Do you know a friend or family member who recently lost a horse? Most people who lose animals experience grief, but losing a horse may be especially difficult. Your friend's relationship with his horse may be decades-long and based on a connection from work, competition, or pleasure.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- What Should You Give Someone When Their Horse Dies?
- Horse Memorial Jewelry Ideas
- Horse Memorial Gifts You Can Display Indoors
- Horse Memorial Gifts You Can Display Outdoors
- Rainbow Bridge Horse Memorial Gift Ideas
- Horse Hair Memorial Gift Ideas
- Where Can You Buy Horse Memorial Gifts Online?
Since most pet memorial gift ideas are focused on dogs and cats, we would like to help you figure out a gift to give to someone who recently lost a horse. Here are some jewelry gift ideas and memorial gifts you can display either inside or outside. You can personalize some items. You may also be able to create some of these items yourself if you enjoy crafting.
You should be able to find products similar to those described with a simple online search. Here are some horse memorial gifts to consider.
What Should You Give Someone When Their Horse Dies?
When it comes to sympathy gifts, it's the thought that counts. Your mom probably gave you that bit of wisdom at some point in your life. If you’ve ever received a gift after losing someone, you know it's true.
If you know someone who recently lost a horse, you can acknowledge the death in several ways.
Some people prefer to give traditional sympathy gifts, such as flowers, a houseplant, or a donation to a charity. These gifts are appropriate for almost every situation, including the death of a horse.
Others prefer to purchase gifts specific to the situation. For example, if you have a friend who lost a horse, you may buy a charm in a horseshoe shape or a collectible that features a horse.
Finally, others select gifts that can be personalized with the name or image of the deceased. Examples of this type of gift include portraits, engraved jewelry, or plaques.
Before purchasing the gift, think about the person who will receive it and their living situation. For example, a large houseplant for someone living in a tiny apartment may not be an appropriate gift. Likewise, people who don't wear jewelry would probably not appreciate a horse pendant necklace. And, of course, you wouldn't purchase a memorial apple tree for someone with a tiny yard without asking for their permission.
Are you unsure about what to give to someone who lost a horse? While "it's the thought that counts," we’re sure you want to choose an appropriate item that the recipient will treasure. Here are some ideas.
Horse Memorial Jewelry Ideas
Consider giving a piece of jewelry to your friend who recently lost a horse. Here are some ideas you can search online.
1. Charm bracelet or necklace
There are many different charms you could give a horse lover, such as a horse head, galloping stallion, horseshoe, cowboy hat, or boots. To show that the piece is in memory of a horse that died, add a wing or broken heart charm.
Charm bracelets and necklaces come in a wide variety of styles. You can also purchase clear lockets and charms inside. This style would enable your friend to add several strands of the horse's mane.
2. Memorial diamond
Some people opt to put their animal's cremated remains in urn jewelry or create a memorial diamond out of their pet's ashes.
For example, companies like Eterneva allow you to send in a horse's cremated remains and choose the color and cut of the diamond. From there, your friend can set the diamond on an existing necklace or new piece of jewelry.
3. Horse hair locket
Perhaps your friend or family member kept a clipping of the horse's mane or tail. A small segment of this hair could be bound decoratively and placed in a clear pendant. You can create this item yourself, but there are also online companies that will do this for you.
Some artisans specialize in creating braided bracelets or necklaces out of the horse's mane or tail. They may include a personalized charm with the horse's name and the phrase "in memory."
4. Horse pendant
Consider purchasing a horse head or galloping horse pendant on a chain. You can find one that depicts the looks of the horse that died from online retailers that come in a variety of sizes and colors.
5. Photo pendant necklace
Search for an online company that will create a pendant from the photo of a horse. These pendants are then cut into the shape of the animal and placed on a chain.
6. Horse keychain
Your friend may not wear necklaces or bracelets and would appreciate having a horse-related keychain. Personalize the keychain with the name of the horse as well as the dates of its lifespan.
7. Rainbow bridge bracelet
Many companies make rainbow bridge bracelets. Find one that will add a horseshoe charm for a friend who is grieving the loss of a horse.
Horse Memorial Gifts You Can Display Indoors
Perhaps your friend doesn't enjoy jewelry. Instead of buying something that your friend will not wear, why not purchase a memorial gift that can be displayed indoors?
If you have problems finding a keepsake gift appropriate for a horse lover, you may broaden your search to sympathy gifts not related to animals.
Here are some memorial gifts that your friend can display inside the home.
8. Portrait
One of the most thoughtful gifts to give to a horse lover is a portrait or drawing of his or her favorite animal. Even if you may not be artistically talented, you may be able to find someone on Etsy to complete the portrait or drawing.
Look through the artist's online portfolio to try to find someone with the appropriate style for your friend.
Do you need a photo of the horse for the portrait? Look through your friend's social media account to find the necessary image.
9. Engraved horseshoe
Find someone who will engrave a horseshoe with the name of the deceased animal. Add the line "in memory" or "forever in my heart." Embellish the piece with dried flowers or other decorative items, and add a piece of leather to the top to make it easy to hang.
10. Plaque
Design a beautiful plaque for your friend to display on his or her wall. This plaque can include a photograph or etching of the horse. Besides adding the name of the animal, consider including a horse loss quote or poem. If you can't find a generic poem online, consider writing one in honor of the horse that died.
11. Photo frame
One of the most beautiful memorial gifts that you can give to someone in mourning is a personalized photo frame. Search for a horse or western-themed frame for someone who lost a horse. If a picture is available, include one with the frame. Consider printing the photo in black and white.
12. Framed horse poem
It’s hard to know what to say when someone loses a pet. Poets can articulate those complicated feelings beautifully. Search for an appropriate horse poem online, and figure out a way to attractively display the words.
13. Collectible
You should have no problem finding a horse-related collectible online or at your favorite gift store. Search for one depicting a winged horse (not a pegasus, but a horse that has earned its heavenly wings.)
Horse Memorial Gifts You Can Display Outdoors
If your friend is a horse lover, he or she must be an outdoor lover as well. Here are some memorial gift ideas that can be displayed outdoors.
When purchasing a memorial gift, consider spending the extra money to get the item personalized.
14. Barn plaque
Even though you may want to purchase an indoor plaque, why not find an item you can hang in the horse barn? Your friend or family member may want to dedicate a stall for a beloved horse.
15. Wind chimes
Wind chimes are popular gifts for people in mourning. Why not purchase wind chimes for your friend or family member who recently lost a horse? You can personalize wind chimes with words, photos, or images.
16. Stepping stone
Some people enjoy working on outdoor projects, such as memorial gardens, to celebrate the life of a beloved animal or person. If your friend is starting such a project, contribute to it by purchasing or making a stepping stone. The stone can be decorative more than useful, and you can personalize it with the name of the horse.
If you're looking for something smaller and tangible, companies like Parting Stone create beautiful, handheld cremation stones to help someone grieving keep their loved one close by.
17. Apple tree
Were apples your friend’s horse’s favorite treat? Why not purchase an a apple tree for your friend to plant in memory of the animal? Consider adding a plaque to the tree once it matures.
18. Memorial bench
Do you think that your friend would like a spot to sit and reflect? Purchase a memorial bench. Look for a seat designed with a horse theme. Add a personalized tag to the bench that includes the name of the deceased animal.
19. Metal yard sign
Artisans can craft a beautiful display made out of metal depicting the image of your friend's horse. Add the horse’s name to the sign, and the horse's image can have a subtle halo above its head.
Your friend can add this sign outside the barn or to the entrance of the pasture.
Rainbow Bridge Horse Memorial Gift Ideas
The origin of the rainbow bridge poem is not clear. However, whoever originated the idea of our animals residing in a beautiful holding place after death has resonated with millions. Many of us look forward to reuniting with our animal friends who crossed the rainbow bridge.
Here are some rainbow bridge gift ideas specific to horses.
20. Rainbow bridge plaque
This version of a rainbow bridge poem is specific to horses. It's printed on a plaque that can be customized with a photo of your friend's horse.
21. Rainbow bridge decoration
Unfortunately, this colorful rainbow bridge decoration cannot be customized to include the image of a horse. However, you can purchase the rainbow on its own with the horse's name displayed prominently.
22. "I'll Meet You at the Rainbow Bridge" cuff bracelet
This cuff bracelet can be engraved with your friend's name or the horse's name. It includes the phrase "I'll Meet You at the Rainbow Bridge" on the inside of the bracelet.
23. Rainbow stake
We love this beautiful rainbow stake that can be placed where the horse's ashes are scattered. But, of course, it can also be used as a general garden decoration that reminds the recipient of their beloved horse.
24. Acrylic rainbow print
We also like this offering from Zazzle. It's an acrylic print that features the rainbow bridge poem for horses on one side. The other side has an up-close shot of a horse colored in rainbow colors – blue, purple, red, pink, and yellow.
25. Over the rainbow garden stone
This garden stone is highly rated. It reads, "I crossed the rainbow bridge knowing I was loved." Even though the stone featured on the website includes a dog print, you can order the stone to fit your situation.
Horse Hair Memorial Gift Ideas
Horsehair products can be purchased using hair from other horses. Of course, you can also create a horsehair memorial gift using the hair from a specific animal.
As you consider what type of gift you would like to give to your friend or family member who lost a horse, think about the present circumstances. For example, if you would prefer to commission a gift made from a specific horse's hair, you need to ask the recipient's permission first. This, of course, may ruin the surprise. Additionally, your friend may also already have plans for the horsehair.
Here are some gifts that can be made from the hair of a specific horse and others that use generic horsehair. We hope you find the right sympathy gift for your situation.
26. Live to ride horsehair bracelet
This gift is made from genuine horsehair and comes in various colors. This product is made in Montanna.
27. Horse cylinder necklace
Although this product from Perfect Memorials is marketed as a small cylinder to hold a tiny amount of cremation ash, it could also be used to hold a small amount of horsehair. The benefit of this gift is that you can purchase it without collecting the horsehair or ash yourself.
28. Horsehair pendant
We love this customized horsehair pendant offered through an Etsy store. It's described as a sterling silver pendant that wraps tightly around twisted horsehair. It also features a charm with a rainbow moonstone and an aqua-colored Swarovski crystal. If you don't have access to the horsehair, you can choose from the artist's available colors.
29. Horsehair pendant
We like that this glass-covered heart-shaped pendant protects the horsehair from damage. It requires a hair bundle about half as wide as a pencil and at least 3" long.
Where Can You Buy Horse Memorial Gifts Online?
There are quite a few online retailers that offer horse memorial gifts. Here are some websites to consider as you narrow your search.
Etsy
Etsy is one of the first places we look for personalized sympathy gifts. We appreciate having access to photos of finished products and feedback from past customers. We also like supporting small business owners and artists who use the platform to reach a wider audience.
Many small businesses that utilize Etsy will work with your horsehair. Look for instructions on how much is needed and how to ship it.
Zazzle
We highlighted a couple of items from Zazzle on our list. This company offers a lot of customizable gifts, including the rainbow bridge plaques featured in a previous section of this article.
Montana Gift Corral
Montana Gift Corral has several brick-and-mortar locations in Montana. They also sell their products, including horse-related gifts, from their beautifully designed website.
Horseloverz
This website is "the world's largest online tack shop." While we aren't able to prove this claim, it certainly does have a lot of horse-related gifts that could be appropriate to use as a sympathy gift.
Wildlife Wonders
Wildlife Wonders offers fine gifts, jewelry, and home decor. There are over 450 ideas in their horse gift collection, so you are sure to find something appropriate for your loved one.
Perfect Memorials
While many of these websites specialize in horse-related gifts, Perfect Memorials offers quite a few sympathy gifts and cremation urns.
The Bradford Exchange
The Bradford Exchange is an employee-owned and operated company selling gifts and collectibles since 1973. Search for horse-related gifts on the company's website.
My Furever Memories
My Furever Memories is a website specializing in animal memorial items. The company offers a wide variety of products, including gravemarkers, ornaments, jewelry, and more.
OhCanvas
If you are looking for a wall hanging in a specific style that can be personalized, take a look at the products offered by OhCanvas. We really like this rustic print that can be personalized with the names of two horses.
HorseyHooves
This uniquely-named company searches other websites for their favorite horse memorial gifts.
RedBubble
Perhaps you would rather send a card to a friend or family member who recently lost a horse. Since your local card store probably doesn't have a section for horse sympathy cards, consider purchasing one from RedBubble. The company has a large selection of horse bereavement cards.
Other Sympathy Gift Ideas for Someone Who Lost a Horse
You may struggle to find something appropriate for your friend who lost his or her horse. Instead of worrying that the item is not suitable or doesn't match your friend's style, consider your friend's emotions and buy a gift based on those.
Your friend is probably struggling with grief, so bring gifts that can bring comfort. Drop by with fresh-cut flowers or a beautiful house plant. Bring your friend dinner or a baked item.
Besides bringing a gift, listen as your friend or family member shares memories about the horse and look at photos or videos of the animal.
Treat your friend how you would want to be treated if you were grieving. It shouldn't matter whether the grief is from the loss of an animal or a human because those feelings may be the same.