How do I prevent my horse from getting spooked by the Night Folk?

To prevent your horse from getting spooked by the Night Folk in Red Dead Redemption 2, you need to understand the game mechanics and prepare accordingly. The Night Folk are a hostile group of enemies that appear in the Bayou Nwa region, particularly around the Bluewater Marsh and Lakay areas. They are known for ambushing players at night, often causing horses to panic and flee. To avoid losing your horse, follow these detailed steps and strategies.\n\nFirst, ensure your horse has a high bond level. A horse with a level 4 bond is less likely to panic and will stay calmer in dangerous situations. Spend time grooming, feeding, and calming your horse regularly to build this bond. If your horse does get spooked, quickly press the calm button (L3/LS on consoles) to soothe it. This can prevent it from running away or throwing you off.\n\nSecond, equip your horse with the best saddle and stirrups available. The improved equipment increases your horse''s stamina and health, making it more resilient in stressful situations. For example, the Panther Trail Saddle or the Rattlesnake Vaquero Saddle are excellent choices. These items can be purchased from stables or crafted through the Trapper if you have the required materials.\n\nThird, avoid traveling through the Bayou Nwa region at night unless absolutely necessary. The Night Folk are most active during nighttime, and their ambushes are harder to predict in the dark. If you must travel at night, stick to well-lit paths and avoid dense, swampy areas where the Night Folk are known to hide. Use your lantern to improve visibility, but be cautious, as it can also make you more noticeable.\n\nFourth, always be prepared for combat. Equip weapons like the shotgun or repeater, which are effective at close range and can quickly eliminate multiple enemies. Keep your Dead Eye meter full to slow down time and target the Night Folk accurately. If you hear strange noises or see suspicious movements, dismount and approach on foot to avoid putting your horse in immediate danger.\n\nFifth, consider using Horse Reviver and Horse Stimulant items. These can be purchased from general stores or crafted if you have the right ingredients. Horse Reviver is essential if your horse gets critically injured, while Horse Stimulant can boost its stamina during a chase or escape. Always carry these items in your inventory to ensure your horse''s survival.\n\nFinally, if your horse does get spooked and runs away, use your whistle to call it back. However, if the Night Folk are still nearby, your horse may not return immediately. In such cases, find a safe spot, eliminate the threat, and then call your horse. If your horse is injured, use Horse Reviver as soon as possible to prevent it from dying.\n\nBy following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your horse to the Night Folk. Building a strong bond, equipping the right gear, and staying vigilant are key to keeping your horse safe in the dangerous Bayou Nwa region.