How do I survive the Van Horn to Blackwater run for Horseman Challenge 9?

Horseman Challenge 9 in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires you to ride from Van Horn to Blackwater in under 17 minutes without touching water. This challenge is notoriously difficult due to the distance, terrain, and law enforcement presence in Blackwater. To succeed, you need a fast horse, a clear route, and careful planning.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a horse with high stamina and speed. The Arabian, Missouri Fox Trotter, or Turkoman are excellent choices. Equip your horse with the best saddle and stirrups to maximize stamina regeneration and speed. Stock up on horse stimulants or tonics to keep your horse''s stamina high during the ride.\n\nStart the challenge in Van Horn, located in the northeast part of the map. Before beginning, save your game. This allows you to retry quickly if something goes wrong. Once ready, mount your horse and head southwest toward Blackwater. Avoid the main roads initially, as they can slow you down with obstacles or NPCs.\n\nYour route should take you through the Heartlands, past Flatneck Station, and across the Dakota River. Use the railroad bridge near Bard''s Crossing to cross the river safely without touching water. This is a critical part of the challenge, as falling into water will reset your progress. Stay on the bridge and avoid any distractions.\n\nAfter crossing the river, continue southwest through the Great Plains. Be cautious of wildlife and hostile NPCs, as they can disrupt your ride. Use Dead Eye to quickly eliminate any threats if necessary. Keep an eye on your horse''s stamina and use tonics when needed to maintain speed.\n\nAs you approach Blackwater, be prepared for law enforcement. If you have a bounty in the area, they will attack on sight. To avoid this, ensure you have no bounty in West Elizabeth before starting the challenge. If lawmen do appear, focus on evading them rather than engaging. Use the terrain to your advantage and keep moving toward Blackwater.\n\nOnce you reach Blackwater, the challenge will complete. If you fail, reload your save and try again. Practice the route a few times to familiarize yourself with the terrain and potential obstacles. With the right preparation and a bit of luck, you can complete Horseman Challenge 9 and earn the associated reward.\n\nPractical tips: Use cinematic mode to reduce fatigue during long rides. Keep your horse''s cores full with food and tonics. Avoid unnecessary detours or fights. If you encounter a random event, ignore it unless it directly blocks your path. Finally, stay calm and focused, as rushing can lead to mistakes.