What’s the best way to complete the Horseman Challenge 9 in one go?

Horseman Challenge 9 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 notoriously difficult due to the distance, terrain, and the presence of lawmen in Blackwater if you have a bounty. However, with the right preparation and strategy, it can be completed in one go.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a fast and durable horse. The Arabian, Missouri Fox Trotter, or Turkoman are excellent choices due to their speed and stamina. Use a horse stimulant or stamina-replenishing items like Wild Carrots to keep your horse’s stamina high during the ride. Equip the best saddle and stirrups you have to maximize stamina regeneration and reduce drain.\n\nStart at Van Horn Trading Post, located in the northeast corner of the map. Before beginning, clear any bounties in the area to avoid unwanted attention from lawmen. Open your map and plot a route that avoids rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. The most efficient path is to head southwest through the Heartlands, cross the Dakota River near Bard’s Crossing, and then ride straight to Blackwater.\n\nAs you ride, maintain a steady pace and avoid collisions with obstacles or NPCs. Use the cinematic camera mode to reduce the risk of crashing, but keep an eye on the mini-map to stay on course. If your horse’s stamina is low, slow down briefly to let it recover, but avoid stopping completely. Use stimulants sparingly to avoid over-reliance.\n\nOne of the biggest challenges is crossing the Dakota River. The safest crossing point is Bard’s Crossing, a long railroad bridge that allows you to bypass the water entirely. Be cautious of trains, as they can knock you off the bridge. If a train is approaching, wait for it to pass before crossing.\n\nOnce you reach the Great Plains, be prepared for potential ambushes by wolves or cougars. Keep your horse calm by soothing it regularly. If you encounter enemies, avoid engaging them unless absolutely necessary, as it will waste valuable time. Focus on reaching Blackwater as quickly as possible.\n\nUpon entering Blackwater, head straight to the town’s center to complete the challenge. If you have a bounty in the area, lawmen will pursue you, so be ready to evade them. Use the terrain to your advantage, such as alleys or buildings, to break their line of sight.\n\nPractical tips: Save your game before starting the challenge so you can retry if something goes wrong. Avoid using the fast travel feature, as it will reset the challenge. If you fail, reload your save and try again. With patience and practice, you can complete Horseman Challenge 9 in one go.