What’s the best strategy for the Horseman Challenge 10?

The Horseman Challenge 10 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 is one of the most difficult challenges in the game due to the distance, terrain, and the presence of lawmen in Blackwater if you have a bounty. Here’s a detailed strategy to complete it successfully.\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 and Horse Revivers to keep your horse’s stamina and health topped up during the ride. These items are crucial for maintaining speed and avoiding exhaustion.\n\nStart at Van Horn Trading Post. Make sure you have no active bounties in the area, as lawmen can interfere with your progress. Begin the ride by heading southwest toward Rhodes. Stick to the roads to avoid unnecessary obstacles and maintain a steady pace. Use the cinematic camera mode to reduce fatigue and focus on the route.\n\nFrom Rhodes, continue southwest toward Flatneck Station. This part of the route is relatively straightforward, but be cautious of NPCs and wildlife that might spook your horse. Use Horse Stimulants as needed to keep your horse’s stamina high. Avoid shortcuts through forests or rocky terrain, as these can slow you down or cause your horse to trip.\n\nAfter Flatneck Station, head west toward Blackwater. This is the most dangerous part of the challenge, as the area is patrolled by lawmen if you have a bounty. If you don’t have a bounty, you can ride directly into Blackwater. However, if you do, consider using a stealth approach by staying off the main roads and avoiding detection. Use the terrain to your advantage, such as hills and trees, to break line of sight with lawmen.\n\nTiming is critical. Aim to reach Blackwater with at least 2-3 minutes to spare. If you encounter any delays, such as a horse collision or a detour, use Horse Stimulants to make up for lost time. Keep an eye on the in-game timer to ensure you’re on track.\n\nCommon challenges include horse stamina depletion, lawmen interference, and accidental water crossings. To avoid these, plan your route carefully and practice the ride beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the terrain and potential obstacles to minimize surprises during the actual challenge.\n\nFinally, practical tips: Save your game before starting the challenge so you can reload if something goes wrong. Use the Eagle Eye ability to spot water hazards and plan your path. Stay calm and focused, as panicking can lead to mistakes. With preparation and persistence, you’ll complete Horseman Challenge 10 and earn the satisfaction of mastering one of RDR2’s toughest tasks.