I can't care for my horse

[Check Six]

My standard Tennessee Walker mount given to my by Dutch in the first mission is in need of stabling and care. I can't remove his saddle, even back at Horseshoe Overlook, I can't brush him, and the stable at Valentine is closed during the day as well. Have I missed a mission that unlocks all this? Please help. I want to learn more so that I can progress. Any help provided will be gratefully received.

 

Check Six

[Foxtrot]

Yes, there are missions that unlock features like this.

For this one, it's the Chapter 2 mission: "Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego".  Other missions through the story missions unlock other aspects of gameplay, so there's a balance to be found between free-roam exploration and the story missions.

If you really want to get the full experience of the game, I'd recommend that you use your first play-through as a practice run to learn the mechanics and when certain aspects are unlocked.  Then restart the game over - you're looking at months rather than hours to get the most out of this game.

[Check Six]

Thanks Foxtrot, got my new horse and tack and am now able to look after him. I was just free exploring, and ignored Hosea'a calls. Now I now I should at least look at them, and maybe decide whether to go ahead with any missions.

[Foxtrot]

Yes, you should go ahead with the missions - you'll find that the first few chapters will unlock aspects of gameplay that will help a great deal in the free-roam aspect.

There's a lot to learn, and a lot to experience.