What’s the best way to keep my horse clean and well-groomed?

Keeping your horse clean and well-groomed in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for maintaining its health, stamina, and bond level. A clean horse performs better, recovers stamina faster, and is less likely to spook in dangerous situations. To groom your horse, you need a horse brush, which can be purchased from stables or general stores for a small fee. Once you have the brush, approach your horse and interact with it to access the grooming option.\n\nTo groom your horse, stand close to it and press the appropriate button (L2/LT on consoles) to interact. Select the brush from your inventory and use it to clean your horse. This removes dirt, mud, and blood, which accumulate as you travel through different terrains or engage in combat. Grooming also increases your horse''s bonding level, which unlocks new abilities like rearing, drifting, and better responsiveness to commands.\n\nIf your horse gets dirty frequently, consider avoiding muddy areas or shallow water, as these can quickly soil your horse. However, if you must traverse such areas, keep your brush handy and groom your horse immediately afterward. Additionally, feeding your horse high-quality food like hay, apples, or carrots can improve its overall health and appearance. These items can be purchased from stables or found in the wild.\n\nAnother way to keep your horse clean is by visiting a stable. Stables offer grooming services for a small fee, which is useful if you''re in a hurry or don''t have a brush. Stables are located in major towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, and Blackwater. Simply lead your horse into the stable and interact with the stable hand to request grooming. This is a quick and efficient way to maintain your horse''s cleanliness without manual effort.\n\nIn addition to grooming, regularly check your horse''s health core by opening the player menu and selecting the horse section. A clean horse with a full health core is less likely to get injured or sick. If your horse becomes critically dirty or injured, it may refuse to move or perform poorly. To avoid this, always carry horse reviver and health tonics in your inventory. These items can be purchased from general stores or crafted using herbs found in the wild.\n\nFor players who frequently engage in combat, bloodstains on your horse can be a common issue. To remove blood, use the brush or visit a stable for a thorough cleaning. If you''re in a remote area without access to a stable, look for shallow water bodies like rivers or lakes. Lead your horse into the water and walk it around to wash off dirt and blood. This is a temporary solution but can be a lifesaver in emergencies.\n\nFinally, bonding with your horse is crucial for its overall well-being. Spend time patting, feeding, and leading your horse to increase your bond level. A higher bond level not only improves your horse''s performance but also makes it easier to keep it clean and healthy. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse remains in top condition, ready for any adventure in the vast world of Red Dead Redemption 2.