The Missouri Fox Trotter is among the best horses for arthur rdr2, maintaining top-tier performance across all terrain to help you outrun bounty hunters and predators. While the Thoroughbred offers better acceleration, it lacks the Fox Trotter’s calm temperament.
Finding the Best Horses for Arthur RDR2
Choosing the right mount depends on your specific needs during free-roam activities or story missions. Some horses excel at long-distance travel, while others are built for quick getaways in dense forests or rocky canyons. The following table highlights the core attributes of the most reliable breeds you can acquire during the early chapters.
| Method | Speed | Stamina | Temperament | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thoroughbred | Very High | Medium | Skittish | Short sprints |
| American Standardbred | Medium | High | Average | All-purpose riding |
| Shire | Low | High | Brave | Combat and trampling |
If you value speed, go with the Thoroughbred; if you value reliability under fire, choose the Shire. Note that these statistics are based on base values before bonding levels are increased. As you build your bond with any of these animals, their speed and stamina bars will grow significantly, changing how they handle on the trail.
The most common mistake players make is ignoring the hidden “temperament” stat. A skittish horse like the Thoroughbred will buck you off the moment a predator or gunfire appears, regardless of its top speed. If you’re hunting legendary animals or engaging in frequent shootouts, prioritize a “Brave” temperament over raw acceleration.
Use this decision rule to narrow your choice: If your playstyle involves riding across the entire map to reach mission markers, choose the Missouri Fox Trotter for its superior stamina drain rate. If you spend your time in urban centers or narrow mountain passes, choose the American Standardbred. Its balanced handling prevents you from clipping trees or colliding with NPCs during tight turns.
Finally, remember that equipment matters more than breed. A high-tier saddle and stirrups can boost your stamina regeneration by up to 50%. Always invest in the best stirrups available at the stable before you spend money on a new horse. This upgrade often narrows the performance gap between a mid-tier breed and a top-tier stallion.
The Missouri Fox Trotter Method
This breed is widely considered the gold standard for players who want a balance of speed and bravery.
- Locate the horse in the wild or via the Albert Mason side quest line.
- Approach slowly while keeping the “Calm” button held down to prevent the animal from bolting.
- Once close enough, use the “Pat” interaction to build initial trust before attempting to mount.
- Lead the horse to the nearest stable to equip your preferred saddle, which improves core regeneration.
The horse typically appears alone, making it easier to track without interference from predators. If you see a group of horses, you have likely found a different breed.
The Fox Trotter is excellent at navigating uneven terrain without losing its footing. Its primary weakness is a higher cost to maintain if you don’t have the proper horse care items, such as specialized tonics or high-quality feed.
Many players make the mistake of ignoring the horse’s weight status. If the core drain rate increases, you’re likely underfeeding the animal. To fix this, feed it oatcakes or wild carrots regularly.
If you’re in a high-stress environment, such as a shootout, keep the horse at a distance. The Fox Trotter is brave, but it will still flee if it takes direct fire. Use the “Stay” command before engaging enemies to prevent the horse from wandering into the line of fire. Proper positioning saves you from a long walk back to the nearest stable.
The Thoroughbred Method
The Thoroughbred is perfect for players who prefer a high-energy mount that can clear distances in record time.
- Identify the horse by its lean, athletic build and distinct coat patterns.
- Use a lasso from a distance to bring it to a stop if it begins to gallop away.
- Mount the horse and remain balanced as it attempts to throw you off.
- Keep the horse moving until the “Bonding” notification appears, indicating the animal has accepted you as its rider.
Look for the specific “Brindle” coat variation if you want the highest base speed available in the early game. While other breeds offer better health, the Thoroughbred’s stamina drain rate is 15% lower than average when sprinting. This allows you to cross the map without constantly feeding your mount expensive oatcakes.
The trade-off is that it’s quite skittish. It will likely panic and buck you if a predator like a wolf or cougar gets too close. A common mistake is attempting to use this horse for hunting in dense forests. If you hear a predator’s growl, dismount immediately. Staying in the saddle while the horse is agitated costs you precious seconds of reaction time.
Use this decision rule: if you’re traveling across open, flat plains, the Thoroughbred is your best choice. If you’re heading into thick brush or known predator territory, switch to a War horse breed. Choosing the wrong mount in a cougar encounter often leads to an instant death screen. If you find the constant bucking frustrating, it’s a sign you need a steadier, less reactive animal for your playstyle.
The Shire Method
The Shire is the largest horse in the game, providing a unique advantage in combat situations. You’re gifted a black Shire early in the story, making it the most accessible heavy horse for your inventory.
Access the horse by visiting your stable after the Chapter 2 opening missions. Equip a reinforced saddle to offset the horse’s naturally slower acceleration. Use the “Pat” and “Brush” interactions regularly to ensure the horse stays calm during loud noises like gunfire. Focus on steering the horse into enemies, as its size allows it to knock over opponents easily.
This breed is remarkably brave and rarely bolts when things get dangerous. However, the trade-off is its slow acceleration, which makes it a poor choice for escaping long-distance chases. If you’re doing this for the first time, remember that this horse requires more feed than smaller breeds to keep its weight in the “Fit” category.
The decision rule is simple: if you’re planning a mission involving heavy combat or bounty hunter ambushes, choose the Shire. If your objective requires crossing the map quickly or outrunning law enforcement, switch to a lighter breed like the Thoroughbred.
A common mistake is neglecting the horse’s core stamina drain. Because of its massive frame, the Shire consumes stamina 15% faster than lighter horses when sprinting. You must upgrade your stirrups immediately to mitigate this penalty.
Distinguishing between a “brave” horse and a “fast” horse is vital. If you find yourself bucked off during a predator encounter, it’s usually because you failed to maintain the horse’s health core. Keep your feed levels at maximum to ensure the Shire remains a reliable tank rather than a liability.
Choosing Your Ideal Mount
Deciding which animal to ride depends on how you approach the world. If you’re in a hurry to reach a mission objective, the Thoroughbred is your best option due to its high top-speed ceiling. If you’re doing this for the first time, the Shire is recommended because it’s free, sturdy, and helps you learn how to manage horse temperament during combat. If you want the best possible result regardless of the effort required, the Missouri Fox Trotter remains the superior choice for its perfect blend of speed and stamina.
You must accept the trade-off between speed and bravery. A fast horse is usually more nervous, while a brave horse is usually slower. If you find yourself frequently dying because your horse throws you off during a fight, switch to a heavier, calmer breed.
The most common mistake is ignoring the hidden “bravery” stat. Many players assume all horses react the same to predators, but a Thoroughbred will bolt at the first sign of a cougar, while a War-class horse will stand its ground. If you’re hunting large predators, sacrifice speed for a breed with a higher health pool.
If you find the game world feels too large and empty, switch to a faster breed to cut down your travel time. Always check your horse’s core status before heading into a dangerous area. A depleted stamina core will leave you stranded regardless of the breed you choose. Use the decision rule: if you’re traversing open plains, prioritize speed; if you’re navigating dense forests or predator-heavy zones, prioritize mass and temperament. This simple shift prevents the frustration of being bucked into a pack of wolves.
Essential Horse Care Rules
No matter which breed you choose, you must maintain your horse’s health to keep its stats at their peak. The primary rule is to keep the horse’s cores filled with high-quality provisions, as a hungry horse will lose stamina faster and be more difficult to control. Always keep a supply of oatcakes or wild carrots in your satchel for quick refueling while riding.
Partway through any long journey, you should stop to brush your horse, which restores a small amount of stamina and keeps the bond level high. If your horse becomes dirty, its stamina drains much faster than usual, so washing it at a stable or riding through deep water is necessary. At the end of every trip, ensure you have visited a stable to check for any injuries or missing equipment. Training and equipment are key; if you’re using a basic saddle, you’ll never see the full potential of a top-tier animal. If you lack the funds for high-end gear, stick to the free Shire until you have saved enough to buy the better equipment at a major city stable.
How do I make my horse faster?
You increase your horse’s speed by reaching higher bonding levels through brushing, feeding, and leading the animal. As your bond grows, the game unlocks new handling abilities and increases the horse’s total stamina and speed bars. You can also purchase stirrups at any stable, which provide a permanent boost to speed and acceleration stats. This assumes you’re using the best available stirrups for your current level; if you’re using standard equipment, your horse won’t reach its maximum possible performance until you upgrade.
Can my horse die permanently?
Yes, your horse can die permanently if it sustains too much damage during combat or a bad fall. If your horse is downed, you must use a horse reviver item quickly to save it before the timer runs out. If you don’t have a reviver, the horse will be lost forever, and you’ll lose all the progress you made on its bonding level. Always carry at least two horse revivers in your inventory when traveling through dangerous territories, especially when hunting predators.
Why does my horse keep bucking me off?
Your horse will buck you off if its “Calm” meter is low or if it becomes scared by predators or gunfire. To prevent this, hold down the left stick or the designated calm button while in a dangerous situation to keep the horse focused. Bonding level also plays a major role; a horse with a level 4 bond is much more resistant to fear than a horse you just purchased. If you’re in a high-stress area, try to stay moving, as a stationary horse is much more likely to panic.
How long does it take to reach level 4 bonding?
You can speed this up by constantly brushing the horse, feeding it treats, and leading it by the reins when you aren’t riding. If you spend time patting the horse every time you mount or dismount, you’ll reach the maximum bond much faster. This time estimate assumes you’re interacting with the horse consistently; if you ignore these tasks, it will take significantly longer to see the benefits.
Is it worth buying the most expensive horse?
Rather than spending money on expensive stable horses, focus on bonding with the high-quality breeds you can acquire for free through exploration or story missions. These animals are more than capable of handling any challenge, so save your funds for upgrading your weapons and essential gear instead.
Horses arthur, in short
Bonding with your new companion takes time, so don’t rush the process. Spend a few minutes brushing and feeding your horse to unlock its full potential. Once you’ve built that trust, you’ll find that exploring the vast wilderness feels much safer. You’re ready to ride into the sunset and enjoy the journey.