How do I prevent failing missions by keeping my horse alive during combat?

Keeping your horse alive during combat in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial to avoid mission failures, as many missions require you to stay mounted or rely on your horse for mobility. Horses are vulnerable to gunfire, environmental hazards, and enemy attacks, so protecting them requires a combination of strategy, preparation, and quick decision-making. Here’s a detailed guide to help you keep your horse safe during intense combat situations.\n\nFirst, always ensure your horse is in good health before starting a mission. Visit a stable or use horse care items like Horse Reviver, Horse Stimulant, and Horse Ointment to restore its health and stamina. These items can be purchased from general stores or crafted using herbs and other materials. A healthy horse is more likely to survive combat encounters, so make it a habit to check its condition regularly.\n\nDuring combat, position your horse strategically. Avoid leaving it in open areas where it can be easily targeted by enemies. Instead, tie your horse to a nearby tree or rock using the Lasso (hold L2/LT and press Square/X). This prevents it from wandering into danger or getting spooked and running away. If you’re in a mission with a lot of gunfire, dismount and take cover yourself, leaving your horse in a safe spot until the fighting subsides.\n\nUpgrade your horse’s equipment to improve its survivability. Purchase a better saddle and stirrups from stables to boost its stamina and health regeneration. The Improved Saddle, for example, significantly reduces stamina drain, allowing your horse to gallop longer during escapes. Additionally, equip your horse with a Horse Mask or War Horse variant if available, as these provide extra protection against damage.\n\nUse the Bonding system to your advantage. A higher bonding level (up to level 4) increases your horse’s health and stamina, making it more resilient in combat. Spend time grooming, feeding, and calming your horse to build trust. During missions, use the Calm command (L3/LS) to soothe your horse if it gets agitated by gunfire or predators. A calm horse is less likely to buck you off or run into danger.\n\nIn missions where combat is unavoidable, stay mobile. Constantly move your horse in unpredictable patterns to make it harder for enemies to land shots. Use the Dead Eye ability to quickly eliminate threats before they can harm your horse. If your horse does take damage, immediately dismount and use Horse Reviver to save it. Always carry at least one bottle of Horse Reviver in your inventory for emergencies.\n\nFinally, consider the type of horse you’re using. War Horses, such as the Ardennes or Hungarian Halfbred, are bred for combat and have higher health stats, making them more durable in dangerous situations. If you’re early in the game, the Tennessee Walker or Morgan are decent starter horses, but prioritize upgrading to a War Horse as soon as possible.\n\nBy following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your horse during missions. Remember to stay vigilant, keep your horse healthy, and use the environment to your advantage. With proper care and strategy, your horse will remain a reliable companion throughout your journey in Red Dead Redemption 2.