Tye Sturgeon, of Batesville, Ark., spends time with his horse, Edward, Friday at the Randolph County Fairgrounds in Sparta. Sturgeon said Edward has been a very close companion since they started a trip across the country March 15. “Ever since I first got on him, we’ve had a great connection,” he said. Sturgeon is horseback riding across 48 states to benefit Western Wishes, a non-profit charity that raises money for children and young adults who are terminally ill. Sturgeon, who has already raised $3,000 from donations since beginning his trip, said he hopes to raise $30,000.LEWIS MARIEN • DAILY EGYPTIAN