Our Services
Communal Horse Cremation
A respectful, more economical cremation where ashes are not returned.
What is communal horse cremation?
Communal horse cremation means your horse is cremated respectfully alongside other animals, and the ashes are not returned to you.
W. Martin & Son carries out communal equine cremation from £330, including collection from your home, stable or veterinary practice. It is the more economical of our two options, and it is carried out with the same care as an individual cremation. We are a family business founded in 1890, based at Bakers Lane, Black Notley, Braintree, Essex CM77 8QS, and we collect horses and ponies across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
What this service involves
A communal cremation is a dignified and more affordable option for owners who do not wish to have their horse’s ashes returned. Your horse is cremated respectfully alongside other animals, with the same care and professionalism we bring to every horse in our charge.
- Respectful communal cremation (ashes are not returned)
- Collection from your home, stable or veterinary practice
- Professional, compassionate care from start to finish
Choosing a communal cremation does not mean choosing less care. Every horse is handled gently and with the dignity they deserve.
Communal Equine Cremation
A respectful, more economical cremation where ashes are not returned.
Or call us any time on 01376 331136
How 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, alongside other horses in our care. A communal cremation does not include the return of ashes, and we explain exactly what happens at every stage before anything is arranged.
Aftercare & Keepsakes
Although ashes are not returned with a communal cremation, we can still arrange keepsakes such as polished horseshoes or a cutting of mane or tail, and our team stays in touch until everything is settled.
What is the difference between communal and individual cremation?
With a communal cremation, from £330, your horse is cremated respectfully alongside other animals and the ashes are not returned. With an individual horse cremation, from £650, your horse is cremated on their own and their ashes are returned to you in an oak casket, a decorative urn or scatter tubes. Both include collection from your home, stable or veterinary practice, and both are carried out with the same dignity and care. Our guide to horse cremation costs explains what changes the final price.
What does a communal cremation include, and what does it cost?
A communal cremation starts from £330 and includes respectful collection from your home, stable or veterinary practice, the cremation itself, and compassionate care from start to finish. Ashes are not returned, so there is no casket, urn or delivery to arrange. The final cost can depend on your horse’s size, so please call 01376 331136 for an exact quote. You can compare both services on our equine cremation prices page.
Where do you collect from, and how quickly?
We collect from your home, your yard or stable, or directly from your veterinary practice, in a dedicated vehicle. We aim to collect as quickly as possible, often the same day or the next day, and we are able to reach difficult locations and continue collections in poor weather. We travel across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex, so you can find your county on our areas we cover page. If your horse has just died, our guide to what to expect when a horse passes away explains what happens next.
FAQs
Questions about communal horse cremation
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.
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 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 if my horse passes away at the veterinary practice?
We collect directly from veterinary practices across the region. Simply let your vet know that you would like W. Martin & Son to care for your horse, and we will arrange everything with them.
Do I need to prepare my horse before collection?
No special preparation is needed, our team takes care of everything. If your horse is at a yard, it helps to let the yard owner know we are coming and to have any details to hand.
Do you offer grief support?
Losing a horse is a profound loss, and our team is here to support you with patience and understanding. We are always happy to talk, and can point you towards pet-bereavement resources if that would help.
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.