How do you improve your horse’s health and stamina cores?

Improving your horse’s health and stamina cores in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for ensuring your horse performs well during long rides, combat, and other activities. Both cores are tied to your horse’s overall bond level, which increases as you spend time with your horse. The higher the bond level, the better your horse’s stats, including health and stamina. Here’s a detailed guide on how to improve these cores effectively.\n\nFirst, focus on increasing your bond level with your horse. Bond levels range from 1 to 4, and each level unlocks additional health and stamina for your horse. To increase the bond level, spend time riding your horse, brushing it, feeding it, and calming it when it gets spooked. For example, brushing your horse after a long ride or feeding it hay or wild carrots will boost your bond. You can check your bond level in the Player menu under the Horse section.\n\nNext, feed your horse regularly to maintain and improve its cores. Different types of food have varying effects. For example, hay and wild carrots replenish both cores, while premium items like oatcakes and sugar cubes provide a more significant boost. You can purchase horse food from stables or general stores, or find wild carrots in the open world. Feeding your horse not only restores its cores but also strengthens your bond over time.\n\nAnother way to improve your horse’s cores is by using horse tonics. These items, such as Horse Stimulant and Horse Medicine, can be crafted or purchased. Horse Stimulant boosts stamina, while Horse Medicine improves health. These are particularly useful during intense moments, such as chases or battles, when your horse’s cores deplete quickly. You can craft tonics using herbs like Ginseng and Yarrow, which are found throughout the game world.\n\nUpgrading your saddle and stirrups is another effective method. Better saddles and stirrups reduce the rate at which your horse’s stamina depletes, allowing it to run longer without tiring. For example, the Improved Saddle, available at stables, provides a significant boost to stamina regeneration. Additionally, certain stirrups, like the Hooded Stirrups, further enhance stamina efficiency. Always check the stats of saddles and stirrups before purchasing to ensure they meet your needs.\n\nFinally, practice good horse care habits. Avoid overworking your horse by galloping for extended periods without breaks. If your horse’s stamina core is low, slow down and let it recover. Similarly, avoid exposing your horse to unnecessary danger, such as running through rocky terrain or engaging in combat without proper preparation. Keeping your horse healthy and well-rested ensures its cores remain strong.\n\nIn summary, improving your horse’s health and stamina cores involves increasing your bond level, feeding it regularly, using tonics, upgrading equipment, and practicing good care habits. By following these steps, you’ll have a reliable and high-performing horse ready for any challenge in Red Dead Redemption 2.