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A well-trained horse is the most noble and imposing of animals and its presence at a funeral can evoke not only a vivid sense of occasion, but can also somehow soften an event at which many people are facing up to harsh realities and acutely-felt emotions. So, to be able to provide a fitting equestrian element for any client that wishes it, we can offer a range of options that will result in a true reflection of the deceased's relationship with horses, regardless of whether they were a committed equestrian, a weekend rider or someone who simply enjoyed watching or being around horses.
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Horse-drawn hearse
As the most commonly seen alternative to the traditional motor hearse, we can arrange provision of a fully restored, authentic Victorian horse-drawn hearse.
Use of this form of transport is somewhat restricted by the geography of our locality, particularly with the hills, but we will be more than willing to advise you accordingly and help you to achieve your aim if at all possible.
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Cortege Outrider
A slightly more low-key, and significantly more practical option, is a horseback outrider for the cortege. Using only horses with the right aptitude and temperament and providing our own fully-trained and suitably dressed riders, we are able to offer a dignified service that can easily be incorporated into any funeral. We would usually provide this service ourselves and would not use an external provider unless necessary. As a result, this option is surprisingly inexpensive and could also be used to complement other options as detailed below.
As a point of interest, 'Harry' (pictured) is the principle horse we use, on account of his excellent temperament and ability to stand still for long periods. These attributes make Harry well-qualified not only for funeral work, but also television filming! This has in turn led to him appearing on BBC's 'Top Gear', when a stunt involving a 4 x 4 vehicle required presenter Richard Hammond to join the Hunt..
....Click to view video>>
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Horse & cart
We would be pleased to arrange for a more simple style of cart in place of a formal horse-drawn hearse. Options can include either a more country-style cart - which could be suitably decorated with flowers, etc. or perhaps a restored dray cart pulled by Shire horses, which can be hired from professional external providers.
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Other options
Whilst we have detailed some of our own available services above, a great many other options can be created from using horses actually owned by the deceased, their relatives or friends. We will gladly advise you and help you to explore all available options. For example, a client's own horse could be used to lead the procession (either by your own rider, "in hand" by someone on foot, or by our own outrider), perhaps with the saddle symbolically "empty" or "reversed". We also have experience of adapting carts which clients may already be in possession of.
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Fred Stevens Funeral Directors
is a member of The National Association Of Funeral Directors
and abide by the NAFD Code Of Practice.
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