Understanding Your Aftercare Options
Every horse owner deserves to make an informed decision. Here's a comparison of the aftercare options available in Colorado.
Private Cremation
Your horse is cremated individually. Ashes are returned to you in your chosen packaging.
Benefits
- • Ashes returned — keep, scatter, or memorialize
- • HALO ID ensures your horse's identity throughout
- • Whole-body, never dismembered
- • Can include personal items
- • Mane/tail clippings available
Considerations
- • Higher cost than companion cremation
- • Processing time: 5-7 business days
- • Requires decision on ash packaging
Companion Cremation
Your horse is cremated alongside other companions. Ashes are spread in our memorial pasture.
Benefits
- • More affordable option
- • Same care, respect, and dignity
- • Ashes spread in peaceful memorial pasture
- • No decisions needed about ash storage
Considerations
- • Ashes not returned to owner
- • Cremated with other animals
Off-Site Burial
Your horse is transported to an approved off-site burial location.
Benefits
- • Traditional option
- • Physical resting place to visit
- • Can be combined with a ceremony
Considerations
- • Colorado has strict regulations on on-property burial
- • Soil conditions and water table must be suitable
- • Not feasible in winter (frozen ground)
- • May not be allowed in all counties
Composting
Natural decomposition using wood chips, shavings, and manure. An eco-friendly option gaining popularity.
Benefits
- • Environmentally sustainable
- • Compost can be returned to the land
- • Barbiturate concentrations reduced during process
- • Natural and gentle
Considerations
- • Takes 3-6 months to complete
- • Requires space and proper management
- • Limited availability in Colorado
- • Not currently offered by Horse&Halo
Standard Disposal
Professional removal and disposal through licensed facilities.
Benefits
- • Most affordable option
- • Quick and straightforward
- • Handles regulatory compliance
Considerations
- • No ashes or remains returned
- • Less personal
Not sure which option is right for you? We're here to help.