How do you complete the Horseman Challenge 7 without dying?

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 and hostile NPCs in Blackwater. To complete it without dying, you need a combination of preparation, route planning, and quick reflexes.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a fast and durable horse. The Arabian, Missouri Fox Trotter, or Turkoman are excellent choices due to their speed and stamina. Upgrade your horse''s saddle and stirrups to maximize stamina regeneration and reduce drain. Stock up on Horse Stimulants or Potent Horse Stimulants to keep your horse''s stamina high during the ride. Additionally, carry health tonics for yourself in case of unexpected damage.\n\nStart the challenge at Van Horn Trading Post. Before mounting your horse, save your game. This allows you to reload if something goes wrong. Once ready, head southwest toward Blackwater. The key is to avoid water entirely, as even shallow streams will reset the challenge. Stick to dry land and use the railroad tracks as a guide, as they provide a relatively safe and direct path.\n\nAs you ride, be cautious of obstacles like rocks, trees, and NPCs. Colliding with these can slow you down or even kill you. Use the cinematic camera mode to maintain a steady pace and reduce the risk of crashing. However, remain alert and ready to take control if needed. If your horse''s stamina runs low, use a Horse Stimulant immediately to keep it going.\n\nWhen approaching Blackwater, be prepared for hostility. If you have a bounty in the area or are in the early chapters of the game, lawmen will attack on sight. To avoid this, consider completing the challenge in Chapter 3 or later, when the area is less hostile. Alternatively, use stealth and speed to outrun any pursuers. Once you reach Blackwater, the challenge will complete, and you can celebrate your success.\n\nCommon challenges include running out of stamina, crashing into obstacles, or being killed by lawmen. To mitigate these, practice the route beforehand, memorize key landmarks, and keep your horse''s stamina topped up. If you fail, reload your save and try again. Persistence and preparation are key to completing Horseman Challenge 7 without dying.\n\nFinally, remember that this challenge is easier to complete in the later stages of the game when you have access to better horses, equipment, and knowledge of the map. If you''re struggling, consider progressing further in the story before attempting it again. With the right preparation and strategy, you can conquer this challenge and move on to the next.