Equine cremation · Essex & the South East
Honouring the bond, cherishing the memories
During this difficult time, our compassionate family team is here to help you say goodbye to your horse with the dignity and care they deserve, just as we have for over 130 years.
At a glance
What does horse cremation with W. Martin & Son involve?
W. Martin & Son cremates horses and ponies individually from £650 with the ashes returned to you, or communally from £330 where ashes are not returned. Collection from your home, stable or veterinary practice is included in both, and ashes are usually hand-delivered back to you within around a week.
Services, prices and what is included
Where we are, where we cover, how long it takes
See the full equine cremation price list or check the counties we collect from.
A family you can count on
Compassionate care since 1890
W. Martin & Son began in 1890 as a small family business. Over five generations we have grown into one of the South East’s most trusted equine cremation services, but our purpose has never changed.
As horse owners ourselves, we understand the deep bond between you and your horse, and we treat every horse in our care as if they were our own.
Our Services
Compassionate care, your way
Whether you wish to keep your horse’s ashes close or choose a simpler farewell, every service is carried out with the same dignity and respect.
Individual Equine Cremation
Your horse cremated on their own, with their ashes returned to you.
More about individual equine cremation
Communal Equine Cremation
A respectful, more economical cremation where ashes are not returned.
More about communal equine cremation
Memorial & Keepsake Options
Caskets, urns, engraved nameplates, polished horseshoes and keepsakes.
More about memorial & keepsake optionsHow it works
Our gentle process
We are here to provide comfort and support through every step, ensuring your horse is treated with care and dignity.
Compassionate Consultation
Call us at any time and speak with our caring team. We will gently talk through your wishes, explain your options, and answer every question without pressure, so you can make the right decision for you and your horse.
Respectful Collection
We collect your horse from home, the stable or your veterinary practice in a dedicated vehicle, at a time that suits you. Our experienced team handles everything with quiet dignity, including in difficult conditions.
Dignified Cremation
Your horse is cremated with the utmost care. With an individual cremation, your horse is cremated on their own and tracked throughout, so the ashes returned to you are theirs alone.
Memorial & Delivery
Choose from a range of personalised memorials and keepsakes. We then hand-deliver your chosen memorial or your horse’s ashes back to you with care, usually within around a week.
Areas we cover
Serving Essex & the South East
Based in Braintree, Essex, we travel across the region to care for horses and ponies. Find your county below.
Words from those we’ve helped
Trusted by horse owners
Their stories reflect the compassion and dedication we bring to every horse we honour.
The staff were amazing, the service I can’t fault and so glad to find them at a time of need. Really lovely people, reasonably priced, really competitive compared to others when you’ve got an unexpected loss. Highly recommended and thank you to you all xx
From the first difficult call to receiving my pony’s ashes back, the service from Martin’s has been of the highest standard. Professional and understanding, we couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you.
Very professional, compassionate and caring. Returned my fur baby home to me quickly and the box was presented so beautifully. I can’t recommend this company enough. Thank you for all you’ve done x
Martins were absolutely fantastic. From the ladies in the office who made things simple and easy to organise, to Trevor who came to collect our horse, all were amazing. Professional, caring, and allowed us all the time we needed, which made a very difficult day that bit easier.
Found W. Martin and Son on Google and they were the best price to come and collect my horse. The service was fantastic, they came out in a special 4x4 vehicle in the snow and delivered him back in just over a week. Highly recommended, thank you.
The man who came was very nice. He did his job with sympathy and dignity. Thank you.
FAQs
Common questions answered
A few of the questions we’re asked most often. You’ll find many more on our FAQs page.
How much does it cost to have a horse cremated?
Individual cremation starts from £650, with your horse’s ashes returned in a traditional oak casket with a nameplate, or in scatter tubes. Communal cremation starts from £330, where ashes are not returned. Both include collection from your home, stable or veterinary practice. The final cost can depend on your horse’s size and any memorial options you choose, so please call us on 01376 331136 for an exact quote.
What areas do you cover?
We are based in Braintree, Essex and cover Essex and the wider South East and East of England, including Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Surrounding counties are covered by request, so please just ask.
How soon after my horse passes away can collection take place?
We aim to collect as quickly as possible, often the same or the next day. Please call us at any time and we will arrange collection at a time that suits you.
Do you offer individual and communal cremations?
Yes. With an individual cremation your horse is cremated on their own and only their ashes are returned to you. With a communal cremation your horse is cremated respectfully alongside other animals and ashes are not returned. Both are carried out with the same dignity and care.
How do I know the ashes returned are my horse’s?
With an individual cremation your horse is cremated on their own and carefully tracked throughout the entire process, so the ashes returned to you are your horse’s and your horse’s alone.
How long does the cremation process take?
We aim to return your horse’s ashes to you within around a week, though this can vary. We will keep you informed at every stage so you are never left wondering.
How is my horse collected and transported?
We collect your horse from your home, stable or veterinary practice in a dedicated vehicle, handled with quiet dignity by our experienced team. We are able to reach difficult locations and continue collections in poor weather.
What memorial and keepsake options do you offer?
We offer traditional oak caskets, decorative urns, scatter tubes, engraved nameplates, polished horseshoes and mane or tail keepsakes. We are happy to talk you through what feels right for you.
We’re here whenever you need us
Losing a horse is never easy. Whenever you’re ready, our caring team will gently talk you through your options, with no pressure and no rush.