Why a Detroit cowboy brought his horse aboard a DDOT bus

November 13, 2026

Jordan Williams, a Detroit-area cowboy and cofounder of Urban City Cowboys, staged a publicity stunt by briefly boarding a city bus with his horse Raven while riding along 7 Mile Road during a fundraising event. The stunt, which was captured on video and went viral, was meant to draw attention to his equestrian therapy and rodeo program for youth and people with disabilities. Williams, who recently relocated his operation from Detroit to a 20-acre property in Romulus, runs a program that serves participants ranging from age 5 to 68 and cares for 22 horses plus numerous other farm animals.

Who is affected

Jordan Williams, cofounder of Urban City Cowboys
The DDOT bus driver who allowed the horses on board
Passengers on the bus
Williams' friend who also brought a horse onto the bus
DDOT employees (who will receive training)
Children and adults (ages 5-68) who participate in Urban City Cowboys programs, including those with disabilities

What action is being taken

DDOT officials are speaking with the bus driver about the incident
The city is providing training to all DDOT department employees on policies regarding service animals and safety protocols
Williams is operating his Urban City Cowboys program from his Romulus property, offering equestrian therapy and rodeo lessons

Why it matters

This incident highlights the intersection of creative entrepreneurship, public safety, and animal welfare in urban settings. Williams' work provides valuable equestrian therapy for children with disabilities and introduces diverse communities to rodeo culture and horsemanship, addressing the lack of Black representation he experienced in the sport. The viral stunt successfully brought attention to his cause while also prompting important conversations about public transit safety policies and proper procedures for accommodating legitimate service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

What's next

The City of Detroit stated it "stands ready to assist our local entrepreneurs by connecting them with programs and opportunities that safely increase awareness of their organizations, and helps them expand their positive impact on our City."

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com