This past weekend was Father’s Day. It was a nice day around the Ranch. We had a father and daughter celebrate the special weekend with us, a few couples, and of course Farmer Nick enjoyed his day with our animal children.

I thought it would be a good time to remember my father and also explain how our Bubba B got his name…

I’m sure the word “remember” gave it away that my father is no longer here. He’s been gone 9 years. I was extremely close with my dad. I miss him everyday, as anyone that has gone through this can relate to.

Before I was born, my dad owned a racehorse named Bubba B. Now, unlike most racehorse owners, my dad was not rich. He loved the sport and horses, and wanted to be part of it. He bought his Bubba B through a claims race, with a friend. Without the financial means to hire a staff, my dad found himself taking care of the horse. He groomed him and saw to his care. The two developed a strong bond.

Eventually, Bubba B could no longer race. My dad did not own a farm so he had to sell him to a family that did. My dad never stopped talking about him. As a child I remember hearing the stories. He always said his name so proudly, and always said the B. Bubba B.

When we moved to Kentucky in 2020 and decided to adopt horses, I was scared. I never owned a horse and was very intimidated by them. However, I thought that if I met the right one, I would name him Bubba B. I didn’t have a list for what the “right one” meant…I just knew I would know.

In November of 2020, we were approved to look at and possibly adopt a horse named Copper Lady. We drove to the farm, and when we got there, parked next to a field of horses. We walked up to the fence and many of the horses came over to greet us. There was one scrawny little horse that came over and decided to press his nose right against mine. “Hi” I said. He continued to press it. It was the softest nose I ever felt.

When we started to walk away, to meet Lady, I couldn’t help but keep my eyes glued to this little horse. He stared at me, too.

After seeing Lady, and learning that she could not go to a farm without another horse, I decided to ask about the little guy. We were told that he was 2 years old and suffered an injury while training. All training had stopped and he was dropped off at the rescue. He was completely green and would need someone experienced to train him to do basic things (such as walking on a halter, lifting his feet, etc…)….but, if we wanted to take this on, we could have him…for free.

We put him with Lady, to see if they would get along, and they bonded instantly. It was a go.

While driving home that night, I said to Nick, that is my Bubba B.

If you have visited our Ranch, you probably fell in love with Bubba B. He’s different than most horses. He loves absolutely everyone. He will come up to you in the field and give you a hug, follow you around and always has the happiest personality. I never met my dad’s Bubba B, but I can honestly say that my Bubba B reminds me so much of my father. He is the light in the room.

Together, Bubba B and I have learned everything together. I was never scared around him. We bonded instantly and it gets stronger everyday. We even learned to ride, together (the blind leading the blind…lol).

His name is so important to me. Every time someone says it, I hear my dad. It never gets old and is always one of the best parts of my day.

I’m not sure if you believe in Heaven or angels. I do.

I miss my dad every day of my life, but it’s comforting to have a piece of him with me. One that I love with all my heart.