Losing a loved can be extraordinarily hard and the choice of a horse drawn hearse can be as much a remembrance for the deceased as a way of expressing the grief of those left behind. Several horse drawn hire companies provide hearses for hire that can be drawn by two or four horses. Your local funeral director may already work closely with a particular firm and so will handle the arrangements for you. However, if this is not the case then searching for your own horse drawn hearse is very easy.
The companies listed in this site all state the services they provide. Many of these will include a hearse. You will usually have a choice between a black or white hearse. White hearses are often chosen for children’s funerals but are also suitable for people who have requested more informal internment.
A modern horse drawn hearse is usually glass sided. The interior is richly decorated in deep velvet that will normally be black or purple. As with a motor hearse, flower tributes can be displayed alongside the coffin. The number of horses to pull the hearse may not be an option as some companies only keep two horses for this specific purpose. They will usually be black Friesians which have very sedate temperaments and are perfect for this work. Horses will always be turned out to a very high standard. They will often be adorned with plumes of black ostrich feathers, but if you do not want this please tell the hire company. You may also have the option of having a groom who will walk in front of the hearse as an official mourner.
Once you have chosen your company they will usually work directly with the funeral directors to arrange collection of your loved one. The hearse will be under the same travel restrictions as other forms of horse transport so if there is considerable distance to be travelled the hire company will discuss with the funeral director’s a suitable place to meet so the coffin can be loaded for the final stage of the journey.
Mourners can also be provided for. Some companies can provide a mourner’s coach to transport guests. Others run a limousine service alongside the horse drawn service so everyone will arrive on time and in style. If this is not available they can normally arrange this through the funeral directors as most companies understand that this is a very distressing time for everyone and so will do their utmost to take the stress of organization off your shoulders.