What’s the best way to calm my horse during gunfights?

Calming your horse during gunfights in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring your horse doesn’t bolt or throw you off. Horses in the game have a temperament system, and their reactions to gunfire, predators, or chaotic situations depend on their bonding level and breed. 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 is increased by feeding, grooming, patting, and riding your horse. A higher bonding level makes your horse more resilient to stress during gunfights. For example, a Level 4 bonded horse will remain calmer and more obedient than a Level 1 bonded horse. Spend time bonding with your horse by patting it regularly and feeding it hay, wild carrots, or other horse provisions found in the game world.\n\nDuring a gunfight, press and hold the calm button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) to soothe your horse. This action reduces its fear level and prevents it from bucking you off. If your horse starts to panic, you’ll notice its stamina core draining rapidly. Calming it will stabilize the core and keep it under control. Additionally, avoid standing too close to explosions or gunfire, as these can overwhelm even the most bonded horses.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to position your horse strategically. Move to cover or a safer area away from direct gunfire. This reduces the chances of your horse panicking. For example, if you’re in a shootout in Valentine, guide your horse behind buildings or trees to shield it from bullets. This not only protects your horse but also gives you a tactical advantage.\n\nIf your horse does panic and bucks you off, quickly call it back by whistling (press and hold the whistle button). This works best if your horse is nearby and not too frightened. If your horse runs too far, you may need to chase it down or wait for it to return. To avoid this, always keep an eye on your horse’s fear meter (the white bar above its stamina core) and calm it before it reaches a critical level.\n\nFor players with low-bonded horses, consider using Horse Stimulant or Horse Medicine to temporarily boost your horse’s stamina and calmness. These items can be purchased from stables or found in the world. They are especially useful in intense situations where your horse is at risk of panicking.\n\nFinally, choose the right horse breed for combat. War horses like the Ardennes or Turkoman are naturally more resilient to gunfire and chaos. These breeds are ideal for players who frequently engage in gunfights. You can find these horses at stables like the one in Saint Denis or through specific missions.\n\nIn summary, calming your horse during gunfights requires a combination of high bonding, strategic positioning, and timely use of the calm button. Always monitor your horse’s fear meter and use items like Horse Stimulant if necessary. With practice, you’ll be able to keep your horse steady even in the most chaotic battles.