We don't do à la CART: McDonald's drive-thru refuses to serve woman in horse-drawn carriage... so she went to KFC

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.

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 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. RELATED ARTICLES Previous

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Next Where EVERYONE can play: Father builds $30m theme park for... Share this article Share '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.'

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

THE HORSEMAN OF WREXHAM

Joe Parnell became an internet sensation overnight when he was caught on CCTV as he tried to lead his nag on to a train.

Staff at Wrexham Station were stunned when Mr Pannell attempted to board an Arriva train with the white pony. Mr Pannell - a member of the Irish traveller community - and his pet were also spotted at a Wetherspoons pub the Elihu Yale, on Regent Street, Wrexham. He took the animal into the bar but was quickly kicked out by disapproving pub staff.

In the latest of a string of sightings, the elderly gent was seen attempting to gain entry to Wrexham Maelor Hospital's A&E department.

Ms Murden said she was puzzled by the refusal to serve her as she had used the same drive-thru two weeks ago with no problem to buy a meal for her and her horse.

She also points out there are no signs at the restaurant stating customers in horse-drawn carriages cannot use the drive-thru service.

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.'