How do you improve your horse’s resistance to gunfire?

Improving your horse’s resistance to gunfire in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for surviving intense combat situations, especially during missions or ambushes. Horses are vulnerable to gunfire, and if they take too much damage, they can die, leaving you stranded. To enhance your horse’s durability, you need to focus on bonding, equipment, and specific in-game mechanics.\n\nFirst, bonding with your horse is the foundation of improving its overall stats, including health and stamina. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and each level increases your horse’s resilience. To bond with your horse, spend time riding it, brushing it, feeding it, and calming it during stressful situations like gunfire or predator encounters. For example, if you’re riding through the Heartlands and encounter wolves, calming your horse will not only prevent it from bucking you off but also increase your bond. Higher bonding levels directly improve your horse’s health, making it more resistant to damage.\n\nNext, invest in better saddles and stirrups. These items significantly impact your horse’s performance and durability. The best saddle for improving your horse’s resistance to gunfire is the Improved Saddle, which can be purchased from stables like the one in Valentine or Saint Denis. Pair this with high-quality stirrups, such as the Hooded Stirrups, to further boost your horse’s health and stamina. These upgrades are expensive but worth the investment for long-term survival.\n\nAnother way to improve your horse’s resistance is by using Horse Tonics. These consumable items temporarily boost your horse’s health and stamina, making it more resilient during combat. You can craft Horse Tonics using ingredients like Ginseng and Yarrow, or purchase them from general stores. For example, if you’re about to engage in a mission with heavy gunfire, like the assault on Braithwaite Manor, use a Horse Tonic beforehand to give your horse an edge.\n\nAdditionally, avoid exposing your horse to unnecessary danger. During gunfights, position your horse behind cover or in a safe area. If you’re in an open area like the plains of New Hanover, dismount and use your horse as a mobile shield only when absolutely necessary. For instance, during the mission ‘Pouring Forth Oil,’ where you face off against the O’Driscolls, keep your horse behind rocks or trees to minimize exposure to bullets.\n\nFinally, consider upgrading to a war horse breed, such as the Ardennes or Hungarian Halfbred. These breeds have naturally higher health and are more resistant to gunfire compared to other types. You can purchase these horses from stables or find them in the wild. For example, the Hungarian Halfbred can often be found near the Heartlands or during specific missions.\n\nIn summary, improving your horse’s resistance to gunfire involves bonding, upgrading equipment, using Horse Tonics, strategic positioning, and choosing the right breed. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your horse survives even the most intense battles, keeping you mobile and prepared for whatever challenges Red Dead Redemption 2 throws your way.