How can I ensure my horse doesn’t run away during a mission?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, losing your horse during a mission can be frustrating, especially if it runs away or gets killed. To ensure your horse stays safe and doesn’t run away, you need to understand the game mechanics and take specific actions before and during missions. Horses in RDR2 have their own AI behavior, and they can flee if they sense danger or if you leave them unattended for too long. Here’s how to avoid losing your horse during missions.\n\nFirst, always bond with your horse before starting a mission. Bonding increases your horse’s loyalty and reduces the likelihood of it running away. You can bond with your horse by feeding it, brushing it, and patting it regularly. A higher bond level (up to level 4) ensures your horse will stay calm in dangerous situations and respond better to your commands. For example, if you’re in a gunfight, a bonded horse is less likely to panic and flee.\n\nSecond, use the ‘Hitch’ command whenever possible. Before entering a mission area, look for a hitching post or a tree where you can tie your horse. This prevents it from wandering off or getting spooked by gunfire or predators. To hitch your horse, approach a suitable spot, hold the interact button (L2/LT on consoles), and select the ‘Hitch’ option. This is especially useful in missions where you’ll be away from your horse for an extended period, such as stealth missions or indoor areas.\n\nThird, pay attention to your horse’s stamina and health. If your horse is injured or exhausted, it’s more likely to flee or collapse during a mission. Always carry Horse Reviver and Horse Stimulant in your inventory. These items can save your horse’s life if it gets injured or tired. For example, during the mission ‘Pouring Forth Oil’ in Chapter 2, your horse may need to run long distances. Keeping its stamina high ensures it won’t abandon you mid-mission.\n\nFourth, avoid leaving your horse in dangerous areas. If you’re in a mission with heavy gunfire or predators, try to position your horse in a safe spot. For instance, during the mission ‘The Sheep and the Goats,’ you’ll encounter wolves. If you leave your horse too close to the action, it may get attacked or run away. Instead, hitch it a safe distance away or use the ‘Stay’ command to keep it in place.\n\nFinally, always whistle for your horse after a mission. If your horse does run away, it will usually stay within a certain radius. Use the whistle command (up on the D-pad) to call it back. If your horse doesn’t respond, check your mini-map for its icon. If it’s too far, you may need to retrieve it manually. However, if your horse dies during a mission, you’ll need to reload a save or purchase a new one.\n\nIn summary, bonding with your horse, hitching it, managing its health, and positioning it safely are key to avoiding losing your horse during missions. Always be prepared with the right items and commands to keep your horse by your side. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your horse remains a reliable companion throughout your adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.