What’s the best horse for navigating snowy terrain in RDR2?

Navigating snowy terrain in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be challenging due to the harsh weather conditions and slippery surfaces. The best horse for this environment is the **Ardennes War Horse**, a breed known for its strength, stamina, and resilience in cold climates. This horse is particularly effective in snowy areas like the Grizzlies and Ambarino, where other breeds may struggle.\n\nTo acquire the Ardennes War Horse, you can purchase it from the Valentine stable for $450 in Chapter 2 or later. Alternatively, if you pre-ordered the game, you may already have access to this horse through the War Horse bonus. The Ardennes is a draft horse, meaning it has high health and stamina, making it ideal for long treks through snow. Its large size also helps it maintain stability on uneven or icy terrain.\n\nWhen riding in snowy areas, it’s important to manage your horse’s stamina and health. Snowy terrain slows down movement, so your horse will tire faster. To mitigate this, use the **calm** mechanic by pressing the left stick (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) to soothe your horse and restore stamina. Additionally, carry **Horse Stimulant** or **Wild Carrots** to replenish stamina quickly during long rides.\n\nAnother key mechanic to consider is bonding. The Ardennes War Horse, like all horses, has four bonding levels. At higher levels, its stamina and health improve significantly. To increase bonding, spend time grooming, feeding, and patting your horse. Use **Hay** or **Apples** to feed it, and always keep a **Horse Brush** handy to clean off snow and dirt, which can lower its health over time.\n\nFor players exploring the snowy regions early in the game, the **White Arabian** is another excellent option. This horse can be found near Lake Isabella in the Grizzlies West region. While it’s smaller and less sturdy than the Ardennes, it has superior speed and handling, making it a good choice for experienced riders who can manage its lower health in harsh conditions.\n\nOne common challenge in snowy terrain is avoiding predators like wolves and cougars. The Ardennes War Horse’s high health makes it less likely to buck you off when predators approach. However, always keep your weapon ready and use **Dead Eye** to take down threats quickly. If your horse does get spooked, use the calm mechanic to regain control.\n\nFinally, equip your horse with the **Improved Saddle** or **Panther Trail Saddle** to boost its stamina and health regeneration. These saddles can be crafted or purchased from stables and are essential for long journeys in the snow. Pair the saddle with **Stirrups** for additional speed and acceleration bonuses.\n\nIn summary, the Ardennes War Horse is the best choice for snowy terrain due to its strength and resilience. Manage its stamina, increase bonding, and equip it with the right gear to ensure smooth navigation through the Grizzlies and other snowy regions. For players seeking speed, the White Arabian is a viable alternative, though it requires more careful handling.