Out here in the Wild West, it’s easy to think the most important thing you own is the revolver at your side. But let me tell you something your truest partner, the one friend who will stick with you through shootouts, storms, and long, lonely trails, isn’t a gun. It’s your horse!
This animal is more than just a way to get from one town to the next. It’s your partner. It carries your gear, helps you chase down bounties, and stands bravely by your side in a chaotic gunfight. A good horse can be the difference between a clean getaway and getting captured. A great horse can feel like an extension of Arthur himself a true friend in a world that doesn’t have many to offer.
But with so many different breeds scattered across the frontier, a simple question arises: which horse is the best?
If you’ve found yourself asking that, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is your personal tour of the absolute best horses in RDR2’s story mode. We’re not just going to throw a bunch of numbers at you. We’re going to talk about what makes these horses special, where to find them, and help you choose the perfect partner for your long, incredible journey.
| Horse Breed | Best For… | Key Strengths |
| Arabian | Agility & All Around Performance | Elite handling, incredibly fast and nimble. |
| Turkoman | Combat & Gunfights | Very brave, high health, and still very fast. |
| Missouri Fox Trotter | Long Distance Travel | The best combination of top speed and stamina. |
What’s In Our Best Horses in RDR2 Story Mode
First, What Makes a Horse “Great”?
Before we go on our quest, let’s quickly break down what you’re looking for. A horse’s abilities are boiled down to a few key stats.
- Health: This is your horse’s toughness. A horse with high health can take more damage in a fight before going down, which is incredibly important when bullets start flying.
- Stamina: This is your horse’s gas tank. High stamina means it can run at a full gallop for a much longer time before getting tired.
- Speed and Acceleration: These are pretty straightforward. Speed is the horse’s top gear, and Acceleration is how quickly it can get there. A horse with high stats here is a blur on the open plains.
- Handling: This determines how nimble your horse is. “Elite” handling means it can turn on a dime, while “Standard” handling can feel a bit heavier, like steering a boat.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s go find the legends.
The Ghost of the Mountains: The White Arabian
Let’s start with the most famous and, for many, the best horse you can get early in the game. It’s a legend whispered about by stablehands and frontiersmen: a wild, pure white horse that runs like the wind, found high in the snowy mountains. This is the White Arabian, and the best part is, she’s completely free.
Why She’s Amazing?
The White Arabian is one of the best all around horses in the entire game. It has “Elite” handling, making it feel incredibly responsive and agile. Its speed and acceleration are top tier, and while its health and stamina start a bit lower than other elite horses, they become fantastic once you fully bond with it. Finding this horse early in Chapter 2 will give you a massive advantage for the rest of the game.
The Journey to Find Her
Your quest takes you far to the northwest, to the shores of Lake Isabella, deep in the snowy region of Ambarino. The journey itself is an adventure. You’ll need to pack your warmest clothes. As you approach the frozen lake, slow down. The White Arabian blends in perfectly with the snow and is easily spooked.
How to Tame Her?
Once you spot her, dismount your current horse and approach on foot. Hold down the button to “Calm” her, speaking softly as you inch closer. If she gets agitated, stop moving until she settles down, then continue your slow approach. Once you’re close enough, you’ll have the option to pat her. After a gentle pat, you can swing yourself onto her back. She will immediately try to buck you off. You need to hold back on the stick, countering her movements to stay balanced. After a few intense seconds, she will finally break. Congratulations, you’ve just tamed a legend. Put your saddle on her, and she’s yours forever.
The Stable Superstars: The Best Horses Money Can Buy
While the White Arabian is a phenomenal free option, the absolute best horses in the game become available for purchase as you progress through the story. These are the top tier mounts that will make you feel like a king.
The Other Arabians (Black & Rose Grey Bay)
If the White Arabian is the wild spirit of the mountains, these two are her refined, city dwelling cousins. They boast even better stats than their white coated relative, making them true endgame horses.
The Black Arabian
This sleek, beautiful horse has fantastic health, stamina, and acceleration. It becomes available for purchase at the Saint Denis stable starting in Chapter 4. It’s expensive, but it’s a worthy investment for a gunslinger who wants a brave and fast companion.
The Rose Grey Bay Arabian
This is, statistically, the best horse in the game. It has the highest health and stamina of all the Arabians, making it an absolute tank in a fight while still having that signature “Elite” handling. This magnificent horse is only available for purchase at the Blackwater stable once you reach the Epilogue.
The Turkoman: The Ultimate War Horse
Do you find the Arabians a little too skittish? Do you want a horse that will stand its ground in a firefight with a pack of wolves or a gang of rivals? Then you need a Turkoman. This breed is a perfect hybrid of a War and Race horse, combining great speed with incredible bravery and health.
Why It’s Great?
The Turkoman is a warrior. It has some of the best health of any horse and is far less likely to buck you off when things get dangerous. It’s still incredibly fast, making it a fantastic choice for players who value courage as much as speed.
Where to Find Them?
The Turkoman comes in a few different coats, available at different stables. The beautiful Gold Turkoman can be purchased from the Saint Denis stable in Chapter 4. The equally impressive Silver Turkoman is available at the Tumbleweed stable in the Epilogue.
The Missouri Fox Trotter: The Ultimate Travel Horse
If your main goal is to get from one side of the map to the other as fast as humanly possible, then look no further than the Missouri Fox Trotter. This horse is a speed demon, boasting some of the best base speed and stamina in the game.
Why It’s Great?
This horse is built for the long haul. It can maintain a high speed for an incredible amount of time, making long journeys feel like a breeze. It’s also a very brave and healthy horse, so it won’t let you down in a pinch. Many players consider this breed to be the best overall horse in the game, striking a perfect balance between speed, stamina, and reliability.
Where to Find Them?
The two best coats become available for purchase as the story progresses. The stunning Amber Champagne coat is available at the Scarlett Meadows stable starting in Chapter 4. The beautiful Silver Dapple Pinto can be purchased from the Blackwater stable in the Epilogue.
Head to Head: A Comparison of the Best
Sometimes, you just need to see the numbers side by side. Here is a simple table comparing the base stats of these elite horses when you first acquire them. Remember, these stats will all increase as you bond with your horse.
| Horse Breed (Coat) | Health | Stamina | Speed | Acceleration | Handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabian (White) | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | Elite |
| Arabian (Black) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | Elite |
| Arabian (Rose Grey Bay) | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | Elite |
| Turkoman (Gold/Silver) | 7 | 5 | 6 | 5 | Standard |
| Missouri Fox Trotter | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | Standard |
The Most Important Stat of All: Your Bond
Now, after all this talk of numbers and stats, it’s time for the most important piece of advice in this entire guide. The “best” horse in the game is the one you love to ride.
The bond you share with your horse is more than just a sentimental feature; it’s a powerful game mechanic. As you ride, feed, brush, and calm your horse, your bond will increase from Level 1 to Level 4. Each new level dramatically increases your horse’s health and stamina, unlocks new maneuvers like drifting and piaffing, and makes it much braver in the face of danger.
A Level 4 bond with a “lesser” breed can make it feel far more capable and reliable than a Level 1 bond with an elite horse. So while the Arabians, Turkomans, and Fox Trotters are statistically the champions, don’t ever feel like you have to use them. If you fall in love with a tough looking Mustang or a giant Shire, stick with them! Bond with them, care for them, and they will become a legendary partner in their own right.
Your horse is your friend on this long, lonely journey. Choose the one that feels right for you…!
