Over a million households in the United States own a horse. Horses are intelligent, caring, loving creatures that can form close bonds with their owners over the years. 

The worst part of owning any pet is knowing that they will one day pass. If this sad eventuality has recently befallen your horse, then you might be thinking about getting them cremated so that you can keep their ashes and make a memorial for your friend. 

There are lots of horse cremation services out there, and choosing the right one for you will depend on your personal circumstances. 

Perhaps you’re unclear on how the whole process works. Here is our guide for everything you need to know about the process of respectfully cremating a horse. 

The Process of Horse Cremation Explained

The process of horse cremation involves a series of steps that ensure a respectful and efficient handling of the remains.

Firstly, the horse is transported to a specialized equine crematorium or a facility equipped to handle large animals. This facility has all the necessary equipment and infrastructure to conduct the cremation process safely and respectfully.

Once at the facility, the body is carefully placed in a cremation chamber. This chamber is a specially designed furnace that is capable of reaching extremely high temperatures. It is also known as a retort.

The body of the horse will be placed into the retort and then cremated until the remains have been reduced to ashes. Special care is taken to ensure that all the remains are gathered.

After the remains are collected from the retort, they are refined into a fine powder. This step makes the remains more easy to handle and place in an urn or container.

The final step involves placing the ashes in an urn or container of choice. The urn may be personalized or selected based on the owner’s preferences. The ashes are then returned to the horse’s owner or caretaker.

Throughout the entire process, professionals handle the horse’s remains with utmost care and respect. They will always ensure that the horse is treated with dignity during the cremation process.

Key Considerations for Horse Cremation Services

There are several factors that you need to consider when you’re trying to choose a horse cremation company. It is important that you choose a reputable company that has lots of experience doing equine cremations. 

Horse cremation cost can vary depending on the specific circumstances. The size of the horse, the type of cremation, and any additional services will all affect the cost. 

Ask the horse cremation services if they offer transportation or whether you’ll have to transport the horse to the crematorium yourself. 

Many people will also have environmental considerations when choosing a horse cremation service. Ask the company about their environmental practices and whether they have implemented any measures to minimize their ecological impact.

Preparing Your Horse for Cremation

Preparing a horse for cremation involves several important steps that ensure a smooth and respectful process. Following these steps means you can ensure that your horse receives the proper care and attention during this transition.

Veterinary Assistance and Documentation

Before you can deal with the remains of any pets or animals, you’ll need to get a veterinarian involved.

A veterinarian will certify the cause of death for the horse and assist you with any documentation or paperwork. 

Selecting a Cremation Service

Take some time to look at different horse cremation services and settle on the one that feels most right for you. 

Think about their experience and read their customer reviews. Your animal was special to you in life, so you want to make sure that you’re choosing the right people to handle it after it has passed.

Transportation

Transportation can be a bit of a sticking point for a lot of people. Always be sure to check with the cremation service that you’ve chosen if they offer a transportation service as part of the package.

Removal of Personal Items

Prior to transport, remove any personal items such as halters, blankets, or jewelry from the horse’s body. These can be kept as keepsakes or mementos.

Communication and Scheduling

Contact the cremation service and schedule a suitable date and time for the cremation. They will provide guidance on the necessary preparations and answer any questions you may have.

Cleaning and Preparation

Clean the horse’s body by gently washing and grooming if necessary. This step helps ensure a more dignified presentation during the cremation process.

Identification and Documentation

Provide accurate identification details to the cremation service. This includes the horse’s name, any identification markings, and your contact information. Clear documentation will prevent any mix-ups during the process.

Personalized Requests

Communicate any personalized requests you may have to the cremation service. This can include special handling, specific rituals, or desired memorialization options.

Saying Goodbye

Take the time to say a proper goodbye to your horse. Spend moments of reflection, express your emotions, and honor the bond you shared. This step can provide closure and comfort during a challenging time.

Follow-Up Arrangements

Once the cremation is complete, make arrangements with the cremation service for the return of the horse’s ashes. Decide on the preferred method of receiving the remains.

By following these important steps, you can ensure that your horse is well-prepared for the cremation process.

You want the entire experience to be handled with respect and dignity. Proper preparation and communication with the cremation service will help create a more meaningful and comforting experience during this difficult time.

Cost Factors and Pricing Structure for Horse Cremation

There are a lot of factors that play into the cost of horse cremation. It’s important to understand each of these factors before you start talking to any pet cremation companies so that you can have a rough estimate of how much it is going to cost. 

Size of the Horse

The size of your horse is probably the main factor when it comes to determining the cost of horse cremation. 

Larger horses will need more time and resources during the cremation process. As a result, larger horses tend to be more expensive to cremate than smaller ones. 

Type of Cremation

There are a few different types of cremation available to you, all of which have different pricing structures. 

The first type of cremation is called individual or private cremation. This means that your horse will be the only one in the retort while the cremation is taking place. This is the most expensive option. 

The cheaper option is to go for communal cremation. This is where the bodies of multiple horses are cremated at once. 

Additional Services

Additional services offered by the cremation provider are sometimes available for an extra cost.

This includes things such as transportation, collection of the horse’s body, or memorialization options.

Location

The geographical location of the cremation facility can also impact the cost. Prices may vary based on local market conditions, operating expenses, and transportation costs.

Optional Extras

Some horse cremation services offer optional extras, such as customized urns, memorial plaques, or keepsakes. These additional items can contribute to the overall cost, depending on your preferences and choices.

Consultation and Documentation

Consultation fees, veterinary assistance, and necessary documentation for the cremation process may also be included in the pricing structure. These fees ensure proper certification and handling of the cremation process.

It’s important to note that the cost of horse cremation can vary significantly depending on these factors and the specific offerings of each cremation service.

To obtain an accurate cost estimate, it is recommended to contact reputable cremation providers, discuss your specific needs, and request a detailed breakdown of their pricing structure. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the best option that fits your budget and preferences.

Find Horse Cremation Services Today

Losing a pet leaves a massive hole in your life. You feel like a part of you is missing and it can be difficult to think straight. Organizing the disposal and handling of the pet’s remains is often the last thing you want to do, so make sure that you choose horse cremation services that can take that burden off your shoulders and handle your favorite pet with care. 

At Furrever Friends, we are specialists in compassionate afterlife care for your pets. Our crematoriums have special equipment designed for use on horses, and we can ensure that your pet is cremated with dignity and well remembered. 

Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you in this difficult time.