Equine cremation is gaining popularity across the globe where equestrians who do not own land are finding a respectful alternative to burial, according to international sources.  The technique is particularly popular among owners who view horses as cherished family members rather than just working animals.

However, equine cremation remains relatively new in New Zealand.

Based in the Waikato and serving Auckland and central regions, the Rural Guardian Charitable Trust crematorium provides cremations almost weekly.  The state-of-the-art facility opened late last year and is the first large-scale equine cremation and research facility in the country, according to Trustee, Alex Kelly.

“We have been steadily gaining support from the Thoroughbred industry, while for equestrian riders and owners it’s normally been a referral from a vet practice that tells people of our service,” says Alex.

For many in the equine sector, cremation of horses is a new concept. There has been curiosity and, in some cases, uncertainty about this new equine welfare service.

ESNZ’s High Performance General Manager Jock Paget contacted the facility last October after a 27-year-old horse died of old age.

“He was a special horse and we wanted a dignified end of life process and a lasting memorial,” says Jock.

“They were excellent. Couldn’t speak any higher of the service and care which was provided. They took care of everything, removed all of the stress in handling that type of situation and were remarkably cheap. I would definitely recommend it,” he says.

Until recently, most deceased horses in the Waikato and greater Auckland region were either transported to landfill or buried on farm.  However, burial poses potential environmental risks due to leachate contamination from barbiturates used in euthanasia, and central government policy signals increasing restrictions on organic waste going to landfill over the coming years.

The purpose-built site also provides the opportunity for post-mortem examination that can allow further exploration into complex and often multifactorial causes of equine fatalities, including catastrophic injuries.  This work contributes to a broader understanding of risk factors and may help inform measures aimed at improving safety outcomes for horses in the future.

The Trust has plans to develop a second cremation unit in the building designed to future proof growth in numbers.  It is also about to purchase a dedicated recovery trailer that will allow horse and pony owners to load their deceased horse for delivery to the crematorium.

“Currently, we primarily use Animal Burial’s collection services but the trailer should assist some owners with reducing the cost of transport,” says Alex.

The Trust is also working with veterinary institutions, including Massey University, to support education and continuous professional development for veterinary students and qualified practitioners.

For more info contact RGT [email protected].  If you’d like to utilise the Transport and Collection service, please contact Richard Logan on 027 497 6058. Post cremation ashes will be prepared and returned on request.

Website: www.animalburial.co.nz