What’s the best horse for traveling through dense forests?

When traveling through dense forests in Red Dead Redemption 2, the best horse for the job is the Missouri Fox Trotter. This breed excels in agility, speed, and stamina, making it ideal for navigating tight spaces and uneven terrain. The Missouri Fox Trotter can be purchased from the Scarlet Meadows Stable in Lemoyne for $950 or obtained through specific missions. Its high handling stat ensures it can maneuver around trees, rocks, and other obstacles with ease, which is crucial in dense forest areas like Tall Trees or Roanoke Ridge.\n\nTo maximize your horse''s performance in forests, bonding is essential. Bonding increases your horse''s responsiveness and reduces the likelihood of it panicking in dangerous situations. Spend time grooming, feeding, and patting your horse to reach Bonding Level 4. This will unlock its full potential, including better stamina management and improved handling. Additionally, equip your horse with a good saddle and stirrups, such as the Panther Trail Saddle or the Improved Gerden Vaquero Saddle, to boost its stats further.\n\nGame mechanics play a significant role in forest traversal. Horses in RDR2 have a collision system that can cause them to stumble or throw you off if they hit obstacles. To avoid this, use the cinematic camera mode sparingly and keep your speed moderate. Hold the left trigger (LT on consoles) to slow down when approaching tight spaces or sharp turns. This gives you better control and prevents accidents. If your horse does get stuck, use the calm button (L3 or LS) to soothe it and regain control.\n\nAnother challenge in dense forests is wildlife encounters. Predators like wolves or cougars can spook your horse, causing it to buck you off. To mitigate this, always keep an eye on your mini-map for red dots indicating nearby threats. Equip a rifle or shotgun for quick defense, and use Dead Eye to take down predators before they get too close. If your horse does panic, quickly dismount and use the cover of trees to protect yourself while dealing with the threat.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to note that not all horses are created equal. While the Missouri Fox Trotter is the best choice, other breeds like the Arabian or Turkoman can also perform well in forests. However, these horses may require more skill to handle due to their skittish nature. If you''re on a budget, consider taming a wild Mustang or Appaloosa, which are more affordable and still offer decent forest traversal capabilities.\n\nFinally, practical tips for forest travel include planning your route ahead of time. Use the in-game map to identify clear paths and avoid areas with dense underbrush or steep inclines. Carry horse stimulants or potent horse tonics to replenish stamina during long rides. If you''re exploring at night, equip a lantern or use the Eagle Eye ability to navigate safely. By following these steps and choosing the right horse, you''ll be able to traverse dense forests efficiently and enjoy the immersive world of Red Dead Redemption 2.