How do I prevent mission failures caused by not bonding with my horse?

Bonding with your horse is a critical aspect of Red Dead Redemption 2 gameplay, as it directly impacts your ability to complete missions successfully. A poorly bonded horse can lead to mission failures, especially in high-pressure situations where speed, responsiveness, and trust are essential. To avoid these failures, you must actively work on improving your bond with your horse through consistent care, interaction, and training.\n\nFirst, understand the bonding levels in the game. Horses have four bonding levels, each unlocking new abilities and improving the horse''s responsiveness. At Level 1, your horse is skittish and slow to respond to commands. By Level 4, your horse will be more reliable, faster, and better at handling stressful situations like gunfire or predator encounters. To increase bonding, you need to perform specific actions regularly, such as feeding, grooming, and patting your horse.\n\nStart by feeding your horse. You can purchase horse food like hay, apples, and carrots from general stores or stables, or you can find wild carrots in the open world. Feeding your horse not only restores its health and stamina but also increases bonding. Make it a habit to feed your horse after long rides or missions. Additionally, keep an eye on your horse''s cores (health, stamina, and stamina regeneration) to ensure it remains in good condition.\n\nGrooming is another essential bonding activity. Use a horse brush, which can be purchased from stables or general stores, to clean your horse whenever it gets dirty. Dirt accumulates over time, especially when riding through muddy areas like the swamps near Saint Denis or the rainy regions of Roanoke Ridge. Grooming not only improves your horse''s appearance but also boosts bonding and keeps its health core stable.\n\nPatting your horse is a simple yet effective way to build trust. Press the appropriate button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) to pat your horse while riding or standing nearby. This action calms your horse during stressful situations, such as when it encounters predators or gunfire, and increases bonding over time. Pat your horse frequently, especially after it performs well during missions or long rides.\n\nTraining your horse is equally important. Spend time riding your horse across different terrains, such as mountains, forests, and plains, to improve its handling and responsiveness. Use the calm button (L3 or LS) when your horse gets spooked to reassure it and prevent it from bucking you off. Over time, your horse will become more confident and less likely to panic in dangerous situations.\n\nFinally, avoid actions that decrease bonding, such as neglecting your horse''s needs, riding it recklessly, or causing it harm. For example, crashing into trees or rocks, overworking your horse by sprinting for too long, or leaving it in dangerous areas can damage your bond. Always hitch your horse when stopping in towns or camps to prevent it from wandering off or getting attacked by predators.\n\nBy following these steps, you can prevent mission failures caused by a poorly bonded horse. A well-bonded horse will respond faster to commands, stay calm under pressure, and provide better performance during critical moments. This ensures smoother gameplay and a more enjoyable experience in Red Dead Redemption 2.