What’s the best way to avoid losing my horse during the Saint Denis shootouts?

Losing your horse during the chaotic Saint Denis shootouts in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be frustrating, but with proper preparation and strategy, you can avoid this issue. The key is to prioritize your horse''s safety while managing the intense combat scenarios in the city. Here’s a detailed guide to help you keep your horse alive and by your side during these missions.\n\nFirst, ensure your horse is bonded to at least level 4. A higher bond level increases your horse’s health and stamina, making it more resilient during fights. To bond with your horse, spend time grooming, feeding, and patting it. Additionally, avoid reckless riding or running into obstacles, as this can lower your bond level. A well-bonded horse is less likely to panic and flee during shootouts.\n\nBefore entering Saint Denis for a mission, stock up on Horse Reviver and Horse Medicine. These items are essential for reviving your horse if it gets injured. You can purchase them from stables or general stores. Keep these items in your inventory and assign them to a quick-access slot for emergencies. If your horse goes down during a shootout, quickly use Horse Reviver to bring it back to life.\n\nDuring shootouts, position your horse in a safe location away from the main combat area. Saint Denis has narrow streets and tight alleys, so find a spot where your horse is less likely to be hit by stray bullets or trampled by enemies. For example, park your horse behind a building or in a secluded courtyard. Use the ''Stay'' command by holding the ''Call Horse'' button to ensure it doesn’t wander into danger.\n\nIf you’re forced to dismount during a shootout, keep an eye on your horse’s health bar in the bottom-left corner of the screen. If it starts to drop, quickly return to your horse and use Horse Medicine to restore its health. Alternatively, use the ''Flee'' command to send your horse away from the combat zone temporarily. You can call it back once the area is clear.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use cover and avoid prolonged exposure to enemy fire. This reduces the chances of your horse being targeted. For example, during the mission ''Banking, The Old American Art,'' stay behind cover and pick off enemies methodically rather than charging into open areas. This minimizes the risk of your horse being caught in crossfire.\n\nFinally, consider using a secondary horse as a backup. You can tame or purchase a second horse and stable it in Saint Denis. If your primary horse is injured or lost, you can quickly retrieve your backup horse from the stable. This ensures you’re never left without a mount during critical moments.\n\nBy following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your horse during Saint Denis shootouts. Prioritize your horse’s safety, keep essential items on hand, and use strategic positioning to keep it out of harm’s way. With careful planning, you can navigate these intense missions without losing your trusted companion.