What’s the best way to avoid losing my horse in a shootout?

Losing your horse during a shootout in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be devastating, especially if you’ve bonded with it and invested in upgrades. To avoid this, you need to understand the game mechanics and take proactive steps to protect your horse. The key is to manage your positioning, use the right commands, and prepare for emergencies.\n\nFirst, always keep your horse at a safe distance during shootouts. When engaging in combat, dismount your horse and lead it to cover or a safe spot. Use the ''Stay'' command by holding the ''Call Horse'' button (L2/LT) and selecting ''Stay'' from the radial menu. This prevents your horse from wandering into the line of fire. If you’re in an open area, position your horse behind large objects like rocks, trees, or buildings to shield it from bullets.\n\nSecond, invest in horse bonding. A higher bond level (up to level 4) makes your horse more obedient and less likely to panic during gunfights. To increase bonding, spend time grooming, feeding, and patting your horse. A bonded horse will also respond better to your commands, such as ''Flee,'' which can be used to send it away from danger. To issue the ''Flee'' command, hold the ''Call Horse'' button and select ''Flee'' from the radial menu.\n\nThird, equip your horse with the best saddle and stirrups available. These items improve your horse’s stamina and health, making it more resilient in dangerous situations. Visit stables in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Strawberry to purchase upgrades. The Improved Saddle and Hooded Stirrups are excellent choices for boosting your horse’s stats.\n\nFourth, always carry Horse Reviver in your inventory. This item can save your horse if it gets critically injured during a shootout. You can buy Horse Reviver from general stores or craft it using specific herbs. Keep at least 2-3 bottles in your satchel at all times. If your horse goes down, quickly approach it and administer the reviver to bring it back to life.\n\nFifth, avoid reckless behavior during shootouts. For example, don’t charge into enemy lines on horseback, as this exposes your horse to gunfire. Instead, use stealth and cover to minimize risks. If you’re ambushed, prioritize eliminating enemies quickly to reduce the threat to your horse. Use Dead Eye to target enemies efficiently and clear the area.\n\nFinally, consider using a secondary horse as a backup. You can tame or purchase a second horse and keep it at camp or nearby. This ensures you have a replacement if your primary horse is lost. To manage multiple horses, assign one as your main horse and the other as a temporary mount. Use the ''Hitch'' command to secure your secondary horse in a safe location.\n\nBy following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your horse during shootouts. Always prioritize your horse’s safety, plan ahead, and be prepared for emergencies. With proper care and strategy, your horse will remain a loyal companion throughout your adventures in Red Dead Redemption 2.