Red Dead Redemption, released in 2010, significantly advanced the Red Dead franchise with improved mechanics, notably placing a greater emphasis on horses. While earlier titles like Red Dead Revolver featured horses, they lacked the depth and integration seen in later installments. Red Dead Redemption 1 allows players to tame a variety of steeds, each with distinct levels of speed, stamina, and health, fostering a strong bond between the player and their chosen mount. As players progress, they unlock access to increasingly capable horses, enhancing their journey through the Wild West.
Understanding Horse Tiers and Stats
The horses in Red Dead Redemption 1 are generally categorized into one-star and two-star tiers, reflecting their overall performance.
One-Star Horses
These horses represent the entry-level options, often characterized by lower base stats.
Infested Ardennais (Dark Brown): Considered the least desirable horse, the Infested Ardennais suffers from low speed, stamina, and health. Its only advantage is its extremely low purchase price of $50. This horse is noticeably slow and prone to collapse if overworked.
Lusitano Nag (Light Brown): This one-star horse is among the slowest available. In the single-player campaign, it costs $250, with prices potentially varying based on John’s Honor level. Its sickly appearance makes it a fitting companion for characters like Seth Briars.
Jaded Tersk (Gray): Another slow one-star option, the Jaded Tersk’s $250 price tag is considered high given its performance. These horses can be found in the wild around Tumbleweed and are often seen pulling stagecoaches and carts in Mexican towns.
Ardennais (Grulla): This unusually colored horse, described as a “graying bray,” has average health, speed, and stamina. It can be found near New Austin or stolen from bounty hunters. The “Grulla” coloring might be a misidentification, potentially being a Champagne Roan or Rose Gray Bay Roan.
Two-Star Horses
Stepping up in performance, two-star horses offer a more balanced set of attributes for players.
Highland Chestnut (Golden): A significant improvement over one-star horses, the Highland Chestnut costs $250. It offers standard speed, average health, and decent stamina, making it a good value that might even encourage players to skip one-star options entirely. Interestingly, the game labels this horse as a palomino, but its two-toned tail and mane indicate it’s actually a frosted buckskin.
Tersk (Champagne Or Black): Described as a “blue roan,” this horse has a bluish-gray appearance due to the roan gene. The champagne variant is rarer than the black. It offers average stats in speed, stamina, and health and can be found near Critchley’s Ranch or purchased for $250. Capturing one in the wild is recommended to save money.
Cleveland Bay (Brown): This is the first horse John Marston receives in Red Dead Redemption. It’s a standard two-star horse with normal stamina, speed, and health, making it suitable for the early stages of the game. It can be purchased for $250 or tamed throughout the West.
Dutch Warmblood (Black/Brown): While the breed’s historical origins differ from its depiction in the game, the Dutch Warmblood is a striking dappled black or brown horse. It possesses normal health and stamina but is slightly slower than many other horses. This breed can be found and captured near Warthington Ranch.
Lusitano (Rose Grey): This Portuguese two-star horse features average stamina, speed, and health. Traditionally used in bullfighting, it serves as a reliable travel horse in Red Dead Redemption 1. It can also be unlocked in multiplayer, though its appearance may differ from the Rose Grey coat seen in the single-player campaign.
Painted Quarter Horse (Chestnut): Positioned at the higher end of the $250 horse options, the Painted Quarter Horse boasts mostly average attributes. It is commonly found in the Cholla Springs area of New Austin. Despite its mid-range stats, it is considered one of the most beautiful horses in the game, characterized by a chestnut coat with a white “blanket” pattern on its back.
The variety of horses available in Red Dead Redemption 1 allows players to choose a companion that suits their playstyle and aesthetic preferences, significantly enhancing the immersive experience of the game.
