What is the best horse for handling and stamina in RDR2?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the best horse for handling and stamina is the Missouri Fox Trotter. This breed excels in both speed and endurance, making it ideal for long rides across the vast open world. The Missouri Fox Trotter is known for its smooth gait, which reduces stamina drain during gallops, and its high stamina pool allows for extended travel without frequent stops. It also has excellent handling, making it responsive and easy to control in tight situations, such as navigating rocky terrain or evading enemies.\n\nTo acquire the Missouri Fox Trotter, you can find it in the wild or purchase it from stables. The most reliable method is to buy it from the Scarlet Meadows Stable in Lemoyne, which becomes available in Chapter 4 of the story. The horse costs $950, so ensure you have enough money saved up. Alternatively, you can find a wild Missouri Fox Trotter in the Heartlands or near Moonstone Pond, but this requires patience and a high-level bonding process to maximize its stats.\n\nWhen taming a wild Missouri Fox Trotter, approach it slowly while holding the L2/LT button to calm it. Use the left stick to maintain balance as the horse bucks, and press the calm button repeatedly to soothe it. Once tamed, ride it to a stable to register and bond with it. Bonding is crucial for improving stamina and handling, as it unlocks additional stamina cores and improves the horse''s responsiveness to commands.\n\nTo maximize the Missouri Fox Trotter''s stamina, feed it high-quality food like hay, carrots, or wild carrots. You can also craft or purchase Horse Stimulant and Horse Meal to replenish stamina during long rides. Equipping a good saddle, such as the Panther Trail Saddle or the Rattlesnake Vaquero Saddle, further enhances stamina regeneration and reduces drain. These saddles can be crafted at a Trapper or purchased from stables, depending on your progress in the game.\n\nFor handling, the Missouri Fox Trotter''s Elite handling type ensures it maneuvers smoothly in tight spaces and responds quickly to directional changes. This is particularly useful during combat or when navigating dense forests and mountainous areas. To further improve handling, keep the horse clean by brushing it regularly and ensure its health and stamina cores are full. A well-maintained horse performs better in all situations.\n\nOne common challenge players face is keeping the horse calm during gunfights or predator encounters. The Missouri Fox Trotter has a decent temperament but can still spook easily. To mitigate this, use the calm button frequently and avoid lingering near predators like wolves or cougars. Additionally, bonding level 4 unlocks the ability to call your horse from greater distances, making it easier to retrieve if it gets spooked and runs away.\n\nIn summary, the Missouri Fox Trotter is the best horse for handling and stamina in Red Dead Redemption 2. Whether purchased from the Scarlet Meadows Stable or tamed in the wild, this horse offers unparalleled performance for long rides and challenging terrain. By bonding with it, using high-quality saddles, and maintaining its health, you can ensure it remains a reliable companion throughout your journey.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry Horse Stimulant for emergencies, avoid riding through predator-heavy areas, and invest in a good saddle early on. These steps will help you get the most out of your Missouri Fox Trotter and make your adventures in RDR2 smoother and more enjoyable.