How do I clean my horse to improve its stats?

Cleaning your horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for maintaining its health, stamina, and bonding level. A clean horse performs better, recovers stamina faster, and builds trust with you more quickly. To clean your horse, you need a Horse Brush, which can be purchased from stables or general stores for a small fee. Once you have the brush, approach your horse and interact with it to begin grooming.\n\nTo clean your horse, stand close to it and open the interaction menu by pressing the appropriate button (L2/LT on consoles). Select the Horse Brush from the menu and use it by pressing the prompted button repeatedly. As you brush, you’ll see dirt and mud being removed, and your horse’s cleanliness stat will improve. This process takes about 10-15 seconds, depending on how dirty your horse is.\n\nHorses get dirty from riding through muddy terrain, swimming in dirty water, or simply over time. If you frequently ride through areas like the swamps near Saint Denis or the muddy trails in the Heartlands, your horse will require more frequent cleaning. Pay attention to the horse’s appearance—if it looks visibly dirty or has mud streaks, it’s time to clean it.\n\nCleaning your horse also improves its bonding level. Bonding is crucial for unlocking better stats and abilities, such as increased stamina, health, and the ability to perform advanced maneuvers like drifting or rearing. Each time you clean your horse, you’ll see a small bonding increase, so make grooming a regular part of your routine.\n\nIf you don’t have a Horse Brush, you can still clean your horse by riding it through deep water, such as rivers or lakes. However, this method is less effective and doesn’t provide the bonding bonus that brushing does. For example, riding through the Dakota River near Valentine can help remove some dirt, but it won’t fully clean your horse.\n\nTo maximize the benefits of cleaning, combine it with other horse care activities like feeding, patting, and leading. Feeding your horse improves its health core, while patting and leading increase bonding. A well-cared-for horse will perform better in races, chases, and combat situations.\n\nIn summary, cleaning your horse is a simple yet impactful way to improve its stats and strengthen your bond. Always carry a Horse Brush, clean your horse regularly, and combine grooming with other care activities for the best results. This will ensure your horse remains in peak condition, ready for any challenge in the vast world of Red Dead Redemption 2.