The following schemes and information available from the BHS, Blue Cross and World Horse Welfare ensure that horse owners are supported through every stage of equine euthanasia.
British Horse Society 'Friends at the End’
Friends at the End was launched in response to pleas from owners who felt isolated and unsupported during the time every horse lover dreads. Through this initiative, our BHS ‘Friends’ have helped many owners either before, during or after the loss of their beloved horse.
All our Friends at the End team have received training from bereavement counsellors, so they have a genuine understanding of the loss and grief that come when a horse passes. They aren’t there to take the place of a counsellor or vet, but they can offer an extra source of support. At the hardest time in a horse owner’s journey, our Friends are available to make it as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Get in touch – we’re here to help
If you feel that you might benefit from talking to someone from our Friends at the End team, we are able to offer you support and advice with any questions or concerns you may have.
Don’t hesitate to call us on 02476 840517* or email fate@bhs.org.uk – You can also get in touch with us via our social media channels.
Opening times are 8:35am-5pm from Monday – Thursday and 8:35am-3pm on Friday.
*Calls may be recorded for monitoring purposes.
Blue Cross Bereavement Services
Losing a horse or pony can often be equated to losing a member of the family. It is important not to underestimate the grieving process, and the strength of feelings that any owner or carer may feel once their horse has been put to sleep. It may be useful to talk to family members, or in some cases a trained counsellor who deals specifically with people suffering from grief.
The Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service is a telephone helpline and email service that offers free and confidential support to bereaved pet owners, through a national network of trained volunteer befrienders.
The Blue Cross Bereavement services are available 365 days of the year to those who need us. They can be contacted on 0800 096 6606 (8.30am-8.30pm) or email pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk.
World Horse Welfare- Making a plan for euthanasia - 'Just in Case'
There are two leaflets are available, one to give you the facts, and the other to help you make a plan long before you will need it.
‘Just in Case: The Facts’ clearly and sensitively explains all aspects of the situation, such as the options available and what to expect, how to assess quality of life, insurance, and legislation issues, and whether you should be there.
‘Just in Case: Owner’s Plan’ provides a clear form which can be completed in advance. You can also use this to be certain everyone knows what choices you would make even if you can’t be contacted in an emergency.
Visit the World Horse Welfare website for further information.
If you would like to talk to one of the World Horse Welfare team about end-of-life planning, call 01953 497238 during office hours.
Alternative sources of support
If you feel you would benefit from a trained counselling service, these websites will all be able to offer you appropriate help:
Counselling Directory: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/ (to find a local counsellor)
Cruse Bereavement Care: https://www.cruse.org.uk/ (specific bereavement counselling)
Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/wales/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ (24/7 support by phone or email)
Hub of Hope: Services | Hub of hope (mental health support database who can signpost to local support)
Shout: https://giveusashout.org/ (offering a text support service if you do not wish to speak on the phone)
