What are the best ways to avoid mission failures during horseback chases?

Horseback chases in Red Dead Redemption 2 are thrilling but can lead to mission failures if not handled properly. To avoid these failures, it’s essential to understand the game mechanics and prepare adequately. First, ensure your horse is well-bonded and in good condition. A higher bond level (up to level 4) improves your horse’s stamina, health, and responsiveness, which are critical during chases. Use the Horse Care Package or Horse Meal to boost your horse’s stats temporarily if needed.\n\nNext, familiarize yourself with the controls. Use the left stick to steer and the right stick to adjust the camera for better visibility. Hold the sprint button (X on PlayStation, A on Xbox) to maintain speed, but tap it rhythmically to conserve stamina. If your horse’s stamina is low, use Horse Stimulant or press the calm button (L3 or LS) while riding to restore stamina gradually. This is especially useful during long chases like the one in the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil.''\n\nDuring chases, pay attention to the mini-map and the red markers indicating enemies or obstacles. Avoid collisions with trees, rocks, or other objects, as these can slow you down or cause your horse to stumble. If you’re being shot at, use the cover mechanic by pressing the crouch button (Circle on PlayStation, B on Xbox) while riding to reduce damage. Additionally, equip a repeater or pistol for quick shots at pursuing enemies. The Lancaster Repeater or Schofield Revolver are excellent choices for their accuracy and fire rate.\n\nIn missions like ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' where you’re chasing a moving target, stay close but not too close. If you get too close, the target may speed up or take unpredictable turns. Instead, maintain a steady pace and use Dead Eye to target the enemy’s horse or the target itself. Dead Eye is particularly useful for precision shots, allowing you to disable the target without risking a mission failure.\n\nAnother common challenge is navigating tight spaces or crowded areas. For example, in the mission ''Horse Flesh for Dinner,'' you’ll need to chase a stolen horse through Saint Denis. Use the cinematic camera mode to get a better view of your surroundings and plan your route. If you’re struggling, replay the mission to memorize the path and avoid mistakes.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan. If your horse dies or you fall off, quickly whistle for a nearby horse or steal one from an NPC. Keep a Horse Reviver in your inventory to revive your horse if it’s critically injured. By following these steps and practicing your riding skills, you can avoid mission failures and enjoy the excitement of horseback chases in Red Dead Redemption 2.