The Lexington Horse Parade has been a holiday tradition for 14 years. A concept created by one of the business members within the community, the parade trots down Main Street decked out in festive garb splashed with emerald and crimson.
This year, on Dec. 14, over 100 horses and riders participated under a bright, sunny sky. People from all over metro Detroit lined the avenue, smiling and pointing as the equines passed by.
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Kids sporting Santa hats march with their gaily decorated ponies down Main Street in Lexington.
Mary Heiden, a member of the
Lexington Business Association was the organizer this year. “This parade is unique. It only has horses in it. Nothing else. You only hear the clippity clop of hooves and the jingling of bells.”
Parade participants brought a variety of horses this year. Katie Stanford came with her Chestnut pony Edna. Karlie Gest hauled in her big Belgian, Cal, who pulled a decorated buggy down Main Street. Suzanne Demink, dressed as a curly-haired elf, was partnered with Sally Mae, a white rescue pony in bold green and gold. And Anna Roegner, a six-year parade rider, was mounted on Rosie, a Buckskin who sported antlers.
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Katie Stanford and Edna, the Chestnut pony.
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Karlie Gest and her Belgian horse named Cal.
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Suzanne Demink and Sally Mae, a white rescue pony.
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Anna Roegner and Rosie the Buckskin.
To participate next year, the cost is $10 for a single rider, $50 for five or more horses, and free for 4H, equestrian teams, and horse rescues. The money raised goes to the
Michigan Horse Welfare Coalition Hay Bank, which provides temporary hay and feed assistance to horse owners facing financial hardship, rescues, and law enforcement. Info for next year’s parade will be posted on the
Lexington Old Fashion Christmas Horse Parade #1 Facebook group.
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