What’s the best way to calm your horse during combat?

Calming your horse during combat in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring your horse doesn’t buck you off or flee. Horses in RDR2 have a temperament system, and their behavior is influenced by their bonding level, the intensity of combat, and the environment. To calm your horse effectively, you need to understand the game mechanics and use specific techniques.\n\nFirst, ensure your horse has a high bonding level. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and higher levels make your horse more resilient in stressful situations like combat. To increase bonding, spend time grooming, feeding, and patting your horse. You can also lead your horse on foot or ride it frequently. A level 4 bonded horse is far less likely to panic during gunfights or when encountering predators.\n\nDuring combat, use the ''Calm'' command by pressing the left stick (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) while riding. This action reassures your horse and reduces its fear level. If you’re in a heated battle, such as a shootout in Valentine or Saint Denis, spamming the Calm button can help keep your horse steady. However, be mindful of your surroundings, as constant gunfire or explosions will still stress your horse.\n\nAnother effective method is to use Horse Stimulants or Horse Tonics. These items can be purchased from stables or crafted using herbs like Burdock Root and Wild Carrot. Consuming these items temporarily boosts your horse’s stamina and courage, making it less likely to panic. Keep a few tonics in your inventory for emergencies, especially during missions like ''The Battle of Shady Belle,'' where combat is intense.\n\nPositioning is also key. Avoid standing too close to enemies or predators, as this will frighten your horse. For example, if you’re fighting wolves in Big Valley or cougars in Roanoke Ridge, keep your distance and use ranged weapons like rifles or bows. This minimizes the risk of your horse panicking and bucking you off. Additionally, avoid riding through dense forests or narrow paths during combat, as these environments can disorient your horse.\n\nIf your horse does panic and bucks you off, quickly call it back using the whistle command (up on the D-pad). This works best if your horse is nearby and not too frightened. If your horse flees, try to find cover and wait for it to return. Alternatively, use a Horse Reviver if your horse is injured during combat. This item can be purchased from stables or crafted using specific herbs.\n\nFinally, consider your horse’s breed and temperament. War horses like the Ardennes or Turkoman are naturally braver and better suited for combat. These breeds are less likely to panic compared to smaller or skittish breeds like the Arabian. If you’re planning to engage in frequent combat, invest in a sturdy war horse from a stable like the one in Valentine or Saint Denis.\n\nIn summary, calming your horse during combat requires a combination of high bonding levels, the Calm command, strategic positioning, and the use of tonics or stimulants. By following these steps, you can maintain control of your horse and ensure it remains a reliable companion in even the most chaotic battles.