How to Join a RedM Equestrian Server: A Beginner's Guide

So you've found the world of RedM horse servers and you want in, but you're not sure where to start. Good news: joining a RedM equestrian server is easier than it looks, and you don't need to be a tech expert to do it. Here's everything a first-timer needs to know to start riding with The Rift Trails.

What is a RedM equestrian server?

RedM is a community-made framework that lets people run custom Red Dead Redemption multiplayer servers. Think of it as a way to play in the Red Dead world with rules, features, and content the base game never offered.

An equestrian server is one built specifically around horses: taming, riding, breeding, events, and community, rather than the usual outlaw roleplay. The Rift Trails was the first server to focus entirely on the horse side of the game.

One thing that trips up a lot of newcomers: RedM is completely safe to use. The client is standalone and doesn't connect to or affect your official Red Dead Online account, progress, or data. You won't lose anything you've earned in the base game.

What you need before you join

1. Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC. RedM only works with the PC version of the game, through Steam, Epic, or the Rockstar launcher. Console isn't supported.

2. A Discord account. Most RedM communities, including The Rift, run everything through Discord: announcements, event schedules, support, and join instructions.

3. The RedM client. This is the free framework that lets you connect to custom servers. You'll install it once.

4. To be 18 or older. The Rift is an 18+ community, which helps keep the space calm, welcoming, and well moderated.

If you already own the game on PC, you're most of the way there.

How to join The Rift Trails

1. Join our Discord at discord.gg/RiftTrails. This is home base for the whole community.

2. Read the welcome and rules channels. They cover how things work and what our community stands for.

3. Follow the setup instructions posted in Discord to install RedM and connect. If you get stuck, our members and staff are happy to help.

4. Search for The Rift in your RedM server list, connect, and you're in.

5. Start playing. Hop into a trail ride, explore the map, or jump into whatever event is running.
   

Because setup details and links get updated as the game changes, the Discord always has the most current steps. That's the one place to check if anything looks different from an older guide.

What to expect on your first ride

Your first time in can feel a little unfamiliar, and that's normal. The easiest way to settle in is to join a trail ride. These are relaxed in-game meet-ups where the community rides together, takes in the scenery, and chats. They're built to destress, though a little chaotic fun happens now and then too.

From there, the way you play is up to you. Tame a wild horse, design a custom coat, build a ranch, or sign up for a dressage or barrel racing event. There's no single "right" way to be here.

Most of all, expect a welcoming crowd. The Rift runs on kindness and inclusivity, and new riders are the reason the community keeps growing.

Ready to ride?

Joining a RedM equestrian server opens up a version of Red Dead built entirely around the horses you love. Setup takes a few minutes, and a friendly community is waiting on the other side.

Join The Rift Trails on Discord at discord.gg/RiftTrails and we'll help you into the saddle.