Horses in the game Red Dead Redemption 2 serve more than just their role in transporting players around; they provide means to explore, avoid danger, and travel long distances. There is a variety of breeds of horses located all over the map from common to the extremely rare ones located in remote areas and disconnected from civilization. This guide provides a complete breakdown of the location of all wild horses found in the game along with how to tame them quickly and effectively even if players don’t have prior knowledge of these horses.
Getting a Wild Horse: What You Need to Do
When attempting to train a wild horse, you must exercise patience and remain calm during the process because training for this will require less skill if you learn how to navigate the situation. To start, find a suitable wild horse. When you can get within a reasonable distance of the horse, throw a lasso to catch it. If the wild horse runs away from you, you can still easily catch it with your present horse by riding after it.
After putting the lasso onto the animal, you want to walk towards it holding L2/LT until it starts acting aggressively. When you get a ‘Calm’ prompt, just keep doing that until the horse calms down enough for you to get on it.
Once you’re on its back, the real challenge begins. The horse will do all it can to throw you off, so you must counteract the horse’s movements by pushing the left stick in the opposite direction of where the horse is attempting to throw you. Stay balanced during this period, and after a while, the game will notify you that the horse has been broken. You can then move your saddle over if you want to keep it.
Common Wild Horses and Where They Roam
These breeds are relatively easy to find, especially when you search their preferred terrain.
American Paint
The only location where this horse can be found is in southern New Austin (south of Tumbleweed), late game, specifically in the area where there is flat land between letters “E” & “N” on the map (north of the road).
American Standardbred
This breed often appears north of Valley View, wandering near the river beyond the road.
Kentucky Saddler
An open area within walking distance towards the east of Manzanita Post may be your best bet at finding one. When there’s nothing in the area, standing/ camping may refresh the spawns.
Appaloosa
When it comes to Appaloosas; these horses are strictly found west of Donner Falls, which is located north of Bacchus Bridge; this breed performs exceptionally well once a strong bond has been formed between the horse and rider.
Hungarian Halfbred
Most commonly seen southeast of Fort Riggs, near Blackwater. The spawn area lies past the river, close to a cliff edge.
Tennessee Walker
Often found east of the Oil Derrick in The Heartlands, occupying the same general area between the “L” and “A” markings.
Mustang
Wild Mustangs appear in The Heartlands, between the letters “L” and “A” on the map, east of the Oil Derrick. Since another similar breed spawns here, it’s important to study the horse before engaging.
Nokota
This breed is locked behind late-game access and appears only in New Austin. Look south of Armadillo, in the open land between the letters “S” and “T.”
Morgan
Morgans share territory with American Standardbreds and are frequently found north of Valley View near the river.
Rare Wild Horses: What Makes Them Different
Rare breeds don’t wander freely across the map. Each one has a single or limited spawn area, and they may not appear on your first visit. Returning later—or after time passes—is often required.
White Arabian
The most desirable wild horse in the game. It spawns near Lake Isabella, along the northwestern shoreline, surrounded by snow. Spotting it can be difficult, but the effort pays off. This horse is exceptionally fast and, notably, can be obtained as early as Chapter 2.
Tiger Striped Bay Mustang
This horse only becomes available near the end of the main story. It spawns west of Rio del Lobo Rock in the southern region, an area that also hosts a Legendary Animal. While strong, it appears so late that many players already own better horses.
Few-Spotted Appaloosa
Extremely rare and inconsistent. This horse doesn’t have a single fixed spawn—it appears randomly within Appaloosa herds. Known locations include:
- Near an NPC campsite below the “H” in NEW HANOVER
- The lavender fields near Hanging Dog Ranch and Little Creek River
- Areas north of Cattail Pond in Grizzlies West, near Wapiti Reservation
- An NPC camp near the New Hanover oilfield
In the epilogue, Appaloosa herds can also appear at Cholla Springs in New Austin, above the “A” in NEW AUSTIN.
Red Chestnut Arabian
Found west of Owanjila, near the Pagan Ritual site where skeletal remains are examined. The area is open, making the horse easier to spot.
Warped Brindle Arabian
Located in the mountainous area above the Wapiti Indian Reservation. The spawn point sits just above the reservation’s name on the map. The terrain here is dangerous—both approaching the horse and breaking it require care to avoid slipping down the slopes.
Perlino Andalusian
This horse spawns north of Annesburg, close to Brandywine Drop. Look beneath the “R” in ROANOKE RIDGE, near Roanoke Valley.
