How do you improve your horse’s acceleration and handling stats?

Improving your horse’s acceleration and handling stats in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for faster travel, better maneuverability, and overall performance during missions and exploration. These stats are influenced by several factors, including the horse’s breed, bonding level, equipment, and care. Here’s a detailed guide to help you maximize your horse’s potential.\n\nFirst, choose the right horse breed. Different breeds have varying base stats for acceleration and handling. For example, race horses like the Arabian or Thoroughbred have naturally high acceleration, while work horses like the Shire have lower acceleration but better stamina. If you’re aiming for speed and agility, prioritize breeds with high acceleration stats. You can find these horses in the wild, purchase them from stables, or acquire them through missions. For instance, the White Arabian can be found near Lake Isabella in the Grizzlies West region.\n\nNext, focus on bonding with your horse. Bonding levels (1-4) significantly impact your horse’s performance. To increase bonding, spend time riding, brushing, feeding, and calming your horse. Each bonding level unlocks new abilities and improves stats like acceleration and handling. For example, at Bonding Level 4, your horse will respond faster to commands and have better overall control. To speed up bonding, feed your horse high-quality food like hay or carrots and pat it regularly after stressful situations, such as combat or long rides.\n\nEquip your horse with the right gear. Saddles and stirrups play a crucial role in enhancing your horse’s stats. The best saddles, like the Improved or Special Saddles, reduce stamina drain and improve core stats. Stirrups, such as the Hooded Stirrups, provide additional speed and acceleration bonuses. Visit a stable to purchase and customize these items. For example, the Valentine stable offers a variety of saddles and stirrups early in the game.\n\nMaintain your horse’s health and stamina cores. A well-fed and rested horse performs better. Regularly feed your horse hay, wild carrots, or other provisions to keep its cores full. Use horse tonics or stimulants during long rides to replenish stamina. Additionally, brush your horse to remove dirt and improve its health. If your horse is injured, use horse revivers or visit a stable for treatment. A healthy horse will have better acceleration and handling.\n\nFinally, practice good riding habits. Avoid overworking your horse by galloping for extended periods without breaks. Use the calm button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) to soothe your horse during stressful situations, which helps maintain its stats. Additionally, avoid rough terrain that can slow your horse down or cause it to trip. Stick to roads or open plains for smoother rides.\n\nIn summary, improving your horse’s acceleration and handling involves selecting the right breed, increasing bonding levels, equipping the best gear, maintaining health and stamina cores, and practicing good riding habits. By following these steps, you’ll have a faster, more responsive horse that excels in any situation. For new players, start with a balanced horse like the Tennessee Walker and gradually upgrade to faster breeds as you progress. Experienced players can focus on rare breeds like the Black Arabian for top-tier performance.