What’s the best way to train a horse for better handling in combat?

Training a horse for better handling in combat in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of bonding, proper care, and strategic gameplay. Horses are essential companions in the game, and their performance in combat can significantly impact your survival. To improve your horse''s handling, you need to focus on bonding levels, stamina, health, and specific horse breeds that excel in combat situations.\n\nFirst, bonding with your horse is crucial. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and each level improves your horse''s responsiveness, stamina, and health. To increase bonding, spend time with your horse by feeding it, brushing it, and patting it. Additionally, riding your horse frequently and performing calm maneuvers like trotting or galloping will boost bonding. Avoid stressful situations like running into trees or falling off cliffs, as these can decrease bonding progress.\n\nNext, focus on improving your horse''s stamina and health. Stamina is vital for combat situations, as it allows your horse to sprint longer and recover faster. To increase stamina, feed your horse high-quality food like hay, apples, or carrots. You can also purchase horse tonics from general stores or craft them using herbs like Wild Carrot and Ginseng. Health is equally important, as it determines how much damage your horse can withstand. Use horse stimulants or health tonics to keep your horse in top condition during combat.\n\nChoosing the right horse breed is another key factor. War horses, such as the Ardennes or Hungarian Halfbred, are ideal for combat due to their high health and bravery stats. These breeds are less likely to panic during gunfights or predator encounters. You can find these horses at stables like the Valentine or Saint Denis stables, or by taming them in the wild. For example, the Hungarian Halfbred can be found in the Heartlands region.\n\nTo train your horse for combat, expose it to controlled combat scenarios. Start by engaging in small skirmishes with low-level enemies, such as O''Driscolls or Lemoyne Raiders. This will help your horse get accustomed to gunfire and chaos. Gradually increase the intensity of combat by taking on larger groups or more dangerous enemies. Always keep an eye on your horse''s stamina and health, and disengage if necessary to avoid losing your horse.\n\nFinally, equip your horse with the right gear. Saddles and stirrups can significantly improve your horse''s performance. The Nacogdoches Saddle, available at the Strawberry stable, is one of the best options for combat due to its stamina drain reduction and speed boost. Pair it with high-quality stirrups to further enhance your horse''s stats. Additionally, consider purchasing a horse reviver from the general store to quickly revive your horse if it gets injured during combat.\n\nIn summary, training a horse for better handling in combat involves bonding, improving stamina and health, selecting the right breed, exposing it to combat scenarios, and equipping it with the best gear. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse remains a reliable companion in even the most intense battles.