Bartlesville Woman Granted Special Wish For Her 104th Birthday

By Chris Wright, News On 6

BARTLESVILLE, Oklahoma -- A birthday wish decades in the making was finally granted Wednesday.

When Mittie Dailey turned 104 earlier this month, she decided she wanted to ride a horse one more time. With the help of her family and volunteers, her wish came true.

It took decades for Dailey to get back in the saddle. The 104-year-old grew up with horses on a southern Oklahoma farm. Family members say riding remains one of her most cherished childhood memories.

But no one is sure when she did it last. So everyone was somewhat surprised when she made her birthday wish.

"I was a little hesitant about it. I really was. At her age, I wasn't sure bones would take it," Bettye Williams, Mittie's daughter, said.

With the help of Bluestem Therapeutic Riding, Mittie calmly made her away around the arena while relatives anxiously looked on.

"She didn't seem fazed by it," said Gwen Roberts, Mittie's granddaughter. "I told her she rode the horse like she was a rodeo queen."

Four generations of her family were on hand, and later posed for a photo with the birthday girl. Despite all the years away from riding, Mittie says it didn't take long to get rid of the rust.

Chris Wright, News On 6: "How was it?"

Mittie Dailey: "It was ok. Man, I am used to horses."

Her family says Mittie stays active, especially for someone well into the second century of her life. So they're sure she'll have another unique birthday wish next year.

Chris Wright, News On 6: "How are you going to top this for 105?

Bettye Williams, Mittie's daughter: "I have no idea. I don't know what she's going to come up with, but whatever she says, we'll try to do."