As the sun sets over the vast frontier of New Austin in 2026, players still return to Red Dead Redemption 1 to relive the gritty cowboy fantasy that defined a generation. Among the gunfights, duels, and dusty trails, one companion stands above all: the horse. Rockstar’s 2010 masterpiece placed an unprecedented focus on steeds, turning them from simple transportation into bonded partners with distinct stats, temperaments, and coats. But not all horses are created equal. While some will carry John Marston through hell and high water, others will collapse under a stiff breeze or embarrass their rider in front of a saloon full of outlaws. With years of community testing and dozens of legendary playthroughs, the definitive ranking of every mount from worst to best has been forged—based on speed, stamina, health, and overall feel. So saddle up, partner, as we trot through the hierarchy of hooves.

20. Infested Ardennais (Dark Brown) – The Unlucky Nag

At the very bottom of the barrel sits the Infested Ardennais, a horse so tragic it makes a mule look regal. Costing a measly $50, this dark brown disaster is cursed with abysmal speed, fragile stamina, and health as thin as prairie paper. In multiplayer, it’s an instant red flag for teammates; in single-player, John Marston’s face visibly sours the moment he mounts it. The Ardennais is liable to collapse at the first sign of hard work, making it ideal only for those who enjoy walking. Any outlaw with self-respect will skip this infested investment entirely.

19. Lusitano Nag (Light Brown) – Sickly and Slow

Barely a step above the Infested Ardennais, the Lusitano Nag lurks as a one-star mount unlocked early in multiplayer after the dreaded mule. For $250, players gain access to a horse that looks about as healthy as a three-day-old corpse. Its speed is glacial, its stamina nonexistent, and its overall vibe screams “trade me now.” The malnourished graverobber Seth Briars rides this very nag in the campaign, a match made in frontier hell. Smart cowpokes will sell this steed before it even gets dusty.

18. Jaded Tersk (Gray) – Overpriced and Underfed

Wandering aimlessly around Tumbleweed, the Jaded Tersk is a gray ghost of disappointment. Its $250 price tag is laughable given its snail-like pace and frail frame. The emaciated build and drab coat earn it zero style points, though observant players might spot these horses pulling stagecoaches in Mexico—suggesting even NPCs find them fit only for manual labor. The only real value is as target practice for bandits who want a moving target that can’t outrun a bullet.

17. Highland Chestnut (Golden) – Budget Two-Star Steed

Here the tier list starts its slow crawl upward. The Highland Chestnut may be labeled a one-star horse by some sources, but in practice it beats the previous entries in every respect. For only $250, a player gets a palomino-mislabeled-as-frosted-buckskin with two-toned tail and mane, decent speed, average health, and tolerable stamina. It won’t win any races, but it will get a beginner out of Armadillo without collapsing. Think of it as the Toyota Camry of the Old West.

16. Tersk (Champagne or Black) – The Blue Roan Workhorse

Described in-game as a “blue roan,” the Tersk brings a unique dusty-blue coat thanks to its roan gene. The champagne variant is rarer, but both versions share the same vanilla stats: average speed, average stamina, average health. It’s a true middle-of-the-road mount found around Critchley’s Ranch or purchased for $250. If consistency and bland reliability are your poison, the Tersk delivers nothing more, nothing less.

15. Ardennais (Grulla) – Graying Beauty with Basic Bones

The Ardennais breed makes a second appearance, this time free of infestation. Sporting a “graying bray” coat that shifts from brown to silver, this horse is actually somewhat striking. It can be tamed wild across New Austin or bought for $250. Unfortunately, its looks can’t mask the average health, normal speed, and standard stamina. It’s a solid beginner mount for those who prefer form over function, but don’t expect it to outrun a tumbleweed.

14. Cleveland Bay (Brown) – John Marston’s First Loyal Friend

Though John rides other horses temporarily, the Cleveland Bay is the very first steed he truly owns. A quintessential two-star mount, it features normal stats across the board: stamina, speed, health. Available for $250 or by taming all across the West, this brown gelding is the definition of “good enough.” It will faithfully carry the player through the earliest chapters before being traded up. Nostalgia alone earns it a soft spot in many gunslingers’ memories.

13. Dutch Warmblood (Black/Brown) – Historical Inaccuracy, Reliable Ride

Rockstar played fast and loose with equine history when they introduced the Dutch Warmblood—a breed that didn’t actually emerge until World War II. Nevertheless, this dappled black or brown horse remains a strong early-game choice found near Warthington Ranch. It boasts normal health and stamina, but slightly lags in speed. In the slow-paced shootouts of New Austin, that drawback matters little, making the Dutch Warmblood a trusty, if anachronistic, companion.

12. Lusitano (Rose Grey) – Portuguese Bullfighter Turned Trail Blazer

A clear upgrade over its Nag cousin, the Rose Grey Lusitano is a two-star Portuguese breed traditionally used in bullfighting. In Red Dead Redemption 1, it brings normal speed and stamina with adequate health—a balanced package. Players can also unlock a different-skinned version in multiplayer mode. While not flashy, the Lusitano’s composure under fire and decent gallop makes it a solid travel mount for those early Mexico excursions.

11. Painted Quarter Horse (Chestnut) – Beauty Over Brawn

Closing out the lower echelons is arguably the prettiest horse in the entire game. The Painted Quarter Horse features a chestnut base with a striking white “blanket” pattern of streaks and dots across its back. Don’t let the art gallery looks fool you—its stats are purely average. Found around Cholla Springs or for $250, this mount is perfect for fashion-forward outlaws who value style points over raw performance. It won’t win the race to El Presidio, but it will look damn good losing.

Final Verdict: From the pitiful Infested Ardennais to the stunning Painted Quarter Horse, the first half of Red Dead Redemption 1’s horse roster teaches a brutal lesson: you get what you pay for, and sometimes not even that. Veteran players know that the true legends—the Kentucky Saddler, American Standardbred, and the mythical Hungarian Half-bred—await deeper in the campaign. But for newcomers strapped for cash, even a Highland Chestnut is a worthy step up from the walking disasters at the bottom. So next time you see an Infested Ardennais for sale, just tip your hat, chuckle, and ride on.