What’s the best way to bond with multiple horses at once?
Bonding with multiple horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a rewarding but challenging task. The game allows you to own and bond with multiple horses, but you can only actively ride one at a time. To bond with multiple horses, you need to alternate between them, ensuring each horse gets enough attention and care. Bonding is measured in four levels, and each level increases the horse''s trust, responsiveness, and abilities like stamina and health.\n\nTo start, you must first tame or purchase additional horses. Wild horses can be found in locations like the Heartlands, Big Valley, or near the Dakota River. Use your lasso to catch a wild horse, then calm it by pressing the appropriate button (L3 on PlayStation, LS on Xbox) repeatedly. Once calmed, mount the horse and break it by balancing Arthur''s movements. Alternatively, you can buy horses from stables in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Strawberry.\n\nOnce you have multiple horses, you can bond with them by rotating their use. For example, ride one horse for a while, then switch to another. Bonding increases through activities like riding, grooming, feeding, and patting. Each time you dismount, make sure to pat your horse and feed it hay, carrots, or apples. These items can be purchased from general stores or found in the wild. Grooming is also essential and can be done with a brush, which is available at stables or general stores.\n\nA practical way to bond with multiple horses is to keep them at a temporary camp or stable. If you have a secondary horse, it will follow you as a temporary companion. You can switch between horses by whistling for the secondary horse and mounting it. However, be cautious in dangerous areas, as your secondary horse may flee or get injured. To avoid this, store extra horses at a stable when not in use. Stables are available in major towns and allow you to manage up to four horses.\n\nOne common challenge is managing multiple horses during missions or combat. If you lose a horse, you’ll need to rebond with a new one, which can be time-consuming. To mitigate this, always prioritize bonding with your primary horse first, as it will be your main companion. Use secondary horses for exploration or when your primary horse needs rest. Additionally, avoid taking untrained horses into dangerous situations until they reach at least Bonding Level 2.\n\nGame mechanics also allow you to bond faster by performing specific actions. For example, leading a horse on foot for a short distance increases bonding. You can also bond by hitching your horse at camp or in town. Feeding and grooming your horse regularly will speed up the bonding process. If you’re in a hurry, use horse tonics or special foods like sugar cubes or peppermints, which can be purchased from stables or general stores.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using the Horse Station upgrade at your camp. This allows you to call horses from camp, making it easier to switch between them. New players should focus on bonding with one horse first before expanding their stable. This ensures you have a reliable companion for missions and exploration.\n\nIn summary, bonding with multiple horses requires patience and strategy. Rotate between horses, care for them regularly, and store them safely when not in use. Use stables to manage your horses and avoid taking untrained horses into dangerous situations. With these tips, you’ll have a stable of loyal and capable horses ready for any adventure in Red Dead Redemption 2.