Practical guidance

How to arrange a horse-drawn funeral.

Funeral plans are often made at short notice. A direct conversation with Robert is the simplest place to begin.

From first call to final journey

Four clear steps.

  1. 01

    Call Robert

    Share the date, location and the kind of procession your family is considering.

  2. 02

    Choose the arrangement

    Discuss the hearse and horse configuration that may be suitable for the route.

  3. 03

    Coordinate the route

    Robert works with the funeral director on timing, distance and practical procession details.

  4. 04

    Confirm the day

    Once the arrangements are agreed, the horses, hearse and procession are prepared for the funeral.

Before you call

Useful questions, answered.

What areas do you serve?

O'Dwyer Horse Drawn Funerals is based in Dublin and can travel for funeral arrangements across Ireland. Speak with Robert about the location and route you have in mind.

What horse configurations are available?

Options range from a single-horse four-wheeler and a traditional two-horse hearse to larger processions using 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 horses, subject to the arrangements for the day.

How far in advance should we contact you?

Funeral arrangements often need to be made at short notice. Contact Robert as soon as you can so availability, the route and coordination with the funeral director can be discussed.

What breed of horses do you use?

The service uses black Friesian horses, a breed traditionally chosen for ceremonial occasions.

Can the procession include a meaningful location?

A route may be planned around a family home or another meaningful place where circumstances allow. Robert can discuss the practical route with the family and funeral director.

Can funeral directors contact you directly?

Yes. Robert works with funeral directors as well as families and can discuss availability, timing, route, horse configuration and hearse requirements directly.

A personal conversation

Speak directly with Robert

Tell Robert the date, place and procession you are considering. If a funeral director is already helping, they are welcome to call too.