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

Losing your horse during a gang ambush in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’ve bonded with your horse and invested in its upgrades. To avoid this, you need to understand the game mechanics and take proactive steps to protect your horse during combat. Here’s a detailed guide to help you keep your horse safe during ambushes.\n\nFirst, always keep your horse’s health and stamina in mind. Before entering areas known for ambushes, such as the roads near Van Horn Trading Post or the forests of Roanoke Ridge, make sure your horse is fully fed and rested. Use horse tonics or food like hay, apples, or wild carrots to restore its health and stamina. A healthy horse is less likely to panic or flee during an ambush.\n\nDuring an ambush, your horse’s behavior is influenced by its bonding level. A horse with a higher bonding level (Level 4) is less likely to flee and will stay closer to you during combat. To increase bonding, spend time grooming, feeding, and calming your horse. If your horse is at a lower bonding level, it may run away when gunfire starts, leaving you stranded. Always prioritize bonding with your horse to improve its loyalty and reliability.\n\nWhen an ambush begins, immediately dismount and position yourself between your horse and the attackers. Use the ‘Stay’ command by holding the ‘L2’ or ‘LT’ button and selecting the option to make your horse stay in place. This prevents it from wandering into danger. If you’re on foot, your horse will stay nearby, allowing you to focus on eliminating the threat without worrying about its safety.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use cover to shield your horse. Position your horse behind large rocks, trees, or buildings to protect it from enemy fire. For example, if you’re ambushed near the cliffs of Big Valley, guide your horse behind a boulder or into a nearby cave. This reduces the chances of your horse being hit by stray bullets or explosives.\n\nIf your horse does get injured during an ambush, act quickly. Use a Horse Reviver or Health Cure to restore its health. Always carry these items in your satchel, especially when traveling through dangerous areas. If your horse dies, you’ll lose all progress and upgrades tied to it, so prevention is key.\n\nFinally, consider using a secondary horse as a backup. You can tame or purchase a second horse and keep it at a stable. If your primary horse is lost or killed during an ambush, you can retrieve your backup horse from the stable. This ensures you’re never left without a reliable mount.\n\nIn summary, to avoid losing your horse during a gang ambush, maintain its health and bonding level, use the ‘Stay’ command, position it behind cover, and always carry healing items. By following these steps, you can protect your horse and ensure it remains by your side throughout your adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.