I'm hoping to save the starving town and made it to talk to the mayor of the savannah town but it appears that a horse race is the only way to do this? My horse ran up a cliff face the first time I tried the gastly horse controls. The method from TW1 was way better although I am aware that many didn't like it either. I'm just hoping there is some way to complete this without the race. Perhaps I should kill the mayor and proclaim myself President? :) Really, I decided not to use horses in the game as it was (I thought) just meant to be a convenience for those in a hurry to end the game.

EDIT: it can be done by running if your endurance is high enough and you have shoes that enhance speed.