What’s the best way to avoid horse injuries during combat?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, avoiding horse injuries during combat is crucial for maintaining your horse''s health and ensuring it remains a reliable companion. Horses can be injured by gunfire, falls, collisions, or attacks from predators. To minimize these risks, you need to understand the game mechanics and adopt specific strategies during combat.\n\nFirst, always keep your horse''s health and stamina cores full. Use horse tonics, hay, or wild carrots to replenish these cores. A healthy horse is more resilient and can recover faster from minor injuries. You can find wild carrots in the Heartlands or purchase tonics from stables and general stores. Regularly brushing and feeding your horse also improves its bond level, which increases its overall health and responsiveness.\n\nDuring combat, positioning is key. Avoid standing still or staying in one place for too long, as this makes your horse an easy target. Instead, keep moving in a circular or zigzag pattern to make it harder for enemies to hit you or your horse. Use the terrain to your advantage by taking cover behind rocks, trees, or buildings. This not only protects you but also shields your horse from incoming fire.\n\nIf you''re in a gunfight, dismounting your horse can be a smart move. Find a safe spot to tie your horse using the Lasso or the ''Hitch'' option. This prevents it from running into danger or getting spooked by gunfire. However, ensure the area is secure, as predators or hostile NPCs can still attack your horse. For example, in areas like Big Valley or Roanoke Ridge, wolves and cougars are common threats.\n\nWhen riding during combat, use the ''Calm'' command frequently by pressing the left stick (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox). This keeps your horse from panicking and bolting, which can lead to accidents or injuries. Additionally, avoid galloping at full speed in rocky or uneven terrain, as this increases the risk of tripping and injuring your horse. Slow down when navigating tricky areas like the Grizzlies or the swamps of Lemoyne.\n\nEquipping your horse with a better saddle and stirrups can also reduce the likelihood of injuries. The Improved Saddle, available at stables, boosts your horse''s stamina and health regeneration. Pair it with high-quality stirrups to further enhance these stats. These upgrades are especially useful during prolonged combat scenarios, such as bounty hunts or gang hideout raids.\n\nFinally, always carry Horse Reviver in your inventory. This item can save your horse''s life if it gets critically injured. You can purchase Horse Reviver from general stores or craft it using specific herbs like Yarrow and Ginseng. Keep an eye on your horse''s health bar during combat, and if it starts to drop rapidly, retreat to a safe area and administer the reviver immediately.\n\nBy following these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of horse injuries during combat. Remember, a well-cared-for horse is not only a loyal companion but also a vital asset in your journey through the wild west.