How can I improve my horse’s bonding level quickly during missions?

Improving your horse’s bonding level quickly during missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for unlocking better stats, abilities, and a stronger connection with your equine companion. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, and each level unlocks new perks, such as increased stamina, better handling, and the ability to perform advanced maneuvers like drifting and rearing. Here’s a detailed guide to help you maximize bonding efficiency during missions.\n\nFirst, understand the core mechanics of horse bonding. Bonding increases through specific actions: petting, feeding, leading, and calming your horse. During missions, you can take advantage of downtime or travel segments to perform these actions. For example, while riding to a mission objective, press the calm button (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) repeatedly to soothe your horse. This not only builds bonding but also keeps your horse’s stamina core stable during long rides.\n\nFeeding your horse is another effective way to boost bonding. Carry a supply of hay, wild carrots, or horse meal, which can be purchased from stables or found in the wild. During missions, pause briefly to feed your horse by opening the item wheel, selecting the horse care section, and choosing the appropriate food. Feeding your horse not only increases bonding but also restores its health and stamina cores, ensuring it performs well during critical moments.\n\nLeading your horse is a lesser-known but highly effective bonding method. During missions, dismount and hold the lead button (L2 on PlayStation or LT on Xbox) to walk your horse for a short distance. This action significantly boosts bonding and is particularly useful during slower-paced mission segments, such as when escorting NPCs or exploring on foot. For example, during the mission ‘Pouring Forth Oil’ in Chapter 2, you can lead your horse while waiting for the oil wagon to arrive.\n\nPetting your horse is another quick and easy way to increase bonding. After dismounting, approach your horse and press the prompt to pet it. This action can be repeated multiple times during a mission, especially during moments when you’re waiting for dialogue or cutscenes to progress. For instance, during the mission ‘Polite Society, Valentine Style,’ you can pet your horse while waiting for the gang to regroup.\n\nTo maximize bonding efficiency, combine these actions strategically. For example, while riding to a mission objective, alternate between calming your horse and feeding it. After completing a mission segment, dismount and lead your horse for a short distance before petting it. This multi-action approach ensures you’re constantly building bonding without disrupting mission flow.\n\nFinally, be mindful of your horse’s condition. A well-maintained horse bonds faster, so regularly brush it to remove dirt and apply horse tonics to boost its cores. During missions, avoid reckless behavior like crashing into obstacles or overworking your horse, as this can reduce bonding progress. By following these tips, you’ll quickly reach bonding level 4 and unlock your horse’s full potential.\n\nPractical tip: Focus on missions with extended travel segments, such as ‘The First Shall Be Last’ or ‘The Sheep and the Goats,’ to maximize bonding opportunities. These missions provide ample time to perform bonding actions while progressing the story.