A clever equine from regional New South Wales has trotted straight into the global spotlight after a cheeky fast-food run. Bronson, a horse with a taste for soft serve, has captured hearts worldwide following his unforgettable visit to a McDonald's drive-through.
From Googong to Global Fame
The incident took place in the small town of Googong, NSW, where owner Erin Beattie decided to treat her stallion. Beattie guided Bronson up to the drive-through window, where amused staff served the patient horse a soft serve ice cream cone. The entire playful event was captured on video and shared on TikTok, where it rapidly amassed millions of views and comments from an astonished international audience.
Appearing on Channel Seven's Sunrise program with hosts Edwina Bartholomew and David Woiwod on Monday, Beattie expressed her shock at the video's reach. "It's crazy. You know, for something I just did for basically sh**s and giggles and posted on my little TikTok page, it's gone crazy," she admitted.
A Stunt 25 Years in the Making
For Beattie, the idea wasn't entirely spontaneous. She revealed a history of similar equine fast-food adventures, dating back a quarter of a century. "I used to ride through Macca's in Cooma 25 years ago and got served. So we thought we'd give it a go and see what they did," she explained to the Sunrise hosts.
When questioned about the legality of using a horse in a drive-through, Beattie offered a spirited defence of her chosen transport. "I'm under the theory that your horses are still a valid form of transport, and if you can get done DUI on them, why can't you go through a drive-thru with them?" she reasoned.
Corporate Response and Future Adventures
Despite the staff's apparent excitement and cooperation on the day, McDonald's has since clarified its official stance. Following the video's initial viral spread, a spokesperson for the fast-food giant issued a statement prioritising safety. "The safety of our people and customers is our top priority at McDonald's," the spokesperson said. "We do not allow customers on horseback in the drive-through, for the safety of the rider, our employees, fellow customers, and the animal."
During the television interview, Bronson remained the picture of quiet dignity, though Beattie confirmed he "absolutely devoured" his sweet treat. Whether this marks the beginning of a series of fast-food escapades for the famous horse remains to be seen. For now, Bronson's simple quest for a soft serve has cemented his place as one of the internet's most delightful and unexpected stars.
