In the sprawling, immersive world of Red Dead Redemption 2, a player's horse is far more than a simple mode of transportation; it is a trusted companion, a reflection of their journey, and a critical asset for survival. Since its release, the game has been celebrated for its revolutionary realism, particularly in its depiction of horses, with advanced animations and unique personalities that bring the American frontier to life. For an outlaw like Arthur Morgan, a mount must be quick, hardy, and brave enough to withstand the perils of the wild west. While many of the finest breeds are locked behind expensive stable purchases in later chapters, a collection of exceptional horses can be acquired for free through a combination of skill, patience, and a bit of luck. This guide explores the top-tier mounts available without spending a single dollar or sacrificing honor, detailing where to find them and what makes each one a worthy companion on the trail.

For players just starting their adventure in Chapter 2, a solid and reliable war horse can be secured without cost. The Dapple Grey Hungarian Half-bred is an ideal early-game companion, offering commendable bravery and higher health, which provides crucial leeway for those still mastering the game's controls. While this breed can be purchased in Valentine, an identical horse is available for free by completing the bounty mission "Good, Honest, Snake Oil." The key is to ensure Arthur's current horse is not nearby when looting the camp of the bounty target, Lindsay Wofford. This free Half-bred possesses the breed's highest stats, making it a perfect, penalty-free upgrade for players lacking funds or the patience for breaking wild horses.

The vast world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is filled with dynamic random encounters, some of which can yield valuable equine rewards. One such morbid opportunity involves an American Standardbred. Players may stumble upon an owner cleaning his horse's hoof, only for the skittish animal to deliver a fatal kick. After this unfortunate event, the now-ownerless Palomino Dapple American Standardbred can be chased down and claimed. This mount offers good speed, though its average health and stamina, coupled with a easily-spooked nature, mean it requires careful handling, especially in combat. It serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers present in the game's living world.

Another random encounter provides a chance to liberate a superior mount from a classic enemy. Beginning in Chapter 2, players can be ambushed by Colm O'Driscoll's gang in locations like Twin Peaks Pass or near Riggs Station. Surviving this ambush allows Arthur to claim one of the attackers' horses, which is often a Brindle Thoroughbred. This breed boasts high speed and acceleration, making it an excellent travel companion. Since the same horse can be purchased in Strawberry in Chapter 3, acquiring it for free earlier through this encounter is a significant boon for players looking to gain an edge.

For players seeking a brave and sturdy war horse early on, a journey to the dangerous wilderness of Roanoke Ridge is worthwhile. As early as Chapter 2, the Perlino Andalusian can be found in the wild near Brandywine Drop. This horse, added to the story mode in a 2019 update, is a premier war horse with great health, good stamina, and notable bravery, making it exceptional in firefights. However, the area is fraught with dangers like cougars and wolves, so taming this steed requires courage to match its own.

The legendary Arabian horses represent the pinnacle of speed and handling in Red Dead Redemption 2. While the original white Arabian was the only wild variant at launch, players today have three options to find and tame. The Red Chestnut Arabian, found near Lake Owanjila, is unfortunately the least impressive of the trio. Despite high speed and elite handling, it suffers from lower acceleration, stamina, and most critically, very low health, making it fragile in combat and difficult to maintain at top speed over long distances.

A slight improvement is the Warped Brindle Arabian, located near the Wapiti Indian Reservation in Ambarino. It features the high speed and acceleration characteristic of Arabians, with better health and stamina than the red chestnut variant. However, it still falls short of the top-tier option. Its remote eastern location makes it a less practical target for early-game players, as the journey is long and perilous.

The crown jewel of the wild Arabians is the iconic White Arabian found at Lake Isabella in Ambarino. It boasts the highest stats of the three wild variants, with superior health and stamina complementing its elite speed and acceleration. It is a versatile mount capable of handling both travel and tense situations. However, all Arabians share a common, significant flaw: a lack of bravery. They are prone to spooking easily at predators or gunfire, which can be a dangerous liability in the untamed wilderness.

Ultimately, the title of the best free horse in Red Dead Redemption 2 belongs to Buell, a Dutch Warmblood acquired through one of the game's most poignant narrative arcs. Players befriend a veteran named Hamish through the stranger mission strand "The Veteran," which spans several chapters. In the mission's conclusion in Chapter 6, Hamish passes away and entrusts his beloved horse, Buell, to Arthur. Buell is not just a gift; he is a stat powerhouse. As a Dutch Warmblood, he possesses incredible health and stamina, great speed, and good acceleration, with stats that are the highest of his breed in the game. Many players also report that Buell exhibits exceptional bravery, surpassing even other Dutch Warmbloods. The combination of his top-tier performance, unwavering courage, and the deeply emotional story behind his acquisition makes Buell an unforgettable and unmatched companion for the final stages of Arthur Morgan's journey.

Horse Name	Breed	How to Acquire (Free)	Key Traits	Best For
Dapple Grey Hungarian Half-bred	Hungarian Half-bred	Complete "Good, Honest, Snake Oil" bounty in Ch. 2	High bravery, good health	Early-game combat & exploration
Palomino Dapple	American Standardbred	Random encounter (kicking owner)	Good speed, skittish	Players who enjoy random events
Brindle Thoroughbred	Thoroughbred	Loot from O'Driscoll ambush (Ch. 2+)	High speed & acceleration	Fast travel across the map
Perlino Andalusian	Andalusian	Wild near Brandywine Drop, Roanoke Ridge (Ch. 2+)	Excellent health, brave	Combat and dangerous areas
Red Chestnut Arabian	Arabian	Wild near Lake Owanjila (Ch. 2+)	High speed, elite handling, low health	Skilled riders avoiding combat
Warped Brindle Arabian	Arabian	Wild near Wapiti Reservation (Ch. 2+)	High speed/acceleration, decent stats	Remote exploration
White Arabian	Arabian	Wild at Lake Isabella (Ch. 2+)	Top Arabian stats, high speed	All-purpose travel (but cautious of bravery)
Buell	Dutch Warmblood	Complete "The Veteran" missions (Ch. 6)	Max health/stamina, great speed, very brave	The ultimate late-game companion

Choosing the "best" horse is ultimately a subjective decision that depends on a player's priorities and playstyle. 🐎 Some may value raw speed for traversing the massive map, while others prioritize a mount that won't buck them at the first sign of a snake or a gunshot. The horses listed here represent the finest that can be obtained without financial cost or moral compromise, each with its own unique story and strengths. From the reliable early-game companion to the legendary, story-rich Buell, these mounts prove that in the world of Red Dead Redemption 2, the most valuable treasures—and the most loyal friends—aren't always found in a stable's ledger, but out on the trail, waiting to be discovered.