How can I prevent mission failures by using the right horse stamina tonic?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, maintaining your horse''s stamina is crucial for mission success, especially during high-speed chases or long-distance travel. Horse stamina tonics are essential items that can prevent mission failures by ensuring your horse doesn''t tire out at critical moments. These tonics instantly restore a portion of your horse''s stamina core, allowing you to push your mount to its limits without risking exhaustion.\n\nTo use horse stamina tonics effectively, you first need to acquire them. They can be purchased from general stores, such as the one in Valentine or Saint Denis, or crafted using specific ingredients. The most common tonics include Horse Stimulant and Potent Horse Stimulant. Horse Stimant is easier to find and cheaper, while Potent Horse Stimulant provides a more significant boost. Both are invaluable during missions where speed and endurance are key.\n\nDuring missions, your horse''s stamina core is displayed as a yellow bar beneath its health. When this bar depletes, your horse will slow down, and if it runs out completely, your horse will stop altogether, potentially causing mission failure. To avoid this, monitor the stamina bar closely, especially during pursuits or timed objectives. When the bar starts to drop below 50%, use a horse stamina tonic to replenish it instantly.\n\nFor example, during the mission ''Pouring Forth Oil'' in Chapter 2, you are required to chase a train on horseback. If your horse runs out of stamina, you risk losing the train and failing the mission. To prevent this, keep a few Horse Stimulants or Potent Horse Stimulants in your inventory. As soon as your horse''s stamina begins to dip, open your item wheel, select the tonic, and use it to keep your horse running at full speed.\n\nAnother practical tip is to bond with your horse. A higher bond level increases your horse''s stamina and health, reducing the frequency with which you need to use tonics. Bonding is achieved by feeding, grooming, and riding your horse regularly. At Bond Level 4, your horse will have significantly improved stats, making it more resilient during missions.\n\nAdditionally, consider upgrading your saddle and stirrups. The best saddles, such as the Improved or Special Saddles, reduce stamina drain and provide bonuses to your horse''s core stats. Pair these with high-quality stirrups for even better performance. These upgrades can be purchased from stables, such as the one in Strawberry or Blackwater.\n\nFinally, always carry a backup supply of horse stamina tonics. You never know when a mission will require extended periods of riding or unexpected detours. Stock up on tonics during downtime between missions, and keep them easily accessible in your item wheel for quick use. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse remains in peak condition, preventing mission failures and keeping you on track to complete your objectives.\n\nIn summary, horse stamina tonics are a vital tool for avoiding mission failures in Red Dead Redemption 2. Acquire them from stores or craft them, monitor your horse''s stamina core, and use tonics strategically during high-pressure moments. Combine this with bonding, saddle upgrades, and proper preparation to maximize your horse''s performance and ensure mission success.