In the Media
A living timeline of how the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club has inspired the world — from local news to global film.
Our Story in the Media
2005
Life Magazine
Young Rider on National Cover
A Fletcher Street rider graced the cover of *Life Magazine*, marking one of the first major national features of the club’s youth and mission.
2006
Martha Camarillo
Photographer Publishes “Fletcher Street” Book
After two years documenting the riders, photographer Martha Camarillo released a powerful visual tribute to the urban cowboy culture of North Philly.
2008
This American Life
Club Featured on NPR’s “This American Life”
The show spotlighted the resilience of the riders and the 2008 SPCA raid that destroyed the stables — a moment that nearly ended the club.
2011
Greg Neri
“Ghetto Cowboys” Novel Published
“Everything that happens in that book happened in another way in real life,” says author Greg Neri. The novel became the basis for the Netflix film *Concrete Cowboy*.
Learn More →
2012
Rudimental
British Band Films “Feel the Love” with Riders
The UK band Rudimental shot their award-nominated music video with FSURC riders, bringing international attention to the club.
2017
The Atlantic
Profiled in “The Equestrians of North Philly”
The Atlantic published a photo essay highlighting the legacy and daily life of the Black cowboys at Fletcher Street.
View Essay →
2020
CBS News
“Fletcher Street Inspires Kids in Philadelphia”
“I'm learning how to ride something that's way stronger than me... now, I do,” says 10-year-old Andre Baker. CBS highlights the club’s life-changing impact.
Read Article →
2020
TIME
The True Story Behind “Concrete Cowboy”
“We are trying to let them know that we also ride horses,” says Ellis “El Dog” Ferrell. TIME explores the real urban cowboys behind the Netflix film.
Read Article →
2020
Billy Penn
Urban Cowboys Ride to Get Out the Vote
In a powerful 2020 GOTV effort, riders clip-clopped down 52nd Street with a message: “There had been people telling me my vote didn’t count. I found out that’s not true,” said El Dog.
Read Article →
2020
WHYY
“Concrete Cowboy” Debuts as Club Fundraises to Survive
The real riders who inspired the film are still fighting for a permanent home and sustainable funding.
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2021
CNN
Fletcher Street and Idris Elba in “Concrete Cowboy”
“The movie’s highest points came when the actual riders appeared,” critics said. CNN highlights the authenticity brought by Jamil Prattis and other real-life cowboys.
Read Article →
2021
Harper’s Bazaar
How “Concrete Cowboy” Brought Black Cowboys to the Screen
“It means the world to me,” says Ivannah Mercedes, who plays Esha. “This was the only movie I’ve ever seen that focuses on Black cowgirls.”
Read Article →
2023
The Inquirer
Fletcher Street Faces New Challenges
The pasture across from the stables is being turned into senior housing. “What are the chances a child gets a horse ride after school?” asks civic leader Judith Robinson.
Read Article →
2023
Billy Penn
Philly’s Urban Cowboys Find New Hope
After years of uncertainty, the club continues to fight for a permanent home in Fairmount Park, preserving a century of legacy.
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2019–2021
YouTube
“Concrete Cowboy” Film & Behind-the-Scenes
Official trailers and features from the making of the Netflix film that brought the story of FSURC to millions.
Watch Trailer →
2020–2024
Instagram
Life at the Stables: Reels & Stories
Powerful, real-time glimpses into the daily life, care, and community of the Fletcher Street riders.
View Reel →