“Friends at the End” – Saying Goodbye with Dignity and Love

As horse owners, we all know that our partnership with these incredible animals is one of life’s greatest gifts, but also one of its greatest heartbreaks. The connection we share is built on trust, built from countless experiences (good and bad, large and small) and many special moments that stay with us forever.

But the hardest part of that special bond is knowing that one day, we’ll have to say goodbye.

I’ll admit, it’s something I really dread. I can’t even bring myself to think about that day with my own horses, especially my special Spanish boy whom I've owned since he was just 5 years old and is now nearing his 20th Birthday. It's a worry. They’ve given me so much, so much fun, so much character building moments (so many big vet bills!), the thought of not seeing a familiar face over the stable door each morning is quite terrifying.

That’s why I wanted to write about a truly special service I recently discovered which is offered by the British Horse Society (BHS) called “Friends at the End.”

This service exists to support horse owners through one of the most difficult times we ever face - the decision to say goodbye. Whether it’s helping you plan ahead, talking through your options, or simply being a listening ear, the Friends at the End volunteers understand what you’re going through because they’ve been there too. They can offer practical guidance and emotional support, without judgment, to ensure every horse’s final moments are handled with dignity and kindness, and hopefully make you feel less alone.
I think it would be easy (and understandable) for someone who doesn't own horses to disregard the pain of losing a horse. I think its a real comfort to know that there is a service of support out there to help you navigate this unique grief.

You can find more information about the service on the BHS website, and I can’t recommend it enough, even just knowing there’s someone who understands can make the world of difference.

As an artist, and a lifelong horse lover, I’ve had the privilege of creating many commemorative portraits for people who have lost their beloved horses. These are always some of the most meaningful pieces I paint. Each of their stories are unique and I love chatting through the memories with their owners, it really gives me a sense of the horse and the special relationship the owner had with him or her. I work from supplied photographs and collaborate with the owners to capture the little details that only an owner would notice.

For many owners, having a portrait painted in memory of a horse, helps turn grief into something tangible and comforting and is a great way to honour their horse’s life and keep them close.

If this is something that would bring you comfort one day, please know that I understand what it means. My work is always handled with the same care and empathy I would want for my own horses memory.

We would all agree that they’re not just horses. They’re our friends and team mates, right until the very end.