What’s the best way to protect my horse during a robbery mission?

Protecting your horse during a robbery mission in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial, as losing your horse can severely impact your mobility and overall gameplay experience. Horses are not only your primary mode of transportation but also your companion, carrying your weapons, supplies, and loot. To ensure your horse stays safe, you need to plan ahead, use game mechanics effectively, and make smart decisions during missions.\n\nFirst, always ensure your horse is in good health before starting a robbery mission. Visit a stable or use horse care items like Horse Stimulant, Horse Medicine, or Hay to restore its health and stamina. A healthy horse is less likely to panic or get injured during chaotic situations. Additionally, bonding with your horse (reaching Bonding Level 4) is essential, as it increases its loyalty and responsiveness to your commands, making it easier to control during high-stress moments.\n\nWhen approaching a robbery mission, choose a safe location to leave your horse. Ideally, park it in a secluded spot away from the main action, such as behind a building, in an alley, or in dense foliage. This reduces the chances of your horse being spotted by enemies or getting caught in crossfire. For example, during the mission ''Blessed Are the Meek?'' in Valentine, you can leave your horse near the back of the saloon, ensuring it’s out of sight but still accessible for a quick escape.\n\nDuring the robbery, use stealth and strategy to minimize chaos. The more noise and commotion you create, the higher the risk of your horse being targeted or spooked. Use silenced weapons like the Bow or Throwing Knives to take out enemies quietly. If the mission escalates into a shootout, prioritize eliminating enemies who are close to your horse’s location. This prevents them from causing harm or scaring your horse away.\n\nIf your horse does get injured during the mission, act quickly. Carry Horse Reviver in your inventory at all times. This item can save your horse from fatal injuries, allowing you to revive it on the spot. To use Horse Reviver, approach your downed horse, open your inventory, and select the item. This is especially important during missions like ''The Fine Joys of Tobacco,'' where enemies may target your horse to slow you down.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use the ''Flee'' command. If you anticipate a dangerous situation, such as a large-scale shootout, instruct your horse to flee by holding the ''Call Horse'' button and selecting ''Flee.'' This sends your horse to a safer location, reducing the risk of it being harmed. Once the area is clear, whistle to call it back. This tactic works well in missions like ''Pouring Forth Oil,'' where explosions and gunfire are common.\n\nFinally, always have a backup plan. If your horse does get killed or lost, make sure you have a secondary horse stabled or tamed. Visit stables in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Blackwater to purchase or retrieve another horse. This ensures you’re never left stranded, even in the worst-case scenario.\n\nIn summary, protecting your horse during robbery missions requires preparation, strategic placement, and quick thinking. Keep your horse healthy, use stealth to avoid chaos, and always carry Horse Reviver. By following these steps, you can ensure your horse remains safe and ready for your next adventure.