What is Arthur’s Default Horse in Red Dead Redemption 2? A Deep Dive

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Arthur Morgan, the complex and compelling protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 2, doesn’t exactly have a clearly defined “default” horse in the strictest sense. However, if we’re talking about the horse he starts the game with and arguably has the strongest connection to before the player gets to make choices, the answer is Boadicea, a Silver Dapple Pinto mare. While she’s mentioned and longed for, she doesn’t stay with Arthur for long, disappearing from his life before the main story really kicks off. Her existence highlights a key aspect of Arthur’s character: his capacity for loyalty and affection, especially towards his equine companions.

Arthur’s Lost Boadicea: More Than Just a Horse

Boadicea’s importance lies not just in being Arthur’s initial mount, but in representing a lost connection to a more stable and perhaps happier past. The fact that Arthur still misses her and compares other horses unfavorably to her underscores the significance of their bond. He even remarks, “This one’s okay, but ain’t no Boadicea,” showing his longing for his lost horse to Hosea Matthews. This connection is amplified by the fact that Boadicea is a Silver Dapple Pinto, a coat often associated with loyalty and beauty, and shared by John Marston’s horse later in the game, creating another subtle link between the two protagonists. This could hint at a shared bond and similar taste in horses.

Temporary Replacements and the Search for Equine Perfection

After losing Boadicea under unknown circumstances, Arthur is temporarily saddled with a horse named Taima. However, Taima is clearly just a placeholder, and Arthur actively seeks a replacement for his beloved Boadicea. This search reflects the player’s own journey through the game, as they experiment with different breeds and builds a bond with a horse of their own choosing. Ultimately, though, no horse quite lives up to the memory of the original Boadicea, highlighting the deeply personal nature of the bond between a cowboy and his horse. Arthur’s experience mirrors the themes of loss and change that permeate the game’s narrative.

Understanding Arthur’s Equine Preferences

Although Boadicea is the horse we associate with him, Arthur’s actual riding preferences, as interpreted through gameplay choices, offer a broader range of possibilities. While the Mustang, known for its all-purpose capabilities and ruggedness, would be a suitable choice for Arthur, the game’s open-world structure allows players to customize their experience and select a horse that best suits their individual play style. The availability of wild Mustangs in the western regions of the map allows Arthur to acquire and break in these horses himself.

Considering Practicality: Mustangs and Other Options

If the player is aiming for a practical and versatile horse, the Mustang stands out as an excellent option for Arthur. Found in various coat variations like Grullo Dun, Wild Bay, and the rare Tiger Striped Bay (though not available in stables), the Mustang offers a balance of speed, stamina, and bravery.

The Appeal of a Silver Dapple Pinto

Given the implication that Arthur’s original Boadicea was a Silver Dapple Pinto, many players might choose a horse with similar markings as a nod to his lost companion. The presence of this coat type among available breeds allows players to replicate, at least visually, the bond Arthur once shared.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Horse Guide: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you further on Arthur’s horse, and the general equine companions in Red Dead Redemption 2.

1. What happened to Arthur’s original horse, Boadicea? The article mentions that Arthur lost Boadicea at some point in unknown circumstances before the game’s story begins. He acquired Taima as a temporary replacement.

2. What kind of horse is a Mustang, and why is it suitable for Arthur? The Mustang is an all-purpose horse breed known for its ruggedness and versatility. It’s suitable for Arthur because it offers a balance of speed, stamina, and bravery, making it well-suited for both work and travel in the game’s open world.

3. Can I get Buell back after Arthur dies? No, after Arthur’s death, you cannot get Buell back or any other horses you had saved. However, if you had purchased the war horse add-on, you can reacquire it.

4. What is the fastest horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 for Arthur? The Rose Gray Bay Arabian is considered the fastest horse for Arthur, but it’s also the most expensive, costing $1,250 at the Blackwater Stable. The White Arabian Horse is a close second, and can be found in the wild.

5. Can John Marston get Buell? Yes, John can get Buell, provided you start the “The Veteran” sidequest as John Marston and leave Arthur to complete other tasks.

6. What’s the best paid horse in Red Dead Redemption 2? The Arabian horse is considered the best paid horse in the game, offering excellent speed, acceleration, and handling. However, it’s also the most expensive, averaging around $1000 when purchased at a stable.

7. Does Arthur cry when his horse dies? Yes, Arthur shows strong emotional reactions when his horse dies, and there’s even video evidence suggesting he cries (as seen in the YouTube video linked in the source text).

8. What was John Marston’s first horse? John Marston’s first horse was a Hungarian Halfbread named Old Boy.

9. Is Dutch’s horse an Arabian? Yes, Dutch’s horse, The Count, is said to be an Albino Arabian Stallion.

10. What is the rarest horse in RDR2? The Few-Spotted Appaloosa is one of the rarest horses in Red Dead Redemption 2. It can be found at any of the Appaloosa spawn locations, where it randomly spawns among the Appaloosa herds.

11. What are the 4 special horses in RDR2 Undead Nightmare? In Undead Nightmare, the four special horses are the Four Horses of the Apocalypse: Pestilence, Famine, Death, and War.

12. What is the first horse in rdr2? The first horse in RDR2 that the player gets is a Tennessee Walker.

13. What is the legendary horse in rdr2? The White Arabian Horse is considered a legendary horse. It can be found in the wild on the northwestern side of Lake Isabella in Grizzlies West.

14. What is the darkest horse in rdr2? The American Standardbred is the only all-black horse in the wild.

15. Does John inherit Arthur’s horses? No, John does not inherit Arthur’s horses. They are considered “lost” forever. John does inherit Arthur’s outfits, clothes, and weapons after a few missions in the epilogue.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Ride

While Arthur’s original Boadicea is the closest thing to a “default” horse, the beauty of Red Dead Redemption 2 lies in its open-endedness. Players have the freedom to choose a horse that resonates with them, whether it’s a hardy Mustang, a swift Arabian, or a sentimental favorite reminiscent of Arthur’s lost companion. Building a connection with your horse is a vital element of the Red Dead Redemption 2 experience, mirroring the complex relationship Arthur had with Boadicea and reflecting the themes of loyalty, loss, and finding solace in the wild west. This intricate connection, and learning through gaming, could certainly be topics for discussion at the Games Learning Society annual conference or on GamesLearningSociety.org.