What’s the best way to train a horse for better acceleration?

Training a horse for better acceleration in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of bonding, proper care, and strategic gameplay. Acceleration is one of the core stats for horses, alongside speed, health, and stamina. Improving this stat ensures your horse can quickly reach top speeds, which is crucial for escaping danger, racing, or simply traversing the map efficiently.\n\nFirst, focus on bonding with your horse. Bonding is the foundation of all horse stats, including acceleration. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and each level improves your horse''s responsiveness and overall performance. To increase bonding, spend time riding your horse, brushing it, feeding it, and calming it when it gets spooked. Each of these actions contributes to the bonding meter, which you can track in the Player menu under the Horse section.\n\nNext, ensure your horse is well-fed and healthy. A malnourished or injured horse will perform poorly, regardless of its base stats. Feed your horse regularly with hay, wild carrots, or other horse provisions. You can find these items at stables or by foraging in the wild. Additionally, use horse tonics and stimulants to boost its stamina and health cores, which indirectly affect acceleration.\n\nTo directly improve acceleration, consider upgrading your saddle and stirrups. Saddles with better stats can enhance your horse''s performance. For example, the Improved Saddles available at stables provide bonuses to speed and acceleration. Pair these with high-quality stirrups, such as the Hooded Stirrups, which offer a significant boost to acceleration. These upgrades can be purchased at any stable, but they require a decent amount of money, so ensure you have enough funds.\n\nAnother effective method is to use horse stimulants like the Horse Stimulant or Potent Horse Stimulant. These items temporarily boost your horse''s stamina and acceleration, making them ideal for races or high-pressure situations. You can craft these items using herbs like Ginseng and Yarrow or purchase them from general stores and stables.\n\nFinally, practice riding techniques to maximize your horse''s acceleration. Use the spur command (tapping the sprint button) to encourage your horse to reach top speed quickly. However, be mindful of your horse''s stamina bar, as overusing the spur command can drain it rapidly. Calm your horse by pressing the appropriate button (L3 on PlayStation, LS on Xbox) to restore stamina and maintain high performance.\n\nFor new players, start with a horse that has decent base acceleration, such as the American Standardbred or Thoroughbred. These breeds are available early in the game and provide a solid foundation for training. Experienced players can aim for elite breeds like the Arabian, which has exceptional acceleration and speed but requires more care and attention.\n\nIn summary, improving your horse''s acceleration involves bonding, proper care, equipment upgrades, and strategic riding. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse is always ready to perform at its best, whether you''re racing across the plains or escaping a pack of wolves.\n\nPractical Tip: Visit the stables in Valentine or Saint Denis for the best selection of saddles and stirrups. These locations also offer horse care services, making them ideal for maintaining your horse''s health and performance.