A Michigan horse carriage company has shifted its focus, with funerals now making up the majority of its business. On a recent chilly December day, the Top Hats and Tails Carriage Company led a funeral procession for Ruby Smith, a 98-year-old matriarch, to Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit. This transformation in service began during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic when owner John Balhorn recognized a growing demand for horse-drawn hearses.
Initially known for providing carriage rides for weddings and special events, Balhorn’s company has adapted its offerings to include two to three funerals each week across metro Detroit, as well as in Saginaw and Flint. “Not many were doing it, and I saw a demand,” Balhorn stated, emphasizing the tranquil atmosphere of funeral services. He has been running his business for over 25 years and finds a deep connection to the solemnity of these occasions.
On the day of Smith’s funeral, Cathy Hicks, a horse handler with the company, prepared the two Percheron draft horses, Lady and Betsy, in a snow-covered lot. The procession began as pallbearers transferred Smith’s shiny ruby red coffin from a traditional hearse, provided by QA Cantrell Funeral Services, to the horse-drawn hearse. The route took them south on Mount Elliott and west on Lafayette to the historic burial site of Elmwood Cemetery, which has been in use for nearly 180 years.
The elegant carriage, reminiscent of scenes from an Edgar Allan Poe story, featured leaf springs and rubber-rimmed wheels designed to ensure a smooth ride. With limited seating for the driver and one additional person, the carriage had glass windows allowing family members to see the coffin as it traveled.
Smith’s granddaughter, Crystal Phillips, expressed her desire to honor her grandmother’s legacy. “I wanted to make sure her homecoming was built for the queen she was,” she remarked, highlighting Smith’s generous spirit and her role in fostering family connections. Phillips fondly remembered how Smith initiated family reunions in the 1970s, creating cherished memories for the family. Another family member noted the care taken during the service, stating, “You did right by her.”
As the procession reached Elmwood Cemetery, family members prepared for a graveside service as the sun set, casting a soft light on Smith’s coffin. The sound of the horses’ hooves gradually faded as Balhorn and Hicks concluded the day, returning to their trailer to pack up after a meaningful farewell.
The shift towards funeral services has not only provided a unique offering for families seeking a personalized farewell but has also allowed Top Hats and Tails Carriage Company to find new purpose during challenging times. Balhorn’s commitment to honoring lives through his services continues to resonate with families across the region. For further details, visit their website at Top Hats and Tails.
