Top Hats and Tails owner, John Balhorn, got into the horse business in 2000 when he was attempting to purchase a horse for himself. The horseman he bought his first horse from was in the carriage business. After becoming friends, he shared with John the knowledge of the horse and carriage business. Shortly thereafter, Top Hats and Tails was born.

For many years, John worked as a trucker while building his Carriage business. Then, in 2019, after being asked several times if he provided horse drawn hearses for funerals, John realized there was a need in the community that he could help with, and decided to expand his business to include funeral services. It was then that John knew he had found his calling and the main focus for the business. “I really enjoy providing funeral services because I see how much it means to my clients. Plus, I get to work with a wide variety of people from various communities, which has been a very rewarding experience for me and my employees.”

John owns 11 beautiful Percheron horses and multiple carriages and hearses. With the help of loyal staff, he runs a 15-acre ranch in beautiful Ortonville, Michigan.