What’s the best horse breed for carrying heavy loads in RDR2?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the best horse breed for carrying heavy loads is the **Shire Horse**. This breed is known for its exceptional strength and stamina, making it ideal for transporting large amounts of cargo, such as pelts, carcasses, and other heavy items. The Shire Horse is a draft horse, which means it is specifically bred for heavy labor and can handle the weight without losing speed or stamina as quickly as smaller breeds.\n\nTo acquire a Shire Horse, you can find one early in the game during Chapter 2. Hosea gives you a Shire Horse during the mission ''Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego,'' where you hunt a bear. While you can sell this horse, it’s highly recommended to keep it for its carrying capacity. Alternatively, you can purchase a Shire Horse from stables like the one in Valentine or Saint Denis for around $150-$200, depending on the coat color.\n\nOnce you have your Shire Horse, you’ll want to maximize its potential by bonding with it. Bonding increases the horse’s health, stamina, and overall performance. To bond with your horse, spend time grooming, feeding, and patting it. You can also increase bonding by riding the horse frequently and calming it during stressful situations, such as encounters with predators or gunfights.\n\nTo further enhance your Shire Horse’s carrying capacity, equip it with a **Improved Saddle** and **Saddlebags**. These items can be purchased from stables or crafted at a trapper using pelts. The Improved Saddle reduces stamina drain, while the Saddlebags increase the amount of items you can carry. For example, with a fully upgraded saddlebag, you can carry up to 5 large pelts or carcasses at once, making it easier to transport valuable hunting loot back to camp or a trapper.\n\nOne common challenge players face is managing the horse’s stamina during long trips with heavy loads. To address this, always carry **Horse Stimulant** or **Horse Meal** in your inventory. These items instantly restore stamina, allowing your Shire Horse to continue carrying heavy loads without slowing down. Additionally, avoid overloading your horse by balancing the weight of items. For instance, if you’re carrying a large carcass, consider attaching smaller pelts to your horse instead of another heavy item.\n\nAnother tip is to avoid rough terrain when transporting heavy loads. Stick to roads and open plains to minimize stamina drain and prevent your horse from tripping or losing speed. If you’re traveling through dangerous areas, such as Grizzlies West or Roanoke Ridge, keep an eye out for predators and hostile NPCs that could spook your horse or force you to abandon your cargo.\n\nIn summary, the Shire Horse is the best breed for carrying heavy loads in Red Dead Redemption 2 due to its strength and stamina. Acquire one early in the game, bond with it, and equip it with an Improved Saddle and Saddlebags to maximize its potential. Use Horse Stimulants to manage stamina and avoid overloading or dangerous terrain. With these tips, you’ll be able to transport heavy loads efficiently and make the most of your hunting and trading endeavors.