How can I avoid failing missions by keeping my horse alive and healthy?

Keeping your horse alive and healthy in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial to avoid mission failures, as many missions require you to ride your horse or rely on it for transportation. Horses are not just tools; they are companions that need care and attention. If your horse dies during a mission, you may fail the objective, lose progress, or even lose the horse permanently. To prevent this, you must understand the game mechanics related to horse health, bonding, and maintenance.\n\nFirst, always keep an eye on your horse''s health and stamina cores. These are displayed in the bottom-left corner of the screen. The health core determines how much damage your horse can take before dying, while the stamina core affects how long your horse can run or gallop. To replenish these cores, feed your horse regularly. You can use items like hay, apples, carrots, or horse tonics, which can be purchased from stables or general stores. For example, the Valentine General Store sells a variety of horse care items. Always carry a few of these in your satchel for emergencies.\n\nBonding with your horse is another critical aspect. A higher bond level increases your horse''s health and stamina, making it more resilient during missions. You can increase bonding by petting, brushing, feeding, and leading your horse. For instance, after a long ride, dismount and brush your horse to remove dirt and improve its mood. Bonding also unlocks new abilities, such as rearing or skid turns, which can help you navigate dangerous terrain or escape enemies during missions.\n\nDuring missions, avoid reckless behavior that could harm your horse. For example, galloping through dense forests or rocky terrain can cause your horse to trip and take damage. Always slow down in hazardous areas and use the cinematic camera mode sparingly, as it reduces your control over the horse. Additionally, avoid engaging in unnecessary combat while mounted. If enemies are shooting at you, dismount and take cover to prevent your horse from being hit.\n\nAnother common challenge is keeping your horse calm in dangerous situations, such as during predator attacks or gunfights. If your horse becomes agitated, it may throw you off or run away, leaving you vulnerable. To calm your horse, press the designated button (L3 on PlayStation, LS on Xbox) repeatedly while mounted. This is especially important during missions like hunting legendary animals or escaping lawmen. For example, in the mission ''The First Shall Be Last,'' you must ride through a gunfight, so keeping your horse calm is essential to avoid failure.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan. If your horse dies during a mission, you can whistle to call a temporary horse or steal one from an NPC. However, this is not ideal, as temporary horses have lower stats and may not perform as well. To avoid this situation, always carry Horse Reviver in your inventory. This item can revive your horse if it goes down during a mission. You can purchase Horse Reviver from general stores or craft it using specific herbs like Yarrow and Ginseng.\n\nIn summary, to avoid mission failures related to your horse, focus on maintaining its health and stamina cores, increasing your bond level, and avoiding reckless behavior. Always carry essential items like food, tonics, and Horse Reviver, and stay vigilant during dangerous missions. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse remains a reliable companion throughout your journey in Red Dead Redemption 2.