Traversing the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 can be a daunting task early in the game. You will be constantly going back and forth between your camp and various towns. While there is some fast travel in the game, it’s not always a viable option.
All of this to say, you are going to be spending a lot of time on horseback. With so much of the game spent atop your trusty steed, it is crucial to make sure you have the best one. Thankfully, RDR2 provides you with plenty of good options to make your journey through early America less of a chore.
Updated August 28, 2022 By Ben Jessey: Red Dead Redemption 2 remains one of the best games of its generation. Part of the reason is that it has such an amazing open world that is enjoyable to stroll around. Or, better yet, ride around, as there are plenty of horses in the game.
They vary in style, and they certainly vary in quality. This is why we created this list to inform you of the best horses in RDR2. We’ve now returned to the piece to add a few more solid and perhaps easier-to-obtain options.
15 Suffolk Punch
There are plenty of Suffolk Punch horses in the game, as they’re often the ones pulling wagons. This is part of what makes them a solid steed, as they’re simple to obtain since there are many around for you to steal.
The reason they get carriage duty is because of their large, heavy frames that help them pull the larger coaches. As is required for this kind of job, they have a decent amount of health and stamina. Their speed stats aren’t too great, but they’re dependable overall.
14 Shire
If you want a large horse, then the Shire might be for you. These animals are very big, which is why, like the Suffolk Punch, they pull wagons and stagecoaches. From a stats perspective, they have good health as well as decent stamina and speed.
As for acquiring the animal, you can steal most versions of this horse while free-roaming. If you want the best breed, aka the Raven Black one, you can get it during the Exit Pursued By A Bruised Ego mission in chapter two. During the quest, you are encouraged to sell the animal, but you can keep it if you want.
13 Appaloosa
The Appaloosa is a popular breed of horse among Arthur’s allies as Charles, Trelawny, and Uncle all have one. And it’s easy to see why they’re fans because this creature is very well-rounded.
They have decent speed and health as well as moderate handling. Yet, where they really shine is in their stamina. Tiring this workhorse out is challenging, meaning they’re a good choice for traveling long distances. Perhaps they’re not the best for short races, though, due to their poor acceleration. If you want an Appaloosa, you can buy one from the stables in either Tumbleweed or at the Van Horn Trading post. Alternatively, some can be located in the wild.
12 American Paint
There’s not a whole lot of difference between the Appaloosa and an American Paint in terms of stats. This horse also has excellent stamina along with okay speed and mediocre health. The only real downside of the workhorse is their lack of acceleration, but it isn’t a huge negative if you level the horse up.
You can purchase one version of this horse from the stables in Tumbleweed. But if you’re looking to save some money, then you can find several out in the wild. Don’t try to steal Javier’s version, though.
11 American Standardbred
If you’re looking for an affordable racehorse, then the American Standardbred is a good choice. These animals have the sort of stats you expect from a racehorse with their high speed and decent acceleration. Yet, they’re not the sort of steed you want for long journeys, as their stamina and health are not particularly impressive. But for quick sprints, you can’t go wrong with the Standardbred.
To buy one of these horses, head to the Valentine or Tumbleweed stables. There’s also a chance that you’ll see one in the wild.
10 Dutch Warmblood
The Dutch Warmblood is considered a workhorse in RDR2. Its stats include a good balance of stamina, health, and speed. Where the Warmblood suffers slightly is in its acceleration. They are not ideal for racing due to this, but for general travel and work needs, they are a solid choice.
You will be able to acquire your own Warmblood after chapter two from one of the best places in New Hanover, Valentine. You can also buy the animal from the Scarlet Meadows Stables or the Strawberry Stables after chapter three.
9 Hungarian Half-bred
If durability is something you value, look no further than the Hungarian Half-bred. This is an exceptional warhorse. Warhorses in RDR2, as the name implies, are built sturdier than other breeds. Their stats sacrifice speed and acceleration in favor of health and stamina.
There are three different coat variations available for the Hungarian, two of which can be located in the wild. As for the third, it can be purchased from the Valentine Stable after chapter two.
8 Mustang
In RDR2, Mustangs are interesting in that they are a multi-class horse. All Mustangs are both war and workhorses. As far as stats go, they are above average in both stamina and health, but unlike their metal brethren, their speed is considered average.
To acquire a Mustang, you will need to head to the central Heartlands of New Hanover or near Fort Mercer in New Austin. If you would like to acquire the rarest coated Mustang, the Tiger Striped, you’ll need to search near Rio Del Lobo Rock in New Austin
7 Andalusian
The Andalusian is another great warhorse with exceptional stats. As with other similar horses, the Andalusians are known for their high health and stamina. They also have a very specific temperament that is far more aggressive than other breeds. This makes them ideal hunting horses as they are very difficult to spook.
The Andalusian can be purchased from the Strawberry or Van Horn Stable. There is also a small chance that you can locate one roaming around.
6 Ardennes
Ardennes represent some of the heaviest horses in the game. As far as warhorses go, they are true tanks. With size comes bravery as they’re not easily spooked by battle or other animals. Another bonus to these creatures is their impressive health and stamina.
Unless you pre-ordered the game, you’re going to have to pay for these beauties as there are none in the wild. Both the Van Horn Trading Post Stable and the Scarlett Meadow Stable have their own versions of the creature.
5 Thoroughbred
If you crave speed, a Thoroughbred horse is what you need. These horses represent some of the fastest in the game. They are racehorses, and their speed and acceleration make them desirable for going short distances very fast. However, the rest of their stats are fairly low, making them better for situational use.
Two of the coats can be found in the wild, and the third can be purchased from Strawberry Stables. Arthur is sure to love this animal more than any other of his fellow gang members.
4 Turkoman
The Turkoman is another multi-class horse. This time, however, they are a mix of standard race and war. This is an amazing combination that makes for some fantastic animals. The Turk’s have high health and speed, with above-average stamina and acceleration.
So, overall, they’re well-balanced animals that are great for any situation. They do come with a hefty price tag, however. One of these will cost you around $1,000 and can be purchased in the Sanit-Denis, Tumbleweed, and Blackwater stables.
3 Nokota
The Nokota is another racehorse bred with speed in mind. They have fantastic handling and acceleration, which make them a joy to travel with. These horses are best used to get out of sticky situations as they will spook more easily than a war- or workhorse.
There are three different coat types, two are found in the wild and the third can be bought from Saint-Denis stables after chapter four for $450. So, it’s pricy, especially if you get the animal a great saddle, too.
2 Missouri Fox Trotter
The Missouri Fox Trotter is both a race- and workhorse. These horses are of a very high tier with price tags to match. Each of the two coat options will cost around $1,000 but they are well worth the price. They have some of the highest stats in the game with outstanding speed and stamina and exceptional acceleration and health.
Of the two coat varieties, one can be found in the Scarlett Meadows Stable after chapter four. The other can be purchased from the Blackwater Stable after the Epilogue.
1 Arabian
The best horse Red Dead has to offer is certainly the iconic Arabian. This animal’s stats are fantastic across the board with no hindrances. Out of the three coats offered, the rare white coat is the best option. This is also the only coat you won’t have to shell out thousands for - but it’s still a horse that deserves to be brushed and kept clean regardless.
To acquire this incredible horse, you will need to head to the northwestern side of Lake Isabella. The Arabian will be alone, and you must do your best not to spook it while you try and tame the beast. Those who are able to successfully capture it will have acquired the best horse in the game.
NEXT: Red Dead Redemption 2: The Areas You Should Visit Immediately
