How do I unlock the Horse Stamina upgrades?

Unlocking Horse Stamina upgrades in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for improving your horse''s performance, allowing you to travel longer distances and sprint for extended periods without exhausting your mount. Stamina upgrades are tied to your horse''s bonding level, which increases as you spend time with your horse and perform specific actions. Here''s a detailed guide on how to unlock and maximize these upgrades.\n\nFirst, you need to bond with your horse. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and each level unlocks new abilities and improvements, including stamina upgrades. To increase bonding, spend time riding your horse, brushing it, feeding it, and calming it when it gets spooked. Each of these actions contributes to your bonding progress, which is displayed in the Player menu under the Horse section. For example, brushing your horse after a long ride or feeding it hay or wild carrots will boost bonding quickly.\n\nOnce you reach Bonding Level 2, your horse''s stamina core will start to improve. At this level, you can also unlock the ability to perform a calming pat while riding, which replenishes a small amount of stamina. This is particularly useful during long gallops or when fleeing from danger. To maximize this, practice patting your horse regularly while riding, especially during intense moments like chases or races.\n\nAt Bonding Level 3, your horse''s stamina core will increase further, and you''ll unlock the ability to perform a sliding stop. This maneuver is useful for quick stops during high-speed chases or when navigating tricky terrain. To perform a sliding stop, press the brake button while galloping. This not only helps with control but also adds to your horse''s stamina management, as it reduces the strain on your mount during sudden stops.\n\nReaching Bonding Level 4 unlocks the full potential of your horse''s stamina. At this level, your horse''s stamina core will be at its maximum, and you''ll gain access to the ''spur'' ability, which allows your horse to sprint for longer periods without tiring. To use this effectively, tap the sprint button rhythmically while riding to maintain speed without draining stamina too quickly. This is especially helpful during missions that require fast travel or when escaping enemies.\n\nIn addition to bonding, you can further enhance your horse''s stamina by equipping better saddles and stirrups. The best saddles, such as the Improved or Special Saddles, significantly reduce stamina drain and can be purchased from stables or crafted through the Trapper. Stirrups like the Hooded Stirrups also provide a stamina drain reduction bonus. For example, the Improved Saddle combined with Hooded Stirrups can make your horse nearly unstoppable during long rides.\n\nFinally, feeding your horse the right items can temporarily boost its stamina. Items like Hay, Wild Carrots, and Horse Tonics replenish stamina and keep your horse performing at its best. Always carry a supply of these items, especially during long journeys or intense missions. For example, feeding your horse a Wild Carrot before a race can give you a slight edge over competitors.\n\nIn summary, unlocking Horse Stamina upgrades requires increasing your bonding level, equipping the right gear, and managing your horse''s needs. By following these steps, you''ll have a reliable and high-performing mount that can handle any challenge in the game.