How do I keep my horse calm during gunfights?

Keeping your horse calm during gunfights in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring your safety in intense situations. Horses in the game have a temperament system, and their reactions to gunfire, predators, or chaos vary depending on their breed, bonding level, and your actions. A calm horse allows you to focus on combat, escape dangerous situations, or chase down enemies without being thrown off or losing control.\n\nTo keep your horse calm, the first step is to build a strong bond with it. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and higher levels make your horse more resilient to stress. You can increase bonding by feeding, grooming, patting, and leading your horse. For example, feeding your horse hay or wild carrots, which can be found in the wild or purchased from stables, will improve its trust in you. Grooming your horse at a stable or using a brush in your inventory also helps reduce stress and maintain calmness.\n\nDuring gunfights, your horse’s calmness depends on your actions. If you frequently fire weapons near your horse or engage in chaotic battles, it will become agitated. To mitigate this, try to position your horse at a safe distance from the action. For instance, if you’re ambushed by enemies, dismount and lead your horse behind cover before engaging in combat. This prevents your horse from panicking and running away.\n\nAnother key mechanic is the calming feature. By pressing the L3 button (on PlayStation) or LS button (on Xbox), you can soothe your horse. This action is particularly useful during gunfights or when your horse is startled by loud noises. For example, if you’re riding through a shootout in Saint Denis or the streets of Valentine, repeatedly calming your horse will keep it steady and prevent it from bucking you off.\n\nCertain horse breeds are naturally more resilient to stress. War horses, such as the Ardennes or Hungarian Halfbred, are bred for combat and are less likely to panic during gunfights. These horses can be found in specific locations or purchased from stables. For example, the Hungarian Halfbred can be acquired during the mission ''Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego'' or purchased from the Scarlett Meadows stable. Using a war horse can significantly reduce the need for constant calming during battles.\n\nIf your horse does panic and bucks you off, it’s important to regain control quickly. Use your whistle to call it back, or approach it slowly while calming it. Avoid running directly at your horse, as this can make it flee further. Additionally, carrying Horse Reviver in your inventory is essential in case your horse is injured during a fight. You can purchase Horse Reviver from general stores or craft it using specific herbs.\n\nFinally, practice situational awareness. Avoid riding into heavily populated areas or enemy camps without scouting first. For example, if you’re planning to attack a gang hideout like Hanging Dog Ranch, leave your horse at a safe distance and approach on foot. This minimizes the risk of your horse being caught in crossfire or panicking.\n\nIn summary, keeping your horse calm during gunfights involves building a strong bond, using the calming feature, choosing a resilient breed, and practicing strategic positioning. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse remains a reliable companion in even the most chaotic situations.