A family of four, the Whites, recently reached the North Carolina coast after a three-year horseback journey across the country. Starting in Susanville, California, in April 2022, Joshua and Terra White, along with their sons Lucus and Levi, traveled with six horses and one mule, aiming to disconnect from modern life and immerse their children in the experiences of the road.
Documenting their adventure on social media, the family rode through 16 states, covering over 4,000 miles. The journey was largely driven by the boys, who managed navigation and finances. Upon reaching the North Carolina coast, they intended to celebrate the graduation of Lucus and Levi at Holden Beach, a spot recommended for its family-friendly atmosphere.
However, upon arrival, they discovered that horses were not allowed on the beach or the bridge leading to it. This unforeseen restriction forced the family to pause their trip at the Wild Horse Preserve at Grace Wynds, located nearby. Joshua expressed gratitude for the community’s support as they navigated this unexpected hurdle.
After contacting local media, Terra White announced that the family would complete their journey at Sunset Beach instead, where a private pier owner allowed them to unload their horses and walk them to the water. The family planned to depart from the Wild Horse Preserve around 6 p.m. and reach Sunset Beach by 7 p.m. Community members, including resident Melanie Fleming, gathered to celebrate the family’s achievement.
While the ending was not as initially envisioned, it still marked a significant culmination of their cross-country trek. The brothers reflected on their experiences, with Levi describing the feelings of surrealness and Lucus expressing disbelief at how far they had come.
A special note was made about one horse named “Fly,” who was blessed by a Navajo medicine man. The family planned to return him to the tribe after their journey. Following their beach visit, the Whites intend to return home by truck and trailer, with plans to conduct horsemanship clinics to share their knowledge and promote the art of horsemanship.
