse, as different breeds have varying base stats. For example, the Arabian breed is known for its exceptional speed and handling, while the Turkoman offers a balance of speed and health. You can acquire these breeds by purchasing them from stables or finding them in the wild. The White Arabian, for instance, can be tamed near Lake Isabella in the Grizzlies West region.\n\nIn summary, improving your horse’s handling and speed requires a combination of bonding, proper equipment, care, and training. Focus on building a strong bond, investing in quality saddles and stirrups, maintaining your horse’s health, and practicing its skills. By following these steps, you’ll have a reliable and high-performing mount for all your adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.