Detroit entrepreneur Jordan Williams, co‑founder of Urban City Cowboys, staged a memorable stunt on a Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus this weekend. While traveling along 7 Mile Road for a fundraiser, Williams and a fellow horse owner boarded the bus with their horses, joking that the animals were service animals.
Stunt captured on video
Surveillance footage released by the City of Detroit shows the bus driver lowering the ramp, smiling, and allowing the riders and their horses onto the vehicle. The driver can be heard chuckling, “If he can get in here, it is what it is,” before asking, “Hey, you want me to let them in?” After a brief ride, the horses and riders exited through a side door at the next stop.
Williams’ mission
Williams, 35, told the Detroit Free Press that his goal was to draw attention to Urban City Cowboys, a program that offers equestrian therapy and rodeo lessons to children with disabilities and other youth in the Detroit area. The organization, which began in Detroit and now operates out of a 10‑acre farm near Romulus, serves participants ranging from a five‑year‑old to a 68‑year‑old.
“I’m everywhere with my horses,” Williams said, noting that his 12‑year‑old Paint horse Raven was on the bus for the first time in the city and performed well. He also cares for ten other horses, three dogs, a parrot, a snake, chickens, turkeys, goats, an alpaca, pigs, and barn cats.
City response
Detroit officials clarified that while DDOT welcomes service animals that meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, the horses were not qualifying service animals. Deputy Director of Media Relations Alexis Ware said the department will provide additional training to drivers on policy compliance.
“We recognize that the actions in the video were meant to draw awareness to a positive cause, and we also acknowledge the safety concerns for other passengers and the horses,” the city statement read. The city also expressed willingness to support local entrepreneurs like Williams through programs that safely increase community impact.
Background on Urban City Cowboys
Williams grew up in Detroit and moved to Romulus in 2023 to develop a farm that provides therapeutic riding and rodeo experiences for local youth. He previously worked for Detroit Animal Control and transformed his garage into a barn before expanding to his current property.
The program’s equestrian therapy offers children with disabilities opportunities to build confidence, improve motor skills, and experience the camaraderie of a ranch environment. For participants unable to compete in traditional rodeos, the organization hosts mock rodeos and barrel‑racing events.
Looking ahead
Williams hopes the viral video will raise awareness and support for his mission, while the city aims to balance accessibility for legitimate service animals with safety on public transit.
Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.
