'Dreadhead Cowboy' Banned From Contact With His Horses

CHICAGO, IL — The man known as the "Dreadhead Cowboy," who is facing a felony animal cruelty charge, was ordered this week to have no contact with the horses he owns. Adam Hollingsworth, 33, was arrested in September after police said a rush-hour gallop on the Dan Ryan — which was livestreamed by Hollingsworth — left his horse gravely injured.

Officials feared the horse, named NuNu, would have to be euthanized after the 7.5-mile highway ride, which police said caused injuries including a bleeding left foot, an injured right foot and sores on the right side of its body from the saddle.

The Sept. 21 incident left NuNu in critical condition, but the horse survived, although prosecutors say it can no longer run or be ridden, WTTW reported.

Hollingsworth is charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal, reckless conduct, trespassing and other traffic offenses. A second man, Darron Luster, 55, of Chicago, was also arrested the day of the Dan Ryan ride on charges of obstruction and resisting arrested after police say he tried to "forcefully gain control of the horse" and ignored several orders to release NuNu.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot called the Dan Ryan ride a "stunt," saying, "What is clear is that this stunt not only seriously endangered the horse but also the rider and all travelers on the expressway."

Hollingsworth posted live video from the ride, saying it was a demonstration for the "Kids Lives Matter" movement.

On Wednesday, Cook County Judge Michael McHale granted an order from prosecutors to amend Hollingsworth's bail order and require him to turn his horses over to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Hollingsworth is also ordered not to have any contact with his horses, according to WTTW.

Prosecutors also alleged that Hollingsworth has used his Facebook following to "incite" his fans to protest at the farm where NuNu is staying.

Hollingsworth has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on Jan. 14.

On his Facebook page, he denies mistreating his horses, particularly NuNu. On Thursday, he shared a video, writing, "The state attorney said I was beating my horse and forth her to run and nunu Collapse on 95 at the end of my kids lives matter march. Please share this video so that the world can see how they doin me because I am a black man fighting for our kids future."

Hollingsworth also alleges "there is no probable cause" for authorities to seize the horse and claims that NuNu's injuries were caused by the officers who "(forced) my horse off the highway."