According to a report published by K24 TV on November 12, 2026, the incident happened on Saturday, November 7, near Seven Mile Road and Strasburg Street in Detroit, Michigan.
Footage captured by a motorist, Ellessia Drew, shows two people leading the saddled horses onto a Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus through the front entrance before guiding them through the passenger section and out through the rear doors.
The unusual scene quickly attracted attention after the footage circulated on social media.
Horse Owner Explains Why He Boarded the Bus
Jordan Williams, co-founder of Urban City Cowboys, later explained the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Speaking to local broadcaster WXYZ, Williams said he had been attending a fundraising event where children were given horseback rides.
After the event, he spotted the public bus and asked its driver for permission to take the horses through the vehicle for a video.
Williams explained that the stunt was also intended to draw attention to Black cowboys and their presence in Detroit.
He further revealed that taking horses onto city buses was not entirely new to him, mentioning several routes where he had previously done so.
Detroit Transport Officials Respond
The incident attracted the attention of the Detroit Department of Transportation, which confirmed that it was aware of the footage and was taking steps to address the matter.
In a statement, the department said allowing the horses onto the bus was inconsistent with its policies and could create an unsafe and uncomfortable experience for passengers.
DDOT also explained that its buses only permit service animals under specific conditions.
The animals must be under the control of a person with a disability, must not occupy passenger seats and are required to remain on the floor or the person's lap.
The incident has therefore raised questions about how the horses were permitted to enter the vehicle.
What Happened to the Passengers?
Williams told WXYZ that there were two or three passengers aboard the bus during the unusual encounter and that nobody was injured.
He also expressed hope that transport officials would view the incident with humour, even suggesting they could attend a rodeo.
Meanwhile, DDOT indicated that it was taking appropriate steps to address the incident.
The unusual footage has provided an unexpected glimpse into Detroit's urban cowboy culture while raising questions about passenger safety and public transport regulations.
Would you be comfortable sharing a public bus with two horses? Share your thoughts.
Leave a Reply