What is the best way to bond with a new horse quickly?

Bonding with a new horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for improving its stats, responsiveness, and overall performance. The bonding system is tied to four levels, with each level unlocking new abilities and making your horse more reliable. To bond quickly, focus on activities that increase your horse''s trust and affection, such as grooming, feeding, and riding.\n\nStart by calming your horse regularly. Press the L3 button (on PlayStation) or LS button (on Xbox) to soothe your horse while riding or standing nearby. This reduces its stress and increases bonding points. Calming is especially important after stressful situations, like combat or riding through dangerous terrain. For example, if your horse gets spooked by a predator, immediately calm it to prevent it from bucking you off.\n\nFeeding your horse is another effective way to bond. Carry a supply of hay, wild carrots, or horse meal, which can be purchased from stables or general stores. Feed your horse by approaching it and selecting the appropriate item from your inventory. Feeding not only restores its health and stamina but also boosts bonding. Avoid overfeeding, as it can lead to temporary weight gain, which affects the horse''s performance.\n\nGrooming is equally important. Use a horse brush to clean your horse whenever it gets dirty. Dirt accumulates over time, especially when riding through mud or rain. Grooming can be done by standing next to your horse and selecting the brush from the item wheel. This action not only improves bonding but also keeps your horse''s health core in good condition.\n\nRiding is the most straightforward way to bond. Spend time traveling on your horse, whether it''s for missions, exploration, or hunting. The more distance you cover, the faster your bond will grow. To maximize efficiency, alternate between galloping and trotting to avoid exhausting your horse. For example, ride from Valentine to Strawberry while taking breaks to calm and feed your horse along the way.\n\nPatting your horse is another simple yet effective bonding method. Approach your horse and press the appropriate button prompt to pat it. This can be done while standing still or riding. Patting is particularly useful after completing tasks like hunting or escaping danger, as it reinforces your horse''s trust in you.\n\nFinally, avoid actions that harm your bond, such as crashing into objects, overworking your horse, or neglecting its needs. If your horse gets injured, use horse reviver or visit a stable for treatment. A healthy and happy horse will bond faster and perform better in critical moments.\n\nFor new players, focus on these activities consistently to reach Bonding Level 4 quickly. Experienced players can optimize bonding by combining multiple methods, such as grooming while feeding or calming while riding. With patience and care, your horse will become a loyal companion, ready to tackle any challenge in the wild west.