I’ve always worn necklaces with meaning — initials, charms from travels, things that hold a story. But nothing felt more intimate than the necklace I wear now: a soft silver pendant containing a few strands from my mare Willow’s tail.
She was more than a horse. She was my calm in chaos, my freedom on four hooves. After she passed, I didn’t want a heavy stone or a framed photo. I wanted something close, something I could wear — a reminder against my heart that she was still with me.
Memorial necklaces for horses aren’t just jewelry. They’re personal tributes, wearable grief, and sometimes, gentle conversations starters for a love that never quite fades.
Table of Contents
What Is a Horse Memorial Necklace?
A horse memorial necklace is a piece of commemorative jewelry designed to honor a beloved horse after their passing. These necklaces often include personal elements such as:
A few strands of tail or mane hair
A tiny amount of ashes
The horse’s name, photo, or dates engraved on a pendant
Charms shaped like horseshoes, hooves, or silhouettes
Unlike larger memorials like garden stones or plaques, a necklace is portable and intimate — something you can keep close to your heart wherever you go. For many equestrians, it becomes a daily ritual, a source of comfort, or even a part of their riding gear as a silent tribute.
Let your environment guide you—if you live on a farm, look for stones that blend into the land; if your tribute is in a home garden, choose something more sculptural or symbolic.
Types of Horse Memorial Necklaces
Whether you want to include physical mementos like hair or prefer something symbolic, here are the most popular types of horse memorial necklaces:
Hair-Inclusive Pendants
These pendants have a small chamber or resin casing to hold a piece of tail or mane. Some are braided into the design, while others seal it inside glass, resin, or silver.
Engraved Name or Date Charms
Simple, elegant, and timeless. These can be disc-shaped, heart-shaped, or horseshoe pendants engraved with your horse’s name, life span, or a short phrase like “Forever Galloping Free.”
Photo Lockets
Tiny lockets with a spot for a miniature photo — perfect for those who want to keep a visual memory close.
Silhouette or Hoofprint Pendants
Symbolic charms that depict your horse’s shape, ears, stride, or hoofprint — often paired with text engraving.
Ash-Inclusive Keepsakes
Small urn-style pendants that can hold a pinch of cremation ash, often discreet in design but powerful in meaning.
If your horse was bold and spirited, a horseshoe pendant may feel fitting. If they were gentle and graceful, a crystal heart might reflect that better. Your choice can reflect not just memory, but personality.
Material Comparison Table
Choosing the right material for your horse memorial necklace is just as important as the design itself. The table below compares the most common materials used in memorial jewelry — helping you find a balance between beauty, durability, and emotional significance.
| Material | Appearance | Durability | Custom Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Silver | Classic, elegant | High | Yes (engraving, hair chamber) | Everyday wear, formal tribute |
| Stainless Steel | Modern, sleek | Very High | Yes (engraving) | Durable, daily wearers |
| Resin with Hair | Organic, personalized | Medium | Yes (hair inclusion) | Custom handmade tributes |
| Glass Lockets | Elegant, clear view | Fragile | Yes (photo or hair inside) | Display keepsakes, not for rough wear |
| Wood | Earthy, natural | Low-Medium | Sometimes (laser etching) | Nature lovers, rustic style |
I wore a silver pendant for over a year before switching to a resin piece that held Willow’s hair. It felt more “her.” But I learned quickly not to shower with it — heat and moisture can cause subtle clouding. Each material has its strengths, and choosing one should reflect how you plan to remember, not just how it looks.
What to Consider When Choosing a Horse Memorial Necklace
Selecting the right memorial necklace is about more than beauty — it’s about memory, meaning, and how you want to carry your horse with you after they’re gone. Here are the key things to keep in mind before purchasing:
1. Inclusion Type: Hair, Ashes, or Symbolic?
Do you want to physically include your horse’s hair or ashes in the necklace?
Or would you prefer a symbolic design like a hoofprint, silhouette, or engraved charm?
If you still have a lock of tail or mane hair, look for a piece with a sealed resin or locket-style chamber. If not, symbolic pendants can still carry powerful emotional value.
2. Material and Durability
Will you wear it every day or only on special occasions?
Consider weather exposure, moisture, and skin sensitivity.
Stainless steel and silver are great for long-term wear. Resin and wood, while beautiful and personalized, may need more gentle handling.
3. Customization Options
Does the seller offer engraving for your horse’s name or dates?
Can you include a short quote or phrase that meant something to both of you?
Personalized messages often turn a simple pendant into a deeply meaningful keepsake.
4. Chain Length and Wearability
Necklaces typically come in lengths ranging from 16″ to 24″. A shorter chain sits close to the heart, while longer ones layer better with other jewelry. Make sure the clasp is secure and the pendant isn’t too heavy for your preferred style.
5. Packaging & Gifting Readiness
If you’re buying it as a gift for a grieving friend or child, look for thoughtful extras like a memorial card, a velvet box, or a keepsake pouch.
I've tried both daily-wear pendants and handcrafted keepsakes. My advice? Think about how you want to feel when you wear it — comforted, connected, or simply reminded. Let your emotions guide your choice, and don’t rush. This piece will be more than jewelry — it will become part of your healing.
Editor’s Picks: Best Memorial Necklaces for Horse
Engraved Charm with Horseshoe & Heart
Keepsake Locket with Hair, Photo & Name Tag
Cremation Ash Holder in Horseshoe Shape
Etched Horse Portrait Pendant in Silver
Floral Resin Keepsake with Hair & Horseshoe
Antique Locket with Horse Relief
Ash-Inclusive Teardrop Pendant with Name & Stallion
Braided Horse Hair Horseshoe Pendants
Custom Horse Silhouette Name Necklace
FAQ: Horse Memorial Necklace
A: Absolutely. Many custom necklaces are designed to hold a small amount of tail or mane hair, usually sealed within resin, glass, or stainless steel compartments. Some artisans even braid the hair into the necklace itself.
A: Yes. Symbolic designs — such as a horse silhouette, a name-engraved charm, or a hoofprint pendant — still carry deep emotional value. You can also choose a meaningful phrase or date to keep the memory alive.
A: Keep it dry and cool. Avoid wearing resin pieces in the shower or during workouts. Clean gently with a soft cloth and store it in a cool, shaded place. Hair-inclusive jewelry is delicate and should be treated with care, especially in hot or humid climates.
A:
Definitely. Memorial necklaces are a touching and personal gift for someone who has lost a beloved horse. Look for options that come with gift packaging, memorial cards, or the ability to include a custom message to make it extra special.
A: You can find many quality options on platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and specialty memorial jewelry sites. We’ve also selected a few trusted picks in the recommended product section above based on durability, customizability, and buyer reviews.
A: Popular locations include under a favorite tree, along a pasture fence, at the barn entrance, or within a quiet garden space. Choose a spot that holds emotional meaning and offers long-term visibility.
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