What’s the best way to complete the Horseman Challenge?

The Horseman Challenge in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a series of tasks that test your riding and horse-handling skills. These challenges are divided into 10 levels, each with specific objectives that become progressively harder. Completing them not only improves your horsemanship but also unlocks valuable rewards like improved stamina for your horse and unique gear. To succeed, you’ll need a reliable horse, a good understanding of game mechanics, and a strategic approach to each task.\n\nFor Horseman Challenge 1, you need to ride from Valentine to Rhodes in under 5 minutes without touching water. Start by selecting a fast horse like the Arabian or Thoroughbred, which can be found in the wild or purchased from stables. Begin your journey at Valentine and follow the main roads south, avoiding rivers and lakes. Use the cinematic camera to maintain a steady pace and reduce the risk of crashing into obstacles. If you accidentally touch water, restart the challenge immediately to save time.\n\nHorseman Challenge 2 requires you to kill 5 rabbits from horseback using a bow. Equip your bow and ride through areas with high rabbit populations, such as the Heartlands or Big Valley. Use Dead Eye to slow time and aim accurately. If you’re struggling to find rabbits, try setting up camp and waiting until morning, as rabbits are more active during the day. Remember to skin the rabbits after killing them to complete the challenge.\n\nFor Horseman Challenge 3, you must ride from Strawberry to Saint Denis in under 17 minutes without touching water. This is one of the longest rides in the game, so plan your route carefully. Start in Strawberry and head east, following the train tracks to avoid water. Use stimulants like Horse Stimulant or Potent Horse Medicine to keep your horse’s stamina high. If your horse starts to tire, dismount and feed it hay or wild carrots to restore stamina quickly.\n\nHorseman Challenge 4 involves jumping over 3 obstacles in 15 seconds. Find a location with multiple fences or rocks close together, such as the fields near Emerald Ranch. Use a horse with high handling and speed, like the Missouri Fox Trotter. Approach each obstacle at a steady gallop and time your jumps carefully. If you miss an obstacle, restart the challenge immediately to avoid wasting time.\n\nHorseman Challenge 5 requires you to drag a victim for 3,300 feet using your lasso. Equip your lasso and find an NPC in a secluded area, such as the woods near Annesburg. Lasso the NPC and mount your horse, then drag them behind you while riding. Be cautious of lawmen or witnesses, as this action will increase your bounty. If you’re interrupted, flee the area and try again in a different location.\n\nFor Horseman Challenge 6, you must ride from Van Horn to Blackwater in under 17 minutes without touching water. This is another long-distance ride, so prepare your horse with stamina-boosting items. Start in Van Horn and follow the roads west, avoiding rivers and lakes. Use the cinematic camera to maintain a steady pace and reduce the risk of crashing. If your horse starts to tire, dismount and feed it to restore stamina.\n\nHorseman Challenge 7 involves killing 7 enemies from horseback using a repeater. Equip a repeater like the Lancaster or Litchfield and ride into an enemy camp, such as the Lemoyne Raiders’ hideout. Use Dead Eye to target multiple enemies quickly and efficiently. If you’re struggling to find enemies, try attacking a gang hideout or ambush site.\n\nHorseman Challenge 8 requires you to trample 5 animals to death while riding your horse. Ride through areas with small animals like rabbits, raccoons, or squirrels, such as the Heartlands or Big Valley. Use a large horse like the Shire or Ardennes to make trampling easier. If you’re having trouble finding animals, try setting up camp and waiting until morning.\n\nHorseman Challenge 9 involves riding from Strawberry to Saint Denis in under 9 minutes without touching water. This is a shorter version of Challenge 3, so follow the same route but ride at a faster pace. Use stimulants to keep your horse’s stamina high and avoid obstacles that could slow you down.\n\nFinally, Horseman Challenge 10 requires you to break every wild horse breed in the game. This includes the American Standardbred, Appaloosa, Hungarian Halfbred, Morgan, Mustang, Nokota, Thoroughbred, and Arabian. Find these horses in their natural habitats, such as the Arabian in the Grizzlies or the Mustang in New Austin. Use calming techniques and patience to break each horse successfully.\n\nPractical tips for completing the Horseman Challenge include always carrying horse stimulants, using Dead Eye for accuracy, and planning your routes carefully. Save your game before attempting each challenge to avoid losing progress. With patience and practice, you’ll master the Horseman Challenge and unlock its valuable rewards.