Tony Monroe spends five days a week riding his horse Grace through the most dangerous streets of Fresno, California. His peculiar pursuit began with a vision he had of himself riding a dark horse through a gang-controlled neighbourhood, which he took as a divine message. Twenty-five years later, Monroe is an odd yet familiar presence in Fresno, riding and preaching a Christian gospel of encouragement and God’s love to those who are struggling. While it’s unclear how his message lands with the community, his horse seems to provide a welcome change of pace for people in troubled neighbourhoods. But with ageing, Monroe has begun to wonder if anyone will continue his life’s work when he’s too old to saddle up and ride.
An urban cowboy rides through gang-ridden streets, preaching a gospel of redemption
Directors: Dane Christensen, Aria Swarr

videoRace and ethnicity
A black calf roper challenges the American West’s myths at the rodeo
6 minutes

videoThe environment
Humane horse-training means understanding humans as predators and horses as prey
6 minutes

videoAnimals and humans
Laura fights to protect the magnificence of wild horses running free
6 minutes

videoSubcultures
Deep faith and rough rides – life at an evangelical rodeo Bible camp
23 minutes

videoPsychiatry and psychotherapy
How does it feel to have multiple voices in your mind all the time?
11 minutes

videoRituals and celebrations
To the horsemen of Almonte, nature is a religion, and herding defines them
3 minutes

videoPublic health
‘I know it looks barbaric.’ Can a fight club curb street violence?
9 minutes

videoAnthropology
Does Mogi’s future lie with her horses on the Mongolian steppe, or in the city?
16 minutes

videoSpirituality
A modern shepherd tending his flock looks for spiritual resonance in age-old work
10 minutes