Taming the Wind: A Guide to Acquiring Arabian Horses in Red Dead Redemption 2

So, you’re chasing the legend of the Arabian horse in Red Dead Redemption 2, are you? These magnificent steeds are the pinnacle of equine excellence in the game, boasting superior speed, agility, and handling. The answer to how you get one is multifaceted, depending on the particular coat you desire and how far along you are in the story. In short, you can acquire them in the following ways:

• White Arabian: Found in the wild, roaming the snowy peaks of the Grizzlies West, near Lake Isabella. This is the most common and accessible Arabian. Taming it requires patience and a gentle touch.

• Rose Grey Bay Arabian: Available for purchase at the Saint Denis stable after completing the “Horse Flesh for Dinner” mission in Chapter 4. It’s a premium horse with a premium price.

• Black Arabian: Available for purchase at the Blackwater stable after completing the main story in the epilogue. This is often considered the best Arabian and a fitting reward for your hard work.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the process of obtaining these majestic creatures and address some frequently asked questions!

Locating and Taming the Wild White Arabian

The White Arabian is a prize available almost immediately after the game begins. However, the journey to tame it will test your patience and horsemanship.

Preparing for the Hunt

Before heading to the Grizzlies West, ensure you’re equipped with:

• Warm clothing: The mountains are freezing, and hypothermia is a real threat.

• Plenty of food: You’ll need to keep your stamina up, especially during the taming process.

• Patience: This is arguably the most important. The White Arabian is skittish.

Finding the White Arabian

Head north towards Lake Isabella. You’ll usually find the White Arabian grazing on the western side of the lake, near the shoreline. Look closely; its white coat blends in with the snow!

The Taming Process

1. Approach cautiously: Use your binoculars to identify the horse from a distance. Slowly approach on foot, crouching to minimize noise.

2. Calm the horse: As you approach, the horse will become agitated. Press the “Calm” button (usually Square on PlayStation or X on Xbox) repeatedly. This is crucial to prevent it from bolting.

3. Mounting: Once you’re close enough, you’ll get the option to mount. Be prepared for a struggle!

4. Breaking the horse: The horse will buck wildly. Keep your balance by pushing the left stick in the opposite direction of the horse’s movement. Continue calming the horse while you’re bucked and thrown.

5. Bonding: After successfully breaking the horse, ride it for a while to start building a bond. The higher your bond level, the better the horse will respond to your commands. Remember to brush, feed, and care for your new companion.

Purchasing the Rose Grey Bay and Black Arabians

Unlike their wild cousin, the Rose Grey Bay and Black Arabian are acquired through purchase.

Rose Grey Bay Arabian

Available at the Saint Denis stable in Chapter 4 for a significant sum of money. Simply walk into the stable, browse the available horses, and purchase the Rose Grey Bay Arabian. Ensure you have enough money and an open stable slot.

Black Arabian

This is your reward for completing the main story and reaching the Epilogue. Head to the Blackwater stable and purchase the Black Arabian. Again, ensure you have sufficient funds and an open stall.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about acquiring and caring for Arabian horses in Red Dead Redemption 2.

1. What makes Arabian horses so special in RDR2?

Arabian horses are considered the best breed in the game due to their superior speed, acceleration, handling, and stamina. They also tend to be more skittish than other breeds, which can be both a blessing and a curse.

2. Can I find more than one White Arabian in the wild?

Yes, if your White Arabian dies, it will respawn after a few in-game days in the same location near Lake Isabella.

3. What if the White Arabian isn’t at Lake Isabella?

Try riding away and setting up camp for a few days, then returning to the location. The horse might also appear in a different spot around the lake so make sure to search all the shorelines. Sometimes, the game takes a while to spawn it.

4. Is the Rose Grey Bay Arabian worth the cost?

If you value a beautiful and high-performing horse and have the money to spare, yes. It’s a significant upgrade over many other breeds and becomes available earlier than the Black Arabian.

5. How do I increase my bond with my horse?

Increase bonding by riding, feeding, grooming, and patting your horse. The higher your bond level, the better the horse will respond to your commands, and the more advanced maneuvers you can perform.

6. What do I feed my Arabian horse?

Your Arabian horse will eat hay, apples, carrots, and sugar cubes. Providing the right food is essential for maintaining your horse’s health and stamina.

7. How do I prevent my Arabian horse from getting spooked?

Arabians are naturally skittish. To mitigate this, calm your horse frequently when encountering predators or loud noises. A higher bond level will also make your horse less likely to buck you off.

8. Can I customize my Arabian horse?

Yes, you can customize your horse’s mane, tail, and saddle at any stable. You can also purchase different blankets and stirrups to further personalize your ride.

9. What happens if my Arabian horse dies?

If your horse dies, it’s gone for good (unless it’s the White Arabian, which will respawn). You’ll need to repurchase a new one (if available for purchase) or retame another White Arabian. Horse Insurance from the stable will allow you to pay a lesser fee to recover your horse from death.

10. Are there any other rare horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 besides Arabians?

Yes, there are other rare and desirable horses, such as the Missouri Fox Trotter and the Turkoman. These breeds also offer excellent stats and handling.

11. Is the Black Arabian better than the White Arabian?

Statistically, yes, the Black Arabian is slightly better than the White Arabian. However, the difference is minimal, and both are excellent horses. The Black Arabian boasts better Health and Stamina.

12. Can I steal an Arabian horse from someone else?

While you can attempt to steal an Arabian horse, it’s unlikely you’ll find NPCs riding them. The best way to acquire one is through the methods described above.

13. Does my honor level affect my ability to acquire an Arabian horse?

No, your honor level doesn’t directly affect your ability to acquire an Arabian horse. However, having high honor can unlock discounts at stables, potentially saving you money when purchasing the Rose Grey Bay or Black Arabian.

14. Where can I learn more about horse breeds and stats in RDR2?

Many online resources and fan communities provide detailed information about horse breeds and stats in Red Dead Redemption 2. Exploring these resources can help you make informed decisions about which horse is right for you.

15. What can I do if I find glitches or bugs related to Arabian horses?

Report any glitches or bugs to Rockstar Games through their official support channels. This helps them improve the game and address any issues that players may encounter.

Red Dead Redemption 2 provides a rich and immersive experience, and acquiring and caring for an Arabian horse is just one aspect of that. By understanding the game mechanics and utilizing the tips provided, you can enjoy the thrill of riding one of the finest steeds in the West. Remember that video games can be a powerful tool for learning and skill development, and if you’re interested in learning more about the educational aspects of gaming, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Enjoy the ride, partner!