Ruth Ashley is one lucky lady ? she got a pony ride for her birthday.
The lifelong Oxford resident celebrated her 89th birthday September 15 surrounded by friends and loved ones at the Ashley Oaks horse farm 1204 W. Oakwood Road, west of M-24.
Ruth and her husband of 68 years, Pete Ashley, along with more than 20 of their neighbors and friends from Independence Village of Waterstone were treated to a special horse performance at the local farm.
The horse farm has been owned by Ruth’s son Dean Ashley and her daughter-in-law Sue Ashley for 23 years. Sue trains horses and gives riding lessons in ‘dressage,? which she described as ‘gymnastics or ballet for horses.?
A ‘musical quadrille? began the festivities as four riders skillfully maneuvered their horses in a pattern set to music. The horses ‘work as mirror images of one another in pairs and across from each other, all interacting in a pattern,? Sue said.
Riders included Gail Anderson, of Oxford, riding Caesar; Jill Heincelman, of Oxford, riding Mystic; Andrea Becker, of Lapeer, riding Lakota; and Laura Decker, of Goodrich, riding Deano.
Following the quadrille, Oxford resident Tori Spring, 6, rode a pony dressed in a light blue princess gown. Spring smiled and waived to the delighted crowd as her mother Tova Spring guided the pony.
The show ended with a special surprise for Ruth. She received a carriage ride around the farm courtesy of her 31-year-old pony named Jersey Joe.
‘I got Joe when he was 3 years old,? Ruth said. ‘I rode him many, many times.?
Of her birthday ride, Ruth said, ‘I loved it! It reminds me of all the good times we had with that pony. It was wonderful.?
‘This has been the best birthday I’ve ever had. I’m thrilled to pieces!?
Born and raised on a farm on Ray Road, Ruth has been around horses her entire life. ‘My parents took me to school in a horse and buggy.?
Considering gas prices these days, that sounds like a good idea.