What’s the difference between taming and stealing a horse in RDR2?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, taming and stealing horses are two distinct methods of acquiring a new mount, each with its own mechanics, challenges, and rewards. Taming a horse involves finding a wild horse, calming it, and breaking it to ride, while stealing a horse requires taking one that is already owned, either by an NPC or another player. Both methods have unique gameplay implications, and understanding the differences is crucial for players looking to expand their stable or find a better mount.\n\nTaming a horse begins with locating a wild horse in the open world. Wild horses can be found in specific regions, such as the Heartlands near Valentine or the plains of Big Valley. To tame a horse, approach it slowly while holding the ''Calm'' button (L2/LT on consoles) to prevent it from spooking. As you get closer, press the ''Mount'' button (Triangle/Y) to attempt to ride the horse. Once mounted, the horse will buck and try to throw you off. Use the left stick to balance and keep your character steady while repeatedly calming the horse. After a short struggle, the horse will be tamed and can be ridden.\n\nStealing a horse, on the other hand, involves taking a horse that is already owned. This can be done by approaching an NPC''s horse in towns, camps, or out in the wilderness. To steal a horse, simply mount it while the owner is not looking or distracted. Be cautious, as stealing a horse is considered a crime, and witnesses may report you to the authorities. If you are caught, you will gain a bounty and may face pursuit by lawmen. Stolen horses can be ridden immediately, but they will not be fully bonded with you until you spend time with them.\n\nOne key difference between taming and stealing is the bonding process. Tamed horses start with a low bond level (usually Bond Level 1), but they are immediately loyal to you. Stolen horses, however, may resist bonding until you have spent time grooming, feeding, and riding them. Bonding increases the horse''s stats, such as health and stamina, and unlocks new abilities like rearing or skid turns. To bond with a stolen horse, focus on performing activities that increase trust, such as patting it, feeding it hay or wild carrots, and leading it on foot.\n\nAnother difference is the risk involved. Taming a wild horse is generally safer, as it does not involve breaking the law. However, wild horses can be harder to find and may require more effort to tame, especially if they are high-tier breeds like the Arabian or Mustang. Stealing a horse is faster but carries the risk of attracting unwanted attention from lawmen or bounty hunters. Additionally, some stolen horses may have lower stats compared to tamed or purchased horses.\n\nFor new players, taming is often the better option, as it allows you to practice horse handling and bonding without the risk of legal consequences. Experienced players may prefer stealing horses for quick access to better mounts, especially in areas where high-quality horses are common, such as Saint Denis or Blackwater. Regardless of your choice, always ensure you have a saddle and horse care items like brushes and horse revivers to maintain your mount''s health and performance.\n\nPractical tips for taming include using Eagle Eye to track wild horses and approaching them from behind to reduce the chance of spooking. For stealing, consider using distractions like throwing objects or luring NPCs away from their horses to avoid detection. Both methods require patience and practice, but mastering them will give you access to a wide variety of horses to suit your playstyle.