From correspondents in London
01nov04
A MCDONALD'S drive-through restaurant in London had a line of unusual customers. Those queueing for their Big Macs were amazed to see 15 soldiers on horseback in line ahead of them, each leading a spare horse.
One driver grabbed a camera to record the moment as the mounted regiment took time out to grab a burger.
"It was surreal. It's the last thing you expect at McDonald's," the driver said.
Captain Jonathan Rees-Davies, a spokesman for the Household Cavalry, said the horses were being taken for their regular morning exercise when the riders fancied a snack from a McDonald's outlet at Wandsworth Bridge.
"They usually stop off for a cup of coffee somewhere, but their officer obviously decided they had earned a treat." he said.
"The guys will have been up since 5am mucking out and could be on duty until 6pm, so it's a long day for them."
A McDonald's spokesman said they were delighted to welcome all customers - whether they have two legs or four.
"We have had the Queen's car drive through, but I can't remember the Household Cavalry doing it before."
The soldiers combine ceremonial duties on horseback with driving armoured fighting vehicles.
Captain Rees-Davies said he had never heard of them going to a McDonald's but they weren't flouting any rules.
how freaky would it be if you were just doing your job when a whole lot of people on horses rocked up? it would probably break the monotony nicely. 
A couple of friends and I used to do this once a week. Tack up the horses, ride through the maccas drive through and buy some burgers. Was heaps good fun