Once a Horse Girl, Always a Horse Girl: 100-year-old Myra Celebrates on Horseback at Fabus Farms
Myra celebrates her 100th birthday in her favorite place: on a horse at Fabus Farms.
“For one to fly, one needs only to take the reins.” – Melissa James.
In 2025, EC writer Taylor Fabus hosted 99-year-old Myra at Fabus Farms in Michigan, granting what was thought to be Myra’s final wish at the time: to get back on a horse one more time.
Myra, like most horse girls, had been hooked early, with family favorite photos showing her at age two astride a gorgeous, Tobiano Paint mare named Lady Tuff.
Myra at age two, riding “Lady Tuff.”
So for her visit in 2025, she rode Molly, another beautiful, Tobiano Paint mare.
Myra rode Molly in 2025 and she promised to come back to Fabus Farms for her 100th birthday.
“It was perfection!” says Taylor. “We had no idea she was 99-1/2 years young at the start of her visit. By the end of it, we had made a promise to her that come April we would be here with Molly to celebrate her 100th.”
That day was today, Friday, April 10, 2026, and Grace Haven Assisted Living brought Myra and her family to the family-owned farm that specializes in horse boarding, lessons, camps and freezer beef sales.
The weather at the Ovid, Michigan, farm wasn’t the best on her birthday, with temps hovering in the 40’s and 50’s, and wind gusts up to 12 mph– last year’s weather was better, Taylor explains. “We offered to cancel, but Myra said she still wanted to come.”
Helper Olivia Phillips was on hand in addition to family and assisted living staff, as were the comic relief: donkeys Millie and Daryl, and once again, the angelic mare, Molly.
When the assisted living bus arrived at Fabus Farms, the ramp came down, and Myra slowly departed, using the ramp and walker with plenty of helpers. As Myra spotted Molly, her eyes lit up and the years seemed to melt away.
She fed Molly an apple, and when it was time to ride, it was all hands on deck when Molly was led to the adaptive mounting block for Myra’s special moment.
As everyone began to help Myra mount, Taylor explains, “She wasn’t sure for a minute if she was going to be able to do it (get on). But we weren’t going to let that happen.”
Family and assisted living staff made sure to slowly assist Myra until she was securely and comfortable in the saddle. Myra’s joy was evident as she stopped to wave to everyone from the best place on earth: horseback.
After the ride, Myra snuggled with Molly, peppering her muzzle with kisses while Molly closed her eyes and appeared to enjoy the time just as equally. “It was a fun day,” Myra declared. “I’m so grateful for today.”
It was the greatest honor to provide this 100th birthday celebration for our friend, Myra,” Taylor says. “Once a horse girl, always a horse girl!”
