How can I improve my horse’s stamina for long missions like "The King’s Son"?

Improving your horse’s stamina in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial for long missions like ''The King’s Son,'' where you’ll need to travel significant distances without exhausting your mount. Stamina determines how long your horse can gallop before tiring, and managing it effectively ensures you can complete missions efficiently. To improve stamina, focus on bonding with your horse, feeding it properly, and using the right equipment.\n\nFirst, bonding with your horse is essential. Bonding increases your horse’s stamina core and unlocks new abilities. To bond, spend time riding, brushing, feeding, and calming your horse. Each bonding level (up to level 4) improves stamina and unlocks perks like increased speed and better handling. For example, at bonding level 4, your horse’s stamina regenerates faster, making it ideal for long missions. Spend time bonding before tackling ''The King’s Son'' to ensure your horse is at its best.\n\nNext, feed your horse high-quality food to maintain its stamina core. Items like hay, wild carrots, and horse meal replenish stamina and keep your horse healthy. You can find wild carrots in the open world or purchase food from stables. Regularly feeding your horse prevents its stamina core from depleting too quickly during long rides. For example, during ''The King’s Son,'' carry a few wild carrots to replenish stamina mid-mission if needed.\n\nEquipping the right saddle and stirrups also significantly boosts stamina. The best saddle for stamina is the Improved or Specialized Saddles, which reduce stamina drain and increase regeneration. Pair these with high-quality stirrups like the Hooded Stirrups for additional stamina benefits. Visit stables in towns like Valentine or Saint Denis to purchase these upgrades. For example, the Improved Saddle reduces stamina drain by 35%, making it a must-have for long missions.\n\nDuring missions, manage your horse’s stamina by using the calm mechanic. Press the left stick (L3 on PlayStation, LS on Xbox) to calm your horse while riding. This action replenishes a small amount of stamina and prevents your horse from panicking in dangerous situations. For example, during ''The King’s Son,'' calm your horse regularly to maintain stamina during chases or intense moments.\n\nFinally, consider using horse tonics to temporarily boost stamina. These items, like Horse Stimulant or Potent Horse Stimulant, can be crafted or purchased from general stores. Use them sparingly during critical moments in missions. For example, if your horse’s stamina is low during a chase in ''The King’s Son,'' a tonic can give you the extra boost needed to escape or catch up.\n\nIn summary, improving your horse’s stamina involves bonding, feeding, equipping the right gear, and managing stamina during missions. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your horse is ready for the demands of ''The King’s Son'' and other long missions in Red Dead Redemption 2.