A routine fast-food stop in Wyoming turned into something far less ordinary when a local farmer pulled into a McDonald's drive-thru—behind a team of draft horses.
According to local outlet Cowboy State Daily, Allen Hatch, a resident of Powell, made the unexpected visit while running errands around town this month. Instead of a pickup truck, he arrived in a wagon pulled by two horses, Coal and Onyx, whom he’s been training for farm work and wagon use.
Hatch explained that the outing wasn’t just about grabbing food. “I needed some parts from Ace Hardware and feed at Murdoch’s, and the horses needed some miles,” he said. The trip into town doubled as a training exercise to get the animals accustomed to traffic and everyday environments.
While passing through, Hatch decided to stop at McDonald’s for a quick meal. Acting on impulse, he guided the wagon into the drive-thru lane.
The reaction from staff was mixed. According to Hatch, some employees were amused by the sight. “The young lady at the first window was very excited,” he said, noting that another worker “thought it was great” as well.
But that enthusiasm didn’t extend to management.
Hatch said the restaurant’s manager quickly stepped in and cited company policy, which restricts drive-thru service to motorized vehicles.
“There’s a company policy precluding having livestock in the drive-through for purposes of liability,” he explained. Concerns reportedly included sanitation and safety risks posed by keeping animals in a confined, vehicle-focused space.
McDonald’s corporate guidelines state that its drive-thru lanes are designed for “motor cars, vans, trucks, mopeds, motorbikes and road-worthy mobility scooters,” and that animals, bicycles, and pedestrians are not permitted for health and safety reasons.
Despite completing the visit and receiving his order, Hatch said the outcome was clear. “We’ve been 86ed from McDonald’s,” he said.
Coal and Onyx, aged 12 and 13, are still adjusting to their roles. Hatch acquired them from a Tennessee farm and has been working to build familiarity and communication with the pair.
The McDonald’s stop, while unconventional, served as part of that process. “It’s about making sure they’re traffic safe,” he said, adding that the outing itself was secondary to their training—and that they handled it well.
Hatch plans to continue using the horses for farm work, wagon rides, and training mule colts in the future. But as for fast food runs, that chapter appears closed.
“After that experience,” he said, “I won’t be blessing them with my presence again.”