The process

Our horse cremation process, step by step

From your first call to the return of your horse’s ashes, here is exactly what happens and when, so nothing comes as a surprise.

At a glance

What happens, and how long it takes

These are the plain facts of arranging an equine cremation with us, so you know what to expect before you pick up the phone.

How it starts
One phone call to 01376 331136. There is no form to fill in and no obligation.
Time to collection
Often the same day or the next day, at a time that suits you
Where we collect from
Your home, your stable or livery yard, or your veterinary practice
Your two options
Individual cremation, your horse alone with their ashes returned, or communal cremation, where ashes are not returned
Ashes returned
Within around a week, hand delivered to the location you choose
Cost
Individual cremation from £650, communal cremation from £330, collection included in both
Where we travel
Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex

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.

01

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.

02

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.

03

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.

04

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.

No pressure, ever

What do I need to do when my horse dies?

Call us on 01376 331136 and tell us where your horse is. That is all you need to do. There is no rush and no obligation. We will gently explain your options, answer your questions, and arrange collection at a time that suits you, usually the same or the next day.

No special preparation is needed, our team takes care of everything. If your horse is at a livery yard it helps to let the yard owner know we are coming. Most owners have their horse’s ashes returned within around a week.

A horse owner on the phone to the W. Martin & Son office in Braintree arranging a cremation

FAQs

Questions about the horse cremation process

Straight answers on collection, timings, costs and how we make sure the ashes returned to you are your horse’s.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.