Step aside, Olympics – I conquered horse dressage in Red Dead Online

Emma’s Adventures was a monthly column created for Eurogamer Supporters that ran throughout 2023. In it, Emma Kent explored online virtual worlds in a way that’s become uniquely her own – usually involving an obscure pursuit in a hostile environment. She opened a fashion boutique in the radiated wasteland of Fallout 76, started a crab delivery food service in Elden Ring, and ran a real-estate business in Valheim, to name but a few.

One of her adventures ideally suited to the present day is her challenge to recreate a dressage routine in a game with realistic horse riding. Can she bring the spirit of the Olympics to Red Dead Online? Until recently, Emma knew very little about the world of dressage, with her main exposure to the sport being through the Olympics. However, she delved into the world of Red Dead Online’s ‚horse girl community‘ and discovered players organizing dressage competitions within the game.

Emma’s journey to prepare for the dressage routine in Red Dead Online involved acquiring a Dutch Warmblood horse, purchasing appropriate gear, and learning the intricacies of dressage moves in the game. With the help of a video game horse consultant, she gained insight into the sport of dressage and its representation in Red Dead Online. Despite the game’s limitations, Emma was able to choreograph and practice a dressage routine, facing challenges such as mastering the half-pass move and transitioning between gaits.

After extensive practice and preparation, Emma performed her dressage routine in Red Dead Online, recording the performance for evaluation. The routine was judged by a real-life equine photographer and a member of The Rift Trails, who provided feedback on her performance. Despite some minor errors, Emma received high praise for her accuracy and dedication to the routine, scoring well in the evaluation.

The experience of preparing for and performing the dressage routine in Red Dead Online left Emma with a newfound appreciation for the sport and a strong emotional attachment to her digital horse, Allegro. The process not only improved her horse control within the game but also sparked a newfound interest in dressage. Emma’s journey showcases the unique blend of virtual exploration, creativity, and skill development that can be found in online gaming communities.