Mis-carriage of justice: Debbie at the McDonald's drive-thru where she was refused service with friend Ashley Macro. McDonald's said it stands by its policy of not serving people on horse and cart
A woman riding in a horse and carriage was turned away from a McDonald's drive-thru after they were deemed a health and safety hazard.
Debbie Murden was refused service at the hatch of the fast food restaurant in Alfreton, Derbyshire, after staff said it was too dangerous to serve her when she was in the carriage.
So 42-year-old Ms Murden steered her transport - pulled by a Welsh Cob stallion called Dago - over the road to KFC where staff were happy to take her order.
Bargain bucket for your nag? Ms Murden at the KFC drive-thru with friend Ashley Macro. The fast food chain said it was happy to serve her and would do so again
Ms Murden said she was surprised by the refusal, as she rides her horse and carriage for miles from her home in Pinxton, Derbyshire, often stopping off at pubs and restaurants along the way.
She said: 'My horse travels on dual carriageways and is never affected - there is no reason why it would be dangerous.
'I went into the restaurant to buy a meal for me and my boyfriend and some carrot sticks for my horse.
'It was a surprise to me as I've never been refused before. We often stop off at pubs and leave the stallion in the car park, it's usually no bother whatsoever, and is mostly a good talking point.'
Horse play: Ms Murden with her friend Kim Phelan. Diners watched on in amazement as she manoeuvred the huge stallion to a KFC window and placed her order
Ms Murden has sent a complaint to McDonald's about being turned away, but the fast-food restaurant has yet to reply.
She added: 'If they say sorry and admit it's their fault then I will go there again but from now on I'll be using KFC.'
A McDonald's spokesman said: 'We're sorry to have disappointed Ms Debbie Murden and for any confusion caused.
'The health and safety of our customers is our top priority and for this reason we are unable to serve customers in a horse-drawn carriage.
'We will ensure this policy is reiterated to our employees so any inconsistency is avoided.'
A KFC spokesman said: 'We were happy to serve Ms Murden and look forward to seeing her again soon.'
source: dailymail