If you noticed on social media recently people sharing about the family of four traveling by horseback across the United States, I recently got to sit down with this family for a little bit and got their story on their decision and a few stories from their travels.
In 2022, Joshua and Terra White, along with their two sons, Levi and Lucus, made a life-changing decision to quit their jobs, leave their home, and embark on an extraordinary journey across the United States starting in Northern California. Rather than traveling by car or plane, they chose a more traditional and adventurous mode of transportation—horseback.
“The motivation stemmed from a realization that Terra and I had missed out on valuable time with our kids,” Joshua White (the father) shared. “Life can get so busy that you trade off those moments with your family. We wanted to slow things down and made the decision after Covid hit. That’s why we decided on horses. On this journey, Levi and Lucus are in charge—they handle navigation, manage the money, and they’ve proven to be incredibly capable.”
Since leaving California, the Whites have traveled thousands of miles, taking in breathtaking scenery and delving into the history of the places they visit.
The trip hasn’t been without its challenges. From navigating rough terrain to dealing with unpredictable weather, and a few injuries, the Whites have had to adapt constantly, and challenges of wrangling horses along the way.
Accompanying them on their journey is a loyal companion, Pilot, a half-wolf who has been with the family since the start of their trip.
“We got him as a little fluff ball at the very beginning,” Joshua said. “He used to ride on my saddle through the deserts. Now he leads the way—he’s our captain.”
The family takes frequent breaks to ensure their horses stay rested and healthy.
They recently found themself in Wayne County last week, as they stayed with the Amish Family in Duncan Valley then made their way onward up Highway 200 toward town stopping at Connies’ Corner Market for Burgers before making their way into town, camping out Saturday night in the Large Shelter House at Memorial Park we’re community members came to visit and lend a helping hand with necessity, on Sunday morning they made their way out East 92 a few miles to around the former Lawrence Dick Saw Shop where the Tucker Family opened their home up for them to stay to wait at the rain and snow then traveling a few more miles east. The family stayed a night in the Old Rocky Branch School, and then Friday morning they made their way onward to McCreary County staying with the Dobbs Family before heading east.
The Whites planned to hit the Cumberland Gap corner and head south to North Carolina to help with Hurricane Relief then onward to the Atlantic Coast and turning around to head back home and begin the journey back home. Through it all, Joshua has been inspired by how his sons have taken charge.
“These young men are remarkable,” he said. “As a dad, I see them as modern-day American royalty. They’re earning their way the right way, traveling like the pioneers who built this country—through hard work and resilience.”
Terra (the mom) told me that this was a homeschooling experience. The boys have been journeying and videoing the travel. When they return home, they will have to write a book about their travel before they receive a Diploma.
The Whites invite others to follow their journey on their website www.llmanquest.com or social media.
