So, you’re roaming the vast, untamed world of Red Dead Redemption 2, and you’ve just “acquired” a magnificent steed from an unsuspecting traveler. The question quickly gallops into your mind: Can You Sell Stolen Horses In Rdr2 Story Mode for a tidy profit? The answer is a resounding yes, but it’s not as simple as trotting into the nearest town stable. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from finding the right buyer to maximizing your earnings.
This is a different ballgame compared to the legal horse trade, and knowing the ins and outs is key. While legitimate stables will turn you away, a special kind of merchant welcomes your ill-gotten gains with open arms. Learning the ropes of this underground market is similar to figuring out how to sell horses in rdr2 story in general, but with its own unique set of rules.
The Straight Answer: Yes, at the Horse Fence
You absolutely can sell stolen horses, but only to a specific vendor known as the Horse Fence. Regular stables will not purchase horses that you don’t legally own—they’ll check for papers you simply don’t have. Trying to sell a hot horse at the Valentine or Saint Denis stable will only get you a message saying they only accept horses you own.
The Horse Fence is your go-to for offloading any steed that isn’t officially yours, whether it was stolen from a rider on the trail, taken from a town’s hitching post, or tamed from the wild.
Who and Where is the RDR2 Horse Fence?
The Horse Fence is operated by two brothers, Clay and Clive, who have set up their business in a remote corner of The Heartlands. You can find them in a horse paddock just northwest of Clemens Point, the camp location for the gang during Chapter 3. Look for them directly east of the “L” in “Lemoigne” on your map. They offer a discreet service for outlaws looking to make a quick buck from their equestrian captures.
An in-game map from Red Dead Redemption 2 showing the exact location of the horse fence northwest of Clemens Point, clearly marked for players.
How to Unlock the Horse Fence
You can’t just ride up to Clay and Clive from the beginning of the game. You must first unlock their services by progressing through the main story. The Horse Fence becomes available only after you complete the Chapter 3 mission called “Horse Flesh for Dinner.” In this mission, you, John, and Javier are tasked with stealing a prized set of horses, and the quest line naturally introduces you to the brothers who will become your trusted (in a manner of speaking) horse buyers.
Once this mission is complete, the Horse Fence icon will appear on your map, and you can visit them anytime to sell your stolen or tamed horses.
How to Make Money Selling Stolen Horses
Selling to the fence is a straightforward process once you’ve unlocked it. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works and what to expect.
The Selling Process
- Acquire a Horse: Steal a horse from an NPC or tame one in the wild.
- Travel to the Fence: Ride the horse to Clay and Clive’s location northwest of Clemens Point.
- Initiate the Sale: Ride the horse into their paddock and speak with Clay or Clive to begin the transaction.
- Get Paid: The sale price will be displayed. Confirm the sale to receive your cash.
It’s important to remember that the horse you are actively riding is the one you will offer for sale. You cannot lead one horse while riding another to sell them both at once.
Expert Tip from Dr. Alistair Finch, equine historian: “The outlaw horse trade in the American West was a risky but lucrative business. Fences, or individuals who would knowingly buy stolen goods, were essential. They typically operated in remote areas, far from the law, and paid significantly less than market value to offset their own risk. RDR2’s depiction is quite authentic in this regard.”
How Much Are Stolen Horses Worth?
Here’s the catch: stolen horses are not a get-rich-quick scheme. The amount of money you receive from the fence is significantly lower than what you’d get for a legally owned horse of the same breed sold at a stable. The price depends on several factors:
- Breed: High-end breeds like Arabians, Turkomans, and Missouri Fox Trotters will fetch a much better price than common Morgans or Kentucky Saddlers.
- Bonding Level: A horse you’ve bonded with will sell for more. Even reaching Bonding Level 1 will slightly increase the price. Taking the time to ride, feed, and groom a stolen horse before selling it is a good way to maximize your profit.
- Horse Health: A horse that is healthy and well-cared-for will be worth more than one that is injured or agitated.
Even a top-tier stolen horse will likely only net you a fraction of its “legal” value. However, it’s a reliable way to turn a zero-cost asset into instant cash. This raises a common player question about whether it’s better to keep a stolen horse, which is a key part of the gameplay loop. The decision of can you keep horses you steal in rdr2 story often comes down to the horse’s quality versus the immediate need for cash.
Stables vs. Horse Fence: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the distinction between these two vendors is crucial for any aspiring horse trader in the game. It’s not just about what you can sell, but also what you can do with the horses you bring them.
| Feature | Stables | Horse Fence |
|---|---|---|
| Buys Stolen Horses | No | Yes |
| Buys Wild Horses | Yes (after bonding and saddling) | Yes |
| Buys Legal Horses | Yes | No |
| Sells Horses | Yes | No |
| Offers Customization | Yes | No |
| Unlocks | Available from Chapter 2 | After “Horse Flesh for Dinner” in Chapter 3 |
Essentially, stables are for managing your legitimate, owned horses, while the fence is purely a transactional location for getting rid of stolen goods. For a broader overview of legitimate horse sales, understanding the full scope of the game’s economy is helpful, just like knowing can you sell horses in rdr2 story mode through official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why can’t I sell my stolen horse to the fence?
A: You most likely haven’t unlocked them yet. You must complete the Chapter 3 story mission “Horse Flesh for Dinner.” Before that mission, Clay and Clive will not be available to buy horses from you.
Q: What is the best stolen horse to sell in RDR2?
A: Any of the top-tier breeds will fetch the highest price. Arabians, which can be found in the wild or stolen, typically sell for the most. Stealing a high-value horse from a town like Saint Denis can also be profitable.
Q: Does the horse’s bonding level matter when selling to the fence?
A: Yes, it does. While the increase isn’t massive, a horse at Bonding Level 4 will sell for more than the same horse at Bonding Level 1. It’s a small reward for the time invested in caring for the animal before selling it.
Q: Can you sell stolen wagons?
A: Yes, but not at the Horse Fence. There is a separate Wagon Fence run by Seamus at Emerald Ranch. You unlock him after completing “The Spines of America” mission for Hosea in Chapter 2.
Q: Can I sell legendary animals or my main horse?
A: No, you cannot sell legendary animals’ pelts or carcasses anywhere but the Trapper. As for your main horse (the one with your saddle on it), you can sell it at a stable, but you cannot sell it to the horse fence. Be sure you want to part with it, as you’ll lose your saddle and its contents.
Final Thoughts
Selling stolen horses in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a great role-playing feature and a decent way to earn some extra money on the side. While it won’t make you a millionaire, the thrill of the chase, the taming of a wild stallion, and the discreet trip to the fence add incredible depth to the outlaw experience. Now that you know where to go and how it works, the vast frontier and its many horses are yours for the taking. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the law while you’re at it.
