How do I keep my horse clean and healthy?

Keeping your horse clean and healthy in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for maintaining its stamina, speed, and overall performance. A well-cared-for horse will bond with you faster, making it more responsive and reliable during missions and exploration. Here’s a detailed guide on how to ensure your horse stays in top condition.\n\nFirst, grooming is a key mechanic for keeping your horse clean. Dirt and mud accumulate on your horse as you ride through different terrains, which can negatively affect its health and bonding level. To groom your horse, approach it and press the appropriate button (L2/LT on consoles) to access the interaction menu. Select the ''Brush'' option to remove dirt. You can purchase a horse brush from stables or general stores for around $2.50. Grooming should be done regularly, especially after riding through muddy areas or during rainstorms.\n\nFeeding your horse is another critical aspect of maintaining its health. Horses require food to replenish their stamina and health cores. You can feed them hay, wild carrots, apples, or specialized horse meals purchased from stables. To feed your horse, open the item wheel, navigate to the horse section, and select the food item. Be mindful of overfeeding, as it can lead to temporary weight gain, which affects speed and stamina. Underfeeding, on the other hand, can cause your horse to become underweight, reducing its overall performance.\n\nHydration is equally important. Always ensure your horse has access to water. You can lead your horse to a water source, such as a river, lake, or trough, and press the appropriate button to let it drink. Hydration is particularly crucial during long rides or in hot climates like New Austin. If your horse’s stamina core is low, giving it water will help restore it quickly.\n\nBonding with your horse is a game mechanic that improves its responsiveness and unlocks new abilities, such as rearing or drifting. Bonding increases as you spend time with your horse, including riding, grooming, feeding, and calming it. Calming your horse is especially important during stressful situations, such as encounters with predators or gunfights. To calm your horse, press the designated button (L3/LS on consoles) while riding or standing near it. This action also restores a small amount of stamina.\n\nRegular visits to the stable are recommended for advanced care. Stables offer services like horse revivers, tonics, and premium food items. If your horse is injured, you can purchase Horse Reviver from general stores or stables to restore its health. Additionally, stables allow you to customize your horse’s appearance, such as changing its mane, tail, or saddle, which can also improve its stats.\n\nPractical tips for maintaining your horse include avoiding dangerous terrains like steep cliffs or deep water, as these can cause injuries or even death. Always keep Horse Reviver in your inventory for emergencies. If your horse dies, it cannot be revived, and you’ll lose your bonding progress. Finally, consider purchasing a better saddle or stirrups from the stable, as these items can significantly boost your horse’s stamina and health regeneration.\n\nBy following these steps, you’ll ensure your horse remains clean, healthy, and ready for any adventure in Red Dead Redemption 2. A well-maintained horse is not only a reliable companion but also a key asset in your journey through the Wild West.