Red Dead Redemption 2: 19 Best Horses, Ranked (2024)

Navigating the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 can be quite a daunting task, especially early in the game. You'll find yourself frequently traveling between your camp and various towns. Although there is some fast travel available, it's not always the most practical choice.

All of this means that you'll be spending a significant amount of time on horseback. Since so much of the game is spent atop your trusty steed, it's important to ensure you have the best one. Fortunately, RDR2 offers plenty of good options to make your journey through early America less of a chore.

Updated on January 7, 2024, by Mohamed El Ouardighi: In Red Dead Redemption 2, numerous horses are available, but which one is most suitable for you? We've delved deeper into the extensive list of horse breeds to identify the best ones, updating our list accordingly.

19 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.

18 Morgan

Frankly speaking, there isn't much that sets a Morgan higher than a Suffolk Punch. They're a fairly common horse with average stats. Their best stats are stamina and speed, making them good riding horses.

What sets it above a Suffolk Punch, however, is the name. This breed shares a name with our protagonistic character Arthur Morgan. Is that a dumb reason to prefer a horse? Maybe. But we can't help but love the connection anyway, making these horses closer to our tired outlaw hearts than any Suffolk Punch will be.

17 Kentucky Saddler

While the stats behind the Kentucky Saddler may not be the most impressive, it's an accessible horse that will fit excellently in any short travel. With slightly better speed and stamina than the Morgan, its average price is a good five dollars less.

What helps set this one apart is the slightly higher-than-average health stat, making this an affordable option for any of the more dangerous horseback experiences. You know, the sort of stuff that the law might not agree with. Its higher chance of survival, paired with its lower cost of replacement, make this breed worth mentioning.

16 Tennessee Walker

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The Tennessee Walker is one of the first horses you'll encounter, and you'll spot them all over as horses owned by NPCs. Similar to the Morgan and Kentucky Saddler, their stats aren't high, but they're dependable for early-game riding.

What sets the Tennessee Walker apart is its variety of coats, allowing you to get one of the six distinct appearances. Surprisingly, they stay calm around gunfire, making them a reliable choice during shootouts – just be sure not to let your horse die.

15 Belgian

The Belgian Draft remains one of the basic horses you can acquire. This horse breed offers two different coats and falls into the lower tier of draft horses. Similar to the Tennessee Walker, they remain calm during gunfights, unlike some other horses on this list. However, due to their heavy handling, riding this horse might feel a bit sluggish.

As with any draft horses, you can't purchase them from stables or find them in the wild; instead, you can only locate them in towns or driving wagons.

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.