I grew up on a family farm, caring for retired horses and donkeys. My mare, Dahlia, had been with me for 17 years—through the awkward teenage rides, the early morning trail walks, and the quiet evenings when she’d rest her head on my shoulder. When I lost her, the silence in the barn was deafening.
A fellow horse owner sent me the Rainbow Bridge poem, but this version had been adapted for horses. Reading about endless green pastures and the joy of galloping again brought me both comfort and tears. It gave me a picture of Dahlia, strong and healthy, waiting for me just across the bridge.
In this article, I want to share six versions of the Rainbow Bridge poem written with horse lovers in mind. You’ll find the full text of each, the meaning behind their imagery, and practical ways to use them in memorial services, cards, or keepsakes—so that your horse’s spirit remains close, even after they’ve crossed the bridge.
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What Is the Rainbow Bridge Poem?
The Rainbow Bridge poem is one of the most recognized pieces of writing for those grieving the loss of an animal. It first began appearing in the 1980s, though its exact author remains a mystery. Over the decades, it has been shared in barn aisles, printed on sympathy cards, and read aloud at countless memorial services.
The poem describes a lush, sunlit meadow “just this side of Heaven” where animals wait for their humans. When the time comes, they reunite, crossing the Rainbow Bridge together into eternity.
For those of us who’ve loved horses, the imagery carries special weight:
The wide-open pastures mirror the freedom and space our horses treasured.
The promise of running without pain is deeply moving for anyone who has watched a beloved horse age or suffer.
The final reunion reflects the quiet, enduring trust built over years of care and companionship.
Today, horse owners use the Rainbow Bridge poem in many ways:
Memorial services: read aloud to comfort family and barn friends
Printed keepsakes: engraved on plaques, photo frames, or garden markers
Social media tributes: shared with photos to invite memories and condolences
For me, the Rainbow Bridge is more than a comforting idea—it’s a way to imagine Dahlia exactly as I want to remember her: strong, joyful, and galloping under an endless sky.
If you’ve never read the poem aloud before, try it in a quiet space. The flow of the words changes when spoken, and you might find new meaning in lines you’ve read many times.
6 Rainbow Bridge Poems for Horses
1. The Classic Rainbow Bridge – Horse Adaptation
This is the version I first received after losing Dahlia. It’s the timeless Rainbow Bridge poem, but with the imagery shaped for horses.
Just this side of Heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.
When a beloved horse passes, they run to these endless green fields,
their manes flowing, their steps light and free.
There is no pain here, no worn joints, no weary heart.
They graze under warm sun, gallop through soft meadows,
and pause to lift their heads at the sound of a familiar voice.
And when you, their rider and friend, finally arrive,
they will race toward you,
nostrils flaring, eyes bright with recognition.
Together, you will cross the Rainbow Bridge,
never to be parted again.
Best for: memorial services, printed plaques, and sympathy cards.
2. Gallop Through the Clouds
I wrote this one imagining Dahlia as I want to see her—strong, swift, and joyful.
Up there, the clouds are pastures,
white and endless as morning light.
You gallop where the wind has no weight,
where no fence holds you,
where time is just a gentle breeze.
And when I call,
you’ll come with thundering hooves,
laughter in your breath,
bringing the sky with you
as we ride together once more.
Best for: social media tributes or a closing reading at a memorial ceremony.
3. A Gentle Goodbye
Sometimes a softer tone helps when children are part of the memorial.
Sleep now, my friend,
the fields are waiting.
The grass is sweet,
the streams are clear.
The work is done,
your halter laid aside.
I’ll find you there
where morning never ends,
and love is the only lead rope we need.
Best for: children’s memorial services, keepsake books.
4. Until We Ride Again
For those whose horse was their constant riding partner.
The saddle waits,
the bridle gleams,
the trail stretches on in my dreams.
I will ride alone for a while,
but never without you—
you are in every hoofbeat,
in every turn of the reins.
Someday, the path will bring me back to you,
and we’ll ride again,
side by side,
across the bridge.
Best for: engraving on photo frames or riding tack displays.
5. Fields of Forever
Inspired by the open spaces horses love the most.
Beyond the hills there lies a place
where every pasture is green,
every fence is kind,
and the water runs clear as glass.
You’ll find me there one day,
beneath the wide blue sky,
where our shadows gallop together
and the sun never says goodbye.
Best for: outdoor garden memorial stones, pasture markers.
6. The Day We Meet Beyond the Bridge
I imagine this one as the joyful moment of reunion.
I will know you by the sound of your hooves,
the flash of your mane in the sun.
You will run to me,
ears forward, eyes bright,
the years apart falling away like dust.
And we will go home together,
crossing the bridge into forever,
where every ride is the first ride,
and every day is ours.
Best for: closing lines in a printed memorial booklet or final tribute at a ceremony.
How to Use These Poems in Your Horse’s Memorial
Over the years, I’ve seen horse owners use the Rainbow Bridge poem in so many meaningful ways. When Dahlia passed, I read an adapted version aloud at her pasture, surrounded by friends and the quiet nickers of the other horses. Words have a way of softening the sharp edges of grief, especially when they carry images we can hold onto.
Here are a few ways you can make these poems part of your tribute:
Memorial Services
Choose one poem to read aloud during the ceremony.
Pair the reading with a slideshow of photos or short videos from your horse’s life.
Printed Keepsakes
Have the poem engraved on a plaque, garden stone, or wooden marker.
Include it in a printed memorial booklet with your horse’s story and favorite photos.
Cards & Letters
Print the poem inside a sympathy card for friends who knew your horse.
Share it with barn mates as a thank-you for their support.
Social Media Tributes
Post a poem alongside your favorite photo, inviting friends to share their memories in the comments.
Use hashtags like #RainbowBridgeHorses or #InLovingMemoryHorse to connect with others who understand.
Personal Spaces
Frame the poem and place it in your tack room, office, or near the barn door where you used to greet your horse.
Every time you see the words, they become a quiet reminder—not just of loss, but of the love you shared.
Don’t feel pressured to choose just one way. I’ve used the same poem in a memorial service, then later had it engraved on a stone for Dahlia’s favorite pasture—it became a part of my grief journey in different stages.
Personalizing the Rainbow Bridge Poem for Your Horse
The Rainbow Bridge is a beautiful starting point, but weaving in your own details can make it even more powerful. When I first rewrote the poem for Dahlia, I added the name of her favorite pasture, the sound of her whinny, and even the way she used to toss her head before a gallop.
Here’s how you can personalize a poem for your own tribute:
Include Your Horse’s Name
Replace “my horse” or “my friend” with their name throughout the poem.
Example: “I will know you, Jasper, by the sound of your hooves.”
Add Personal Landmarks
Mention their favorite trail, pasture, or even the barn aisle where you spent the most time.
Example: “We’ll ride again down the oak-lined path.”
Highlight Their Personality
Include small details—how they greeted you, their quirks, or the way they moved.
Example: “You’ll come, ears flicking, just as you always did when I rattled the feed bucket.”
Reflect Shared Experiences
Refer to specific events or seasons you enjoyed together—shows, rides, or quiet grooming days.
Keep the Flow
When you add details, make sure the rhythm and tone of the poem still feel natural.
Read it aloud to hear how it flows; adjust lines until it feels right.
A personalized poem is more than just a tribute—it’s a conversation between you and your horse that continues across the bridge.
The more personal your version becomes, the more it will feel like a conversation between you and your horse. Don’t worry about making it “perfect”—authenticity will always speak louder than polished lines.
FAQ – Rainbow Bridge Poem for Horses
Yes. While the original Rainbow Bridge poem was written for pets in general, its imagery of open meadows and joyful reunion makes it especially fitting for horses. Many owners adapt the text to include equine-specific details, such as galloping, green pastures, and tack being set aside.
Absolutely. You can print the poem inside a card, along with a photo and your horse’s name. Just remember to credit the original author if you are using the classic version, and note that most adaptations for personal use do not require special permission.
Replace generic terms with your horse’s name, favorite places, and unique traits. For example, instead of “we will run together again,” you might say “we’ll canter down the oak-lined trail once more.” See the Personalizing the Poem section above for ideas.
The exact authorship is uncertain, with versions dating back to the 1980s. Some sources credit Paul C. Dahm, others credit William N. Britton, and several adaptations have been made over the years. Its popularity comes from its timeless message of reunion and hope.
Yes, and it’s a beautiful way to preserve the tribute. Shorten the text if needed so it fits neatly on the plaque or stone, and consider adding an engraved image of your horse or a horseshoe for a personal touch. You can explore engraving-friendly materials in our Horse Memorial Stones Guide.
You can pair it with other horse-specific memorial poems or quotes for variety. Our Horse Death Poems & Memorial Quotes page offers a curated selection for different tones—gentle, uplifting, or deeply emotional.
More Ways to Remember Your Pet
Also explore: Home | Horse Memorial Guide | Horse Loss Support