About Us
A family caring for horses since 1890
Five generations of one Essex family, caring for horses since 1890.
Generations of trusted service
More than a service, a promise
W Martin and Son began in 1890 as a small family business, and over the years we have grown into a trusted provider of equine cremation and farm services. Our dedication to supporting families in their time of need has remained unwavering for well over a century.
As horse lovers ourselves, we understand the deep bond between horse and owner, and we treat every horse as if they were our own.
Today we offer individual horse cremation with the ashes returned to you from £650 and communal horse cremation from £330, and collection from your home, stable or veterinary practice is included in both.
Care in every detail
Dignity at every step
We believe in offering more than just a service, we offer compassionate care to those going through a difficult time. Every step of our cremation process is handled with respect and attention to detail, so your horse is honoured to the highest standard.
Our commitment extends beyond the cremation itself, with personalised memorial options and the kind of ongoing support only a family business can give.
- Family heritage spanning five generations
- Personal care for every horse and owner
- Committed to the highest standards
- Here for you whenever you need us
The facts
W. Martin & Son at a glance
W. Martin & Son is an equine cremation company in Braintree, Essex, founded in 1890 and run by the Martin family ever since. We collect horses and ponies from homes, livery yards and veterinary practices across Essex and ten more counties and areas of the South East and East of England.
Common questions
Questions about W. Martin & Son
Who are W. Martin & Son?
W. Martin & Son is a family-run equine cremation company at Bakers Lane, Black Notley, Braintree, Essex CM77 8QS. The business began in 1890 and is still run by the Martin family, with Charlie Martin and Trevor Martin as directors. It trades as W. Martin & Son Limited, registered in England and Wales under company number 07525681, VAT number GB103101063.
How long has W. Martin & Son been caring for horses?
Since 1890. That is more than 130 years and five generations of the same family, and over 1,000 families have trusted us to care for their horse.
What does W. Martin & Son do?
We cremate horses and ponies. You can choose an individual cremation, where your horse is cremated on their own and only their ashes are returned to you, or a communal cremation, where ashes are not returned. Both include collection from your home, stable or veterinary practice. We also offer oak caskets, urns, scatter tubes, engraved nameplates, polished horseshoes and mane or tail keepsakes.
How much does horse cremation cost with W. Martin & Son?
Individual cremation starts from £650 with your horse’s ashes returned to you, and communal cremation starts from £330. Collection from your home, stable or veterinary practice is included in both. The final cost can depend on your horse’s size and the memorial options you choose, so please call 01376 331136 for an exact quote.
Which areas does W. Martin & Son cover?
We are based in Braintree, Essex and collect across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Surrounding counties are covered by request, so please just ask.
Does W. Martin & Son offer anything besides equine cremation?
Yes. Alongside equine cremation we run farm services, which cover agricultural and fallen stock collection. Equine cremation is for companion horses and ponies, with individual or communal options and a range of memorials. If you are not sure which you need, call 01376 331136 and we will guide you.
Is W. Martin & Son a registered company?
Yes. W. Martin & Son Limited is registered in England and Wales under company number 07525681, with VAT number GB103101063. Our yard and office are at Bakers Lane, Black Notley, Braintree, Essex CM77 8QS.
When can I contact W. Martin & Son?
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and Saturday, 8am to 12pm. You can call 01376 331136 at any time, including outside those hours, or email info@wmartinandson.co.uk.
To see exactly what happens from your first call onwards, read our four step horse cremation process. For costs, see our equine cremation prices. To check that we reach you, see the counties we collect from or our page on equine cremation in Essex.
Our team
Who will look after you and your horse?
W. Martin & Son is run by the Martin family, with Charlie Martin and Trevor Martin as directors. When you call, you speak to the ladies in the office who make the arrangements simple, and it is Trevor and the collection team who come to you and take your horse into our care with quiet dignity. Each of us is here to handle the sensitive nature of our work with the care it deserves.
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.
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.