Why did people think my headless horseman cosplay was cool and not cringey or something?

In a wooded area, I did a cosplay for a photoshoot with a real (and really large) horse with armor on it for my Instagram and was amazed at much admiration and respect I got from people walking through. Why? I mean I've seen videos of people harassing cops on horses. Why don't they get the same respect and admiration?