How do I complete the Horseman Challenge 7 in one attempt?

Horseman Challenge 7 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 is notoriously difficult due to the distance, terrain, and the presence of lawmen in Blackwater if you haven''t progressed far enough in the story. Here''s a detailed guide to help you complete it in one attempt.\n\nFirst, prepare your horse. Use a fully bonded horse with high stamina and health, such as the Arabian or Turkoman. Equip the best saddle and stirrups to maximize stamina regeneration. Stock up on Horse Stimulants or Potent Horse Stimulants to keep your horse''s stamina high during the ride. These items can be purchased from stables or crafted using herbs like Sage and Ginseng.\n\nStart at Van Horn Trading Post. Before beginning, save your game to avoid restarting the entire challenge if something goes wrong. Mount your horse and ensure your inventory is ready. Use the cinematic camera to help maintain a steady pace and avoid distractions. The key is to follow a specific route that avoids water and minimizes obstacles.\n\nFrom Van Horn, head southwest toward Rhodes. Stick to the roads and avoid shortcuts that might lead to water. Once you reach Rhodes, continue west toward Flatneck Station. Cross the train tracks carefully and follow the road toward Riggs Station. This part of the route is relatively straightforward, but keep an eye out for random encounters or ambushes that could slow you down.\n\nAfter Riggs Station, head northwest toward Blackwater. This is the most dangerous part of the journey, as the area is heavily patrolled by lawmen if you haven''t unlocked it in the story. To avoid them, stay on the outskirts and use the terrain to your advantage. Ride through the hills and avoid the main roads. If you''re spotted, use Dead Eye to take out lawmen quickly and keep moving.\n\nTiming is critical. Use your Horse Stimulants strategically, especially during steep climbs or long stretches where your horse''s stamina might deplete. If your horse starts to slow down, dismount and use a Stimulant manually to keep it going. Avoid stopping unless absolutely necessary, as every second counts.\n\nCommon challenges include running into water accidentally or getting ambushed by enemies. To avoid water, stick to the planned route and avoid shortcuts near rivers or lakes. If you encounter enemies, prioritize speed over combat. Use Dead Eye to eliminate threats quickly and keep moving. Remember, the goal is to reach Blackwater, not to engage in prolonged fights.\n\nFinally, once you reach Blackwater, the challenge will complete. If you''re in the early stages of the game and Blackwater is still hostile, consider completing this challenge later when the area is safer. Alternatively, use stealth and speed to avoid detection. With the right preparation and route, Horseman Challenge 7 can be completed in one attempt.\n\nPractical tips: Practice the route beforehand to familiarize yourself with the terrain. Use a stopwatch to track your time and adjust your pace as needed. If you fail, reload your save and try again. Patience and persistence are key to mastering this challenge.