How do you efficiently complete the Horseman Challenge 10?

Horseman Challenge 10 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 difficult in the game due to the distance, terrain, and the presence of lawmen in Blackwater if you attempt it early in the story. To efficiently complete this challenge, 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. 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 at Van Horn Trading Post, located in the northeast corner of the map. Before beginning, save your game to avoid losing progress if something goes wrong. Once ready, mount your horse and head southwest toward Blackwater. The key is to avoid water entirely, as even shallow streams will reset the challenge. Stick to dry land and follow the roads or open terrain.\n\nThe optimal route is as follows: From Van Horn, ride south through Roanoke Valley, then head west through Cumberland Forest. Continue southwest past Valentine and into the Heartlands. From there, ride south through the Great Plains, avoiding the Dakota River and other bodies of water. Finally, cross into Blackwater from the north or east, depending on your approach.\n\nOne common issue is the presence of lawmen in Blackwater if you attempt this challenge before completing the main story. If you are in Chapter 6 or earlier, you will be wanted dead or alive in West Elizabeth, making this challenge significantly harder. To avoid this, wait until the Epilogue when the area is no longer restricted. Alternatively, you can use a glitch by riding along the northern edge of the map, bypassing the lawmen, but this requires precise timing and skill.\n\nDuring the ride, avoid collisions with obstacles, NPCs, or animals, as these can slow you down or cause your horse to lose stamina. Use cinematic mode to maintain a steady pace and reduce the risk of accidents. If your horse''s stamina is low, dismount and feed it Wild Carrots or other stamina-boosting items. Keep an eye on the timer and adjust your route if necessary to avoid water or difficult terrain.\n\nPractical tips for success include practicing the route beforehand to familiarize yourself with the terrain and potential obstacles. Use Eagle Eye to spot water sources and plan your path accordingly. If you fail, reload your saved game and try again. Patience and persistence are key to completing this challenge efficiently.\n\nIn summary, Horseman Challenge 10 requires a fast horse, a well-planned route, and careful execution. Avoid water, use stimulants to maintain stamina, and practice the route to minimize mistakes. With the right preparation, you can complete this challenge within the time limit and earn the Horseman achievement.