How do I keep my horse healthy and clean during gameplay?

Keeping your horse healthy and clean in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for maintaining its stamina, speed, and overall performance. A well-cared-for horse will also bond with you faster, unlocking new abilities like drifting and rearing. To ensure your horse stays in top condition, you need to focus on feeding, grooming, and avoiding damage during gameplay.\n\nFirst, feeding your horse is crucial. Horses in RDR2 have a core stamina and health system that depletes over time. You can replenish these cores by feeding your horse regularly. Open your satchel (press L1/LB or Q on PC) and select horse provisions like hay, apples, carrots, or wild carrots. Wild carrots can be found in the wild or purchased from stables. Feeding your horse also increases bonding, which improves its responsiveness and unlocks new skills.\n\nGrooming is another key aspect of horse care. Dirt and mud accumulate on your horse as you ride through different terrains, which can lower its health core over time. To clean your horse, approach it and press the appropriate button prompt (L2/LT or R on PC) to brush it. You can purchase a horse brush from stables or general stores for $2.50. Grooming not only keeps your horse clean but also boosts its health core and bonding level.\n\nAvoiding damage is equally important. Horses can get injured during combat, falls, or collisions. To prevent this, avoid galloping through rocky or uneven terrain, as this can cause your horse to trip and take damage. If your horse does get injured, use horse reviver or health tonics to restore its health. Horse reviver can be purchased from stables or crafted using specific herbs like Indian Tobacco and Prairie Poppy.\n\nBonding with your horse is a long-term process that enhances its abilities. Spend time riding, feeding, and grooming your horse to increase bonding levels. Each bonding level unlocks new skills, such as increased stamina, better handling, and the ability to perform advanced maneuvers. Bonding also makes your horse more loyal, reducing the chances of it running away during dangerous situations.\n\nPractical examples include visiting stables like the one in Valentine or Saint Denis to purchase horse care items. If you''re low on funds, you can find wild carrots near the Dakota River or in the Heartlands. For grooming, always carry a horse brush in your inventory and clean your horse after long rides or muddy trails. If your horse gets dirty frequently, consider avoiding swampy areas like Bayou Nwa.\n\nIn summary, keeping your horse healthy and clean involves regular feeding, grooming, and avoiding damage. Use items like hay, apples, and horse reviver to maintain its cores, and always carry a brush for cleaning. Bonding with your horse through care and attention will unlock its full potential, making it a reliable companion throughout your journey in Red Dead Redemption 2.