Where is the best spot to complete 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 most demanding in the game 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. Before starting, feed your horse a meal that boosts stamina, such as Hay or Horse Meal, and use a Horse Stimulant to keep its stamina high during the ride.\n\nThe best route to take starts at Van Horn Trading Post. Head southwest toward the train tracks and follow them toward Rhodes. Avoid the swampy areas near Lagras, as they can slow you down or force you into water. From Rhodes, continue west through the Heartlands, staying on the main roads to avoid obstacles. Once you reach the Dakota River, cross it using the Bard''s Crossing bridge, as this is the safest and fastest way to avoid water.\n\nAfter crossing the bridge, head directly south toward Blackwater. Stick to the open plains and avoid dense forests or rocky terrain that could slow your progress. Be cautious of lawmen and hostile NPCs in the Blackwater area, as they can disrupt your ride. If you encounter any threats, use Dead Eye to quickly eliminate them without stopping.\n\nOne common challenge players face is running out of stamina. To mitigate this, periodically calm your horse by pressing the left stick (L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox) while riding. This action restores a small amount of stamina and keeps your horse calm. Additionally, avoid sprinting continuously; instead, alternate between galloping and trotting to conserve stamina.\n\nAnother issue is accidentally touching water. Even shallow puddles or streams can fail the challenge, so always plan your route carefully. Use the map to scout for safe crossings and avoid shortcuts that might lead to water hazards. If you''re unsure about a path, slow down and assess the area before proceeding.\n\nFor experienced players, this challenge can be completed in one attempt with proper preparation. New players may need a few tries to familiarize themselves with the route and mechanics. Practice riding the route beforehand to identify potential obstacles and optimize your path.\n\nIn summary, the best spot to complete Horseman Challenge 7 is along the route from Van Horn Trading Post to Blackwater, using the Bard''s Crossing bridge to avoid water. Equip a fast horse, use stamina-boosting items, and plan your route carefully to avoid hazards. With patience and practice, you can conquer this challenge and progress further in the game.