How do I improve my horse’s bonding level for better combat performance?

Improving your horse’s bonding level in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for better combat performance, as a higher bond increases your horse’s stamina, health, and responsiveness during fights. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, with each level unlocking new abilities and improving your horse’s overall performance. To increase bonding, you need to spend time with your horse, care for it, and use it in various activities.\n\nStart by spending time with your horse. Simply riding your horse around the map will gradually increase your bond. The more you ride, the faster the bond will grow. Make sure to avoid reckless behavior, such as running into trees or falling off cliffs, as this can decrease your horse’s trust in you. Instead, focus on smooth, controlled riding, especially in challenging terrain like the mountains near Valentine or the swamps of Lemoyne.\n\nFeeding your horse is another critical way to improve bonding. Horses in RDR2 require regular feeding to stay healthy and happy. You can feed them hay, wild carrots, or other horse-specific items like apples and sugar cubes. These items can be purchased from stables or found in the wild. For example, wild carrots are abundant near the Heartlands region. Feeding your horse not only boosts bonding but also restores its health and stamina, which are crucial during combat.\n\nGrooming your horse is equally important. Use a brush to clean your horse whenever it gets dirty, which happens frequently if you ride through mud or rain. Grooming increases bonding and keeps your horse’s health core in good condition. You can purchase a horse brush from any stable or general store. A clean horse is also less likely to attract predators or spook during combat, making it more reliable in tense situations.\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 next to it. This action calms your horse and increases bonding, especially after stressful events like combat or a predator encounter. For example, if your horse gets spooked by a wolf in Big Valley, patting it afterward will help restore its confidence.\n\nUsing your horse in combat is another way to improve bonding. Engage in shootouts or hunting while mounted to build trust and familiarity. Your horse will become more accustomed to gunfire and dangerous situations, making it less likely to buck you off during fights. Start with smaller skirmishes, such as ambushes near Rhodes or bounty hunter encounters, before tackling larger battles like gang hideouts.\n\nFinally, stable your horse when not in use. Stabling your horse at a location like the Valentine or Saint Denis stables ensures it is safe and well-cared for. This also allows you to access additional bonding opportunities, such as customizing your horse’s appearance or purchasing better saddles and stirrups, which improve its stats and combat performance.\n\nIn summary, improving your horse’s bonding level requires consistent care, feeding, grooming, and use in combat. By following these steps, you’ll unlock higher bonding levels, making your horse more reliable and effective during fights. Focus on smooth riding, regular feeding, and calming your horse after stressful events to maximize bonding. With a well-bonded horse, you’ll dominate in horseback combat and explore the world of RDR2 with confidence.