09/04/2026
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Bubba, a longtime member of the Mounted Patrol.
Born in 2002, Bubba joined the Mounted Patrol team in 2010. A Percheron/Clydesdale, he was a big horse in every sense of the word. But it was his steady, dependable presence that made him so special. Over his 16 years with the department, Bubba taught most of the officers who came through the program how to ride. He was patient with new riders and gave them the confidence that comes from knowing they could trust the horse underneath them. For countless officers, Bubba was more than a partner, he was their first teacher and a steady presence as they learned the unique responsibility of Mounted Patrol.
Bubba was also a familiar and beloved presence throughout Madison. He stood steady through countless Halloweens, Mifflin Street Block Parties, and long nights on State Street. In the middle of crowds, noise, lights, and the unpredictability of police work, Bubba remained calm and reliable. After so many years with the team, Bubba became the most recognizable horse in our unit. Many Madison residents knew him by name, and countless people have a story or a memory that includes seeing Bubba and his rider somewhere in the city.
Bubba passed away peacefully at the farm, surrounded by the people and horses who had been part of his life. While we are heartbroken to lose him, we are grateful for the years he gave to this department, this community, and the many officers who had the privilege of riding him. His impact on the Mounted Patrol will live on through the officers he taught and the countless people he met throughout his career.
Thank you, Bubba, for 16 years of service, patience, and unwavering dependability. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
If you have a favorite memory with Bubba, please share them in the comments. We will be sharing more photos of Bubbas incredible career soon to honor the incredible legacy he left in the Madison community.
