A viral TikTok creator once again draws attention with unusual behavior in public spaces.
In the world of social media, the mantra often seems to be: “Anything for the views.” A particularly bizarre TikTok trend is proving just how far some influencers will go for attention and why it’s not just absurd, but dangerous.
TikTok Star Risks Safety For Views
TikToker “Cowboy at 82,” also known as Steve, has made a name for himself by bringing horses into public stores. Yes, you've read that right. Target, other supermarkets, and even Tractor Supply locations are on his list, and there he lets the animals roam freely. His most viral videos feature a horse relieving itself in the middle of a Target while employees try to handle the situation. The influencer’s reaction? Either he pretends to be clueless, or he’s genuinely unaware of the risks.
Critics argue this behavior is reckless: a 1,000-pound animal in a crowded store can easily injure people. Kids, employees, and shoppers are at risk and that all for a few seconds of viral fame. Even if one were to argue that accidents happen, the repeated, intentional nature of these stunts raises serious concerns.
This trend also highlights a bigger issue: young viewers, often children and teenagers, are learning a warped idea of what’s acceptable in the real world. The idea that “anything goes if it’s funny” encourages reckless, irresponsible behavior, and probably results in the likes of Jack Doherty. And if there's anything the world needs less of, it's people like Jack Doherty.
When TikTok Trends Ignore Safety
What’s particularly striking is how the TikTok community reacts. Many commenters defend the videos, claiming the horse “can’t help it.” And let's be honest here: nobody was blaming the horse in the first place. In reality, these stunts ignore the rights and safety of the employees simply trying to do their jobs, and it's not the horse that does it, but the rider. There are also legal boundaries: in many states, including New York, bringing horses into public stores is considered a liability. Store employees have repeatedly had to step in, while the TikToker acts as though rules don’t apply often with a fake “respectful” bow at the end of his videos.
So the question remains: why do people find this entertaining? While some may enjoy the absurdity, it’s a clear example of how social media normalizes risky behavior. Chasing viral moments should never come at the expense of common sense or the safety of animals and people.
TikTok is full of crazy trends, but taking a horse into a store? That’s one stunt that shouldn’t be trending. What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments.