Losing a horse is its own kind of grief. We’ve written a dedicated guide.
Equine Grief Support
For horses & large animals · NSW & SE QLD
When a horse or large animal has passed, the practical details are bigger: access, timing, equipment, transport and dignity. Speak directly with Alby. We help with respectful collection, property access, private cremation options and clear guidance from the first call.
Available 24/7 · Horses and large animals custom quoted · Dignified collection arranged
Horse-specific aftercare
Horse aftercare is not simple. Access, timing, handling, weight, location and dignity all matter. We talk it through with you before anything happens.
We collect from where your horse is, whether that is a paddock, stable, agistment or veterinary clinic.
We confirm gate access, ground conditions and timing with you so collection is calm and prepared.
Equipped and experienced for the physical reality of moving a horse with full dignity.
Horses and large animals are quoted individually. You see the quote before we commit to anything.
Choose an individual care option where only your horse is cared for and returned to you.
If your package includes return of ashes, we explain exactly how and when they come back.
SafeHarbour Verified
From collection to return, your horse is identified by one numbered SafeHarbour Verified token that stays with them through every step.
Tagged at collection
Individually cremated
Token returned with ashes
Certificate matched to token
Same-Day or Next-Day Collection Available
We will explain each option before you decide.
From $1,900 to $6,900, with clear differences in collection, ashes return, memorial vessel and delivery method.
A handcrafted timber urn with full ashes return.
From $6,900
Includes
A permanent timber urn for the home.
From $5,900
Includes
A scatter tube for a paddock farewell.
From $4,200
Includes
Private interment on a closed estate.
From $2,900
Includes
Removal with green burial and no ashes returned.
From $1,900
Includes
Prompt. Lawful. Dignified.
From POA · Call for quote
Includes
If you are unsure, call first. We will explain the practical differences and help you choose without pressure.
“They dropped everything to be here the day I lost my boy.”
“I could not recommend Alby and Rachael highly enough to take care of your beloved fur family. The empathy and support they provide is second to none. They made an already difficult process so reassuring. And I trusted them to take the best of care of my boy. They are honest and prompt with communication. They dropped everything to be here the day I lost my boy and I’ll be forever grateful.”
Start Where You Are
You may need urgent collection, help planning ahead, or time to compare options. Start there; we will talk you through the next step.
Call Alby now. We will guide you calmly through collection and the next steps.
Call Alby — 0493 814 474We can plan collection and aftercare in advance, so the day is clearer for everyone involved.
Send Gentle EnquirySee every option side by side — inclusions, pricing and how ashes are returned.
View Horse Cremation OptionsProfessional large-animal removal with the same dignity we bring to every call.
View Horse Cremation OptionsNot sure which applies? Call Alby directly — he will guide you.
The Process
We know this is overwhelming. Here's exactly what happens when you call — so there are no surprises, no confusion, and no pressure.
Call 0493 814 474 anytime — 24/7, weekends and public holidays. You'll speak with Alby or his trusted team. Honest guidance, no pressure.
Choose the farewell package that best honours your horse — from natural returns to heirloom hardwood tributes.
When you're ready, complete our “Let's Begin Their Farewell” form — just a few quiet minutes. Or call and we'll fill it in together.
Alby or his trusted team personally travels to your property across South East QLD and most of NSW. No transport companies. No strangers.
Your horse is cremated or interred individually at our privately-owned facility — never with other animals. You'll receive a signed Certificate of Individual Cremation and updates throughout.
Your horse's ashes return in your chosen urn — from a dignified container to a handcrafted Australian hardwood heirloom — with a personalised memorial certificate.
Our Difference
We're not a high-volume operation. We're a family-run service with direct responsibility for the horses in our care.
Your horse is cremated alone — never with others. Signed Certificate of Individual Cremation provided.
Every decision made by Alby and Rachael — never a corporation or third party. Personally handled, first call to return.
You'll notice the difference in every detail. Alby brings over three decades of cremation industry experience.
Alby personally collects your horse from your property. No transport companies, no strangers.
Verified Google reviews from horse owners, vets and equine professionals.
Loss doesn't wait for business hours. Call Alby any time — day, night, weekends, public holidays.
Families we’ve helped
Families often tell us they felt guided, not rushed. Read their words directly from Google.
Perfect 5.0 Google rating · only five-star reviews
“They dropped everything to be here the day I lost my boy.”
I could not recommend Alby and Rachael highly enough to take care of your beloved fur family. The empathy and support they provide is second to none. They made an already difficult process so reassuring. And I trusted them to take the best of care of my boy. They are honest and prompt with communication. They dropped everything to be here the day I lost my boy and I’ll be forever grateful.
“Alby made the process so much more comforting.”
I lost my beautiful Honey Bunny after 9 and a half years of life. I was an absolute wreck. Alby made the process much more comforting knowing that Honey was in such good hands. He came and picked her up from my house and even let me come and collect later at night to ease my mind so I could bring Honey home. They were beyond friendly and have the most gorgeous grandson who made me smile in such a dark time.
“Cannot recommend this service enough.”
We had a very sick little Guinea pig before our travels interstate so we decided to bring her along with us, sadly we lost her during a family holiday and found Harbourside who at very short notice took our queen, cremated her and returned her in a gorgeous little timber box with a plaque, a paw print and tuft of her hair all in time for us to travel home again. Alby was so genuinely invested in giving our girl a beautiful send off.
“Treated with such kindness from the very first call.”
Alby and the Harbourside team were so kind and compassionate when we lost our beloved Lydian. From the first phone call we felt looked after — nothing was rushed, nothing was outsourced, and every detail was handled with such care. Having him returned home to us in such a beautiful, dignified way meant the world to our family. We are forever grateful.
“Alby and Rachael were delightful when assisting us.”
Alby and Rachael of Harbourside Pet Cremations were delightful when assisting us with our little girl’s cremation. Very appreciated, thank you to you both. Their warmth, professionalism and genuine compassion made the most painful moment of our family’s year just that little bit softer to bear.
“They understood she was family, not ‘just a bird’.”
Our cockatiel Pippa was with us for 18 years — through three house moves, two kids growing up, and every morning coffee on the verandah. When she passed I was nervous about ringing around because some places really do treat small pets like an afterthought. Alby was the complete opposite. He spoke about Pippa like he already knew her, asked her name straight away, and arranged everything gently. Getting her home in a beautiful little timber box meant more than I can put into words.
“No judgement, just genuine kindness from start to finish.”
I’ve had a few people in my life raise an eyebrow when I mention my rats, so I was bracing myself when I called Harbourside about my little man Mochi. I shouldn’t have worried for a second. Rachael was so warm on the phone, asked about his personality, and treated the whole thing with the same care you’d expect for any pet. Mochi came home in a tiny box with a paw print and a little tuft of his fur. I cried in the best way.
“Treated our beardie with the dignity he deserved.”
Reggie was our bearded dragon for nearly 12 years and an absolute character — he’d come out for cuddles on the couch every night. When he stopped eating we knew the time was close, and the vet recommended Harbourside. Alby drove out the same evening to collect him. He took the time to ask about Reggie’s life, what he was like, even what his favourite basking spot was. That kind of care for a reptile is rare and we are so grateful.
“Sensitivity and efficiency we will always be grateful for.”
We contacted Harbourside Pet and Equine Cremations in the early hours of the morning after our beloved Labrador cross Monty died. They text back quickly to help us and arrange collection of our boy. When they arrived, they managed everything with absolute compassion and respect for our grief. Within a few days we had Monty’s ashes returned to us and this has given us a feeling of comfort as we know he is back where he belongs. It’s always difficult losing a loved pet, but the sensitivity and efficiency shown by Harbourside Pet and Equine Cremations was greatly appreciated.
“Having a companion in your life for this long is a real blessing.”
I recently had to make the very difficult decision to put my best friend of 29 years, Ben, to sleep. His final day was taken out of my control with him needing to be euthanised without delay — and of course that fell on a Sunday. I had always wanted cremation for my best friend, and because of the timing I thought my wishes had been taken away. An amazing work colleague was quick to intervene, mentioning Harbourside Pet & Equine Cremations. The compassion and care I received was second to none. From the moment Alby introduced himself I felt like I had another friend there helping me.
“Harbourside is the ONLY pet cremation service in NSW I would ever trust with my family. From the first phone call to the return of their ashes, everything was handled with extraordinary dignity and care.”
Practical Preparation
Everything you need to know — so the time we spend together can be focused entirely on your horse.
You do not need to hold everything in your head right now. We will guide you through every step.
This section makes the practical side clear before we arrive, so your focus can stay on your horse.
We have written this to reduce uncertainty, not add to it. If you only remember one thing, let it be this: you can call and ask us to talk you through it.
Payment
Payment is handled beforehand so your final moments are not interrupted by forms, invoices, or decisions under pressure.
Final Goodbye
Many families choose to step away during collection so the memory they carry is of love, not logistics. We will guide that gently.
Keepsakes
Mane, tail, shoes, rugs — gather anything you wish to keep before we arrive. We include this here so nothing important is forgotten.
Complete the "Let's Begin Their Farewell" form when you're ready — it only takes a few quiet minutes and helps us prepare to care for your horse properly.
We ask that payment is finalised before we arrive. This isn't about paperwork — it's about presence. The moment we step onto your property, we want our entire focus on your horse and on you, with no forms, no transactions, and no interruptions between us.
To make this as simple as possible, Rachael will send your invoice by email as soon as your booking is confirmed. Once you've settled, simply send your receipt through by text or email and we'll take care of everything from there.
To keep your focus entirely on your horse when we arrive, we ask that payment is settled beforehand — Rachael will make this as simple and stress-free as possible. Full options (Afterpay, VetPay, card and bank transfer) are explained in Flexible Ways to Pay below.
Take all the time you need before we arrive. Say what you need to say, in whatever way feels right.
When we begin the collection, we gently ask that family members step away — not because we want to exclude you, but because we want to protect you. The physical process of moving a large animal can be confronting. We believe your last memory of your horse should be of the bond you shared — their face, their warmth, the life between you — not the logistics of their departure.
Your horse will be handled with complete dignity from the moment we arrive to the moment they leave your property. We use purpose-built equipment and experienced handlers, and we work as gently and respectfully as the conditions allow.
“Guaranteed individual handling — your horse is never part of a batch process. Ever.”
“The moment we step onto your property, our focus is your horse, your family, and a collection handled calmly and respectfully.”
— Alby & Rachael, HarboursideIf the time comes suddenly, just call us. We will walk you through each step calmly, clearly, and without pressure.
Quick Reference Guide
Our private cremation packages (Sanctuary Private Interment, Open Paddock, Heirloom Timber Tribute and Artisan Legacy) include individual cremation and a Signed Certificate of Individual Cremation. Compassionate Removal & Natural Return is an eco-friendly green burial — no ashes returned. Professional Removal is an industry transport service — no memorial included.
| Package | Price | Best For | How It Feels | Ashes Returned i Returned ashes volume varies by package design, memorial vessel, and whether ashes are interred rather than returned home. | Return Method | CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Artisan Legacy Collection
|
$6,900 | Full ashes return in a bespoke home memorial | Substantial, formal, and made to remain in the home. | 100% — 6–20kg | Personal hand-delivery | |
|
Heirloom Timber Tribute
Chosen Most Often
|
$5,900 | Handcrafted timber urn with ashes returned | Solid, understated, and built to last. | Approx. 4kg | Secure tracked courier | |
|
Open Paddock Package
|
$4,200 | Scattering ashes at their paddock or favourite place | Practical, ceremonial, and outdoors. | ~1.5kg in scatter tube | Tracked courier | |
|
Sanctuary Private Interment
|
$2,900 | Ashes interred privately, not returned home | Quiet, protected, and private. | Interred on private estate | Keepsake photo provided | |
|
Compassionate Removal & Natural Return
|
$1,900 | Natural return without ashes returned | Simple, practical, and nature-based. | None | Confirmation of completion | |
|
Professional Removal
|
POA | Vets, stables, practical removal without memorial | Professional, prompt, and compliant. | None | Call for quote |
The question we hear most is: “Why is it so expensive to cremate a horse?” Having spent more than 30 years in the funeral and cremation industry, we can say this plainly: horse cremation is typically far less expensive than a human funeral and cremation. What surprises families is not that equine cremation is overpriced — it is that the work is so large, so physical, and so logistically demanding while still remaining comparatively affordable.
| Factor | Human Funeral & Cremation | Horse & Large Animal Cremation |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Investment | Often $8,000–$15,000+ once funeral service, coffin, transfer, venue, and cremation are included. | $1,900–$6,900 across our horse aftercare options, depending on distance, return choice, and memorial package. |
| Body Weight | Usually managed in a controlled setting with specialist funeral facilities and smaller-scale handling requirements. | Typically 500–700kg, requiring heavy lifting systems, specialist equipment, and purpose-built handling from the first step. |
| Transport Required | Hearse or funeral transfer vehicles operating on standard roads, usually between hospital, funeral home, chapel, cemetery, or crematorium. | Heavy 4WD and purpose-built equine trailer, often into paddocks, studs, agistment properties, and difficult rural terrain. |
| Retrieval Location | Most transfers happen from controlled environments such as hospitals, aged care, funeral homes, or residences with easy access. | Often private properties, muddy paddocks, fences, slopes, remote access tracks, and urgent on-site conditions with no controlled infrastructure. |
| Travel Distance | Usually metro or regional transfer routes within an established funeral network. | Often 500–1,100km+ round trips across NSW and SE QLD, coordinated urgently and personally. |
| Labour Per Journey | Structured around funeral home teams, venue staff, and established service workflows. | Often 12–13+ hours of travel alone, plus collection, handling, documentation, memorial preparation, and ashes return. |
| Ashes & Memorial Return | Commonly a standard urn selection or memorial option within a larger funeral account. | Ashes return can range from 1.5kg to 20kg, with handcrafted memorial pieces, interment, or full-return options included according to the package chosen. |
| What Families Should Understand | Human funerals are widely understood to be high-cost, multi-service arrangements. | Horse cremation involves heavier logistics, harder retrievals, longer distances, and specialist equipment — yet is still usually significantly cheaper than a human funeral and cremation. |
We say this directly because families deserve an honest anchor: the cost of cremating a horse reflects the scale of the work, not inflated pricing. In practical terms, it is often a highly personal, labour-intensive rural retrieval and cremation service delivered for less than many human funeral arrangements.
Payment Options
Fast finance options available. We require full payment to be finalised before we leave our premises.
Split into 4 fortnightly, interest-free payments over approximately 6 weeks.
Apply Now →
Veterinary-specific finance with approval in approximately 15 minutes.
Apply Now →
Secure credit or debit card payments over the phone or online.
Call 0493 814 474 →
Direct deposit option available. Details provided after enquiry.
Call 0493 814 474 →Where We Serve
Alby or his trusted team collects your horse from your property — no third-party transport, no call centre, and no anonymous hand-off.
Operational bases enabling rapid response across the full service region
Don't see your area? Distance is rarely a barrier.
📞 Call Alby NowMeet The Team
We're not a corporation. We're a husband-and-wife team, supported by trusted industry professionals, with direct responsibility for every horse in our care.
Alby & Rachael Koster — Founders, Harbourside Pet & Equine Cremations
Why We Started Harbourside
Between us, we've spent over 30 years in the cremation industry. We've seen firsthand how large animal aftercare is handled by most providers. We knew families and their horses deserved something different.
Our philosophy is simple: one horse, one journey. Every horse who comes into our care is identified, tracked and handled individually from collection through return. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is shared. Nothing is compromised.
“Integrity, to us, is what happens when no one is watching. That principle guides every decision we make, because your horse deserves the same respect whether you're present or not.”
When we founded Harbourside, we made a clear commitment: every horse would be handled individually. No batch processing. No shortcuts. No corporate indifference.
Alby personally handles many collections and cremations, supported by a trusted team of experienced horse industry professionals. Rachael manages family communication with warmth, clarity and careful attention.
When you call Harbourside, you're not reaching a call centre. You're speaking with people who know horses and understand exactly what this moment means.
One horse. One journey. Handled with all our heart, every single time.
“We're here to make the next step clear, respectful, and worthy of the care you gave them in life.”
Reviews From Horse Owners, Vets & Equine Professionals
When people call us, it’s usually one of the worst days they’ve had. They don’t need convincing — they need to know they’ve chosen the right people. These are real words from real families on the day it mattered most.
“He kept me updated over the week and returned him in great condition.”
“Alby was amazing to deal with from the start. We lost our beloved Skip suddenly and unexpectedly. Alby was kind, empathetic and reassuring. Despite a late afternoon phone call and a very long drive, he was on the road immediately to take Skip into his care. He kept me updated over the week and returned him in person also. I am extremely grateful for Harbourside’s personal and gentle care for both Skip and myself.”
“Having an animal in your life for this length of time is a total blessing.”
“I recently had to make the very difficult decision to put my best friend of 29 years, Ben, to sleep. The compassion and care I received from Harbourside was second to none. From the moment Alby introduced himself I felt like I just had another friend there helping me. I was treated with such kindness and respect. He truly understood how much Ben meant to me and handled everything with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity.”
“The long travel they undertook to bring my Sam to his final resting place.”
“I have no hesitation recommending the wonderful services that Harbourside provide. Alby and Rachael Koster provided me with a sense of care and respect for my horse and kept me informed every step of the way. I am entirely grateful for the long travel they undertook to bring home my Sam to his final resting place in Terrey Hills.”
Trusted By Families, Vets & Equine Organisations
Trusted By
A respected equine unit that trusts us to handle aftercare with calm, discretion, and care.
Referring Vet Practices
Additional Referring Practices
Elite Equine Veterinary Services Brisbane QLD · Cooinda Park Equine Centre Mulgoa NSW · Newcastle Equine Centre NSW · Angus Banks Equine Clinic NSW · Midcoast Vets Nambucca Mid North Coast NSW · Kentaro Vet Services Coffs Harbour NSW · Hawkesbury Equine Veterinary Centre NSW · Grafton Mobile Vet Clinic NSW · Moonee Beach Vet Clinic Mid North Coast NSW
When you call or message us, you reach the person who will actually care for your horse — not a call centre, not a dispatcher.
Your horse is never passed to a third party. From first call to final return, every step is handled by Alby and his trusted team — no strangers, ever.
Every package, price, and detail is laid out clearly — so you can make decisions without pressure, and without having to ask twice.
Our Promise
This is our operating standard: one horse identified, tracked, and cared for individually.
“Alby recorded this for the families who couldn't be there.
So you can see, with your own eyes, exactly how your horse is cared for.”
For Owners, Trainers, Breeders & Racing Professionals
Private, dignified aftercare for horses who gave everything. We understand urgency, discretion, property access and the standard of care expected by professional horse people.
A Gentle Promise
“You cannot choose the way they leave, but you can choose what happens next.”
Without a dedicated individual service, horses can be handled as part of a general process rather than tracked and returned as one individual animal.
Individual cremation means your horse is cared for alone, with dignity, with clear integrity, and with the possibility of bringing them home.
It is not only about ashes. It is about knowing what happened, who handled them, and how they were returned.
At Harbourside, one horse means one journey, handled privately, respectfully, and without compromise.
What Families Ask Us Most
We know you have questions. If your question isn't here, call our team on 0493 814 474.
Yes — always. We operate a strict “one horse, one journey” policy. Your horse is cremated alone, never with any other animal. You receive a signed Certificate of Individual Cremation confirming this.
We aim for same-day or next-day collection wherever possible. Call 0493 814 474 any time — 24 hours, 7 days, including public holidays.
Yes — always. Alby or one of his team personally travels to your property, wherever you are. We cover most of NSW and South East Queensland, operating from bases in Sydney, Coffs Harbour, and Brisbane. Distance is rarely a barrier when a horse needs us.
For cremation packages, yes — ashes are returned in your chosen urn or scatter tube. Standard return is within 3–4 weeks. Priority return is available on request.
The main differences are how the ashes are returned and the quality of the memorial vessel. From $1,900 (Natural Return — eco burial, no ashes returned) to $6,900 (Artisan Legacy — 100% ashes in a bespoke handcrafted urn with personal hand-delivery).
Yes — we specialise in equine and large animal aftercare, including donkeys, mules, and other large animals.
Call us immediately on 0493 814 474. We will mobilise straight away. Same-day collection is available. We are equipped for all terrain.
You are welcome to be present for final goodbyes. We gently encourage all goodbyes to be said before collection commences. There is no right or wrong.
We require full payment before we leave our premises. We accept Afterpay, VetPay (15-minute approval), credit/debit card by phone, and direct bank transfer.
Begin Here
Tell us only what feels manageable. We will guide the rest. All information is kept strictly confidential.
If this is urgent, call Alby first on 0493 814 474. If you're planning ahead, leave the practical details for later and simply tell us how you'd like us to get back to you.
Call Alby. We will talk through your situation, explain the options clearly, and help you decide the next respectful step.
Available 24/7 · Custom quoted · Property, stable & vet collection
