How do I improve my horse’s stamina and bonding level?

Improving your horse’s stamina and bonding level in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for smoother gameplay, faster travel, and better performance in combat or chases. Bonding with your horse increases its trust in you, unlocking new abilities and improving its stats, while stamina determines how long your horse can sprint or gallop without tiring. Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve both.\n\nTo improve your horse’s bonding level, you need to spend time with it and perform specific actions. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, with each level unlocking new abilities like rearing, drifting, and increased health and stamina. Start by calming your horse regularly by pressing the left stick (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) while riding. This reduces its fear and builds trust. Additionally, patting your horse (pressing the G key on PC or the Square/X button on consoles) while standing near it also increases bonding. Feeding your horse hay, wild carrots, or other food items found in the world or purchased from stables will further boost bonding.\n\nAnother effective way to increase bonding is by leading your horse on foot. Hold the lead button (L2/LT) and walk with your horse for a few minutes. This is particularly useful when exploring towns or areas where riding isn’t ideal. Grooming your horse at a stable or using a brush (found in your inventory) also helps, as it keeps your horse clean and happy. Finally, avoid actions that harm your horse, such as running it into obstacles or forcing it into dangerous situations, as this can lower bonding.\n\nTo improve your horse’s stamina, focus on bonding first, as higher bonding levels increase your horse’s base stamina. Once you reach bonding level 4, your horse’s stamina will be at its maximum potential. However, you can further enhance stamina by using specific horse tonics, which can be crafted or purchased. For example, the Horse Stimulant recipe requires Indian Tobacco and Ginseng, both of which can be found in the wild. These tonics temporarily boost stamina, making them useful during long rides or chases.\n\nAnother way to improve stamina is by using the correct saddle and stirrups. Saddles like the Improved or Special Saddles, available at stables, reduce stamina drain while riding. Pair these with high-quality stirrups, such as the Hooded Stirrups, to maximize stamina efficiency. Additionally, feeding your horse stamina-boosting foods like Oats or Peppermints will help maintain its stamina during long journeys.\n\nA common challenge players face is managing stamina during intense chases or races. To overcome this, alternate between galloping and trotting to conserve stamina. Use the calm button (L3/LS) while riding to replenish small amounts of stamina over time. If your horse’s stamina is critically low, dismount and let it rest for a few moments before continuing. This strategy is especially useful during missions like bounty hunts or when escaping lawmen.\n\nFor new players, focus on bonding with your starter horse or purchase a better one early in the game. The Valentine stable offers affordable horses like the Tennessee Walker, which is a solid choice for beginners. Experienced players should aim for elite breeds like the Arabian, found near Lake Isabella, which boasts high stamina and speed. Remember, bonding and stamina improvements take time, so be patient and consistent with your efforts.\n\nIn summary, improving your horse’s stamina and bonding level requires a combination of regular care, proper equipment, and strategic gameplay. Calm and pat your horse often, feed it well, and use tonics and saddles to maximize its potential. By following these steps, you’ll have a loyal and high-performing companion for all your adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.