What’s the best way to avoid losing my horse during a gunfight?

Losing your horse during a gunfight in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be frustrating, especially if you’ve bonded with it and invested in upgrades. To avoid this, you need to understand the game mechanics and take proactive steps to protect your horse. Horses in RDR2 are vulnerable to gunfire, environmental hazards, and enemy attacks, so keeping them safe requires strategy and awareness.\n\nFirst, always keep your horse at a safe distance during combat. When you dismount, use the ''Stay'' command by holding the ''Call Horse'' button (L2/LT) and selecting ''Stay'' from the radial menu. This ensures your horse won’t wander into the line of fire. If you’re in a chaotic situation, such as a shootout in Saint Denis or a bandit ambush in the Heartlands, position your horse behind cover like rocks, trees, or buildings. This minimizes the risk of stray bullets hitting it.\n\nSecond, invest in a good saddle and stirrups to improve your horse’s stamina and health. The best saddles, like the Panther Trail Saddle or the Rattlesnake Vaquero Saddle, provide significant stat boosts. These upgrades make your horse more resilient and better equipped to handle stressful situations. Additionally, always carry Horse Reviver in your inventory. This item can save your horse if it gets critically injured during a fight. You can purchase Horse Reviver from general stores or craft it using specific herbs.\n\nThird, use the ''Flee'' command if you anticipate a dangerous situation. If you’re about to engage in a gunfight, hold the ''Call Horse'' button and select ''Flee.'' This sends your horse running away from the danger zone, reducing the chance of it being hit. For example, if you’re about to raid a gang hideout like Hanging Dog Ranch, send your horse away before the fight begins. Once the area is clear, whistle to call it back.\n\nFourth, pay attention to your horse’s bonding level. A higher bonding level (Level 4) makes your horse more obedient and less likely to panic during gunfights. To increase bonding, spend time grooming, feeding, and patting your horse. A calm horse is less likely to run into danger or throw you off during combat. For example, if you’re riding through the Grizzlies and encounter wolves, a bonded horse will stay steady, allowing you to focus on the threat.\n\nFinally, consider the type of horse you’re using. War horses, like the Ardennes or the Turkoman, are more resilient in combat due to their high health and bravery stats. These breeds are less likely to flee or panic during gunfights, making them ideal for players who frequently engage in combat. If you’re still using a basic horse, consider upgrading to a more robust breed as soon as possible.\n\nIn summary, protecting your horse during gunfights involves a combination of strategic positioning, proper equipment, and proactive commands. Always keep your horse at a safe distance, use the ''Stay'' or ''Flee'' commands, and invest in upgrades to improve its resilience. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse remains safe and ready for the next adventure.