How do I complete the Horseman Challenge 9 in under 9 minutes?

Horseman Challenge 9 in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires you to ride from Van Horn Trading Post to Blackwater in under 9 minutes without touching water. This challenge is one of the most demanding in the game due to the distance and the need to avoid rivers, lakes, or any water bodies. To succeed, you need a fast horse, a clear route, and careful planning.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a high-speed horse with good stamina. The Arabian, Missouri Fox Trotter, or Turkoman are excellent choices. Equip your horse with the best saddle and stirrups to maximize stamina regeneration and speed. Use Horse Stimulants or Potent Horse Stimulants to keep your horse''s stamina high during the ride. These items can be crafted or purchased from general stores.\n\nStart the challenge at Van Horn Trading Post, located in the northeast corner of the map. Before beginning, save your game to avoid losing progress if something goes wrong. Once ready, mount your horse and set a waypoint to Blackwater. The key is to avoid water entirely, so plan your route carefully. The most efficient path is to head southwest through New Hanover, cross into West Elizabeth, and then ride directly to Blackwater.\n\nAs you ride, avoid the Kamassa River and Flat Iron Lake, as these are the largest water bodies on your route. Stick to roads and open plains to maintain speed. Use the cinematic camera mode to reduce distractions and focus on the path ahead. However, be ready to take control if your horse encounters obstacles or predators like wolves or cougars.\n\nOne common issue players face is running out of stamina. To prevent this, calm your horse regularly by pressing the left stick (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox). This action restores a small amount of stamina. Additionally, use Horse Stimulants when your stamina is low. Avoid unnecessary jumps or sharp turns, as these can slow you down or cause your horse to stumble.\n\nIf you accidentally touch water, immediately reload your saved game to restart the challenge. This is why saving before starting is crucial. Another tip is to avoid populated areas like towns or camps, as NPCs or lawmen can interfere with your progress. Stick to open terrain and maintain a steady pace.\n\nOnce you reach Blackwater, the challenge will complete if you arrive in under 9 minutes without touching water. If you fail, analyze your route and adjust it to avoid water or obstacles. Practice the route a few times to familiarize yourself with the terrain and potential hazards.\n\nIn summary, completing Horseman Challenge 9 requires a fast horse, a well-planned route, and careful management of stamina. Use Horse Stimulants, calm your horse regularly, and avoid water at all costs. Save your game before starting and reload if you make a mistake. With practice and persistence, you can conquer this challenging task and move closer to completing all Horseman Challenges in Red Dead Redemption 2.