Riding into Summer: Oklahoma Dad Turns Heads with Horse-Powered School Pickup
In the quaint town of Edmond, Oklahoma, the school pickup line took an unexpected turn on the last day of classes when Mike Moorman, a devoted father, decided to make a grand entrance by swapping his car for two majestic horses. The spectacle, which left onlookers in awe, was a nostalgic nod to Moorman’s own childhood tradition.
“On the last day of school, I rode my horses to school. A lot of the kids did it,” Moorman reminisces, underscoring the sentimental value behind his decision to carry on the tradition. Last week, it was his 8-year-old son Cale’s turn to experience this unique and attention-grabbing ride.
Cale, an avid lover of horseback riding since the tender age of 2 or 3, expressed a deep passion for everything equestrian. Having participated in youth rodeos, Cale’s desire to emulate his father’s distinctive school pickup journey was fulfilled on May 18.
The two-and-a-half-mile journey from home to Rose Union Elementary School saw Moorman astride his 3-year-old appaloosa horse, Nova, while leading his 12-year-old quarter horse, Grady. “Traffic doesn’t bother these horses,” Moorman confidently shares, showcasing the ease with which the equine companions handled the journey.
Surprisingly, the school administration was more than willing to accommodate Moorman’s unconventional plan, capturing the memorable pickup in a video shared on the Deer Creek School District’s Facebook page. A spokesperson from the district explained, “The school’s principal agreed as a way to celebrate the last day of the school year. She knew it would be a memorable experience for not only Cale but for his classmates too.”
The preparations for this unique pickup were nothing short of meticulous. Cale’s horse, Nova, sported his car rider pick-up tag—a security protocol required for all students being picked up from school. The duo adhered to the school’s strict safety rules, ensuring that students load or unload from the right side. In a whimsical touch, Cale donned a cowboy hat helmet, combining safety measures with a dash of cowboy flair.
Reflecting on the event, the district spokesperson commended Moorman’s preparation, stating, “Mr. Moorman came prepared!” The anticipation surrounding the event was palpable, with Cale having already shared the exciting news with his friends, who eagerly awaited the horse-powered departure.
Cale shared that his friends were thoroughly impressed with his unconventional school pickup. As the school year came to a close, the Moorman family left an indelible mark on the community, turning a routine event into a heartwarming and unforgettable spectacle that will be cherished by students and parents alike.
In the heart of Oklahoma, a father’s dedication to tradition and a son’s love for horses converged, creating a magical moment that resonated far beyond the school pickup line. As the Moorman’s rode off into the sunset, they left behind smiles, laughter, and a tale that will be recounted for years to come.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/5hKEaBWkakc?si=NhVEERpON0tI8O-x
- https://www.today.com/parents/dads/dad-rides-horse-son-school-pickup-rcna85579
- https://www.theepochtimes.com/bright/dad-picks-up-his-son-from-last-day-of-school-on-horseback-to-keep-his-childhood-tradition-alive-5329187
- https://chat.openai.com/
- https://readloud.net/