Which missions require specific horse breeds or bonding levels?

In Red Dead Redemption 2, certain missions require specific horse breeds or bonding levels to achieve Gold Medal completion. These requirements are tied to the game''s mechanics, which emphasize the importance of your horse as a companion and tool for success. Understanding these missions and preparing accordingly can save you time and frustration.\n\nOne such mission is ''The Veteran'' in Chapter 6, where you must bond with a specific horse, Buell. This mission involves helping an old war veteran named Hamish Sinclair. To achieve the Gold Medal, you must complete the mission with Buell as your active horse. Buell is a unique Dutch Warmblood, and bonding with him is essential. You can increase bonding by feeding, brushing, and patting him during the mission. This mission highlights the importance of horse bonding mechanics, which are critical for success in many parts of the game.\n\nAnother mission with horse-related requirements is ''Horse Flesh for Dinner'' in Chapter 3. This mission involves stealing horses from the Braithwaite family. To earn the Gold Medal, you must complete the mission with a specific horse breed, the Turkoman. The Turkoman can be found in the wild or purchased from stables like the one in Saint Denis. Bonding with the Turkoman beforehand is crucial, as higher bonding levels improve the horse''s stamina and responsiveness, making it easier to navigate the mission''s challenges.\n\nGame mechanics like horse bonding are central to these missions. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, with each level unlocking new abilities and improving the horse''s stats. For example, at Bonding Level 4, your horse will have maximum stamina and health, making it easier to complete timed objectives or escape dangerous situations. To increase bonding, spend time riding, feeding, and grooming your horse. These actions not only improve your horse''s performance but also deepen your connection with it, which is a key theme in the game.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to start bonding with your horse early in the game. Missions like ''Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego'' in Chapter 2 introduce you to horse mechanics and allow you to choose your first horse. While this mission doesn''t have specific breed requirements, it sets the foundation for future missions that do. Experienced players should focus on acquiring and bonding with high-quality horses like the Arabian or Turkoman, as these breeds excel in speed, stamina, and handling.\n\nPractical tips for these missions include visiting stables early to purchase or identify the required breeds. For example, the Blackwater stable offers the Turkoman, while the Saint Denis stable has the Arabian. Additionally, always carry horse care items like hay, carrots, and horse revivers to maintain your horse''s health during missions. These items can be purchased from general stores or crafted using materials found in the wild.\n\nIn summary, missions like ''The Veteran'' and ''Horse Flesh for Dinner'' require specific horse breeds or bonding levels for Gold Medal completion. Understanding horse mechanics, bonding early, and preparing with the right equipment are key to success. By following these steps, you can ensure a smoother gameplay experience and achieve your goals in Red Dead Redemption 2.