MAN WALKS TWO HORSES ONTO DETROIT BUS TO FILM VIRAL VIDEO

A cowboy walked two horses onto a Detroit bus to film a viral video and bring attention to Black equestrian culture in the city. Now, the local transportation department is investigating the incident, stating the animals violated their service animal policy, which requires them to sit on the floor or a passenger’s lap.

The incident took place on November 7, 2026, near 7 Mile and Strasburg Street. Jordan Williams, the co-founder of the local youth program Urban City Cowboys, was in the area helping with a fundraiser and giving children horseback rides.

When a Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus pulled over at a stop, Williams saw an opportunity. After speaking with the driver through the open doors, Williams led the two horses up the steps and briefly into the aisle before backing them out the rear doors.

A bystander driving nearby, Ellessia Drew, filmed the scene from across the street. “This is crazy,” Drew said in the video, which quickly picked up millions of views online.

Williams told WXYZ that the stunt was meant for a funny video and to show that “there are cowboys that look like us.” He also noted that this was not his horses’ first time taking public transit, though the fit was a bit tight.

“We walked on, and I must tell you the buses are a lot smaller than they used to be, or I may have been a little bigger,” Williams said. He noted that the two or three passengers on board were unharmed by the visit.

City transit officials were less charmed. DDOT announced they are taking appropriate steps to address the incident, which they said “potentially creates an unsafe and uncomfortable ride for our passengers.”

According to The Columbus Dispatch, the city acknowledged the positive cause behind the video but emphasized the safety concerns. DDOT’s official policy allows service animals, but requires them to stay on the floor or sit on the passenger’s lap. Officials confirmed they have already located the bus driver involved.

Williams said he hopes the city will drop the issue and “look at it like a joke like everyone else.”