What’s the best way to complete the 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 can be tricky due to the distance and the need to avoid rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. Here’s a detailed guide to help you complete it efficiently.\n\nFirst, prepare your horse. Use a fast horse like the Arabian, Fox Trotter, or Thoroughbred, as speed is crucial. Ensure your horse’s stamina is fully upgraded with the best saddle and stirrups available. Stock up on Horse Stimulants or Potent Horse Stimulants to replenish stamina during the ride. These items can be purchased from stables or crafted using herbs like Wild Carrot and Ginseng.\n\nStart at Van Horn Trading Post, located in the northeast part of the map. Before beginning, save your game. This allows you to reload if something goes wrong, such as your horse dying or falling into water. Once ready, mount your horse and set a waypoint to Blackwater. The game’s auto-path system will guide you, but you’ll need to adjust the route to avoid water.\n\nThe key to success is planning your route carefully. Head southwest from Van Horn, following the roads through Annesburg and into the Heartlands. Avoid the Kamassa River by staying on the main roads. Once you reach the Heartlands, continue south toward Rhodes. From there, head west toward Blackwater, sticking to the dry paths and avoiding the Dakota River.\n\nA common mistake is taking shortcuts through the wilderness, which often leads to accidental water crossings. Stick to the roads, even if they seem longer. Use the cinematic camera mode to let your horse follow the path automatically while you monitor stamina and health. This reduces the risk of steering errors.\n\nIf your horse’s stamina runs low, use a Horse Stimulant immediately. You can also calm your horse by pressing the left stick (L3 on PlayStation, LS on Xbox) to restore a small amount of stamina. Avoid collisions with other riders or obstacles, as these can slow you down or cause your horse to panic.\n\nOnce you reach Blackwater, the challenge will complete as soon as you enter the town. If you fail, reload your saved game and try again. With practice and the right preparation, you’ll complete Horseman Challenge 5 in no time.\n\nPractical tips: Always save before starting, use a fast horse, and stick to dry paths. Avoid distractions like random encounters or hunting, as these can waste valuable time. With patience and focus, you’ll master this challenge and move closer to completing all Horseman tasks.