The sound of their hooves thundered through the parking lot.

Past cars looking for a spot, and tired shoppers exiting the superstore, purchases clutched tightly in hand, the two massive horses trotted dutifully, carrying loads of families and children round and round the pavement circuit.   

The horses are the Express Clydesdales, a team of massive, black and white animals that tour the country giving rides to passersby and raising money for different charities.

This week, three of the giant, gentle horses were stationed for two hours in the parking lot of the Cumming Walmart at 2395 Peachtree Parkway, doing what they do best— drawing a crowd and giving rides to curious, happy people.

“We had a great turnout from our clients, from our associates, our employees, and just the general public shopping today at Walmart,” said Alpharetta Express Employment Professionals employee Ashley Perkins.

Perkins said that during the event they were focused on raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network, the non-profit organization that supports children’s hospitals and medical research.

“People are very interested, because you drive up and you see the magnificent Clydesdales. Everyone is stopping,” Perkins added.

In between rides, people at the event were getting photos with one of the Clydesdales named “Danny.”

“We are here on their behalf today, to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network and show people a little about these animals,” said one of the Clydesdale handlers, Shaun Bovard.

He said that the horses are normally stationed out of Yukon, Oklahoma but the animals are in Georgia to march in the Atlanta St. Patrick’s day parade being held Saturday. He said that getting out with the horses and seeing the joy they bring people makes his job worth it.

“That’s what it’s all about, if you are at home with them at the farm and no one gets to see them, what’s the point,” he said.