What’s the best way to avoid horse theft in towns and camps?

Avoiding horse theft in towns and camps in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial to maintaining your progress and ensuring your horse remains safe. Horses are not only valuable assets but also companions, and losing them can disrupt your gameplay. To prevent theft, you need to understand the game mechanics and take proactive steps to secure your horse.\n\nFirst, always hitch your horse when visiting towns or camps. Hitching your horse to a post or rail ensures it stays in place and reduces the risk of it wandering off or being stolen. To hitch your horse, approach a hitching post, press the appropriate button (L2/LT to focus on the post, then Square/X to hitch), and your horse will be secured. This is especially important in busy areas like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Rhodes, where NPCs and other players (in online mode) may attempt to interact with your horse.\n\nSecond, avoid leaving your horse unattended in high-risk areas. Towns with high crime rates, such as Thieves'' Landing or Van Horn, are particularly dangerous. If you must leave your horse, ensure it is hitched and consider using the Horse Bonding mechanic to increase loyalty. A bonded horse is less likely to flee or be stolen. Bonding is achieved by feeding, grooming, and riding your horse regularly. The higher the bond level, the more obedient and loyal your horse becomes.\n\nThird, use the Horse Reviver and Horse Insurance features. While these won''t prevent theft directly, they provide a safety net if your horse is stolen or injured. Horse Reviver can be purchased from stables or general stores and is essential for reviving your horse if it is critically injured. Horse Insurance, available in Red Dead Online, ensures your horse is replaced if lost or killed. These items are particularly useful for players who frequently travel through dangerous areas.\n\nFourth, be mindful of your surroundings. If you notice suspicious NPCs or players lingering near your horse, take immediate action. In single-player mode, you can use the Defuse option to calm aggressive NPCs. In online mode, consider moving your horse to a safer location or switching servers if you encounter persistent threats. Additionally, avoid leaving your horse in areas with limited visibility, such as dark alleys or dense forests, as these are prime spots for theft.\n\nFinally, consider upgrading your horse''s equipment. Saddles with higher stamina and health stats can help your horse escape dangerous situations more effectively. The Improved Saddle, for example, reduces stamina drain and increases overall performance. Additionally, equipping your horse with a lantern can improve visibility at night, making it easier to spot potential threats.\n\nIn summary, preventing horse theft in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of proactive measures and situational awareness. Hitch your horse in towns and camps, avoid high-risk areas, use Horse Reviver and Insurance, monitor your surroundings, and upgrade your horse''s equipment. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse remains safe and by your side throughout your adventures.