Is riding really that fun in this game ? I feel like they're copying too much of GTA formula in it in which you drive your cars from mission to another, but this isn't GTA, riding has some flaws, which is getting exposed thanks to the long routes between each mission and next. Continuously tapping X to gallop and the horse stamina running out so you have to stop to give him something to eat, these make the long routes..not particularly fun. I'm always wishing to find any stranger on the route to stop and do something else of gameplay.
I remember at one point, when I had to steal Oil Wagon, I left my horse near the camp, stole it and drove it to the position, then once I'm done, I was surprised that I can't call my horse back with whistling because he's too far. I know it's realistic but I had to run on my feet for about 15 minutes to reach the camp again or find any horse to steal. That wasn't a fun experience I can ignore while evaluating the game.
I feel like they're favoring too much realism than being easy controlling. The horse should be called at any time, stamina should be higher than the initial base and holding X should be enough to gallop. These are all unrealistic but they make the riding less painful.