How do I prevent my horse from getting injured by hostile NPCs?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse is one of your most valuable assets, and keeping it safe from hostile NPCs is crucial for smooth gameplay. Hostile NPCs, such as bandits, lawmen, or rival gangs, can injure or even kill your horse during combat or ambushes. To prevent this, you need to understand the game mechanics and take proactive steps to protect your horse.\n\nFirst, always keep your horse''s health and stamina in good condition. Use Horse Stimulants or Horse Tonics to boost its stamina during intense situations, and regularly feed it with Hay, Carrots, or Wild Carrots to maintain its health. A healthy horse is more likely to survive attacks and can recover faster from injuries. Additionally, bonding with your horse (reaching Bonding Level 4) increases its health and stamina stats, making it more resilient.\n\nWhen engaging in combat, position your horse strategically. Avoid leaving it in the open where it can be easily targeted. Instead, park your horse behind cover, such as rocks, trees, or buildings, to shield it from gunfire. For example, during a shootout in Valentine or Saint Denis, lead your horse to a nearby alley or stable to keep it out of harm''s way. If you''re in a wilderness area, use natural terrain like cliffs or dense forests for protection.\n\nUse the ''Flee'' command to send your horse away from danger. Hold the ''Call Horse'' button and select ''Flee'' to make your horse run to a safe distance. This is particularly useful during ambushes or when you''re outnumbered. For instance, if you''re attacked by the Lemoyne Raiders near Rhodes, command your horse to flee while you handle the enemies. Once the threat is neutralized, whistle to call your horse back.\n\nEquip your horse with a better saddle and stirrups to improve its stats. The Improved Saddle, available at stables, increases your horse''s health and stamina cores. Pair it with Hooded Stirrups for additional stamina regeneration. These upgrades make your horse more durable and better equipped to handle hostile encounters.\n\nIn high-risk areas like gang hideouts or during missions involving ambushes, consider using a temporary horse. For example, if you''re planning to raid the O''Driscoll hideout at Hanging Dog Ranch, leave your primary horse at a safe distance and use a secondary horse for the mission. This way, if the temporary horse gets injured, your main horse remains unharmed.\n\nFinally, always carry Horse Reviver in your inventory. If your horse is critically injured, you can use this item to revive it. Purchase Horse Reviver from general stores or craft it using specific herbs. Keep at least two bottles on hand for emergencies.\n\nBy following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your horse getting injured by hostile NPCs. Prioritize your horse''s safety, use the environment to your advantage, and always be prepared for unexpected threats.