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

Training a horse for better swimming in Red Dead Redemption 2 is an essential skill for traversing the game’s vast landscapes, especially when crossing rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water. Horses in RDR2 have varying swimming abilities, and improving their confidence and stamina in water can make a significant difference in gameplay. Here’s a detailed guide to help you train your horse effectively.\n\nFirst, understand the game mechanics. Horses have a stamina core that depletes while swimming. If the stamina runs out, the horse will drown, and you’ll lose it permanently. To prevent this, you need to improve your horse’s stamina and bond level. Bonding increases your horse’s trust in you, making it more responsive and resilient in challenging situations like swimming. Bonding is achieved through grooming, feeding, patting, and riding your horse regularly.\n\nStart by choosing the right horse. Some breeds, like the Arabian or Turkoman, have better stamina and health stats, making them more suitable for swimming. However, even lower-tier horses can be trained effectively with patience. Once you’ve selected your horse, focus on increasing your bond level to at least level 3 or 4. This ensures your horse has enough stamina to handle longer swims.\n\nNext, practice swimming in shallow water before attempting deeper areas. Begin at locations like the Dakota River near Valentine or the Kamassa River near Rhodes. These areas have shallow sections where your horse can get accustomed to water without risking exhaustion. Lead your horse into the water and let it wade slowly. Pat and calm your horse if it becomes agitated, as this helps build trust.\n\nGradually increase the difficulty by moving to deeper water. For example, the Flat Iron Lake near Rhodes or the larger sections of the Dakota River are ideal for intermediate training. Always monitor your horse’s stamina bar while swimming. If it starts to deplete rapidly, guide your horse back to shallow water or the shore. Use horse stimulants like Potent Horse Stimulant or Horse Meal to replenish stamina if needed.\n\nTo further improve your horse’s swimming ability, invest in better saddles and stirrups. These items reduce stamina drain and increase overall stamina regeneration. The Improved Saddles, available at stables, are particularly effective. Pair them with Hooded Stirrups for maximum benefits. These upgrades are crucial for long-distance swims or when crossing large bodies of water like the Lannahechee River.\n\nFinally, avoid overworking your horse. Swimming long distances without breaks can lead to exhaustion, even with high stamina. Plan your routes carefully, and always have a backup plan if your horse starts to struggle. For example, if you’re crossing a wide river, look for islands or shallow areas where your horse can rest.\n\nIn summary, training your horse for better swimming involves building a strong bond, practicing in shallow water, gradually increasing difficulty, and equipping the right gear. With patience and consistent effort, your horse will become a reliable companion for all your aquatic adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.