Bubba Kendrick

We called him "The Ole Dog". By the time I came along, Bubba was a legend. My Dad was 100% against me rodeoing with Bubba because he "had a perm in his hair, and threw it too far".

The perm was gone by the time BK let me in the rig, but the reach remained. Throughout my career, it was known that I could reach, and that all was because of BK. I'll tell you something else- I rode his horses, and they were NEVER short, he could reach and kick through the throw, which is an art unheard of today. At 53 I saw him tie one at Brenham in the perf in 6.5. I'll never forget the numerous times I saw him tie calves quick, but more than that, his winning attitude goes with me today. If there was a time when I was late to the rodeo and didn't know the score, BK never lied. He would shoot me straight. In time, I learned to sort my friends with that method: the ones who would or wouldn't tell you the truth in that scenario. BK didn't want to cheat you, he wanted to beat you. He was a winner first and foremost, and didn't have to lie to do it.

I am older now, about the same age he was when he hauled me, and team roping is the game I choose, mostly because the money is so much better. Tomorrow, at a roping, I'll use something he taught me. Most of all, he taught that no matter what kind of run you made, you could take something positive from it, never the negative. I remember one time I missed the start, barely got the calf roped, and made multiple mistakes tying.

"Well kid," he said, "At least you didn't fall off your horse. That's the positive. Take that to the next one".

There was never a more fierce competitor, and never anyone faster to congratulate you when you won. Bubba is a true sportsman.

I have learned his health is not well, and he is trying to win once again.

Please, join the page and help me wish BK well. He is a true Texas rodeo legend.

CW