What’s the easiest way to complete Horseman Challenge 6?

Horseman Challenge 6 in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires you to ride from Van Horn Trading Post to Blackwater in under 17 minutes without touching any water. This challenge can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and strategy, it becomes manageable. The key is to plan your route carefully, use a fast horse, and avoid obstacles that could slow you down or force you into water.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a fast and reliable horse. The Arabian or Missouri Fox Trotter are excellent choices due to their speed and stamina. Make sure your horse is fully bonded (level 4) to maximize its stamina and health. Equip your horse with the best saddle and stirrups available, such as the Panther Trail Saddle or the Rattlesnake Vaquero Saddle, to boost its speed and stamina regeneration.\n\nStart the challenge at Van Horn Trading Post, located in the northeast part of the map. Before you begin, stock up on Horse Stimulants or Potent Horse Stimulants to replenish your horse’s stamina during the ride. These can be purchased from general stores or crafted using herbs like Burdock Root and Ginseng. Additionally, consume a Potent Health Cure or similar item to ensure Arthur’s health is at its maximum.\n\nYour route should avoid water at all costs. Head southwest from Van Horn, following the roads toward Emerald Ranch. From there, continue south through the Heartlands, passing by Flatneck Station. Stick to the main roads to avoid unnecessary detours. As you approach the Dakota River, cross it using the Bard’s Crossing railroad bridge, which is the safest and fastest way to avoid water.\n\nOnce you cross the river, continue southwest through the Great Plains. Be cautious of wildlife and enemy NPCs, as they can disrupt your progress. If you encounter wolves or cougars, use Dead Eye to take them down quickly. Avoid stopping unless absolutely necessary, as every second counts.\n\nAs you near Blackwater, stay on the main road and ride directly into the town. The challenge will complete as soon as you enter Blackwater’s boundaries. If you’re playing as Arthur before the epilogue, be aware that Blackwater is a high-danger area, and lawmen will attack on sight. However, the challenge will still complete even if you’re in combat, so focus on reaching the town as quickly as possible.\n\nCommon challenges include running out of stamina or accidentally touching water. To avoid these, use Horse Stimulants whenever your horse’s stamina is low, and stick to the planned route. If you accidentally touch water, immediately reload your save to avoid wasting time. Practice the route a few times to familiarize yourself with the terrain and potential obstacles.\n\nIn summary, completing Horseman Challenge 6 requires careful planning, a fast horse, and a clear understanding of the route. Use Horse Stimulants to maintain stamina, avoid water at all costs, and stay on the main roads to minimize delays. With practice and persistence, you’ll be able to complete this challenge within the time limit and move on to the next one.