In the vast, unforgiving world of Red Dead Redemption 2, your horse isn’t just a mode of transportation—it’s your loyal companion, your getaway vehicle, and often the difference between life and death in a heated shootout. Among the game’s elite breeds, the Red Chestnut Arabian stands out as a top-tier option for players seeking speed, agility, and that unmistakable style. Whether you’re galloping through the snowy peaks or outrunning the law in the heartlands, this horse delivers performance that can elevate your gameplay from the early chapters onward.
If you’re on the hunt for one of the best wild horses available without spending a dime, you’ve come to the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about locating, taming, and maximizing the Red Chestnut Arabian in RDR2’s story mode.
Why the Red Chestnut Arabian Is Worth the Hunt?
The Arabian breed in RDR2 is renowned for its superior qualities, drawing from real-world Arabian horses known for their endurance, intelligence, and grace. The Red Chestnut variant, with its striking reddish-brown coat and black points, isn’t just a pretty sight—it’s a powerhouse. Added to the game with the PC release in November 2019 and later for consoles in December 2019, this horse quickly became a fan favorite for its balance of stats and accessibility.
What sets it apart? Unlike stable-purchased horses that can cost hundreds of dollars in-game, the Red Chestnut Arabian spawns in the wild, making it free to acquire if you have the skills to tame it. It’s particularly appealing for early-game players, as it can be found as soon as Chapter 2 when the western map opens up. Compared to common breeds like the Kentucky Saddler or Morgan, the Arabian offers elite handling, allowing for sharper turns and better control in rough terrain. While it may not match the raw stamina of workhorses like the Shire, its speed and acceleration make it ideal for racing, exploration, and evading pursuers.
Players often rave about how this horse transforms their experience, turning routine travels into exhilarating rides. If you’re tired of sluggish mounts and want something that feels alive under the saddle, the Red Chestnut Arabian is a game-changer.
Red Chestnut Arabian Horse Stats and Performance
Understanding a horse’s stats is crucial in RDR2, as they directly impact bonding, longevity in combat, and overall utility. The Red Chestnut Arabian falls into the “Superior” class with elite handling, meaning it’s responsive and nimble—perfect for navigating the game’s diverse landscapes from dense forests to open plains.
Here’s a breakdown of its base stats on a scale of 1-10 (before bonding and upgrades):
| Stat | Rating (Out of 10) | Description |
| Health | 4 | Solid durability, but watch out in intense fights—it’s not the tankiest breed. |
| Stamina | 5 | Excellent for long rides; regenerates quickly with proper care. |
| Speed | 5 | Among the fastest wild horses, outpacing most early-game options. |
| Acceleration | 4 | Quick off the mark, great for sudden bursts to escape danger. |
These stats position the Red Chestnut Arabian as a well-rounded performer, especially when compared to other Arabians. For instance, it’s slightly less speedy than the elite White Arabian (which boasts 6 in speed and acceleration), but it’s more readily available and easier to spot in its habitat. With full bonding (Level 4), you can push these stats even higher through saddles, stirrups, and grooming. Equip a high-end saddle like the Panther Trail Saddle for boosts in stamina and health, turning this horse into an unstoppable force.
In terms of temperament, the Red Chestnut Arabian is alert and eager, forming strong bonds quickly. However, like all Arabians, it can be skittish around predators or loud noises, so building trust through brushing and feeding is key to unlocking its full potential.
Exact Location: Where to Find the Red Chestnut Arabian
One of the biggest draws of the Red Chestnut Arabian is its reliable spawn point, making it accessible without random luck. Head to the western edge of the map in West Elizabeth, specifically west of Owanjila Lake. This area is characterized by its rugged terrain, with a mix of open fields, rocky outcrops, and proximity to water—ideal horse country.
- Primary Spawn Area: Look along the shoreline north of the Owanjila Dam, between the creek and the map’s edge. It’s often roaming in the open space near the Pagan Ritual site, south of the Obelisk.
- Best Time to Search: Daytime hours increase your chances, as the horse tends to graze in visible spots. If it doesn’t appear, ride to the nearby red barn to the north and return—this can trigger a respawn, sometimes with one or two horses appearing.
- Map Coordinates Tip: If you’re using in-game maps or mods, focus on the area just west of the lake, avoiding the denser woods to the east where other wildlife might interfere.
Be prepared for the environment: This region can be chilly, so dress Arthur or John accordingly to avoid health drain. Watch for wolves or bears, as they can spook the horse or turn your hunt into a survival scenario. If you encounter a bear, it might not directly affect the spawn, but clearing the area can help.
Pro Tip: Save your game before approaching. If the horse bolts or you fail to tame it, reload and try again without losing progress.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Tame the Red Chestnut Arabian
Taming wild horses in RDR2 requires patience and finesse, especially with a breed as flighty as the Arabian. Here’s how to do it right:
- Approach Stealthily: Dismount your current horse far away to avoid startling it. Crouch and move slowly, using the “Calm” prompt (hold L2/LT and press square/X) repeatedly to build trust.
- Mount Up: Once close enough, jump on its back. Mash the button to stay on as it bucks—your stamina core will drain, so ensure it’s full beforehand.
- Break It In: After mounting, ride around calmly to increase bonding. Feed it treats like apples or hay to speed up the process.
- Saddle and Stable: Head to a stable to saddle it properly and name it. This locks it in as yours, preventing it from despawning.
If it gets away, don’t chase aggressively—circle back later for another spawn. Some players report issues with spawns due to nearby animals, so scout the area first.
Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Red Chestnut Arabian
- Bonding Boosts: Reach Level 4 bonding by riding, brushing, and leading the horse. This unlocks maneuvers like rearing and skidding, plus stat improvements.
- Upgrades: Invest in better gear. The Missouri Fox Trotter saddle can enhance speed, while tonics keep stamina high during long pursuits.
- Comparisons to Other Horses: If the Red Chestnut doesn’t suit you, check out the White Arabian near Lake Isabella for superior stats or the Warped Brindle Arabian for a unique look. But for a free, early-game upgrade, this one is hard to beat.
- Online Mode Note: In Red Dead Online, you can buy it for $250 or 10 gold bars, but taming in story mode feels more rewarding.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t lasso it unless necessary—it can lower bonding. And always stable it before risky missions to avoid permanent loss.
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Final Thoughts: Saddle Up and Ride
The Red Chestnut Arabian isn’t just a horse—it’s a symbol of mastery in Red Dead Redemption 2, offering that perfect blend of beauty, speed, and reliability. Whether you’re a newcomer exploring the frontier or a veteran replaying the epic story, adding this steed to your stable will make every moment more immersive. Have you tamed one yet? Share your experiences in the comments below—what’s your go-to horse in RDR2? If this guide helped, bookmark it for more tips on mastering the Wild West.
Where is the exact location of the Red Chestnut Arabian horse in RDR2?
The Red Chestnut Arabian is consistently found on the western bank of the Owanjila lake, just west of Strawberry. It typically grazes alone in the open area north of the dam’s main path. This location is much less dangerous than the snowy region of the White Arabian.
Is the Red Chestnut Arabian a good horse to get?
Yes, it is one of the best free horses you can acquire in the early to mid-game. It has ‘Superior’ handling with excellent speed and acceleration stats for a wild horse. It serves as a major upgrade over the starter horses and most breeds you can buy initially.
What should I do if the Red Chestnut Arabian isn’t spawning?
If the horse isn’t there, another animal may have spawned in its place. Ride away from the area, perhaps towards Strawberry and back, to reset the local spawns. Setting up camp nearby and sleeping for 24-48 hours can also force the horse to appear.
How does the Red Chestnut Arabian compare to the White Arabian?
The White Arabian, found near Lake Isabella, has slightly higher base stats. However, the Red Chestnut is in a much safer, more accessible location, making it easier to acquire. Once fully bonded, the performance difference between the two is minimal for most players.
How do you tame the Red Chestnut Arabian without it running away?
Approach the horse very slowly, and as soon as it gets agitated, stop moving. Hold the ‘Calm’ button repeatedly while you continue to inch forward. Once you are close enough, you can mount it and break it in by balancing against its movements.
Can you get the Red Chestnut Arabian horse as Arthur Morgan?
Yes, you can find and tame this horse as Arthur Morgan from Chapter 2 onwards. The Owanjila region is accessible early in the story, making this a fantastic mount to acquire. It is not locked to the epilogue and can be enjoyed for the majority of your playthrough.
