In an emergency the majority of horse owners know the number of their vet but how many of them know the number of their local purveyor of fallen stock? Outside of the industry little is known, by the public at large, as to how this service actually works, so let me introduce you to our company.

Holts is a family run business, based in the village of Stanstead Abbotts in Hertfordshire. The company was founded in 1908 and has been at its present location since 1980. It is run by Daniel with Alan and Jackie Waller along with family friend Martin.

The job goes hand-in-glove alongside agricultural and veterinary industries. Most farmers and horse owners call us direct to administer pistol euthanasia to their animals. We also liaise very closely with many veterinary practices. We run a 24-hour, 7-day week emergency service and are often called out day or night by the police, to attend Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs), or the RSPCA for an emergency case and many councils and charities. On average we have to deal with over 800 horses and ponies a year plus many more cattle, sheep, pigs, etc.

In the past the majority of our work involved farm animals, mostly cattle, but with the advent of BSE and the outbreak of foot & mouth disease the cattle industry has been in decline. This gave us, at Holts, the opportunity to expand our operation and several years ago we set up a cremation service giving horse owners a much wider choice when the time comes to part company with a much loved pet. This service has proved to be very popular with many of our customers.

We now also offer a small animal cremation service which is proving very successful with our local vets and repeat business clients.

I am so grateful for the promptness of your response to my call and for putting back your restaurant reservation. You were so kind and thoughtful. The service you provide is invaluable. Your sensitivity and professionalism second to none and I am so thankful to you for putting my horse down with such respect.

Penny

I felt I had to say a huge thank you to you all for the beautiful service you have provided for me and my beloved Horse. My husband told me how gentle you were when you collected her from the stables and my mum told me of all you had done to make things ‘just right’ when you dropped off his ashes this morning. I had such horrible visions and thoughts of how this whole process would happen but thanks to you that has now been replaced with the knowledge that she was treated with the care and respect this great horse truly deserved. Thank you so much.

Lucy