What are the best tips for completing the Horseman Challenge 8?

Horseman Challenge 8 in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires you to ride from Van Horn Trading Post to Blackwater without touching any water. This is one of the most difficult challenges in the game due to the distance and the need to avoid rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. Here’s a detailed guide to help you 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 tonics to keep your horse’s stamina high during the long ride. You’ll also want to save your game before starting in case you need to retry.\n\nStart at Van Horn Trading Post. Head southwest toward Rhodes, sticking to the main roads to avoid water. Avoid shortcuts through forests or fields, as these often have hidden streams or ponds. Use the cinematic camera mode to make the ride smoother and reduce the risk of accidental detours. Keep an eye on your mini-map to ensure you’re staying on track.\n\nWhen approaching Flatneck Station, be cautious of the Kamassa River. Cross the railroad bridge to avoid the water. From there, continue southwest toward Blackwater. The most challenging part is crossing the Upper Montana River near Blackwater. Use the railroad bridge just north of Blackwater to safely cross without touching water. This is a critical step, as falling into the river will reset the challenge.\n\nIf you’re playing as Arthur Morgan before Chapter 6, be aware that Blackwater is a high-danger zone. Lawmen and bounty hunters will attack on sight. To avoid this, ride at full speed and use tonics to keep your health and stamina high. Alternatively, complete this challenge as John Marston in the epilogue, when Blackwater is safe to enter.\n\nCommon mistakes include taking risky shortcuts or misjudging the depth of water. Even shallow puddles can fail the challenge, so stick to dry land. If you accidentally touch water, reload your saved game to avoid starting over. Practice the route a few times to familiarize yourself with the terrain and potential hazards.\n\nFinally, stay patient and focused. This challenge requires precision and careful planning. Use the in-game map to mark your route and avoid distractions. With the right preparation and strategy, you’ll complete Horseman Challenge 8 and earn the satisfaction of mastering one of the game’s toughest tasks.