What’s the fastest way to complete the Horseman 10 challenge?

The Horseman 10 challenge in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires you to ride from Van Horn Trading Post to Blackwater without touching water. This is one of the most demanding challenges in the game, but with the right preparation and strategy, it can be completed efficiently. The key is to plan your route carefully, use a fast and durable horse, and avoid areas with deep water or obstacles that could slow you down.\n\nFirst, choose the right horse. The Arabian or Missouri Fox Trotter are excellent choices due to their speed and stamina. Make sure your horse is fully bonded (level 4) to maximize its stamina and health. Equip your horse with the best saddle and stirrups available, such as the Panther Trail Saddle or the Rattlesnake Vaquero Saddle, to boost stamina regeneration and reduce drain.\n\nNext, plan your route. Start at Van Horn Trading Post and head southwest toward Blackwater. Avoid areas like the Kamassa River and Flat Iron Lake, as these contain deep water that will fail the challenge. Instead, stick to dry land and use bridges or shallow crossings. A recommended path is to ride through Heartlands, cross the Dakota River near Bard’s Crossing, and then head south through Great Plains. This route minimizes water exposure and keeps you on solid ground.\n\nBefore starting, stock up on Horse Stimulants or Potent Horse Stimulants. These items will replenish your horse’s stamina if it runs low during the ride. You can purchase them from general stores or craft them using herbs like Burdock Root and Ginseng. Additionally, carry a few Health Cures for yourself in case you encounter hostile NPCs or wildlife.\n\nDuring the ride, maintain a steady pace. Use the cinematic camera mode to reduce fatigue and focus on steering. Avoid galloping continuously, as this will drain your horse’s stamina quickly. Instead, alternate between galloping and trotting to conserve stamina. If you encounter enemies, such as lawmen or predators, try to evade them rather than engage in combat, as stopping or slowing down can waste valuable time.\n\nOne common challenge is the lawmen in Blackwater. If you haven’t unlocked the area yet, you’ll have a high bounty and face constant pursuit. To mitigate this, complete the story missions that unlock Blackwater first, or use stealth to avoid detection. Alternatively, you can use the cover of night to reduce visibility and increase your chances of success.\n\nFinally, practice the route a few times to familiarize yourself with the terrain and potential obstacles. This will help you avoid mistakes during the actual challenge. Once you’re confident, start the challenge and follow your planned route. With patience and preparation, you’ll complete Horseman 10 and earn the satisfaction of mastering one of the game’s toughest challenges.\n\nPractical tips: Always save your game before starting the challenge in case you need to retry. Use Eagle Eye to spot shallow water crossings and avoid deep areas. If your horse’s stamina is low, dismount and let it rest briefly before continuing. Remember, persistence is key, and with the right strategy, you’ll succeed.