What’s the best way to avoid horse theft in towns?

Horse theft is a common issue in Red Dead Redemption 2, especially in busy towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Blackwater. To avoid losing your horse, it’s crucial to understand the game mechanics and take proactive steps to protect your mount. Horses are not only expensive but also vital for travel, combat, and carrying supplies, so keeping them safe is a top priority.\n\nOne of the simplest ways to avoid horse theft is to hitch your horse whenever you dismount in town. To do this, approach a hitching post or a fence and press the appropriate button (Triangle on PlayStation, Y on Xbox) to tie your horse. This prevents NPCs or other players from easily stealing your horse. Hitching also ensures your horse stays in one place, reducing the risk of it wandering off or being targeted by thieves.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to keep your horse’s bonding level high. A bonded horse is less likely to flee or be stolen. Bonding increases as you care for your horse by feeding, brushing, and patting it. At higher bonding levels (Level 3 or 4), your horse becomes more loyal and responsive to your commands, making it easier to call it back if it gets spooked or stolen. Additionally, a bonded horse will follow you more closely, reducing the chances of it being left unattended in risky areas.\n\nWhen visiting high-risk towns like Saint Denis, consider using the Horse Reviver item. While this won’t prevent theft directly, it ensures your horse can recover quickly if it’s injured during an altercation. Always keep an eye on your horse’s health and stamina, as a weakened horse is more vulnerable to theft or accidents. You can also purchase a Horse Insurance policy from the Stables, which allows you to recover your horse if it’s stolen or killed.\n\nIf you’re playing in Red Dead Online, horse theft is a bigger concern due to other players. In this mode, you can enable Defensive Mode, which makes it harder for other players to target you or your horse. Additionally, always keep your horse insured in Online mode, as this guarantees its return even if it’s stolen or killed. You can also use the Horse Cargo feature to store valuable items, ensuring they’re safe even if your horse is temporarily lost.\n\nFinally, be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid leaving your horse in dark alleys or secluded areas where thieves can easily target it. Stick to well-lit, populated areas near hitching posts or stables. If you notice suspicious NPCs lingering near your horse, quickly intervene by calming your horse or moving it to a safer location. By staying vigilant and using these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of horse theft in Red Dead Redemption 2.