How do I unlock and upgrade the best horses in RDR2?

Unlocking and upgrading the best horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a mix of exploration, patience, and understanding of the game''s horse mechanics. Horses are categorized by breed, coat, and stats, with some being significantly better than others. The best horses in the game include the Arabian, Turkoman, and Missouri Fox Trotter, each offering unique advantages like speed, stamina, and health. To unlock these horses, you''ll need to progress through the story, explore specific locations, or complete certain challenges.\n\nTo unlock the White Arabian, one of the best early-game horses, head to Lake Isabella in the Grizzlies West region. This horse spawns in the wild and can be tamed. Approach it slowly, calming it with the ''Calm'' button (L3/LS) while moving closer. Once close enough, mount the horse and repeatedly calm it until it stops bucking. The White Arabian has excellent speed and acceleration, making it a great choice for early missions and exploration.\n\nFor the Turkoman and Missouri Fox Trotter, you''ll need to progress further into the story. The Turkoman becomes available for purchase at the Scarlet Meadows Stable in Chapter 4, while the Missouri Fox Trotter can be acquired in Chapter 4 or later at the Blackwater Stable. These horses are expensive, costing around $950-$1,000, so make sure to save up by completing missions, hunting, or looting enemies.\n\nUpgrading your horse involves bonding, improving its stats, and equipping better gear. Bonding is achieved by riding, feeding, brushing, and calming your horse. As your bond level increases (up to level 4), your horse''s stats like health, stamina, and responsiveness will improve. To speed up bonding, feed your horse regularly with items like hay, apples, or wild carrots, and brush it to keep its health core full.\n\nEquipping better saddles and stirrups is another way to enhance your horse''s performance. The best saddle in the game is the Panther Trail Saddle, which requires you to hunt a perfect panther pelt. Panthers can be found in the forests south of Braithwaite Manor. Once you have the pelt, visit a trapper to craft the saddle. Pair it with hooded stirrups for maximum stamina and speed bonuses.\n\nCommon challenges include losing your horse or having it die. To avoid this, always carry Horse Reviver in your inventory. If your horse dies and you don''t have reviver, you''ll lose it permanently. Additionally, keep your horse''s cores full by feeding it and using tonics when necessary. This ensures it performs well during long rides or intense combat situations.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using the Saint Denis horse glitch to acquire rare horses early in the game. This involves saving and reloading near the Saint Denis stable until a rare horse spawns. While this method is not guaranteed, it can save time and money.\n\nIn summary, unlocking and upgrading the best horses in RDR2 requires a combination of exploration, story progression, and proper care. Focus on bonding, equipping the best gear, and keeping your horse healthy to maximize its potential. Whether you''re a new player or a seasoned gamer, these tips will help you ride the best horses the game has to offer.