When playing Red Dead Redemption 2, you will need to bond with your horse to unlock new abilities and increase stats. In total, there are 4 levels of bonding.
As you bond with your horse more and gain trust, the health and stamina of your horse will increase. Allowing it to take more damage as well as sprint further distances. However the biggest bonus of horse bonding would be the whistling distance. For each level of bonding, you can call your horse from further away.
There are a few extra features, such as allowing your horse to traverse more rugged terrain and deeper water. As well as making your horse harder to steal. Below, we have a quick guide on how to bond with your horse. Whilst we have more guides for Red Dead Redemption 2 available here.
How to Bond with Horses
Bonding mostly happens naturally, with you spending time with your horse. However, there are a few things that will also help with bonding. First, you can calm your horse when it’s agitated, do this by pressing in the right analogue stick. You should also make sure to brush your horse when it’s dirty, as well as feeding when it’s hungry.

After hitting the maximum bonding level, you will receive the ‘Trusty Steed’ trophy/achievement. Increasing bonding levels unlocks new abilities and maneuvers.
- After reaching level 2, you can hold R1 and tab Square/X to to Rear whilst stationary.
- At level 3, hold R1 and X/A whilst moving to skid turn or skid stop.
- When reaching level 4, you can hold Square/X to perform a Piaffe. Move the left analogue to drift.