Last updated: 10 November 2026

When a horse dies: what to do next

We’re very sorry. There’s no need to rush every decision. These are the practical steps, in the order most owners need them.

1. Contact your vet

If your horse has died unexpectedly, or you’re not sure, call your vet. They can confirm death and advise you. If your horse may be suffering, your vet can put them to sleep.

2. Decide what happens to your horse’s body

The British Horse Society lists the main options (BHS):

• Cremation. Most equine crematoria will collect your horse. You can choose individual cremation, with ashes returned, or communal cremation, which costs less.
• Collection only. The not-for-profit Equine End of Life Service arranges euthanasia and/or collection through licensed collectors. Your vet can also recommend local licensed collectors.
• Burial. In England any horse can be buried, but there are rules to protect water supplies. See can you bury a horse?.

3. Arrange collection

Tell the crematorium or collector where your horse is, how to reach them (gates, access for a lorry) and roughly how big they are. If you’d like a plait of mane or tail, or a shoe, ask for it before collection.

4. Return the horse passport

Within 30 days of your horse’s death, you must return their passport to the organisation that issued it (the Passport Issuing Organisation). It will update its records and invalidate or destroy the passport. You can ask whether an invalidated passport can be sent back to you as a keepsake (gov.uk).

5. Tell your insurer

If your horse was insured, contact your insurer. The British Horse Society advises checking your policy, as cover for euthanasia is often partial (BHS).

6. Look after yourself

Losing a horse can be overwhelming. Free support is available. See support after losing a horse.

If you’d like help finding a crematorium, request a callback and we’ll talk you through it. Typical costs are in our price guide.