What are the best ways to improve my horse’s stamina?

Improving your horse''s stamina in Red Dead Online is crucial for faster travel, longer chases, and overall efficiency in the game. Stamina determines how long your horse can gallop before tiring, and a well-maintained horse can make a significant difference in your gameplay experience. Here’s a detailed guide on how to boost your horse’s stamina effectively.\n\nFirst, focus on bonding with your horse. Bonding levels directly impact your horse’s stamina and health. You can increase bonding by riding your horse, feeding it, brushing it, and leading it on foot. Each bonding level unlocks additional stamina cores, which are essential for longer rides. To check your bonding level, open the Player Menu, go to the Stables section, and select your horse. Bonding levels range from 1 to 4, with level 4 providing the maximum stamina boost.\n\nNext, invest in a good saddle and stirrups. Saddles like the Nacogdoches Saddle or the Improved Saddles significantly reduce stamina drain while riding. Pair these with high-quality stirrups, such as the Hooded Stirrups, to further enhance your horse’s stamina efficiency. These items can be purchased from stables in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Blackwater. Always prioritize saddles and stirrups that offer stamina drain reduction bonuses.\n\nFeeding your horse the right food is another key factor. Items like Hay, Oats, and Wild Carrots replenish stamina cores and keep your horse in peak condition. You can find these items at general stores or by foraging in the wild. For example, Wild Carrots are commonly found near the Heartlands or Cumberland Forest. Regularly feeding your horse not only restores stamina but also improves its overall health and performance.\n\nUse the calming mechanic to manage stamina during rides. By pressing the left stick (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) while galloping, you can calm your horse, which slows stamina drain. This is especially useful during long-distance travel or when fleeing from enemies. Timing your calming actions correctly can help you maintain a steady pace without exhausting your horse.\n\nFinally, consider using horse tonics and stimulants. Items like Horse Stimulant or Potent Horse Stimulant instantly restore stamina and can be crafted or purchased. These are particularly useful during intense moments, such as bounty hunts or races. You can craft these items using herbs like Ginseng and Yarrow, which are found throughout the map. Alternatively, buy them from the catalog or a general store.\n\nIn summary, improving your horse’s stamina involves bonding, using the right equipment, feeding it properly, calming it during rides, and utilizing tonics. By following these steps, you’ll have a reliable and high-performing horse that can handle any challenge in Red Dead Online.