What’s the best way to avoid losing my horse during a chase?

Losing your horse during a chase in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be frustrating, but with the right strategies, you can avoid this issue entirely. The key is to understand the game mechanics and prepare accordingly. Horses are essential companions in RDR2, and losing them can disrupt your progress, especially if you haven’t bonded with a backup horse. Here’s a detailed guide to help you keep your horse safe during intense chases.\n\nFirst, always ensure your horse is well-bonded. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and a higher bond means your horse will be more obedient, less likely to panic, and faster to respond to your commands. To increase bonding, spend time grooming, feeding, and patting your horse. During a chase, a well-bonded horse will stay closer to you and be less likely to run off or get stuck in dangerous situations.\n\nNext, equip your horse with the best saddle and stirrups available. These items improve your horse’s stamina and health, which are crucial during chases. For example, the Improved Saddles and Hooded Stirrups can significantly boost your horse’s performance. You can purchase these items at stables like the one in Valentine or Saint Denis. A horse with high stamina can outrun pursuers more effectively, reducing the risk of losing it.\n\nDuring a chase, use the ‘Calm’ command frequently. This is done by pressing the left stick (L3) on consoles or the appropriate key on PC. Calming your horse reduces its fear level, which is especially important if you’re being shot at or surrounded by predators. A calm horse is less likely to buck you off or flee, even in high-pressure situations.\n\nAnother critical tip is to avoid rough terrain. Mountains, dense forests, and rocky areas can slow your horse down or cause it to trip, making it easier for enemies to catch up. Stick to open roads or plains whenever possible. For example, if you’re being chased near Valentine, head toward the open fields to the east rather than the rocky hills to the north.\n\nIf your horse does get injured during a chase, always carry Horse Reviver in your inventory. This item can be purchased from general stores or crafted using specific herbs. If your horse goes down, quickly administer the reviver to bring it back to life. This is especially important if you’re far from a stable and don’t have a backup horse.\n\nFinally, consider having a secondary horse. You can tame or purchase a second horse and keep it at a lower bonding level as a backup. This way, if your primary horse is lost or killed, you won’t be left stranded. For example, you can tame a wild horse in the Heartlands or buy one from the stable in Strawberry.\n\nIn summary, to avoid losing your horse during a chase, focus on bonding, equipping the right gear, calming your horse, avoiding rough terrain, carrying Horse Reviver, and having a backup horse. These strategies will ensure your horse stays by your side, no matter how intense the situation gets.