8 Ways to Memorialize Your Horse

Whether you’ve sold a horse to a new home or have had to help him over the rainbow bridge, at some point you may want to honor your horse's memory.

When that sad day arrives, consider choosing one of these eight heartfelt methods for memorializing your equine friend.

1. Commission Artwork

There are many artists who can create beautiful artwork of your horse from photos. Consider commissioning an artist to create a painting of your horse to hang in your home.

2. Make a Shadowbox

Shadowboxes provide a great way to artistically gather special mementos together. Start with a special photo of your horse, and then add other elements to the shadowbox like his halter, shoes, and special ribbons that you’ve won together.

3. Order a Horsehair Bracelet

If you’re able to save some of your horse’s tail hair, you can order a handmade horsehair bracelet from any number of artisans online. Having a horsehair bracelet means that you can carry this memento of your horse anywhere with you.

4. Create a Special Plaque

You might want to order a special plaque to mark your horse’s resting place, or a place which was special to you and your horse. Plaques come in all shapes and sizes, and can be engraved with special messages and graphics.

5. Dedicate a Bench

Consider buying and dedicating a bench in your horse’s honor. You might place the bench alongside the ring where you rode your horse, giving people a comfortable place to sit while watching other riders. Wherever you decide to put the bench, invest in a nameplate which can hold your horse’s name and a brief message about your horse.

6. Create a Video

If you have access to basic video editing software, you can create a video to memorialize your horse. Blend together video footage with photos, and set the video to a song which is meaningful to you.

7. Donate in Your Horse’s Name

There are plenty of animal rescues and therapeutic riding centers which will gladly accept donations made in your horse’s name. Consider making a donation in your horse’s name, or even sponsoring a rescue horse in your horse’s honor.

8. Sponsor a Class in a Show

If there is a local horse show that you and your horse enjoyed, consider sponsoring a class. Many shows will allow you to sponsor a memorial class in your horse’s name. When you sponsor a class, anyone entering that class will learn your horse’s name, and his legacy will be passed on to those competitors.