How do I complete the Horseman 9 challenge without fast travel?

The Horseman 9 challenge in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires you to ride from Van Horn Trading Post to Blackwater without touching any water. This challenge is notoriously difficult due to the game''s vast map and the presence of rivers and lakes that can easily disrupt your progress. To complete this challenge without fast travel, you need to carefully plan your route, understand the game''s mechanics, and prepare for potential obstacles.\n\nFirst, start at Van Horn Trading Post, located in the northeastern part of the map. Before beginning, ensure your horse is in peak condition. Use Horse Stimulant or Horse Meal to boost its stamina and health cores. Equip a fast horse with high stamina, such as the Arabian or Missouri Fox Trotter, as speed and endurance are crucial for this challenge. Additionally, stock up on Horse Reviver in case your horse gets injured during the journey.\n\nFrom Van Horn, head southwest toward Rhodes. Avoid the Kamassa River by staying on the main roads. Use the train tracks as a guide, as they provide a relatively straight path. Be cautious of ambushes or wildlife attacks, as these can slow you down or force you into water. If you encounter enemies, use Dead Eye to quickly eliminate them and keep moving.\n\nOnce you reach Rhodes, continue southwest toward Flatneck Station. This area is relatively safe, but be mindful of the Dewberry Creek. Cross the creek using the bridge near Flatneck Station to avoid touching water. From there, head west toward the Heartlands. Stick to the open plains and avoid the Dakota River, which runs through the area. Use the Heartland Overflow as a landmark to guide your path.\n\nAs you approach Blackwater, the challenge becomes more difficult due to the increased law enforcement presence in the area. If you haven''t completed the main story, the Pinkertons will aggressively pursue you. To avoid them, stay on the outskirts of Blackwater and approach from the north. Use the cover of trees and rocks to remain undetected. Once you reach the outskirts of Blackwater, the challenge will complete.\n\nCommon challenges include accidentally touching water or getting ambushed by enemies. To avoid water, always look for bridges or shallow crossings. If you accidentally touch water, immediately reload your last save to avoid restarting the entire journey. For ambushes, keep your weapons ready and use Dead Eye to quickly dispatch threats.\n\nPractical tips include saving your game frequently, especially after passing key landmarks. This allows you to reload if something goes wrong. Additionally, avoid using cinematic mode, as it can lead to unexpected encounters or accidents. Finally, practice patience and stay alert, as rushing can lead to mistakes that force you to restart the challenge.\n\nBy following this detailed route and preparing for potential obstacles, you can successfully complete the Horseman 9 challenge without fast travel. Good luck, and happy riding!