On a cold December day in Detroit, the Top Hats and Tails Carriage Company led a funeral procession for 98-year-old Ruby Smith to Elmwood Cemetery. This poignant scene, featuring two horses pulling a hearse, exemplifies a surprising pivot for the carriage company, which has shifted its focus primarily toward funeral services since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Owner John Balhorn recognized an emerging demand for horse-drawn funeral services when traditional options were limited. “Not many were doing it, and I saw a demand,” said Balhorn, who operates his business from Ortonville. Originally catering to weddings and other festive occasions, Balhorn found a deeper connection to the solemnity and tranquility offered by funerals. In fact, his company now conducts two to three funerals weekly across the metro Detroit area, including Saginaw and Flint.
On the day of Smith’s funeral, Balhorn was joined by Cathy Hicks, a dedicated horse handler. Dressed warmly for the chilly weather, Hicks tended to Lady and Betsy, two Percheron draft horses, in a snow-covered lot on Mount Elliott. As pallbearers transferred Smith’s radiant ruby red coffin from a traditional hearse to the horse-drawn carriage, the gravity of the moment was palpable.
The carriage itself, reminiscent of a scene from an Edgar Allan Poe story, features leaf springs and rubber-rimmed wheels to ensure a smooth ride for the departed. With glass windows allowing family members to view the coffin, it provides a dignified and respectful transport. Smith’s granddaughter, Crystal Phillips, expressed her gratitude for the thoughtful arrangement, stating, “I wanted to make sure her homecoming was built for the queen she was.”
Phillips recalled her grandmother’s generous spirit, noting how Smith would often assist family members in need and was instrumental in organizing family reunions since the 1970s. Another family member echoed the sentiment, acknowledging Balhorn’s efforts by saying, “You did right by her.”
As the procession reached Elmwood Cemetery against the backdrop of a stunning sunset, family members prepared for a graveside service, reflecting on the legacy of a beloved matriarch. The serene sound of the horses’ hooves gradually faded as Balhorn and Hicks concluded their service, ready to return home after honoring Smith’s memory.
The evolution of Top Hats and Tails Carriage Company illustrates how businesses can adapt to meet the needs of their communities during challenging times. For more information about their services, visit Top Hats and Tails online.
