How do I tame and bond with wild horses?

Taming and bonding with wild horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a rewarding process that enhances your gameplay experience by providing you with a loyal companion and additional storage. To begin, you’ll need to locate a wild horse in the open world. Wild horses can be found in various regions, such as the Heartlands, Big Valley, or the plains near Valentine. Look for herds grazing in open fields or near water sources.\n\nOnce you’ve spotted a wild horse, approach it slowly and quietly. Press the left stick lightly to crouch and avoid spooking the horse. If the horse notices you and starts to flee, stop moving and wait for it to calm down. Use Eagle Eye (R3/Right Stick) to track the horse’s movements and plan your approach. Keep your distance until you’re close enough to attempt calming the horse.\n\nTo calm the horse, hold the L2/LT button to focus on it and then press Square/X repeatedly. This will soothe the horse and prevent it from bolting. As you get closer, the horse may still become agitated, so continue calming it until you’re within mounting range. Be patient, as rushing the process will scare the horse away.\n\nWhen you’re close enough, press Triangle/Y to mount the horse. Once on its back, the horse will buck and try to throw you off. To stay on, hold the left stick in the opposite direction of the horse’s movements and repeatedly press Square/X to calm it. This mini-game requires timing and focus, so keep an eye on the horse’s movements and adjust accordingly. After a few seconds, the horse will stop bucking and become tamed.\n\nAfter taming the horse, you’ll need to bond with it to increase its loyalty and unlock its full potential. Bonding is achieved by spending time with the horse, feeding it, grooming it, and leading it. Start by patting the horse (L3/Left Stick) and feeding it wild carrots, hay, or other available food. Grooming the horse with a brush (found in your inventory) will also increase bonding. Additionally, leading the horse by holding L2/LT and pressing Triangle/Y will help build trust.\n\nBonding levels range from 1 to 4, with each level unlocking new abilities and improving the horse’s stats. At Bonding Level 1, the horse will respond better to commands. At Level 2, you can perform a quick stop by pressing L3/Left Stick while riding. Level 3 unlocks the ability to drift while galloping, and Level 4 allows the horse to perform advanced maneuvers like rearing and side-stepping.\n\nCommon challenges include spooking the horse during the taming process or losing it after taming. To avoid spooking the horse, always approach from the side or rear, as horses are more sensitive to frontal approaches. If the horse runs away, use Eagle Eye to track it and try again. If you lose the horse after taming, it will appear on your map with a horse icon, and you can retrieve it from a stable.\n\nPractical tips for taming and bonding include carrying plenty of horse food and a brush in your inventory. Wild carrots are an excellent choice as they are easy to find and effective. Additionally, always save your game before attempting to tame a horse, as it can be a time-consuming process. Finally, consider taming horses with better stats, such as the Arabian or Mustang, which can be found in specific locations like Lake Isabella or the Heartlands.\n\nBy following these steps and practicing patience, you’ll be able to tame and bond with wild horses, creating a strong partnership that enhances your adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.