What’s the best strategy for the Horseman Challenge 7?

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 one of the more difficult ones due to the distance and the strict no-water rule. To succeed, you need a fast horse, a clear route, and careful planning to avoid rivers, lakes, and other water hazards.\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. Use Horse Stimulants or Potent Horse Stimulants to keep your horse''s stamina high during the ride. These items can be crafted or purchased from general stores.\n\nStart the challenge at Van Horn Trading Post. Before you begin, save your game. This allows you to reload if you accidentally touch water or fail the timer. Once ready, mount your horse and head southwest toward Blackwater. The key is to avoid water at all costs, so plan your route carefully. Use the map to identify dry paths and avoid areas like the Kamassa River, Flat Iron Lake, and other water bodies.\n\nA recommended route is to head south from Van Horn, passing through the Heartlands and into the Great Plains. Avoid the Dakota River by staying on the eastern side of the map. Once you reach the Great Plains, ride directly west toward Blackwater. This route minimizes the risk of encountering water and keeps you on dry land for most of the journey.\n\nDuring the ride, maintain a steady pace. Use the cinematic camera mode to reduce fatigue and focus on steering. If your horse''s stamina runs low, use a Horse Stimulant immediately. Avoid collisions with obstacles or NPCs, as they can slow you down or cause your horse to veer off course. If you accidentally touch water, reload your saved game to restart the challenge.\n\nCommon challenges include navigating around water hazards and managing your horse''s stamina. To overcome these, practice the route beforehand to familiarize yourself with the terrain. Use Eagle Eye to spot water bodies and plan detours. Keep an eye on your horse''s stamina bar and use stimulants proactively to prevent exhaustion.\n\nFinally, once you reach Blackwater, the challenge will complete. If you fail, analyze where you went wrong and adjust your route or strategy. With practice and preparation, you can master Horseman Challenge 7 and earn the associated rewards.\n\nPractical tips: Always save before starting the challenge, use a fast horse with high stamina, and plan your route carefully to avoid water. Use Horse Stimulants to maintain stamina and reload your save if you fail. With these strategies, you can complete Horseman Challenge 7 efficiently.