How do I avoid mission failures by keeping my horse bonded?

Keeping your horse bonded is crucial in Red Dead Redemption 2 to avoid mission failures, as many missions require a reliable and responsive horse. Bonding with your horse improves its stats, such as health, stamina, and responsiveness, which are essential during high-stakes missions. A poorly bonded horse may panic, buck you off, or fail to follow commands, leading to mission failures. To avoid this, focus on building and maintaining a strong bond with your horse through consistent care and interaction.\n\nTo start bonding with your horse, spend time grooming, feeding, and patting it. Grooming removes dirt and improves its health core, while feeding restores its stamina and health. Patting your horse increases its trust in you. These actions can be performed by approaching your horse and using the appropriate prompts (e.g., hold L2/LT to access the interaction menu). Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, with each level unlocking new abilities and improving your horse''s performance. For example, at Bonding Level 4, your horse will gain access to advanced maneuvers like drifting and rearing.\n\nOne common challenge is keeping your horse calm during combat or dangerous situations. Horses with low bonding levels are more likely to panic and throw you off, especially when encountering predators like wolves or cougars. To prevent this, avoid taking low-bonded horses into dangerous areas like Tall Trees or Roanoke Ridge until you''ve built a stronger bond. Additionally, use calming techniques by pressing the ''calm'' button (L3/LS) repeatedly when your horse starts to panic. This reduces its fear and keeps it under control.\n\nAnother issue is losing your horse during missions, which can lead to failure if you''re unable to complete objectives on foot. To avoid this, always hitch your horse before entering buildings or engaging in lengthy cutscenes. If your horse is hitched, it will remain nearby and won''t wander off. In missions where you''re required to ride a specific horse, ensure your bonded horse is stabled beforehand to prevent confusion. For example, during the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil,'' you''ll need to ride a wagon horse, so stabling your main horse in Valentine is a good idea.\n\nTo maximize bonding efficiency, use specific items and locations. Carrots, apples, and hay are excellent for feeding your horse, while horse tonics and stimulants can boost its stamina and health cores. Visit stables like the one in Valentine or Saint Denis to purchase better saddles and stirrups, which improve your horse''s performance. Additionally, spend time riding your horse across varied terrain, such as the Heartlands or Big Valley, to increase bonding points. Riding at different speeds, performing tricks like rearing, and leading your horse on foot also contribute to bonding.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan in case your horse is injured or killed. Carry horse revivers in your inventory, which can be purchased from general stores or crafted using specific herbs. If your horse dies and you don''t have a reviver, you''ll lose all bonding progress, so it''s essential to keep these items on hand. Additionally, consider bonding with multiple horses and stabling them to ensure you always have a reliable mount available.\n\nIn summary, maintaining a strong bond with your horse is key to avoiding mission failures in Red Dead Redemption 2. Focus on grooming, feeding, and calming your horse, and avoid taking low-bonded horses into dangerous situations. Use specific items and locations to enhance bonding, and always have a backup plan in case of emergencies. By following these steps, you''ll ensure your horse remains a dependable companion throughout your journey.