Family crossing US on horseback blocked from ocean by NC beach town’s ordinances
One of North Carolina’s popular beach destinations is taking heat on social media for turning away a Nevada family crossing the United States on horseback.
Holden Beach defended the decision in a social media post, noting town officials did not receive “proper notice” in advance.
“We appreciate the overwhelming support for the family who traveled to North Carolina via horseback to visit the beach. Unfortunately, it is unlawful for horses to be within the corporate limits of the Town,” the Town of Holden Beach wrote in a June 17 Facebook post.
“Our ordinance was communicated to the family earlier today when the situation was brought to our attention. The short notice of the request prevented staff from seeking an exemption to the ordinance. The Town is unable to make exceptions for ordinance violations without going through the proper channels. The Town of Holden Beach would have loved to welcome the family into our community if we were given the proper notice.”
Making an exception “would set a precedent,” town officials said.
The White family said they did call the Chamber of Commerce in advance, but apparently not everyone in local government was made aware of their plan to trot over a lengthy bridge to the barrier island.
“It don’t get much worse than this, does it?” the family reported in a video posted on Facebook. “Four thousands miles, sixteen states, deserts, mountains, rivers. ... And we just got told we can’t go to Holden Beach. We’re going to need some prayers for this one.”
Town officials offered to drive the family to the beach. The Whites, who live in Elko, Nevada, declined the offer and instead left the horses at a farm and walked three miles to the Atlantic, a June 17 Facebook video shows.
The couple and their two teen sons were later photographed walking into the surf — with their boots on. They also announced plans to visit Sunset Beach, 20-miles to the south, so the horses could finally step into the ocean.
Holden Beach’s strict adherence to regulations prompted criticism on social media, including from some who noted the lack of “Southern hospitality” would make for bad publicity. The family has 40,000 followers on TikTok, 21,000 on Facebook and a YouTube channel.
“I’m ashamed of what the county I was born and raised in has become,” Lori Andrews Brogan wrote on Facebook.
“The island of Holden Beach was once a farm and now look what it has become. Disgraceful,” Chip Miller posted.
“I love the fact that they walked 3 miles without their horses ... and they got to put their boots in the ocean. I was so happy to see people walking with them and those who honked, waved and cheered them on on their journey. They did what they had to do to complete their journey,” Lois Ann Bullington Wright said.
The family’s journey began in Susanville, California, in 2022, and their goal is to cross the country on horseback in “a true depiction of our interpretation of our pioneering fathers.”
“This epic adventure is no sacrifice only a parent’s duty, hopefully this the greatest gift we can give two of the world’s best boys,” the family writes on its website. “Our motto: Live Don’t Just Exist!”
Holden Beach is about a 165-mile drive southeast from Raleigh.
This story was originally published June 18, 2025 at 7:33 AM.