What’s the best way to increase my horse’s stamina?

Increasing your horse''s stamina in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for longer rides, faster travel, and better performance during intense moments like chases or escapes. Stamina determines how long your horse can gallop or sprint before tiring, and improving it requires a combination of bonding, proper care, and strategic gameplay choices.\n\nFirst, focus on bonding with your horse. Bonding is the foundation of your horse''s stats, including stamina. You can increase bonding by spending time with your horse, such as riding, brushing, feeding, and calming it. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and each level unlocks additional stamina cores and improves overall performance. To speed up bonding, pat your horse frequently, lead it on foot, and avoid actions that lower trust, like crashing or neglecting its needs.\n\nNext, invest in a good saddle and stirrups. Saddles and stirrups significantly impact your horse''s stamina drain rate. The best saddle for stamina is the Improved or Specialized Saddles, which can be purchased from stables or crafted at the Trapper using perfect pelts. Pair these saddles with high-quality stirrups, such as the Hooded Stirrups, to further reduce stamina drain. These upgrades are available at stables like the one in Valentine or Saint Denis.\n\nFeeding your horse the right items is another key factor. High-quality food like Hay, Oats, and Wild Carrots replenish stamina and keep your horse in peak condition. You can find these items at stables, general stores, or by foraging in the wild. For example, Wild Carrots grow near the Dakota River and are a free, effective way to boost stamina. Avoid feeding your horse low-quality food like Moldy Hay, as it provides minimal benefits.\n\nRegularly brushing and calming your horse also helps maintain stamina. Brushing removes dirt and improves health, while calming your horse during stressful situations prevents it from panicking and losing stamina. Use the L3 button (on PlayStation) or LS button (on Xbox) to calm your horse while riding, especially during gallops or sprints. This action refills a small portion of stamina, allowing you to ride longer without stopping.\n\nFinally, consider the breed of your horse. Some breeds naturally have higher stamina stats, such as the Arabian, Turkoman, or Missouri Fox Trotter. These horses are ideal for players who prioritize stamina and speed. You can purchase these breeds at stables or find them in the wild. For example, the White Arabian can be tamed near Lake Isabella in the Grizzlies West region.\n\nIn summary, increasing your horse''s stamina involves bonding, using the right equipment, feeding high-quality food, and choosing a breed with strong stamina stats. By following these steps, you''ll ensure your horse can handle long journeys and intense gameplay moments with ease.\n\nPractical Tip: Always carry Horse Stimulant or Potent Horse Stimulant in your inventory. These items instantly refill your horse''s stamina during critical moments, such as chases or escapes. You can craft them or purchase them from general stores and stables.