Equine welfare & dignity
Dignity in life
and death for our equine companions
New Zealand’s first purpose-built equine cremation and research facility, operated as a charitable trust reinvesting in equine welfare.
Commitment
Our commitment to
equine welfare
Providing horses with dignity in life and death through purpose-built facilities, modern equipment, and internationally recognised best-practice cremation services designed for equine care.
Surplus funds are reinvested directly into equine welfare, teaching, and research initiatives to benefit the wider industry community, ensuring ongoing support and innovation.
Partnering with Massey University and pathologists, RGT actively supports autopsy reviews, disease risk management, and advanced equine teaching programs.
Industry partners supporting Rural Guaradian Trust
Industry leaders and equine experts guiding RGT
Our standard cremation service pricing (+GST)
Seed funding personally invested by trustees to establish RGT
Cremation services
Purpose-built for
equine dignity
The imported Addfield cremator is purpose-built for large animals, with capacity for two horses per cycle, ensuring safe and respectful care.
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2 horses per cremation cycle
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Provision for future expansion unit
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Clean emissions with secondary burn chamber
Research facilities
Supporting veterinary teaching & welfare
In partnership with Massey University, RGT provides autopsy facilities and contributes to equine welfare research, teaching, and disease management.
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Autopsy & post-mortem reviews available
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Tissue sampling for Massey University
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Insurance certification support
Safe handling
Designed for safe
unloading
The facility is equipped with a modern gantry crane system, allowing horses to be safely and respectfully unloaded, weighed, and prepared for cremation.
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Overhead gantry for secure handling
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Suitable for unloading from floats and trailers
Community & industry support
RGT is supported by New Zealand’s equine community, the Nga Muka Development Trust, and leading industry organisations.
Industry Associations
Trustee & Donor Support
Community Blessing
Meet the RGT
trustees
Our trustees bring equine expertise, leadership, and commitment to dignity, welfare, and research for horses in New Zealand.
Stuart Walker
Chair & Trustee
Project manager leading the setup and build of RGT.
Ivan Bridge
Trustee
Equine veterinarian and key driver behind RGT’s creation.
Andrew Fisher
Trustee
Business leader and horse enthusiast funding RGT.
Professor Chris Rogers
Trustee
Massey University equine specialist supporting research.
Frequently asked questions
Got a question?
Get your answer
Quick answers to questions you may have. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch with us.
For a horse weighing between 500kg - 550kg the average burn takes between 10-11 hours with an additional 3-4 hours for the unit to cool down before the ashes can be removed.
Yes absolutely, when your horse is booked in you will be asked if you would like to have the ashes prepared and returned. There may be a small charge for this.
The current location does not facilitate access to the national gas pipeline so our burners in the cremation unit are fired by diesel.
Yes - this can be managed by special arrangement but priority will be given to equine needs first.
Get in touch
We’re here to help
Have a question about Rural Guardian? Reach out and we’ll be in touch.
Our mission is to ensure every horse is treated with compassion and dignity in life and death.
Stuart Walker
Chair & Trustee
