In Loving Memory
Tehama Tivio Gold
Bubba Story
Something Special!
We first met Bubba at Southwind Farm, where he had been lovingly trained and cared for by Karen McDougal. From the beginning, Bubba was special. He was born with a rare defect—a small hole in his palate that caused food to come out of his nose. Most horses with this condition do not survive beyond their early years, but Bubba was a fighter. Through resilience and determination, he learned to adapt and kept going despite the challenges he faced.
What made Bubba even more remarkable was not just his strength, but his gentle spirit. Thanks to the patient, loving care he received, he grew into a kind, well-mannered horse who touched the hearts of everyone around him. Although his condition meant he could never follow the path of a show horse, Bubba had something far greater to offer: companionship, courage, and love.
We originally brought Bubba home to be a companion for my wife’s horse, Ima. That plan did not unfold the way we expected, but Bubba’s story was still meant to take a beautiful turn. Our son, who is autistic, formed an immediate and deep bond with him. There was something extraordinary in the connection they shared—an unspoken trust, comfort, and understanding that words could never fully describe.
Bubba became far more than the horse we thought we needed. He became part of our family. His story is a reminder that life does not always follow the path we imagine, but sometimes it leads us exactly where we are meant to be. Despite the challenges he was born with, Bubba showed us the power of resilience, the beauty of kindness, and the profound ways animals can change our lives