How do I prevent my horse from dying during explosive encounters?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is one of your most valuable assets, and losing it during explosive encounters can be devastating. Explosions, whether from dynamite, fire bottles, or enemy attacks, can instantly kill your horse if you''re not careful. To prevent this, you need to understand the game mechanics and take proactive steps to protect your horse during combat.\n\nFirst, always keep your horse at a safe distance during explosive encounters. When you anticipate a fight involving explosives, such as during missions like ''Pouring Forth Oil'' or ''The Battle of Shady Belle,'' dismount your horse and lead it to a secure location. Use the ''Horse Stay'' command by holding the ''Call Horse'' button (L2/LT) and selecting ''Stay.'' This ensures your horse won''t wander into danger. If you''re in an open area, position your horse behind cover, such as rocks or trees, to shield it from explosions.\n\nSecond, invest in a good saddle and stirrups to improve your horse''s health and stamina. A reinforced saddle, like the Panther Trail Saddle or the Rattlesnake Vaquero Saddle, increases your horse''s health core, making it more resilient to damage. Additionally, bonding with your horse to level 4 unlocks the ability to revive it with Horse Reviver if it does get injured. Always carry at least one Horse Reviver in your inventory for emergencies.\n\nThird, be mindful of your surroundings and enemy behavior. Explosive encounters often involve enemies throwing dynamite or using mounted Gatling guns. If you''re on horseback, avoid charging directly into these situations. Instead, dismount and use your horse as a mobile cover. For example, during the mission ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' enemies will throw dynamite at you. Stay on foot and use your horse as a shield while keeping it out of the blast radius.\n\nFourth, use the Dead Eye mechanic to your advantage. Dead Eye allows you to target enemies with precision, reducing the risk of stray bullets or explosives hitting your horse. For instance, during the mission ''The King''s Son,'' you can use Dead Eye to quickly eliminate enemies with dynamite before they can throw it. This minimizes the chance of your horse being caught in the crossfire.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan. If your horse does get injured, quickly administer Horse Reviver or flee the area to avoid further damage. In some cases, it may be safer to leave your horse behind and continue on foot, especially in missions with heavy explosives. For example, during ''The Battle of Shady Belle,'' the area is filled with enemies using explosive weapons. Leaving your horse at a safe distance and proceeding on foot can save its life.\n\nIn summary, protecting your horse during explosive encounters requires preparation, situational awareness, and quick thinking. Keep your horse at a safe distance, invest in its health and stamina, use Dead Eye strategically, and always carry Horse Reviver. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse survives even the most dangerous situations in Red Dead Redemption 2.