What’s the best way to keep my horse safe during the Epilogue missions?

Keeping your horse safe during the Epilogue missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial, as losing your horse can disrupt your progress and leave you stranded. The Epilogue missions often involve intense combat and dangerous environments, so taking proactive steps to protect your horse is essential. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your horse stays safe throughout these missions.\n\nFirst, always ensure your horse is fully bonded. A fully bonded horse (level 4 bonding) is more obedient, has better stamina, and is less likely to panic in dangerous situations. To bond with your horse, spend time grooming, feeding, and patting it. Additionally, use the horse’s calming mechanic by pressing the left stick (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) when riding through stressful situations like gunfights or predator encounters. This will keep your horse calm and less likely to buck you off.\n\nDuring missions, avoid leaving your horse in open areas where it can be targeted by enemies or predators. Instead, tie your horse to a post or tree using the lasso (hold L2/LT and select the option to tie). This prevents the horse from wandering into danger. For example, during the mission ‘A New Future Imagined,’ you’ll be in a combat-heavy area near Beecher’s Hope. Tie your horse near the barn or behind cover to keep it safe while you engage enemies.\n\nAnother key strategy is to use Horse Reviver and Horse Stimulant items. Always carry these in your inventory. If your horse is injured during a mission, quickly administer Horse Reviver to save it. Horse Stimulant can be used to restore stamina during long rides or chases, ensuring your horse doesn’t collapse from exhaustion. These items can be purchased from stables or general stores, so stock up before starting the Epilogue.\n\nPay attention to mission-specific hazards. For instance, in the mission ‘The Wheel,’ you’ll be riding through rocky terrain and facing ambushes. Keep your horse on the main path to avoid tripping or falling off cliffs. If you’re unsure about the terrain, dismount and scout ahead on foot. This prevents your horse from taking unnecessary damage.\n\nFinally, consider using a secondary horse as a backup. Before starting the Epilogue, tame or purchase a second horse and stable it at Beecher’s Hope. If your primary horse is injured or lost, you can quickly retrieve the backup horse from the stable. This ensures you’re never left without a reliable mount.\n\nBy following these steps, you can keep your horse safe and ensure a smooth experience during the Epilogue missions. Always prioritize your horse’s safety, as it’s your most valuable companion in the game.