What’s the best way to complete Horseman Challenge 5?

Horseman Challenge 5 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 complete it successfully, you need a fast horse, a clear route, and a solid understanding of the game''s mechanics.\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, located in the northeast part of the map. Before you begin, save your game. This allows you to reload if something goes wrong, such as your horse tripping or accidentally touching water. Once ready, set a waypoint to Blackwater, located in the southwest. The game will suggest a route, but you should adjust it to avoid rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.\n\nThe best route is to head southwest from Van Horn, passing through the Heartlands and into the Great Plains. Avoid the Kamassa River and Flat Iron Lake by staying on higher ground. Use the train tracks and roads to maintain speed and avoid obstacles. Be cautious of wildlife and enemy NPCs, as they can slow you down or cause your horse to panic.\n\nOne common issue is the Pinkerton agents patrolling the area near Blackwater. If you haven''t completed the main story, this area is still hostile. To avoid them, approach Blackwater from the north or east, sticking to the outskirts of the town. Once you reach the outskirts, the challenge will complete as long as you haven''t touched water and stayed within the time limit.\n\nIf your horse''s stamina is running low, use the calm button (L3 on PlayStation, LS on Xbox) to restore a small amount of stamina while riding. Combine this with Horse Stimulants to keep your horse going. Avoid jumping over obstacles unless necessary, as this can drain stamina quickly. Instead, steer around rocks, trees, and other hazards.\n\nFinally, practice the route a few times before attempting the challenge. Familiarize yourself with the terrain and potential obstacles. If you fail, reload your save and try again. With the right preparation and route, you can complete Horseman Challenge 5 efficiently and earn the satisfaction of mastering one of the game''s toughest challenges.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry Horse Stimulants, save before starting, and avoid risky shortcuts. Stick to the main roads and train tracks to minimize the chance of accidents. With patience and practice, you''ll complete this challenge and move closer to becoming a true master of the frontier.