Do I need a vet to come out before you collect my horse?

No. If your horse has already died, you can phone Harbourside directly on 0493 814 474. A vet certificate is not required for collection in NSW or SE Queensland.

Can you collect from agistment, livery or someone else's property?

Yes. We routinely collect from agistment, stables, riding schools, vet clinics and trail properties. Just give us the collection address when you call.

What happens if my horse died overnight?

Leave them where they are, keep other horses separated if you can, and phone us in the morning — or any time. Decomposition is not a concern overnight in normal conditions.

Can I bury my horse on my own property in NSW?

Sometimes — it depends on your local council, lot size, water table and proximity to waterways. See our horse burial rules guide for NSW for a plain-English summary, or phone us and we'll tell you what applies in your area.

Will my horse be cremated alone?

Yes — always, for individual cremation packages. One horse, one chamber. You receive a signed Certificate of Guaranteed Individual Cremation confirming it.

How long until the ashes come home?

Usually within 3–4 weeks, and we keep you updated throughout. Memorial urns from the Artisan and Heirloom ranges add a small additional crafting time, which we tell you about when you choose.

Emergency guidance · NSW & SE Queensland · 24/7 response

What To Do When A Horse Dies — A Calm, Clear Guide For Owners

Immediate answer

If your horse has just died, you don't need to do anything physical right now. Keep other horses away if you can, take a breath, and phone Harbourside on 0493 814 474. We coordinate dignified collection, cremation or burial across NSW and South-East Queensland — usually same-day or next-day. You do not need to move your horse, dig anything, or call multiple companies. One call begins everything.

Phone Alby — 0493 814 474

Every horse handled by Harbourside is cared for under SafeHarbour Verification — one numbered tag, one chamber, one companion at a time.

What should I do in the first hour after my horse dies?

In the first hour, your only job is to slow down and make one phone call. Phone Harbourside on 0493 814 474 — we will guide you through every decision from that moment forward.

Move other horses to a separate paddock if it is safe to do so, place a rug or sheet over your horse if that feels right, and stay with them if you wish. Nothing else is urgent. Decomposition is not a concern in the first 24 hours in most Australian conditions.

Keep yourself and any helpers safe — do not attempt to move the horse.
Move companion horses to another paddock if reachable without risk.
Note the exact collection address, gate access and any vehicle-size limits.
Phone Harbourside on 0493 814 474 — we take it from there.
If a vet is still attending, ask them to confirm time of death for our records.

Do I have to move my horse before you arrive?

No. You should not attempt to move your horse. Our equipment is purpose-built for dignified collection of horses up to draught size, in paddocks, stables, agistment properties and on uneven ground.

If your horse is in a difficult position — in a stable, against a fence, on a slope — tell us when you call. We come prepared and we have collected horses from every kind of property across NSW and SE QLD.

What are my aftercare options?

There are three primary options in NSW and SE Queensland: individual cremation (ashes returned to you), professional removal (no return of ashes), or on-property burial where local council rules permit.

Harbourside provides all three pathways through one phone call. You are not committed to anything when you ring — we explain the options calmly and only proceed when you are ready.

Individual cremation — your horse, alone in the chamber, ashes returned in 3–4 weeks.
Communal / professional removal — respectful collection and aftercare, no ashes returned.
On-property burial — possible on rural land where council rules and water-table conditions allow.
Memorial pathways — Artisan, Heirloom and Open Paddock packages for owners who want a lasting tribute.

How quickly can Harbourside arrive?

Same-day or next-day, almost always. We are based to service NSW and SE Queensland, with regular travel through the Hunter Valley, Southern Highlands, Tamworth corridor and the greater Sydney basin.

Our hours are 6am–6pm, and Alby is reachable for urgent matters around the clock — if you call after hours, leave a message and we will respond quickly.

How will I know my horse was handled with dignity?

Every horse collected by Harbourside is handled under our SafeHarbour Verification chain-of-care system. That means one numbered tag, one chamber, one companion at a time — verified at every step from paddock to return of ashes.

For individual cremations you receive a signed Certificate of Guaranteed Individual Cremation. Nothing about your horse's aftercare is anonymous or batched.

What does it cost?

Costs depend on the option you choose and the distance to your property. Professional removal is the most affordable pathway; individual cremation with memorial packages is priced transparently on our equine packages page.

There is no charge for ringing us, no charge for advice, and no obligation. Phone first, decide later.

Frequently asked

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If your horse is with you now, don't wait.

Phone Alby directly — one call begins everything.

Call 0493 814 474