There are 19 horse breeds in Red Dead Redemption 2, and it is interesting to compare how accurate these animals are to their real-life counterparts. It's already a well-known fact that the gameplay and graphics of RDR2 are incredibly realistic, but did the creators of the game also pay attention to the different personalities, characteristics, and abilities between horse breeds?
In Red Dead Redemption 2, wild horses can be tamed and domesticated horses can be purchased from stables, allowing players to form strong bonds with these creatures. Even weather conditions will impact RDR2 horse behavior during gameplay, making these four-legged companions feel truly authentic.
There are over 6o coat colors for horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 and a wide range of tack, stirrups, and saddles can be purchased for players to fully customize their animals. However, horse experts may notice a few discrepancies among RDR2's different horse breeds that are not present among horses in real life. Here are a few examples of Red Dead Redemption 2's horses and their counterparts.
RDR2 Horse & Real Horse - Belgian Draft
The Belgian Draft is a powerful and strong animal built to pull heavy weight. They are typically light chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail, but also come in black, bay, and a variety of roans. In RDR2 there are only two color options: Mealy Chestnut and Blonde Chestnut. Like the real-life version, the in-game draft horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 is daring, handling the noise of gunshots well and remaining calm when hunting a wild animal for its pelt. The Belgian Draft's muscular build and fearless nature are reflected in the game, though it appears to be slightly smaller in RDR2 than in real life.
RDR2 Horse & Real Horse - Andalusian
Andalusians originated in the Iberian Peninsula and were bred for battle. Today, they are often used in dressage due to their elegant appearance and incredible stamina. This breed is very athletic, with a strong willingness to learn and easily adaptable to change. Typically, they come in grey and white, but in RDR2 the color options are Dark Bay and Rose Grey. Just as in real life, the version of this horse in RDR2 has great stamina, which allows them to absorb bullets and travel long distances. This in-game war horse is average in terms of maneuverability, but the Andalusian's agility makes it a great option for hunting and combat.
RDR2 Horse & Real Horse - Tennessee Walker
The Tennessee Walker is a classic American horse, developed in the South. This horse's four-beat, lateral gait allows it to reach up to 10 mph. Surprisingly, riders will find this speed smooth and the sure-footedness is excellent for long journeys.
The RDR2 version of this breed mirrors the qualities of the real life horse. One might argue Red Dead Redemption 2's version does not have the same sleekness and height as the real counterpart, but other attributes are present. RDR2 allows players to choose from six different coat colors: Dapple Bay, Black Rabicano, Red Roan, Chestnut, Mahagony Bay, and Flaxen Roan. Overall, the Tennessee Walker is a great starter horse that handles well.
RDR2 Horse & Real Horse - Arabian
Arabian horses emerged in the Middle East thousands of years ago, appearing in many myths and legends, and are easily one of the most recognizable horses. Their slim build and curved face make them one of the most beautiful of their kind. They are an expensive breed due to their beauty and versatility. In RDR2, these horses are considered superior due to their incredible stats and speed and are usually ridden by the wealthy. These horses are sensitive to handling, making them difficult to control for newbies, but in real life, these horses are much easier to control since they are willing listeners and highly in tune with their rider's feelings. The color options in RDR2 include White, Black, Rose Grey Bay, and Red Chestnut (online only). The high strung temperament of the Arabian takes time to tame, but once players build trust with this breed, it will remain a loyal companion.
While the horses in Red Dead Redemption 2's story and gameplay diverge slightly from their real-life counterparts, the creators really took the time to pay attention to each breed's temperament and abilities and brought these components to the game. Horse lovers and fans of Red Dead Redemption 2 can certainly appreciate this level of accuracy.