How do I avoid failing missions by keeping my horse calm?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, keeping your horse calm is crucial to avoid mission failures, especially during high-stakes scenarios like chases, combat, or stealth missions. Horses can become spooked by gunfire, predators, or environmental hazards, which may lead to them bucking you off or running away. This can result in mission failure if you are unable to complete objectives on time or lose track of targets. Understanding the game mechanics and taking proactive steps to manage your horse''s behavior is essential.\n\nFirst, build a strong bond with your horse. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and higher levels make your horse more reliable and less likely to panic. Spend time grooming, feeding, and patting your horse to increase bonding. You can also lead your horse on foot or ride it frequently to build trust. A bonded horse will respond better to calming commands, such as pressing the L3 button (on PlayStation) or LS button (on Xbox) to soothe it when it becomes agitated.\n\nSecond, choose the right horse for the mission. Some horses, like the Arabian or Turkoman, are naturally more skittish and prone to panic in dangerous situations. War horses, such as the Ardennes or Hungarian Halfbred, are more resilient and less likely to spook during combat or predator encounters. If you know a mission involves gunfights or wildlife, consider switching to a more robust horse breed. You can purchase or tame these horses at specific locations, such as the Valentine stable or the wild plains near Lake Isabella.\n\nThird, use calming techniques during missions. If your horse starts to panic, immediately press the calm button and steer it away from the source of danger. For example, during the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil IV,'' where you must chase a train, gunfire and explosions can scare your horse. Keep your distance from the train and use the calm button frequently to maintain control. Similarly, in missions involving predators, like ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' where wolves attack, dismount and deal with the threat on foot to avoid your horse bucking you off.\n\nFourth, equip your horse with the right gear. Saddles and stirrups that improve stamina and health can help your horse endure stressful situations longer. Additionally, using horse tonics or stimulants, such as Horse Stimulant or Horse Medicine, can restore stamina and health during intense missions. These items can be purchased from general stores or crafted using herbs like Burdock Root and Wild Carrot.\n\nFinally, practice situational awareness. Avoid riding through dense forests or areas with known predator spawns, such as the forests near Annesburg or the swamps of Lemoyne. If you must pass through these areas, keep your horse at a steady trot and use Eagle Eye to spot potential threats. For example, during the mission ''A Fine Night of Debauchery,'' where you ride through the swamps, watch out for alligators and steer clear of them to prevent your horse from panicking.\n\nBy following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of mission failures caused by a panicked horse. Build a strong bond, choose the right horse, use calming techniques, equip proper gear, and stay aware of your surroundings. These strategies will help you maintain control and complete missions successfully.