Barbaro Hurt! Surgery went well. Back in his stall (post surgical update page 29)

[Bundy]

Dr Larry Bramlage is just a little bit more than a "track veterinarian"...... Founder of Rood and Riddle- most likely the leading equine orthopedic center in the USA - and certainly the leading one for race horses.

[adamsmom]

He may not be stable enough for surgery tonight. Gretchen Jackson's a horsewoman, she knows what she's talking about.
Ditto. She's quite a caring horsewoman and owner, FWIW.

[War Admiral]

I wasn't *questioning* it in the sense of "do I think they're doing wrong for the horse", just have zero experience w/ these things (please God, long may that continue) & didn't know.

So, thank you for the replies. Makes sense.

[chicagogirl]

He just said it helps their blood supply and the delay is purposeful. It's not a question of the vessel being cut in half, but being stretched and it does better if left to recover a bit and it helps prevent clotting/improves blood flow. He thinks a number of pins/plates will be in order, depending on what the soft tissue will support. And he speculates they will fuse the joint all at one time.

[Sannois]

Hey Sannois! Don't get down....we need all the good stuff flowing N.B.'s direction.
I have his Derby Victory photo as my screen saver at work.. It wont come down, !!! ITs just such a bizarre thing.. There is no answer, its horses, as we all know They can do the damndest things. Years ago I had a wonderful horse, He was injured in a pasture accident and layed up for a year. on returning to being turned out, with an old salt of a buddy, he broke his short pasturn. He came so far, It is always a reminder to all of us who have horses, to cherish all the time, cause it can be gone in a flash!
Going to look for more curb chains for Barbaro! :sadsmile:

[chicagogirl]

He also said he does not know at this time what the blood flow situation is, this is just based on his experience and what he saw. He said delaying it actually improves thier odds.

[carp]

The surgery on Ruffian was actually a success - it's the anesthesia that killed her. She came out of it so fast that she thought she was still running the race. She bolted around the recovery room and kicked off the cast, re-breaking the leg. The owner was standing there watching and said, "that's enough".

Nowadays they wake them up in a pool of water, so they can struggle without injuring themselves. Ruffian's experience was a big part of that development in horse surgeries.

I don't know what kind of anesthetic Ruffian got, but I know Angel Dust used to be used as an equine anesthetic. Waking up with hallucinations wouldn't have helped her much.

[Xctrygirl]

Blood supply is easier to determine its status with more time.

Yes its a critical issue, but you can't easily be assured of what the actual status is on a horse that has been high adrenalized (?? is that a word)) and pre-raced with lasix and other drugs. And then sedated. IE> his body is not working under its usual steam.

"Time will heal all wounds" Its corny but time is often a determiner of the severity of many issues.

Surgery tomorrow is much better. ANd as a plus, obviously if the vets in charge think he is fine til tomorrow, that could be construed as a good sign.

~E

[Ghazzu]

I am confused. Not a vet but if critical and limited blood supply is of concern, it's not clear to me how waiting until tomorrow to do surgery will make that blood supply situation better than it is right now. Is there a workaround while stabilizing the horse?

Would one of our vets please explain that to the rest of us, since it's counterintuitive?

He's either damaged the blood vessels in the area or he hasn't.
With the injury immobilized in a splint, he's not going to further traumatize it overnight.
It's not like they're going to go in and do microvascular surgery to repair any damaged vessels. That kind of stuff is done in humans, but it takes many hours, and you can't keep a horse under that long.

He'd be a crappy anesthetic risk tonight compared to tomorrow, after he's been there overnight, and got meds/fluids on board.

[chawley]

I was at Pimlico today and saw him breakdown - it looked like a bad step, as he was traveling fine before it happened. I just feel sick. I prayer they can save him. Thanks for all the updates everyone.

[TBXCFan]

Thanks guys for all the updates. It doesn't sound like too much more will be known tonight, so I'm going to sign off, take a hot bath and cry some more. I'll be jingling the whole time.

[Slewdledo]

Heaven knows not another horse in the race has had the compassionate & wise training/race schedule this stallion has had for the past year.

I am so sick of this attitude.

Racehorses require different schedules. We have one who only ships into the track to run. Another runs every two weeks, usually with a work in between. Both horses are thriving, their needs are just different.

As far as the rest of today's Preakness field -

Like Now - 4 races in 2006, three wins and a 2nd, most recently raced April 22
Platinum Couple - 4 races in 2006, a place and a show, most recently ran April 8
Hemingway's Key - 4 races in 2006, no in-the-money finishes, last ran 4/22
Greeley's Legacy - 5 races in 2006, one win, last ran 4/22
Brother Derek - 4 races in 2006, three wins and a KY Derby 4th, last ran 5/6
Sweetnorthernsaint - 5 races in 2006, three wins and a 3rd, last ran 5/6
Bernardini - all 3 of his career races in 2006, two wins, last ran 4/29
Diabolical - 3 races in 2006, a win and a place, last ran 4/25

as compared to Barbaro - 4 races in 2006, four wins, last ran 5/6

I'll also add that Matz is a RACEHORSE TRAINER. The other horses in his barn will surely have different yet equally successful schedules than what worked so well with this one.

[Noctis]

Called my vet (god i love him for listening to me) and he echoed what Ghazzu just said. Just thought I'd add that.

[2Dogs]

the skin breakthrough is the difference of an "open" versus a "closed" fracture. Less damage with a closed - bone not cutting through vital tissue and vessels as it shears off through the skin.

And not operating immediately is almost a good sign. Try to reduce the swelling and stabilize the patient - must mean they think he will accomodate sedation and being quiet for that length of time.

[Ghazzu]

I don't know what kind of anesthetic Ruffian got, but I know Angel Dust used to be used as an equine anesthetic. Waking up with hallucinations wouldn't have helped her much.

KEtamine is still used as a component of intravenous anesthesia in the field.
In a surgical facility, gas is used, and I would guess that, at the time Ruffian was injured, it would likely have been Halothane.

Bottom line is, horses weren't meant to be anesthetized, and no matter what agent is used, recovery is a scary event.

[CSSporthorses]

Is there a station on DirecTV that is broadcasting the updates? The only thing I've found is ESPN and its the same thing over and over again. Jingles for Barbaro, probably be asleep before anything is decided...

[hunt_jumpfl]

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: Poor Barbaro, watching him pull up just made me sick to my stomach - I can't imagine what it did to his human family. My thoughts are with all of them tonight. Looking for all the curb chains I can find and sending tons on jingles his way.

jingle jingle jingle jingle jingle jingle jingle ...... jingle jingle jingle

[Noctis]

ugh i dont think ANYTHING/ONE was meant to be anesthitized. its terrifying to come out of it sometimes, and we KNOW whats going on. It has to be hell for them, not understanding or knowing what the hell is going on.

[saddlesurfer]

CSSporthorses...I'm guessing you don't have HGTV too?

[Jungle_cat]

I heard Ruffian's sire an dam also died similar ways a couple years later. Both had breaks/fractures and had surgery and while coming out of the anesthetic, thrashed around and reinjured themselves worse than before. I think her sire's was a pasture injury too.

[justjay]

i missed the preakness today and i have just read about it
poor horse, i hope he can survive this
does anyone know if there are going to be replays on tv or on the internet? i would like to see the race

[chicagogirl]

DirectTV watchers, check out TVG - it's not only Barbaro, but they are covering him as well. It's 602.

[Goldylox]

Best take something for the stomach before you watch:(

[adamsmom]

Is there a station on DirecTV that is broadcasting the updates? The only thing I've found is ESPN and its the same thing over and over again. Jingles for Barbaro, probably be asleep before anything is decided...


TVG is doing updates as well.

IIRC (former DirectTV subscriber), TVG is on DirectTV.

[CSSporthorses]

http://sports.aol.com/horseracing/story/_a/barbaro-breaks-down-in-preakness-stakes/20060520183609990001

Try this ... Its a link to a picture I copied off AOL. It shows the bad angle of the leg...

I have no idea what channel that may be on, anyone know ?

[Adamantane]

>>DirectTV watchers, check out TVG - it's not only Barbaro, but they are covering him as well. It's 602.<<

Thank you. And many thanks, too, to Ghazzu et al., for the explanation.

[Marli]

Nothing but prayers and positive thoughts for Barbaro tonite. Watching the events unfold were heartbreaking - just can't imagine the feeling MM and his connections felt as they watched it occur. The next 24-48 hrs. are critical and I'm sure MM will be by his side.

He's gone to an excellent facility and we can only pray that his injury can be pieced together again. Even if he could never bear weight for stud duty, he's earned his retirement, just praying he can live through this.


Sidenote- For those that didn't see the race, NBC news has coverage on video (though it leaves a sick feeling to watch). :no:

http://www.nbcnews.com (Click on NBC Sports Coverage)

[Goldylox]

I think you might look at http://msn.foxsports.com. I didn't so anything but read an article so it may not be there....

[Noctis]

someone metioned that TVG on DirectTV (channel 602) is doing updates

[Dispatcher]

slewdledo, not sure what your point is and what attitude you are sick of. For us locals, Michael Matz is a HORSEMAN first ( and they seem very few and far between nowadays) who now trains race horses

[Kenike]

thanks for the info on TVG...new to DirecTV after a 4 year hiatus (had cable in NC and PA), so I had no clue about this AND I had to go find it, but (thankfully), I have it

Though I'd love to smack the present caller...but I'm also extremely cranky now

[CSSporthorses]

Got it on 602, QUITE annoyed with the caller that just called in ... Asking if it was the fact he was raced in 2 weeks in comparison to his 5 weeks that he so obviously needs in order to run ... I wish these people would know what they were talking about before they call in ... AHHHHHHHH!!!! Well, I'm gonna watch it a bit, hopefully check back in before bed. Jingling mad from DE and hoping the handsome boy pulls through.

[War Admiral]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the updates both here and on the H/J thread. Echoing a prior poster (sorry, forgot who!), this is a pretty amazing forum. I've been sort of surfing around some racing forums and heck, we're way better connected here!

Probably going to run out in a few mins, grab some food for 2 very HONGRY cats!!

[~DressageJunkie~]

Horrible accident, it really shows how fragile they are... Wishing him the best of luck.

Yahoo pictures really show the leg!

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060520/483/xpim15505202342

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060520/483/xpim15005202333

[Kenike]

just noticed Noctis posted the channel number....are they the same for DTV nationwide? Because it's the same channel number for me (sorry for the OT post here...)

[adamsmom]

I heard Ruffian's sire an dam also died similar ways a couple years later. Both had breaks/fractures and had surgery and while coming out of the anesthetic, thrashed around and reinjured themselves worse than before. I think her sire's was a pasture injury too.

I do know that Reviewer broke down 3 or more times, though am not sure what caused his death, or Shenanigans'.
Icecapade, a half-brother to Ruffian, with a similar sire-line, also broke his hock (I think) several times.

[stephjm]

I haven't even read all the updates yet... not sure I want to...:( I just saw the race a little while ago, as I had to tape it because we were out all evening. I am just sickened. Poor Barbaro. And Michael Matz, I have so much respect for him, I'm sure all Barbaro's connections are hurting so much right now...

Jingling hard for Barbaro and Michael and everyone with him... :cry:

[shea'smom]

God, those are awful pictures. Poor brave boy.

[Where'sMyWhite]

DTV channels are national with the exception of their local channel coverage (NBC/CBS/ABC/Fox).

[Kenike]

Horrible accident, it really shows how fragile they are... Wishing him the best of luck.

Yahoo pictures really show the leg!

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060520/483/xpim15505202342

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060520/483/xpim15005202333

OH DEAR GOD!!!!! wow...it doesn't take much to turn my stomach, but that did.....

wait, that was wrong...edited to say it usually take a lot to turn my stomach, but that did....(told you I can't think now)

[CSSporthorses]

And I'm sorry Slew, but we're here for BARBARO, Michael Matz, and the owners. My many years working as a vet tech on many racers, I know way too many trainers who say inject, I have to run in 5 days, who cares if a few weeks off may make the difference. I'm sitting on a 7 year old broodmare that was pushed so hard for her height as a 2 year old in TRAINING that she broke down before she could even hit the gate. Pinfired, nerved, and fused front ankles all because she showed speed at the beginning and they didn't want to let down.

Anyway, off my rant, extremely crabby right now. Many in this community know Michael Matz as a HORSEMAN who, for all purposes, will encourage the owners with the BEST interest of the horse in mind, not the checkbooks. I'm sure whichever path this brave horse will take will be thought thru and will be in the best interest of THE HORSE !!!

And bravo to the person who just called in on 602, I heard bits and pieces while I was typing on here, but she summed up everyones frustrations very well, especially with all the speculation of why it happened. Unfortunately, no one will ever know :(

[Kenike]

Kudos to the lady who just called in!! Good for her standing up for EP like that!!

[Meadow36]

Here's the info about Reviewer (Ruffian's sire):

"Suffered cannon bone fracture twice while racing. [Actually, he fractured his right r cannon 3x. Came back 2x. Retired the third time.]
Sired champion filly Ruffian in his first year at stud.
Was euthanized in 1977 due to a freak accident in the paddock in which he fell and broke his leg.
Buried at Claiborne Farm."

Gives me hope for Barbaro.

Here's what happened to Shenanigans (Ruffian's dam):

"Dam of Ruffian, Laughter, Icecapade and Buckfinder.
In 1977, Shenanigans, was euthanized when coming out of anesthesia from abdominal surgery, fell and broke two legs."

[adamsmom]

And I'm sorry Slew, but we're here for BARBARO, Michael Matz, and the owners. My many years working as a vet tech on many racers, I know way too many trainers who say inject, I have to run in 5 days, who cares if a few weeks off may make the difference. I'm sitting on a 7 year old broodmare that was pushed so hard for her height as a 2 year old in TRAINING that she broke down before she could even hit the gate. Pinfired, nerved, and fused front ankles all because she showed speed at the beginning and they didn't want to let down.

Anyway, off my rant, extremely crabby right now. Many in this community know Michael Matz as a HORSEMAN who, for all purposes, will encourage the owners with the BEST interest of the horse in mind, not the checkbooks. I'm sure whichever path this brave horse will take will be thought thru and will be in the best interest of THE HORSE !!!

Amen, from an admirer and acquaintance of Michael & D.D. over the years.

[romanschief]

My prayers and thoughts are with the entire Barbaro family. MM is one of the best in the business. He is a true HORSEMAN, as someone already said. He and the Jacksons need all the positive vibes we can send. Hoping that the surgeons can work their majic on Barbaro. :(

[Noctis]

just noticed Noctis posted the channel number....are they the same for DTV nationwide? Because it's the same channel number for me (sorry for the OT post here...)

Yep I think the channels are nationwide.

Anything new for those of us who DONT have directTV or erm TV at all right now?

[Meadow36]

Yes - can anyone who has those channels give us an update? Did he arrive in good order? Has he been evaluated?

[CSSporthorses]

Haven't heard anything yet, was hoping to hear before sleep got the best of me :(

[thadlo]

Nothing new to report from TVG right now.

[luvmytbs]

Not much else coming from TV as far as updates. I guess we will have to wait until tomorrow to hear how he did overnight.

I hope he will be a good patient and stay calm enough through all of this.

Jingles from KY

[Noctis]

rats. I was hoping for some updates before I fell asleep in my chair. Guess we'll have to wait for morning! (and thank GOD my boss is a doll about letting me use the computer at work, at least for lurking!)

[J. Turner]

Champion being driven off into the sunset:(((((((((
.....heading now for the Pepcid AC's..

The sunset picture got me too.

[BeastieSlave]

Yahoo pictures really show the leg!

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060520/483/xpim15505202342

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060520/483/xpim15005202333

OMG!!! :eek: That is so much worse than it seemed watching it live and in replay.

I just got back and checked in. Ya'll are really on top of things. The updates and insights here are comforting. Barbaro has been so much on my mind...

I'm glad they feel they can wait until Sunday to do the surgery. It's logical that it would be better to be able to give him a chance to 'come down', get over the shock a bit, and be fully prepped before going under.

I'll keep jingling for Barbaro and all involved.

[Meadow36]

I'm so upset I don't think I can sleep tonight. I have been following this horse very closely since his win in January. I've been having some personal issues in my life lately and I've been looking at Barbaro/Matz as personal heroes. Following their progress has brought me great joy the last few months. I'm taking this whole thing pretty hard.

[Goldylox]

Just now 9:00 p.m. in Texas....The night is just starting here...

[CSSporthorses]

Ok guys, as much as I don't want to, I'm off to bed. I'll be back as soon as I wake up in the "am", or in the middle of the night ... Good night all and best wishes to Barbaro :(

[M.K.Smith]

Jingles & prayers for Barbaro.

[Jane]

Before I heard any of the updates, the most telling sign was watching D.D. Matz's expression after MM dashed off.

Anyway, the NYTimes posted an article a little over an hour ago, with a few more details than what I've read here, also a picture of Prado holding Barbaro.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/21/sports/othersports/21preakness.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

In case you need to register to read it, here's a transcript of the article.



The New York Times

By JOE DRAPE (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/d/joe_drape/index.html?inline=nyt-per)
Published: May 21, 2006

BALTIMORE, May 20 — The Preakness Stakes was supposed to be a walkover for Barbaro, the undefeated colt who had looked every bit the superhorse when winning the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago. Ever since the first Saturday in May, his name had been conjoined with the words "potential Triple Crown champion."

(http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/21/sports/othersports/21preakness.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin#secondParagraph)

Those hopes ended horrifically in the first sixteenth of a mile at Pimlico Race Course when Barbaro sustained potentially life-threatening fractures above and below his right hind ankle. His jockey, Edgar Prado, felt the colt's pain immediately; he slowed Barbaro gradually to a standstill in front of a clubhouse brimming with stunned onlookers.


As the eight remaining horses disappeared into the first turn in a race eventually won by Bernardini, the real drama was unfolding in the opening straightaway. Barbaro was holding his awkwardly bent leg aloft as an equine ambulance raced to his aid.


His trainer, Michael Matz, ran from the clubhouse to the racetrack as his assistant, Peter Brette, who was watching near the paddock, got to Barbaro and Prado first. Brette dissolved into a heartbreaking hug with Prado as veterinarians tried to comfort Barbaro, the strapping bay son of Dynaformer.


"There are some major hurdles here," said Dr. Larry Bramlage, a renowned equine surgeon who was the on-call veterinarian for the American Association of Equine Practitioners. "This is a significant injury. His career is over. This is it for him as a racehorse. We're trying to save him as a stallion."


Barbaro broke the bone above the ankle first, according to Bramlage, who examined the X-rays. The break below the ankle occurred sometime in the next several yards, Bramlage said, because Barbaro was coursing with energy and adrenaline and wanted to keep running.


He likened the injury to a runner who twists his ankle but continues on and suffers more damage with every step. Bramlage credited Prado with acting swiftly, which could be critical to Barbaro's survival.


He said horses have two small arteries in their legs, and there is a worry that blood flow to the lower limb may be impeded.


"That's what you worry about as life-threatening," Bramlage said. "Secondly, if this kind of injury happened to us, we'd be put up in bed for six weeks. But you can't do that for a horse."


Horses' physiology and temperament are not designed for long stretches of inactivity. A horse with a severely injured leg will try to put weight on it, and its internal organs may not react properly. Prado was visibly shaken by the turn of the events. Only moments earlier, a seemingly rambunctious Barbaro had broken through the gate, delaying the start of the race.


"When he went to the gate, he was feeling super and I felt like he was in the best condition for this race," Prado said. "He actually tried to buck me off a couple of times. He was feeling that good. He just touched the front of the gate and went right through it."


Barbaro got 10 or so yards before being escorted by outriders back to his No. 6 post position. He was checked by a track veterinarian and found to be uninjured. When the gates opened for real, Barbaro bounded out effortlessly.


"He took a bad step and I can't tell you what happened," Prado said. "I heard a noise about 100 yards into the race and pulled him right up."
Barbaro was only the sixth horse to come to the Preakness undefeated, and Matz had carefully planned a racing schedule to minimize the colt's wear and tear in the hopes of becoming just the 12th Triple Crown champion and the first since Affirmed in 1978.


Matz had raced his colt only five times before the Derby, and gave the colt from five to eight weeks of rest between outings. He was unavailable for comment after the race. His wife, D. D. Matz, met briefly with reporters outside the stakes barn here after Barbaro was taken from the track by ambulance and with a police escort to the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the New Bolton Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
"Barbaro is behaving like the true champion he is, and hopefully, he'll get the best treatment possible and will be all right," she said.


As soon as Barbaro can be stabilized, Bramlage said, equine surgeons will begin the hours-long process of trying to repair the colt's leg. The colt's injury put a chill on the human connections of his eight rivals, even the winning jockey, Javier Castellano, who was puzzled when he turned for home and peaked under his arm and did not see Barbaro or Prado behind him.


Moments later, however, shortly before crossing the finish line five and a quarter lengths in front, Castellano finally laid eyes on them.


"I saw the jockey in the middle of the track," Castellano said, seeing Prado, Barbaro and the equine ambulance still near the first turn. "It was really sad."

[Noctis]

thanks for posting that last update. Now i guess its off to bed and stuff. Just almost cant tear myself away because I really want to know.

[Esprit]

for this beautiful animal, and his people. What a devastating turn of events for this gifted athlete. I "met" his sire at Three Chimney's, and if he's got half the fight that his sire does, hopefull that will help him pull through. Huge jingles and may the surgeons have every angel watching over them.

Be a good patient Barbaro!

[~DressageJunkie~]

It's a shame, looking at those pictures just tears your heart, the ones before and after the race. To think that if he doesn't make it, those are the only pictures we will think of when we remember him.

What does everyone think of the 50/50 chance of survival?

[adamsmom]

From ESPN: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown06/news/story?id=2452340

[Mega Rock]

Just saw on the 10 o'clock news Barbaro arrived at New Bolton and is resting comfortably, surgery is schduled for tomorrow. Had video of him getting off the equine ambulance. Michael Matz gave a statement to the news reporters outside.

[J. Turner]

Horrible accident, it really shows how fragile they are... Wishing him the best of luck.

Yahoo pictures really show the leg!

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060520/483/xpim15505202342

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060520/483/xpim15005202333

It is horrible:
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/ap/20060520/capt.xpim15505202342.preakness_horse_racing_xpim15 5.jpg?x=380&y=326&sig=6LvhkZyCqcXoTeOymRay8A--
This is Barbaro putting weight on that right hind with Prado still up and the hoof turned over to the side. It's gruesome so don't look, if you've had enough. It's number 57 in the Preakness yahoo slideshow. So heartbreaking. I hope the news is better in coming days.

[saddlesurfer]

Yea, & they cut the MM interview short! Wish I had heard the whole thing

[War Admiral]

Excellent article, Adamsmom, thanks for that.

[Meadow36]

What did MM say??????

[saddlesurfer]

Our 10:00 news cut the press conf. short. MM did say Barbaro was resting comfortably, he did the trip well & surgery is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

[homeskillet]

holding only good thoughts for Barbaro and his people.
jingles from utah. god, it was awful to see.

[JJRH]

My heart and thoughts and jingles go out to Barbaro and his human family. I hope that all will be ok and the surgery and recovery will go well

[VirginiaBred]

I am so scared for him, and am praying he can hold strong and live to be a breeding stallion.

[saddlesurfer]

It's emotional times like this that make it hard to sit in approval of horse racing.

[clint]

Thanks for the links to the ESPN article and the NY Times. I'm just devastated, and jingling desperately for Barbero's recovery.

[17handtb]

There's really nothing to say at a time like this, when it all still seems like such a surreal mixture of horror, shock, and disbelief.

All I can think of to say is how hard I will be praying for three of the most classy, honest, courageous figures I have ever seen in sports: Edgar Prado, Michael Matz, and Barbaro.

[Meadow36]

Saddlesurfer - I started to talk that way on the hunter/jumper thread and was immediately burned.

As I questioned in that thread, why can't the Triple Crown be for four year olds, and 2 year old racing be banned? The extra year of development would really help those fragile legs. Granted accidents are always going to happen, but I bet the number would be greatly reduced.

[eks]

I'm sick like everyone else here..can't think of anything else and have been crying my heart out about this. What a noble animal he his..breaks my heart to think about him even through all of this being the perfect patient. What an amazing, amazing horse. Thank goodness New Bolton is so close to Baltimore...at least with him there everyone will know he is being given the best chance. Praying like crazy for Dr, Richardson and also for Babaro so that he isn't feeling any pain tonight.

[saddlesurfer]

Just emotion talking. Just so sad to see...
I agree with you, starting them later, giving chance for better & healthier development.

[mvb]

It's emotional times like this that make it hard to sit in approval of horse racing.


Saddlesurfer.. this can happen anytime.. horses injure themselves all the time in the paddock...jumping....anything really. in fact this type of thing has happened a lot recently , and to a poster on this board with one of her stallions. He was just running around in the paddock and she heard a SNAP from in the barn.....

Continue jingles and prayers for barbaro and all involved.

[Riding Fool]

It's emotional times like this that make it hard to sit in approval of horse racing.

I just cannot even believe I'm reading this and any of the negative comments about the sport, the Matz's or Jacksons within this thread. I lost an incredible TB due to a broken leg... I held his head in my hands as he was euthanized on the spot. No saddle, no track, no jumps - nothing to hurt him other than he just took a bad step casually cantering in the pasture one gorgeous summer evening. That's all it takes folks - knock off the "horse racing is evil" cr*p, you should be ashamed of yourself, honestly.

Please, please, please for Barbaro's and his supporters' sake, please leave the negative comments out, it's just not necessary nor helpful.

[FourWands]

"Two weeks ago we were on such a high and this is our worst nightmare," trainer Michael Matz said at the hospital. "Hopefully, everything will go well with the operation and we'll be able to save him."

From http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060521/ap_on_sp_ot/rac_tc1_preakness;_ylt=AhjYI8p3J20gvgm8QPxJZnus0NU E;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--

Good Luck Barbaro!

[saddlesurfer]

I know, you're all right. I just hate seeing this happen!
We had horses crash in the night field after being at a show all day. Killed was a young horse & a pregnant mare.
If they were given another year or 2 for development. It's so much stress on 4 thin legs.
I have a call into a friend who is a vet/imaging specialist at N.B. If I get any info, I'll pass it on.

[ivy62]

For those of us that remember Ruffian, time is on Barbaro's side unlike her. Medical science has improved dramatically and it is in his favor to be at such a facility. If they feel they can wait until tomorrow afternoon that may be a good sign. Even the fate of Alydar, who was never injured on the track, was predetermined by the medicine practiced at the time...Things have improved so much that the chance may be there and not so black and white as it used to be....
I hope that this is not a repeat of that fateful day in 1975.....I just breakdown every time i think of it!
Jingles and prayers to all involved.....

[Sannois]

Will be saying extra prayers for Barbaro and his Vet and all involved.. A special Prayer for Edgar tonight.. He looked heartbroken, standing there in one of the yahoo photos.. so helpless! I am sure he is replaying it over and over again in his mind.. He was wonderful, a great Jockey and so intune with his horse!
Hey .. does anyone know if Barbaro has a stable name or dont race horses have barn names like our horses do??
Will check in in the AM before stalls!

[saddlesurfer]

Nite Sannois...you were good company tonight

[saddlesurfer]

Will be saying extra prayers for Barbaro and his Vet and all involved.. A special Prayer for Edgar tonight.. He looked heartbroken, standing there in one of the yahoo photos.. so helpless! I am sure he is replaying it over and over again in his mind.. He was wonderful, a great Jockey and so intune with his horse!
Hey .. does anyone know if Barbaro has a stable name or dont race horses have barn names like our horses do??
Will check in in the AM before stalls!

Our horse had both stable & a barn name. A good friend of mine works at Fair Hill...I check with her as MM has a barn there.

[Ladybug Hill]

Just jingling quietly for a beautiful horse.

[Meadow36]

No one is bashing horse racing, but you can't help but wonder if pushing everything back one year to allow proper development would help decrease the number of injuries. Racehorses are broken as yearlings. After all, most sport horse people don't even break their horses until age three, and then don't get into serious showing and jumping until they are late four year olds - going on five.

[lep]

This photo of the jockey and his tack is quite sad - Prado looks totally shocked and confused. It's certainly not as dramatic a picture as the ones of Barbaro, but to me it's a powerful picture.
http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/sp/051906preaknesshorse/im:/060521/483/xpim16505210016;_ylt=AuDUIkjN53ToACxfLHySIqDNaMYA; _ylu=X3oDMTA5bGcyMWMzBHNlYwNzc25hdg--?sp=-1&lsp=3000

[QHJockee]

I don't think banning 2 year old racing is the answer. Investors are looking for a quick return and they would disallow a total 2 year old ban. However, they could delay the start further, say June or July start instead of an April start. the running QH's are allowed to race even earlier, the 2 yo's start running in February. I think that is a travesty which should be addressed immediately.

What people don't seem to grasp on this thread is that perfectly sound horses break down. A slip, a bad step, clipped heels, crashes - these things happen. Edgar is a seasoned veteran and the top eschelon of his sport - if he was not absolutely 100% certain the horse was fit to race he would have called off the mount. His life is at stake too - just look at Johnny V a month ago. Do you think Up an Octave warmed up sound? Absolutely. If he hadn't, Johnny would have called the vet over or took off the mount.

I've been on horses which have broken down, and on horses which have had horrible accidents happen to them. It's unforseeable and an extremely unfortunate part of this sport. While I am truly sorry for Barbaro and his injury, I am extremely relieved Edgar will live to ride tomorrow.

[Riding Fool]

No one is bashing horse racing, but you can't help but wonder if pushing everything back one year to allow proper development would help decrease the number of injuries. Racehorses are broken as yearlings. After all, most sport horse people don't even break their horses until age three, and then don't get into serious showing and jumping until they are late four year olds - going on five.

That's fine, let's save it for another thread, another time.

[mazu]

I don't blame anybody for feeling disgusted by racing, seeing something like this. It's an almost visceral reaction when you, a horse lover, see such a beautiful animal in such pain -- and it's because we ask them to do something dangerous, purely for our entertainment. I'll always love racing, but it breaks my heart sometimes and my first reaction certainly wasn't anything so noble as "accidents happen," that's for sure.

That said -- I'm pulling for them all. Anyone who has doubts about the horsemanship or love of animals of racing folk need only watch that embrace between the jockey and Matz. It said everything.

Not to derail the thread, but why is it exactly that horses + anesthesia are such a bad combination?

[adamsmom]

Hey .. does anyone know if Barbaro has a stable name or dont race horses have barn names like our horses do??
Will check in in the AM before stalls!

I'll see if I can find out, but I'm guessing it's just Barbaro.
Some racehorses have barn names, but others don't.

None of his connections have referred to him as anything else when I've talked to them, but I'll ask anyway.

Jinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejingleji nglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejingleJinglejing lejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejingle jinglejinglejinglejinglejingleJinglejinglejingleji nglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejing lejinglejinglejingleJinglejinglejinglejinglejingle jinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejingleji nglejingleJinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejing lejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejinglejingle ......etc., etc.

[saddlesurfer]

No one is bashing horse racing, but you can't help but wonder if pushing everything back one year to allow proper development would help decrease the number of injuries. Racehorses are broken as yearlings. After all, most sport horse people don't even break their horses until age three, and then don't get into serious showing and jumping until they are late four year olds - going on five.

My comment may have been fed by emotion & just plain being tired but it's human to question if what we do it right for the horse. I'm not taking away from the positive's we all sending Barbaro's way. It's questioning if we are doing right by them or if something simply, like giving them another year, would be practical.

[Fairview Horse Center]

I know everyone is upset, but can we please take the discussion of racing risks and ways to improve it to another post, and keep this one for support of a great horse and his wonderful team of humans? Thanks!

[saddlesurfer]

I know everyone is upset, but can we please take the discussion of racing risks and ways to improve it to another post, and keep this one for support of a great horse and his wonderful team of humans? Thanks!

Sorry! You're right. We need to stay on task.

[Kahuna]

I feel awful for Barbaro and everyone involved with that great horse.:( I was glad to have them interview Dr. Larry Bramlage, who IMO is one of the best leg guys in the country.

[War Admiral]

Please could y'all start another thread if you want to rehash all that?

As to horses and anesthetic - hopefully someone more expert than I am will check in, but my vague understanding is that there are 2 big problems: the first is that during recovery from the anesthetic they will often thrash around and freak out. The second is that the amount of anesthetic it takes to put a horse under is much MUCH closer to the amount that would actually kill them than it is in a human being. In other words, there's a very narrow margin between the two, which isn't the case with humans.

[Ghazzu]

Not to derail the thread, but why is it exactly that horses + anesthesia are such a bad combination?

They're not meant to be off their feet for any length of time, for starters. It causes problems with moving oxygen in the lungs, and it causes muscle damage.

Sort of a mini version of what happens to beached marine mammals.

[mzpeepers]

Not to derail the thread, but why is it exactly that horses + anesthesia are such a bad combination?

Remember Ruffian?:no:

[horse_poor]

These photos just absolutely break my heart....jingles for the Barbaro crew as well as for the rider hurt at Otter Creek today. Not a good day in the horse world. :(

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/sp/051906preaknesshorse/im:/060520/ids_photos_sp/r2195770794.jpg;_ylt=AsCe11WkgYyZRVo9_KuPjyHNaMYA; _ylu=X3oDMTA5bGcyMWMzBHNlYwNzc25hdg--?sp=-1&lsp=3000


http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/sp/051906preaknesshorse/im:/060520/ids_photos_sp/r902975345.jpg;_ylt=AlhS.s4Z_dYMXfUuYf83ON_NaMYA;_ ylu=X3oDMTA5bGcyMWMzBHNlYwNzc25hdg--?sp=-1&lsp=3000

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/sp/051906preaknesshorse/im:/060520/483/xpim14405202303;_ylt=AvUujlF4HzhpPytd3r3ZUVzNaMYA; _ylu=X3oDMTA5bGcyMWMzBHNlYwNzc25hdg--?sp=-1&lsp=3000

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/sp/051906preaknesshorse/im:/060520/483/xpim14005202254;_ylt=ArnQYt9UdbVa.CNYTqCdlODNaMYA; _ylu=X3oDMTA5bGcyMWMzBHNlYwNzc25hdg--?sp=-1&lsp=3000

[Boston Chicken]

Just got home and wanted to check back in to see if there were any updates. God bless Barbaro - or St. Francis or someone :cry: I wish this had never happened. Seems like such a childish thing to wish, but I simply can't think of anything very adult right now

[Fairview Horse Center]

When horses come out of anesthesia, they become aware that they are awake before they are out of it enough to have control of their bodies. You have a horse then that is panicked to get to their feet where they feel safe - thrashing to get their "legs" under them and balance.

[onetempies]

Not to derail the thread, but why is it exactly that horses + anesthesia are such a bad combination?

As far as what happens when they finally come out of anesthesia or what causes the reaction?

Barbaro, even though being a saint of a patient still needs a bit of let down to get out of that racing mode. A normal horse (as I use the term "normal" rather loosely) runs high risk of causing injury to themselves when they wake up from anthestic. It just boils down to their need to flee. But their body doesn't totally work and their mind isn't 100% with it upon waking up. So the risk of injury comes when they're trying to flee on limbs that they have hardly any control over while still groggy. It's scary as H*LL watching these horses wake up.

[Meadow36]

I just read on an another board that Barbaro wasn't properly examined by the vet after he broke through the gate. Who knows if that's true though - there's a lot of speculation at this point.

[alysheba]

Horrible accident, it really shows how fragile they are... Wishing him the best of luck.

Yahoo pictures really show the leg!

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060520/483/xpim15505202342

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060520/483/xpim15005202333

Its Go For Wand all over again. I hate this shit. I'll be praying for him.

[horselips]

As another poster mentioned, and I was thinking when he broke through - how very odd that the day before in a filly & mare race one broke through.

Prado said: "he just touched it -".

A "touch" shouldn't have sprung it.
Could the starting gate have an electrical malfunction that disrupted the magnetic field partially?

While I don't believe his breaking through the gate in and of itself caused the resulting fractures from the mis-step (or whatever), I feel it added to its eventuality:

Race horses are not prepared to be pulled-up coming out of the gate during a race. This has to put stress and strain on a horse physically (and mentally). "Pre" stress factor # 1, if you will.

Nor are they expected to go through that compounded physical torque and stress that breaking from a gate is all about, more than once per race. "Pre" stress factor # 2.

Just my ponderings. I think that gate should be checked.

(And yes; I am aware that horses are schooled from a gate repeatedly, but that is schooling, not racing.)


For whoever wondered, Saratoga Six and Spanish Riddle, to name just two, both had prosthetic ankles, and were successfull sires. I can't recall if it was a hind limb on either.


Hopefully, Barbaros' can be repaired, and won't need to be amputated.

[horselovr121]

As another poster mentioned, and I was thinking when he broke through - how very odd that the day before in a filly & mare race one broke through.

Prado said: "he just touched it -".

A "touch" shouldn't have sprung it.
Could the starting gate have an electical malfunction that disrupted the magnetic field partially?

While I don't believe his breaking through the gate in and of itself caused the resulting fractures from the mis-step (or whatever), I feel it added to its eventuality:

Race horses are not prepared to be pulled-up coming out of the gate during a race. This has to put stress and strain on a horse physically (and mentally). "Pre" stress factor # 1, if you will.

Nor are they expected to go through that compounded physical torque and stress that breaking from a gate is all about, more than once per race. "Pre" stress factor # 2.

Just my ponderings. I think that gate should be checked.

(And yes; I am aware that horses are schooled from a gate repeatedly, but that is schooling, not racing.)


For whoever wondered, Saratoga Six and Spanish Riddle, to name just two, both had prosthetic ankles, and were successfull sires. I can't recall if it was a hind limb on either.


Hopefully, Barbaros' can be repaired, and won't need to be amputated.

I completely agree with you about the gate.

[adamsmom]

Its Go For Wand all over again. I hate this shit. I'll be praying for him.

Complete compound fracture, no hope of recovery, euthanized on the track.

NOT the same thing.

There is still hope. Let's not forget that. And let's not forget prayer.

[annikak]

One thing that has not been mentioned is that New Bolton has a pool to help them coming out of surgery.
Horses have not evolved enough to understand that we are helping them, and therefore, they gotta get up- FAST and RUN because thats the only way they will survive. Take a Racehorse, and a stallion, that is one animal that is very much a survivor in a horse sense, maybe not in our sense. That being said, he seems to be a sensible guy, and very trusting of his care-takers.
Jingling like mad....

[alysheba]

Complete compound fracture, no hope of recovery, euthanized on the track.

NOT the same thing.

There is still hope. Let's not forget that. And let's not forget prayer.

I know, I just meant the sadness of the pictures. I've had Go For Wand on my screen saver for 6 years...Its the shot of her going head to head with Bayakoa...seconds before her breakdown.

http://members.aol.com/thoughtsinblue/images/bayakoabcbig.jpg

[mvb]

No one is bashing horse racing, but you can't help but wonder if pushing everything back one year to allow proper development would help decrease the number of injuries. Racehorses are broken as yearlings. After all, most sport horse people don't even break their horses until age three, and then don't get into serious showing and jumping until they are late four year olds - going on five.


I agree they should. But will it ever happen coming (from someone who used to be really involved in the buisness)? Never. Money is money. Very few horse owners care about the horses. I know one guy out of hundreds who is waiting to run his horses until they are 3. One! Look at how the industry treated Matz for running him as lightly as he did.. Everyone attacked him. They will never wait until 3..although I wish they would.

Always made more sense to me to have a horse that would have a longer career... we all know the sad truth. Money is all that matters to 98% of owners.(can you see why I am no longer involved?) Waiting until they are 3 is another year of bills.. and it's not like the show world. Its typically at least over a grand a month per horse..

[adamsmom]

I know, I just meant the sadness of the pictures. I've had Go For Wand on my screen saver for 6 years...Its the shot of her going head to head with Bayakoa...seconds before her breakdown.

http://members.aol.com/thoughtsinblue/images/bayakoabcbig.jpg

It is sad, but there is soooo much hope still. I watched the Ruffian breakdown, and though I was only 7, it marked me. I hated Foolish Pleasure forever, as only a young child can hate.

Let's just not forget the power of the positive. I know it's corny, but I believe it works. Keep thinking, jingling, praying positively. There is hope!!

:yes:

[Meadow36]

The pool was mentioned several pages back. Ironically earlier this week I was watching a documentary (I think on Animal Planet?) and they featured the New Bolten Center. They showed a horse waking up from anesthesia in the pool. I had no idea several days later that poor Barbaro would be in that situation.

[Kenike]

As another poster mentioned, and I was thinking when he broke through - how very odd that the day before in a filly & mare race one broke through.

Prado said: "he just touched it -".

A "touch" shouldn't have sprung it.
Could the starting gate have an electrical malfunction that disrupted the magnetic field partially?

Just my ponderings. I think that gate should be checked.

AHA!! So someone else saw the two horses the day before AND agrees that the gate should be checked! Thank goodness, because when I mentioned this earlier, nobody seemed to notice. I began thinking I must just be nuts!

[adamsmom]

though not sure if this is the thread for it....if not, I'm happy to have it moved.

Do you think horses that compete for a living would rather go out that way?
I know there are people, me included, who say I'd rather die doing what I love (i.e. riding, driving a NASCAR, jumping out of a plane) than die by being hit by a bus.

Obviously, we'd probably all rather die in our late 90s, while making love to some hot young thing, but.....given our other options.....what do you guys think?

(Sort of a "rather loved and lost than never loved at all" thing?)

Sorry. Too much thinking. ;)

[LessIsMore17]

I know, I just meant the sadness of the pictures.



OMG, why did I just go look at pics of Go For Wand:cry: those were absolutely heart breaking.

[Meadow36]

Let's hope that Barbaro will die in his thirties, peacefully, in a large green field under an oak tree, after a long successful career as a sire. :)

[annikak]

The pool was mentioned several pages back. Ironically earlier this week I was watching a documentary (I think on Animal Planet?) and they featured the New Bolten Center. They showed a horse waking up from anesthesia in the pool. I had no idea several days later that poor Barbaro would be in that situation.

i did not see it on this thread, so mentioned it- NBC is one of the few that do have it, and it really helps- as one said before, its scary as He** watching them come up... and as you had said earlier, Ruffians demise may be one of the best things that happened for TB's and surgery/recovery.
jingles...

[Meadow36]

As someone who witnessed Go For Wand's injury in person, it was completely different then Barbaro. She was euthanized no more than five feet from where I stood on the rail. I can tell you that her leg was hanging on by just a piece of skin. Everything else was torn and broken.

She also fell badly, then stood up and kept cantering, although she had no leg to canter on. She was terrified by the screams of the crowd. The outrider grabbed her and was able to get her to lay down. Only seconds later she was euthanized right there on the track.

[War Admiral]

Let's hope indeed that he recovers well and gets to be a happy old horse!

I'm going to bed now but I'll leave you w/ the following to hopefully help you think positive: my experience w/ TBs of this particular pedigree is that they are very very bright, and a bit headstrong, but provided they have been tactfully handled - which Barbaro most definitely has - they actually really DO understand that we stupid humans are trying to help. I feel pretty certain that if they can get him thru surgery and patch him back up, he WILL be a good patient.

Night, all. And many thanks once again to all who posted updates.

[colliemom]

I will head to bed encouraged that they are letting him stabilize and will operate tomorrow. He's a great champion -- if anyone can pull through this, he seems to have the spirit and the personality to do it.

Local Philly news is covering this closely. Most here seem well connected, though. Thanks all for the information.

Rest well tonight, Barbaro......

[annikak]

Let's hope indeed that he recovers well and gets to be a happy old horse!

I'm going to bed now but I'll leave you w/ the following to hopefully help you think positive: my experience w/ TBs of this particular pedigree is that they are very very bright, and a bit headstrong, but provided they have been tactfully handled - which Barbaro most definitely has - they actually really DO understand that we stupid humans are trying to help. I feel pretty certain that if they can get him thru surgery and patch him back up, he WILL be a good patient.
that is terrific information- he seems from what I can see on TV to be just that sort.
Jingles...the curb chains are busy!!!

[Fairview Horse Center]

Horses in shock also have their digestive system shut down. Waiting until tomorrow to do the surgery gives them a chance to minimize the pain, run fluids and get the systems working again - critical for recovery.

Good night everyone, and thanks to all for gathering and posting so much information, so quickly.

[canyonoak]

We all say and know that there is nothing like a horse to restore humility and humor.

There is nothing like a horse race to remind us humans what it is to understand the thrill of life-- and the nearness of death.

My prayers and jingles go out to one truly Great Horse, and the extraordinary humans who are involved with him.

jingles jingles jingles jingles jingles jingles, infinity jingles, and can only pray that the next 72 hours bring new hope and positive news.

[Linny]

It requires only about 30lbs of pressure of open the gate. The starting gate is held closed by an electric current, not locks or bars. An eager horse, hearing a shout or feeling pressure on the bit or bridle might break through. Barbaro appeared fine when he reloaded and for the first furlong or so. I saw the replay about 10 times and it appears that he took a bad step, possibly when "changing lanes" tucking in a lane before the turn. No one appeared to make contact with him and Prado mentioned none in his comments.

I have nothing but the best wishes for his speedy recovery and for his human connections.

Xcntrygirl, your pics are truly haunting. Like I said on the phone, its odd. This pics are just a simple equine amulance on the outside, but inside, a battle for life is ongoing. I'm sure Barbaro's best interests are at the heart of ay decision about his care.

[Susan P]

I think anyone that's been under general anesthesia might recall waking up and being very disoriented and mostly just reacting to what you think is happening, more of a knee jerk reaction. It only stands to reason that a horse would do that. Not really anything you can do when you aren't fully aware as in that semi conscious state.



As far as what happens when they finally come out of anesthesia or what causes the reaction?

Barbaro, even though being a saint of a patient still needs a bit of let down to get out of that racing mode. A normal horse (as I use the term "normal" rather loosely) runs high risk of causing injury to themselves when they wake up from anthestic. It just boils down to their need to flee. But their body doesn't totally work and their mind isn't 100% with it upon waking up. So the risk of injury comes when they're trying to flee on limbs that they have hardly any control over while still groggy. It's scary as H*LL watching these horses wake up.

[Esprit]

Hoping for better news in the morning. Rest easy Barbaro, rest easy.

God Bless him.

[Kenike]

I think anyone that's been under general anesthesia might recall waking up and being very disoriented and mostly just reacting to what you think is happening, more of a knee jerk reaction. It only stands to reason that a horse would do that. Not really anything you can do when you aren't fully aware as in that semi conscious state.

Very true...my mom just told everyone "For a 5-star hotel, this place sucks!" as she was coming out of it 2 months ago. Cracks me up, though. For me, I've woken up crying or trying to get the knee brace and bandages off after my knee surgeries because I thought I was being tied down and tortured for reasons I couldn't figure out (they were 15 years ago, but I remember that clearly)

Prayers and jingles will continue for this great horse and his human family (the Jacksons, the Matz's, Edgar Prado, and all the assistants, grooms and handlers). Can't wait for the update tomorrow....

[aahunterjumper]

The Philly NBC affiliate had Barbaro's injury as their lead story tonight. Not sure how "horsey" their sports team was to start, but they've been covering Barbaro and his connections for a bit. They know how much Michael Matz and the Jacksons love and care for Barbaro, and what a tragic thing this is. The reporters are pros, but this hits them hard too. Their nearly 10 minutes of coverage (in a 22-minute news spot) even showed well-wishers at New Bolton greeting Barbaro's trailer with "Get Well" signs.

I'm still amazed Edgar Prado was able to pull him up, mid-pack. His quick reactions gave this great horse a chance tonight. Over the next days, I'm sure there will be inquiries and investigations, but it may end up that everyone did the right thing and it just turned out wrong.

Sending jingles and prayers to this brave horse and his connections.

[charlieo]

Like everyone on here, I can't describe the feeling watching a great horse break down in front of me. I really started to cry when I saw the pictures of the horse ambulance in PA, with a Md state trooper doing escort. They can't leave the state without special permission. Somebody up there gave it. My now 14 yr old broke a hock in '97. Dean Richardson operated on him. He's been sound. Between Matz and New Bolton, Barbaro's in the best hands he could be in. I'm praying for him, his family and all who love him.

[Goldylox]

Time to turn in, until tomorrow...
A passing thought:

"The blood runs hot in the Thoroughbred and the courage runs deep. In the best of them, pride is limitless. This is their heritage and they carry it like a banner. What they have, they use." - C.W. Anderson

To Barbaro and his family- know that we are jingling for you!:)

For Barbaro, now is the time to use that courage. Let the pride to run fade a bit as you awake in the pool.
Barbaro, may your human angels be there for you in every way that you could possibly need tomorrow before, during and after your procedure.

You have made it this far and there are so many people there to help you.
We all hope to see a son or a daughter that you sire run the Big Three and win....

Best wishes and Godspeed through tomorrrow's test. It will test all that is inside your gallant Thoroughbred heart, mind and soul. Win that race for us tomorrow, Barbaro.
I'm betting on you:)

Goldylox- signing off

[BasqueMom]

Goldylox,

How beautifully said! Headed for bed with more jingles for Barbaro!

[islndgirl]

thanks to everyone who posts updates.. i have absolutely zero horse coverage where I am. I actually missed the race (had to go to the inlaws) and on the way home heard the commentary on the radio and was just shocked. when they first said it was a right hind i optimistically thought suspensory... i watched the video of the race on my computer as soon as I got home. It was just chilling and devastating seeing that leg... a very grave situation. the pictures just turned my stomach too. Ive been a MM fan since I was on ponies.. I had a poster of him and heisman in my room for many years! i was so rooting for barbaro for the win... now just rooting for his recovery. i cant imagine what Michael, Edgar and the Jacksons are going through. many jingles and prayers for their barbaro.

[EBO]

If someone here is acquainted with MM, it would be nice to forward this thread to him so that he could see how much support his horse has earned. If I were him, I would be pleased to know that.

[catknsn]

Ruffian was a long time ago. Veterinary science has improved a lot since those days and many, many horses survive breaks that would have meant death ten or twenty years ago. I too hope Barbaro lives a long life and enjoys his retirement.

[~Freedom~]

Not sure if this picture was posted but it shows just how bad it was.

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20060520/capt.xpim15505202342.preakness_horse_racing_xpim15 5.jpg

[captain]

jingles, thoughts, prayers, anything and everything that can help coming from new england for Barbaro and his family.

[Sannois]

Still Jingling and praying that the big boy made it through the night comfortably!!!
I woke this morning with a sudden sadness renewed.. You know the feeling, when your asleep all is well, I suddenly remembered yesterday, and came on here, It was awesome to see all the support for the horse and all his family, I cant imagine the hellish night all of them got. Ptobably not much sleep, The vet, Edgar, Michael, Everyone.
I am trying to remain positive, and with the comfort that he is in the VERY best hands possible. Someone mentioned forwarding this thread to Michael, Well that may not be practical, but if someone is connected to him they can surely tell him how so many COTHERS from the horse world are pulling for him and his great horse for all we are worth!
I do have a question, Some have said that NB has a pool where they recover the horses after surgery. How is that done.. I cannot imagine it, First they are flat out on an opering table.. All I can think is that the table is on a conveyor and it is moved over the pool then slowly lowered and made verticle, so that the horse can "Swim" his way to recovery. Just a guess, anyone ever seen one??

[smoochie]

a description of the New Bolton pool recovery system from TB times:http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/horsehealth/hhview.asp?recno=44875

scroll down for a pic of a horse being lifted out -- doesn't show up great on my screen, but gives the general idea:
http://www.vet.upenn.edu/schoolresources/communications/publications/bellwether/53/photos-05.html

[annikak]

From what I know, its indeed like that. there are people there to assist, I guess its just better for them and for some reason less scary when they wake up. Hitting water is a lot easier on him then walls- Its an impressive pool-
taco was there, so I have seen the pool, but not seen anyone come out after surgery.

edited to say thanks for the article!

[incentive]

The sadness is beyond description. I'm sure tht MM and all those who love Barbaro will comport themselves with class regardless of the outcome. If all of us feel the grief of this awful event so deeply, I just can't imagine how those close to Barbaro are feeling. Ginormous jingles to all.

[imissvixen]

I followed up on someone else's message about the NBC News coverage in Philadelphia. Among other things this shows Barbaro arriving at the New Bolton Center. http://www.nbc10.com/index.html Click on the Video Special Report on Barbaro. It shows a good ten minutes of the story.

My husband and I had a pretty big fight last night about this. He said that after a minute of feeling bad about it he had "moved on" and it didn't matter to him. I think the implication was that I am too emotional. If I could have I think I would have divorced him right then but ...

[Sannois]

a description of the New Bolton pool recovery system from TB times:http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/horsehealth/hhview.asp?recno=44875

scroll down for a pic of a horse being lifted out -- doesn't show up great on my screen, but gives the general idea:
http://www.vet.upenn.edu/schoolresources/communications/publications/bellwether/53/photos-05.html
Good article, Wonderful invention!!! :yes:

[Sannois]

I followed up on someone else's message about the NBC News coverage in Philadelphia. Among other things this shows Barbaro arriving at the New Bolton Center. http://www.nbc10.com/index.html Click on the Video Special Report on Barbaro. It shows a good ten minutes of the story.

My husband and I had a pretty big fight last night about this. He said that after a minute of feeling bad about it he had "moved on" and it didn't matter to him. I think the implication was that I am too emotional. If I could have I think I would have divorced him right then but ...
Dont let it worry you, Most men, that are not horse fanatics dont get it either.. If my husband were home, he would have been saddened, but he always looks at me funny, when I cry, at horse movies, horses races, and anything horse related.. Most of the time, its the good kind of crying.. not this time. :no:

[annikak]

this is the best one to sum it up so far-

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/419695p-354391c.html

but the video link above is amazing- again thank you.

[Boston Chicken]

Thanks, imissvixen, for the link. That was heartwrenching. What a horrible day for horse lovers.

[ASB Stars]

I have been too nauseated by all of this to post until now...I know we are all praying for Barbaro, for the skill of the surgeons, and for the best possible outcome- Barbaro babies in lush pastures, two years from now...

Years ago, I attended a talk given by William O. Reed, thebrilliant surgeon who operated on Ruffian. According to him, they knew Ruffian was a lousy surgery candidate, and her prospects were poor, due to the fact that she had a hind leck fracture the Fall before, and had been a terror to deal with.

His major point was that the surgery to put her back together was sucessful, however, she was casted by an human orthopod, who made a big, heavy, plaster cast. It was this weight that she woke up to, and fought, breaking the plaster into smithereens, and exposing everything- which is why they had to euthanize her.

He was VERY upset that they had elected to go that route with the casting.

For those of you who don't remember Dr. Reed, he was Bramlage- before Bramlage was anything. This guy revolutionized the surgery that saves TB race horses, and did huge things for the Veterinary world. He dies in the last couple of years.

[Fred]

beautifully said goldilox. I am praying to any God who might be listening to be with this beautiful and noble horse today.
jingling and praying for you Barbaro, and for all who love you.
xo Gail
(not all men are the same - my own DH leaves the room while a race is on and only comes back in when it is over and all are safe, to watch the replay)

[drmgncolor]

i didn't get to see the race, now i may be glad i didn't. i have been searching for a replay video to no avail, but the pictures... omg!!! jingles barbaro. what more can i say...

[Sannois]

beautifully said goldilox. I am praying to any God who might be listening to be with this beautiful and noble horse today.
jingling and praying for you Barbaro, and for all who love you.
xo Gail
(not all men are the same - my own DH leaves the room while a race is on and only comes back in when it is over and all are safe, to watch the replay)
I did not mean to imply all men are insensative. Mine was so supportive when I had to put down a mare of mine 15 years ago. I think some folks just dont feel what wew feel merely looking at horses or watching a noble animal like Barbaro breakdown.. I cannot get the image out of my head. I pray next year we will be seeing pictures of him in Lush green pastures.. Eyeing the ladies!!! ~ Cant stop Jingling~ !!!! :sadsmile:

[2Dogs]

I am jingling like crazy too now that I have stopped crying.

[Kenike]

anyone know approx what time the surgery is? I never made it to bed last night.....

[LOVEtheHUNTERS]

I know I speak for everyone here when I say my thoughts are at New Bolton today.

[adventurebeachponies]

Pages back someone asked about the possibilities of amputation and a prosthetic limb on horses...something that there has not been a lot of success with in the past.

However, recently a story was in the news about Molly, a shetland pony who was hurt in hurricane Katrina and has successfully adapted to her artificial leg.

A rear leg would be more difficult and a race horse and a shetland pony are two different things...however... it is great to see the continued advancement of medicine and treatment of horses.

Here is the clip... and tons of Jingles for Barabaro!

http://us.video.aol.com/video.index.adp?mode=2&guideContext=65.73&pmmsid=1645840

[equescool]

I kept thinking that if such a terrible thing had to happen that no horse had a better chance of making it than with these care takers. What a class act Matz truly is. He must be shell shocked.

There is a quote from Carlos Castenada's books that I have always loved... it is said by the indian shaman, Don Juan, "For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart, on any path that may have heart. There I travel, and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length. And there I travel, looking, looking, breathlessly."

The path of horses can leave us breathless with joy or sorrow, but I choose to traverse its full length. I pray Barbaro will get to traverse it in green fields.
EQ

[VirginiaBred]

Please, let's all pray HARD, and channel our most positive healing thoughts to PA, New Bolton Center, and the team that will try to save him.

I've been up most of the night, so upset and emotional about this. We all need to act as one and constantly be sending our strongest positive thoughts to him.

[gray17htb]

I was hoping to get to the computer for an up date. I guess no news is good news, I hope. Hoping surgey was a success. What a horrible night.

[stephjm]

Thanks for the updates this morning everyone... still jingling and praying like crazy here. Kind of seems surreal in a way... wish it really wasn't real. :( But in any case, it's great to read the updates from the people who have access to more information. Keep it coming!

And thank you to the person (sorry I forget who it was now) who posted the link to the description of the pool. Very interesting and hopefully it will work well for Barbaro. :sadsmile:

[Levi's owner]

There could be no other place that I would want Barbaro. New Bolton is amazing!

Jingles....prayers that he can recover and enjoy a life of knocking up mares;-)

I feel so sorry for all involved. For one, I was heartbroken for Edgar. He was so devastated.....But, what an awesome job he did.....

MM is a class act......I truly have always admired him and I appreciated how he was trying to comfort Barbaro and keep him calm.....

Horses know who there angels are......Levi follows my trainer around like a puppy dog....

[Angela Freda]

I firmly believe everything happens for a reason.

At first I thought Matz and this horse were brought together to win the 3C, and give the public a racehorse hero again.

Now I think this horse was placed in Matz' hands for this very scenerio.

~jingles~

[ASB Stars]

Kelso's sire, Your Host, was injured on the track, and stood stud successfully with a prosthetic limb- MANY years ago. However, his injury was to a foreleg, (from the fetlock down) and I sincerely doubt that it is practical in most cases.

[J. Turner]

I'm still amazed Edgar Prado was able to pull him up, mid-pack. His quick reactions gave this great horse a chance tonight. Over the next days, I'm sure there will be inquiries and investigations, but it may end up that everyone did the right thing and it just turned out wrong.

Yet, another reason to learn the pulley rein. He did a great, great job, pulley rein or not. It seemed that even the way he angled him to the left enable Barbaro to keep his weight on the left side and keep that right leg up. Maybe I'm waxing heroic, but thank goodness Barbaro has the most skilled hands in Prado, Michael, Prette, and New Bolton. I'm sure Michael's horsemanship and magic hands have something to do with his being such a good patient. More sterling silver jingles to Barbaro and his team.

Article about being a good patient:
http://us.news3.yimg.com/us.i2.yimg.com/p/ap/20060520/capt.xpim15505202342.preakness_horse_racing_xpim15 5.jpg?x=380&y=326&sig=6LvhkZyCqcXoTeOymRay8A--

[Sancudo]

The racehorse Spanish Riddle has a prosthetic leg and went on to become a successful sire. I don't remember what leg it was though.

[Mega Rock]

Just heard on the news that surgery is scheduled for 1 o'clock this afternoon.

[Kenike]

Thanks, megarock....that's what I was waiting to hear. Means it'll be 11am here...and I'm sure I'll be asleep (I hope, anyway!)

[BeastieSlave]

Thanks for all the links. I'm heartbroken all over again, but I'd prefer to know as much as possible. Jingles for everyone at New Bolton. 1:00 can't come soon enough....

[annikak]

J Turner- link went to the photo- not a story- just an fyi-
jingles jngles jingles jingles-
indeed, this was a very hard thing- that horse had something that really got all of us- all the talk, all the attention was because he had something very special. May that specialness carry thru today and on thru the next very difficult weeks of recovery.

[Oldenburg Mom]

More jingles. Mega jingles... doesn't matter if this is the best horse or the worst plug. A horse is hurting and needs ALL our jingles.

Jingle jingle jingle jingle jingle jingle jingle.

[War Admiral]

Thanks for the video link. For anyone else having probs viewing it, it doesn't work in Firefox - you have to use Internet Exploiter. Very good coverage indeed from NBC 10 - I've sent them an e-mail to say thanks & expressing a hope for updates.

Jingling in Georgia, and praying and doing everything else I can think of.

[YoungFilly]

Still Jingling, I have hope!

[Linny]

Thank you for the Daily News link. Sherry and I are friends and I hadn't had a chance to read her aticle this morning. She's a true fan of the game and loves the animals involved.

[ShowMeTheGlory]

Jingle,jingle,jingle, jingle from here in Pa.
N.B. is 5 minutes from my house.

[monstrpony]

An awful thing, but it is impressive how it has been handled with such class.

I will make a point of stopping whatever I'm doing at 1 pm and sending a special jingle and prayer toward New Bolton. Dang, I hope they can pull this off!

[Tory Relic]

beautifully said goldilox. I am praying to any God who might be listening to be with this beautiful and noble horse today.
jingling and praying for you Barbaro, and for all who love you.
xo Gail
(not all men are the same - my own DH leaves the room while a race is on and only comes back in when it is over and all are safe, to watch the replay)

I agree Fred! :sadsmile:

[circusponydreams]

I will also stop at 1pm and jingle extra hard for a successful surgery, a nice swim, and a long, happy life as a sire.

[NancyM]

Came here to find news after I saw that he did not finish, missed the race yesterday fortunately. Hate watching when stuff like this happens. Good luck Barbaro! Be sensible, quiet about all this stuff going on, and try hard to recover. So very fortunate that he has the very best human connections to help him try to survive, in trainer and barn staff, jockey and veterinary services.

[Lauruffian]

The video clip made me cry, but I am grateful to see it.

Barbaro and his connections will be in my thoughts all day...please, please pull through...

I am amazed by this thread. The horse community really is just that--a community.

Meanwhile--anyone care to explain what a "condylar fracture of the cannon bone" is?

[circusponydreams]

From http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/horsehealth/hhview.asp?recno=56619

Condylar fractures
Condyles are the knuckles at the end of the long bones that help to form the various joints. A condylar fracture occurs when a crack begins near the joint surface and extends outward through the bone. In racehorses, condylar fractures occur most often at the lower end of the cannon bone where it forms the fetlock joint.
The collateral ligament that stabilizes the joint and keeps it in alignment may prevent a condylar fracture from becoming displaced. So, even if a horse exhibits lameness, the fracture may be overlooked or misdiagnosed as inflammation of the joint, a pulled ligament, or other joint ailment.
However, in severe cases when the fracture becomes displaced, the break will extend to the outer surface of the bone, essentially breaking off the knuckle and a portion of the bone.

Edited to remove HTML gibberish!

[Goldylox]

I'm back online. Sleep was not so great for me:(
I'm in CST. So what time will 1:00 be here?
The news links have been great! We should all jingle during the appointed hour:)
It is really amazing to see all the people out there and all the support that is being given to Barbaro and his family. I hope his family knows about all the positive energy that is coming their way:)Jingles....

[dana1011]

If it hasn't already been posted, some pictures can be found here: http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/gallery?pg=1&cap=0


Jingles from pa :(

[LouLove]

After checking in for the last 18 hours, and having seen the race, I am jingling like mad and praying for Barbaro. So hard to explain to the non-horse people why I was crying for 2 hours and had the worst sleep last nite.

I really hope he pulls through. I am still in shock, how this outstanding colt, 24 hours ago was in the shape of his life.

Hubby did make good point, and although I do not wish a breakdown upon any horse ever, he declares:

"This happens to horses in the shadows, out of the public eye, all the time. So many casual spectators, that tune in for the triple crown events only, see the pretty hats, and the money, and the gorgeous horses, and just assume that a tb is born not made. Barbaro's incident displayed to the world that it is not Hollywood. Racing is blood, sweat and tears, and millions of people may have seen that for the first time yesterday. Horses are not machines, and this was a reminder, or an educator for many newcomers to the raceworld. A horse hero is not infallible."

We love you Barbaro. May you pull through and your pain be as limited as possible. And to MM and Prado, you are truly gifted athletes and horse people.

[Home Again Farm]

Still jingling and will ramp up the volume on those jingles at 1:00. Hoping for good news. Sigh.....

[showmom07]

From the Bloodhorse:
http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=33655

... According to Dr. Larry Bramlage, a prominent equine surgeon and On Call veterinarian for the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Barbaro suffered a condylar fracture of the cannon bone in his right hind leg above the ankle. Below the ankle is a comminuted fracture (meaning it is in pieces) of the first phalanx (long pastern bone) and there is a piece off the sesamoid. He described it as a "two-phased" injury.
"Normally, the way these happen is the one above happened first," Bramlage said. "Before Edgar could get him pulled up, the second fracture occurred, which makes this doubly difficult for the horse to heal everything up. This is a very serious injury...
A special stabilizing device known as the Kimzey splint was applied to the injured leg [on the track]
.... Bramlage does not believe the injury occurred when Barbaro broke through the starting gate. "I watched him break through the first time and I watched him break the second time," Bramlage said. "He didn't break with the right hind injury. I would guess that it happened sometime out about a furlong. It took an additional 110 yards to 200 yards for Edgar to get him under control because these don't hurt immediately when they happen. There is so much adrenaline that the horse has no concept. Edgar probably knew before the horse knew that something was wrong. I don't think breaking through the gate the first time had anything to do with this."
..."During the race, he took a bad step and I can't really tell you what happened. I heard a noise about 100 yards into the race and pulled him right up." [said Prado]

[VirginiaBred]

I have visited the New Bolton website, and am surprised they have no update, or place where well-wishers could leave a post.

[Meadow36]

I'm back online as well. I slept terribly. I kept having this dream of horses in a pasture walking around with "stumps" for legs - the bottom part having been amputated.

About Your Host, sire of Kelso - in my Kelso book it doesn't mention a prosthetic, but he did have one leg that was shorter then all the rest. He broke the foreleg and shoulder. He always had to hold it up higher then the rest and had a terrible limp. He lived a life of pain. He probably should've been put down.

I think I can get a picture: http://www.pedigreequery.com/your+host run your mouse over the little photo icon next to his name and you'll see the pic.

[Jessi P]

condylar (fracture): a fracture in the lower knobby end (condyle) of a long bone, such as the cannon bone or humerous.

From the Merck vet manual online http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/htm/bc/90750.htm

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/90735.htm (pastern fractures)

Found this good explanation at http://www.voy.com/28647/7/535.html

Condylar Fracture ..

Another typical injury for Thoroughbred racehorses is the condylar fracture of the cannon bone. Typically seen in the left front leg, a condylar fracture shows up on radiographs as a crack that goes laterally up the cannon from the fetlock joint and out the side of the bone, essentially "knocking a corner" off the cannon bone--a piece sometimes up to six inches long. Condylar fractures also are seen in Standardbreds, typically as a left front lateral injury, or on the right hind cannon in a medial position.

"The hind cannon fractures tend to spiral and go higher up the cannon bone," Bertone notes, "which is unique to harness racing athletes."

"Condylar fractures can be incomplete and non-displaced, meaning that the bone fragment hasn't broken away from the cannon and is still in its original position," says Bertone, "or they can be complete and displaced, which is the worst-case scenario. If the fracture is complete and displaced, it's often visible under the skin as a painful bump--and when we incise the area for repair, there will be bleeding and hemorrhage."

Repair for a condylar fracture involves using multiple stainless steel screws inserted in a lag fashion, which compresses the bone fragment up against the parent bone as snugly as possible.

"The goal is to stabilize the fetlock joint for fast healing," says Bertone, "and to align the fetlock correctly so that there are no protruding bits of bone which could later contribute to arthritis."

Even if the fracture is incomplete, Bertone recommends the use of screws as the best method of repair. Depending on the degree of displacement and the amount of damage to the surrounding blood vessels (which are crucial points to healing), condylar fractures usually resolve fairly well, and the prognosis is often good for a return to performance the following year.

From http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=27326 SCIPION had the same condylar fracture in his RH also.

"Virginia Kraft Payson's homebred Scipion is the latest casualty on the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) trail after X-rays revealed a condylar fracture of his right hind cannon bone."


Fracture management: http://www.horsebc.com/kvs/fracture_management.htm

Good UK published results of study of condylar fractures in UK :

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/evj/evj/2005/00000037/00000003/art00004;jsessionid=2r3qn59qcq0cb.alice

Place that sells teaching models - top pics are relevant
http://www.synbone.ch/en-gb/dept_77.html

Short synopsis with a good pic of repaired condylar fracture http://www.gallopers.com.au/horseinfo/3metacarpal.html

[Irish Ei's]

Bear in mind that New Bolton is a University teaching hospital and that's what their website is designed for. I'm sure there would also be legal,privacy and confidentiality issues.

[Adamantane]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Susan P
I think anyone that's been under general anesthesia might recall waking up and being very disoriented and mostly just reacting to what you think is happening, more of a knee jerk reaction. It only stands to reason that a horse would do that. Not really anything you can do when you aren't fully aware as in that semi conscious state.


Quote:
Originally posted by Kenike

Very true...my mom just told everyone "For a 5-star hotel, this place sucks!" as she was coming out of it 2 months ago. Cracks me up, though. For me, I've woken up crying or trying to get the knee brace and bandages off after my knee surgeries because I thought I was being tied down and tortured for reasons I couldn't figure out (they were 15 years ago, but I remember that clearly)

Let's hope that when Barbaro wakes up after surgery not only will they have managed his anxiety but also that they keep attractive mares well out of sight. As I woke up a few years ago the very first thing I remember is asking out the recovery room nurse. :lol:

Seriously, thanks again to all who have posted helpful explanations not only for why it was necessary to delay surgery to stabilize the boy but also what is involved later to make a good recovery most likely.:yes:

[Marydell]

Praying and sending jingles to New Bolton.
Have not stopped crying yet. what a shame, such a special horse. I know his people are hurting beyond words right now.
Such big and fragile creatures, these horses we love.
Accidents happen--even in safe pastures.

Maryanna Haymon
www.marydellfarm.com

[War Admiral]

Another good article from the Palm Beach Post here (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2006/05/21/a1b_preakness_0521.html).

Desormeaux who was next to Barbaro in the gate thinks Barbaro tore a quarter in the false start. :(

[Onabreak]

That was alot of great info!

jingle jingle jingle jingle...

[equescool]

Prado certainly made it possible to save this horse. What superb riding and awareness.

Wasn't there a horse in one of the big races, either Breeders Cup or TC races, that broke down and had to be euthanized? I remember that the jockey bailed and the horse ran loose - ruining himself. I totally admire Prado~!!!

[Xctrygirl]

I posted updates from my insider connections about Barbaro's first night at new Bolton here:

http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=46198

(My apologies I didn't see the other 2 threads meant for updates!!)


~E

[Meadow36]

That's the first I heard of the grabbed quarter. I wonder how that ties in.

[Meadow36]

Thanks for that wonderful update!! Sounds like good news.

[Noctis]

adding morning jingles for Barbaro, and hoping to hear something soon.

[PA 3Day]

Last year my horse was at NB with Dean Richardson for surgery on a broken hind leg. Fortunately it was determined that it was not a serious break, but she was in the surgical suite and ready to go.
NB is amazing, Richardson the "Jedi Master" of surgery.
You can help NB stay at the forefront by going to their website and donating to the fund to update their facilities. We need to keep this hospital state of the art for my horse and yours and Barbaro.
I went immediately and donated what I could when we brought my horse home. And, no I do not work for NB, just really happy it exists!

[Adamantane]

A subthread theme of some posts is how some of us are reacting to this tragedy and how our reaction plays to others.

As for folks (definitely not limited to men, btw) who find someone else's passion and emotional involvement to be peculiar, usually it comes down to what each individual finds interesting or exciting, which is at root driven by underlying emotion.

Rationality is an unbeatable tool for thinking clearly and effectively. However the only reason any of us devotes time and effort to thinking about anything in particular in life is because we have some kind of visceral, emotional mainspring driver that leads us to care about it. Otherwise we would just sit and spin our wheels. Computers have impeccable logic but don't care about whatever data they are processing process or the conclusions that result.

Without the underlying passion, there's no driver to think or do anything. Others' passions which we don't personally share seem alien. To those who don't experience the same driver, things we do that are motivated by those passions seem overdone or possibly even embarrassing to observe. Rationality ('dispassionate rationality') by itself is just that. The same individuals who criticize have their own passions, which if we don't share them, we too may find puzzling, and which they may be hard pressed to explain.

To tell someone that how they feel about something is 'wrong' or to ridicule them for it, is an intolerable personal attack. To say that one doesn't understand or share it is fair without crossing the line. To inquire why, so better to understand, can be caring.

For my own part, until I started riding myself a while back -- sneaks up on you, doesn't it?:yes: -- I didn't understand what all the fuss was about. (To be sure, since I always have hated to see any creature suffer or in pain, watching Barbaro's horrific injury yesterday always would have bothered me a lot, but not the same way it does now.)

Especially intriguing is when someone claims a passion (or lack of it) for something but reacts in a way completely inconsistent with that. Anybody have an S.O. who claims complete indifference but who ended up being surprisingly moved?

[Sannois]

Thats great news! He is a true champion, And I can bet he knows hes being cared for. ITs 12 noon here in MI Is it 11 in PA I always forget if they are on Chicago time. Will continue to pray like mad!
With all the good COTH MoJo going that way it s sure to help! :yes:

[Seal Harbor]

Last year my horse was at NB with Dean Richardson for surgery on a broken hind leg. Fortunately it was determined that it was not a serious break, but she was in the surgical suite and ready to go.
NB is amazing, Richardson the "Jedi Master" of surgery.
You can help NB stay at the forefront by going to their website and donating to the fund to update their facilities. We need to keep this hospital state of the art for my horse and yours and Barbaro.
I went immediately and donated what I could when we brought my horse home. And, no I do not work for NB, just really happy it exists!

Thanks for posting this. I just donated to NB even though I am on the other side of the country. I'm a PA native, and this is one of the premier equine veterinary facilities, procedures, protocols and treatments developed here will eventually help horses everywhere.

[Seal Harbor]

Thats great news! He is a true champion, And I can bet he knows hes being cared for. ITs 12 noon here in MI Is it 11 in PA I always forget if they are on Chicago time. Will continue to pray like mad!
With all the good COTH MoJo going that way it s sure to help! :yes:

Pennsylvania is on EDT. Same as Michigan.

[Xctrygirl]

PA... is on eastern standard time.

Unionville, is near Philadelphia. Near the east coast not too far from the atlantic ocean.

~Emily

[Irish Ei's]

OK...I feel better...all these updates and the scheduled time for surgery indicates better than expected blood flow...

[Goldylox]

Sannois,
Thanks for the time post:) I wanted to know so I can pause for those vets and their teams up there.

[Goldylox]

O.k...so the time is coming faster than I thought. Thanks to everyone for all the info. and the links.
That helps me to read and keep up to date. There should be enough positive thoughts on this BB alone to help.
I hope the family and team of vets for Barbaro knows we are pulling for them and their great horse:)

[War Admiral]

I think I'm going to head out to the barn and commune with Avery my TB at 1:00. Avery has some pretty close blood ties to Barbaro, and those of you who have followed his story know that Avery is one tough old coot who recovered from life-threatening injury himself and truly does not know the meaning of the words "I can't". He is now winning all the pasture races against 5 y/o OTTBs at age 20.

I will pray for Barbaro to have the chance to do the same.

Maybe I can "channel" some of Avery's courage and brainpower Barbaro's way. Can't hurt, might help. (OTOH the sorry old fool will probably just try to take a chunk out of my arm! :D)

Jingling.

[captain]

i too am on my way out to see my mare. she will help. she has those connections....

[JumpingPaints]

A while back someone was talking about sending Michael the thread, which I agree doesn't make sense with all the details... maybe we could send an e-card with short notes from all the COTHers? (I don't know how to do this, but I'm wondering if you could employ the same type of program as e-petitions use??) I feel like the amount and level of support here for them here is truly heartwarming and it would be so wonderful to reach out to the Barbaro team.

[Tap2Tango]

this is awful.....jingling like mad!!!!!!!!

[fotie]

Dr. Corinne Sweeney was just on saying that he is now in surgery and he has 3 fractures. B/c of this she said something about a joint being dislocated. She also commented that yes, they have seen similar injuries, but not all in 1 horse. Dr. Richardson is the primary surgeon... FINGERS CROSSED!!

[Lookout]

Another good article from the Palm Beach Post here (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2006/05/21/a1b_preakness_0521.html).

Desormeaux who was next to Barbaro in the gate thinks Barbaro tore a quarter in the false start. :(

Huh? Oh I'm sure from his vantage point, he could really see that.

[hundredacres]

"Anybody have an S.O. who claims complete indifference but who ended up being surprisingly moved?"

Yes. My husband happened to watch this race with me - he has never watched any race with me in almost 10 years. He was wondering why I kept saying, "Oh No!" after the false start...but I didn't have the words to tell him that it wasn't a good thing (the announcer did it)...then when Barbaro was dropping back I started saying it again, "Oh no! Oh no! Whats wrong??" and he was totally confused because he doesn't understand what "Barbaro is being pulled up!" meant. I was in shock and staring at the TV and DH immediatly got on the computer to see what they were saying on his Hunting forums about it...and then the dork posted a picture of my OTTB (TOTALLY out of charcater and he posted it right in the middle of their conversation about the race...LOL). I was touched by it...he's such a caveman but when he woke up this morning he asked if there was any news about him.

I hate that I live in an area that could care less about anything but NASCAR and college basketball (Indiana). Thank goodness I can commune with race lovers on these boards.

[A Splash of Color]

Link:

http://www.drf.com/news/article/74752.html


Text:


"Surgery commences for Barbaro
By JAY PRIVMAN

Surgery for Barbaro, the Kentucky Derby winner who was seriously injured in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday at Pimlico, began shortly after 12:30 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa.

Barbaro was taken to New Bolton on Saturday night, hours after suffering multiple fractures in his right hind leg.

On Saturday, it was announced that Barbaro had a fracture to the cannon bone above the ankle, and to the long pastern bone below the ankle. But shortly before the surgery on Sunday, Dr. Dean Richardson, who was to perform the surgery at New Bolton, said there were additional, serious injuries.

Specifically, Richardson said Barbaro also had a fractured sesamoid bone, and that the right hind ankle was dislocated at the fetlock joint. Richardson said he expected the surgery to take more than three hours.

Bernardini, the Preakness winner, returned to Belmont Park early Sunday morning.
Brother Derek, who was fourth in both the Derby and Preakness, was scheduled to return to California on Sunday and will not contest the June 10 Belmont Stakes, according to Cisco Alvarado, the assistant to trainer Dan Hendricks.

Hemingway's Key, who was third in the Preakness, will come back in the Belmont, trainer Nick Zito said."


Prayers and jingles continue.

[DancingHooves]

Jingling and praying hard for Barbaro and the team of surgeons who are working hard right now.

[A Splash of Color]

Link:

http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=33664

Text:

"Veterinarians Discuss Barbaro's Injury Prior to Surgery
Date Posted: 5/21/2006 1:12:24 PM
Last Updated: 5/21/2006 1:22:50 PM

Drs. Dean Richardson and Barbara Dallap met briefly with the press shortly after noon Sunday at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., to discuss the surgery about to be performed on Roy and Gretchen Jackson's Barbaro, the classic-winning Dynaformer colt who suffered a life-threatening right hind leg injury and was pulled up shortly after the start of Saturday's Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico.

Richardson, the head of surgery for New Bolton's large animal division, said X-rays showed a condylar fracture of the cannon bone, a comminuted (multiple) break in the first phalanx or long pastern, a fracture of the sesasmoid, and a dislocated fetlock. Though he described it as a "very, very serious injury," he said, "I've seen worse." Dallap, assistant profess of emergency medicine and critical care for New Bolton, will assist Richardson.

Richardson said the injuries were all internal, that there had been no breaking of the skin, which he described as "encouraging."

The quick actions of jockey Edgar Prado in pulling up Barbaro quickly and the care provided by attending veterinarians at Pimlico were cited as going "a long way" in saving the horse for the surgery.

The surgery could range from one to five hours.

Copyright © 2006 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved."

[Mali]

Desormeaux who was next to Barbaro in the gate thinks Barbaro tore a quarter in the false start.

Kent was referring to his own mount - NOT Barbaro. I just saw his interview this morning.

[EBO]

To those who were debating the merits of sending this huge thread to MM, It was my suggestion to do so (maybe there were others as well), but what might work better is simply to send a link to this thread, with our well wishes for Barbaro's recovery. If anyone knows the cyber address to his farm, and perhaps knows someone who works there, it's doable.

[Adamantane]

>>then the dork posted a picture of my OTTB (TOTALLY out of charcater and he posted it right in the middle of their conversation about the race...LOL). I was touched by it...<< >>when he woke up this morning he asked if there was any news about him.<<

Sounds like he's a pretty good guy at heart. A happy surprise under tough circumstances. And being that spontaneous, you gotta know it wasn't some ploy.

What always creeps me out is the folks who claim to care deeply about something but obviously really don't, like the guy who's life is supposed to be immersed in racing but whose callous reaction yesterday on TV at the cup presentation was something like 'well, that's horse racing' .

Which would anybody want to watch a race with? The 'expert' career racing guy who acts as if what happened had all the significance of an inconveniently broken wheel bearing, or a 'disinterested' casual spectator who empathizes even while not understanding what's happening?

I'd say you've got a keeper.:)

[SeaOat]

I haven't been able to go through posts so apologies if repeating things....
we were in & just outside of his stall after he was unloaded from ambo. Also watched as his digitals came up. P1 was in a lot of pieces but what a super wonderful patient & trying his best to accomodate all handling him as well as being so veryvery good while having Robert Jones put on (exceptional job on a most difficult bandage, btw). Most horses, especially after being pulled up so short & pumped would be a mess & hind leg injuries usually come w/ a good deal of kicking. This horse made you want to melt because of his keen attention to those nearest & desire to do what was right.
A big problem/concern with his type of injuries has to do w/ vascular flow.....only two relatively small veins feed the entire hoof so any compromise to those and the foot gets lost w/ infection starting there (moving up leg as well) being factor.
I'm guessing they would hope for some external fixation & fusion of that area without any vascular damage.
It's unfortunately not a good prognosis but having such a terrific patient is a very needed part of any recovery.
BTW: His owners expressed over & over that HIS comfort & life quality was their main concern. Very nice people.

[AHorseSomeDay]

I hope Barbaro will be ok. I wasn't able to watch the race yesterday. I was at a wedding reception. I overheard some people talking about it in the bar and I asked a man who won and he said that Barbaro injured his leg. I didn't know how serious it was until I heard it on the radio on the way home from the reception. I hope Barbaro is ok. I was really sad when I heard and I still am. :( I am jingling for him.

Please keep us updated if you hear anything.

[Small Victory]

prayers and jingles from SW Ontario

[stfatpony]

Mali,

A family friend is one of the owners of Sweetnorthernsaint, who was 2nd yesterday with Desormoux up. At the start, Barbaro clipped the heels of Sweetnorthernsaint, who now has a large gash across his back of his pastern. News yesterday was that they do not think he will run in the Belmont.

[Meadow36]

Those of you with TVG and HRTV please keep posting!!! Thanks!!

[Sannois]

Those of you with TVG and HRTV please keep posting!!! Thanks!!
For a while now, I have not heard any new updates.. of course I keep checking on here, and trying to do some gardening at the same time!
Hard to Jingle and rake at the same time!!! :eek: ;)

[JumpingPaints]

TVG has said there will be a news conference at New Bolton that they will be showing live towards the end of their current show, which runs from 3 to 5pm EST. There were 8 items on the program agenda, and Barbaro news conf was last, although hopefully if there is any positive news sooner, they will tell us that at least.

[Meadow36]

The suspense is killing me. I thought about going riding but I don't want to miss out on any news.

[Equit8tor]

http://inquirer.philly.com/slideshows/sports/060520barbaro/

If these images have already been posted I apologize. I hadn't seen them...

[WarHorse]

Some of those pictures are fairly graphic!

[Equit8tor]

Indeed they are. Helped me appreciate and understand the severity of the injuries sustained.

[Fairview Horse Center]

I would think 3 1/2 hours in surgery is a good sign that at least it is progressing.

[VirginiaBred]

Still jingling and praying like mad for a successful outcome.

[Goldylox]

Has there been any news yet?

[hopashore1]

ESPN News (available even if you don't have HDTV) is doing a news update at 5.

[DancingHooves]

Update now at 5:10

[hopashore1]

From ESPNN--he's still in surgery. They will do a live post-surgery press conference as soon as he is out.

[tntarab]

ESPN News is now saying he is still in surgery..no news.

[Fairview Horse Center]

I am on Comcast Manassas, Va and get All Axcess Horse Racing on channel 260. They said they will go live to the press conference as soon as it starts.

[fotie]

It could take several hours just out...

[fotie]

Still in surgery...

[Jessi P]

This waiting is awful.

Thinking good thoughts for Barbaro and his people.

[DancingHooves]

I feel as though one of my own family is in surgery.

Lets all give a resounding 'I believe' that he will make it through :)

Jingle, jingle, jingle

[Jessi P]

I BELIEVE!!!!!!

How bout those signs ... "Believe in Barbaro."

I believe he has a shot - crossing my fingers for him and all concerned.

[excowgirlie]

Thats exactly what I was thinking, Dance. It is all I am thinking about (and my non horsey roomate thinks I am being obsessive about it!) *jingle *jingle

[PA 3Day]

Last year my horse was at NB with Dean Richardson for surgery on a broken hind leg. Fortunately it was determined that it was not a serious break, but she was in the surgical suite and ready to go.
NB is amazing, Richardson the "Jedi Master" of surgery.
You can help NB stay at the forefront by going to their website and donating to the fund to update their facilities. We need to keep this hospital state of the art for my horse and yours and Barbaro.
I went immediately and donated what I could when we brought my horse home. And, no I do not work for NB, just really happy it exists!

I posted this earlier today...hoping that instead of "jingling and fretting" that someone would do something positive. Only one person did and donated to New Bolton. To say I am disappointed is an understatement.
Sending thoughts and prayers are great...but it would be a great testament to Barbaro and Michael Matz if something good came out of this accident. Send him the thread AND a total for donations to New Bolton. That will move him and impress him. New Bolton needs to be there when your horse or the next Barbaro has an accident.
Do something that will make a difference....jingling only makes you feel better.
As I said before I am NOT affiliated in any way with New Bolton. They just saved my horse twice.

[annikak]

I posted this earlier today...hoping that instead of "jingling and fretting" that someone would do something positive. Only one person did and donated to New Bolton. To say I am disappointed is an understatement.
Sending thoughts and prayers are great...but it would be a great testament to Barbaro and Michael Matz if something good came out of this accident. Send him the thread AND a total for donations to New Bolton. That will move him and impress him. New Bolton needs to be there when your horse or the next Barbaro has an accident.
Do something that will make a difference....jingling only makes you feel better.
As I said before I am NOT affiliated in any way with New Bolton. They just saved my horse twice.

point taken, and you are right- New Bolton is wonderful, and saved my guy, too. How wonderful, whatever the outcome, if we could get enough to dedicate a surgical suite to Barbaro? I am an idiot in these matters, but maybe if we sent in the donation with "For Barbaro Fund" they might consider making it apply?
Knowing NB, they are wonderful about money, and it was never the bottom line- I paid my guy off for over a year, and never ONCE did the complain nor charge interest. PA, if you have an idea, please PT or post.

[PA 3Day]

I am sure NB will welcome anything. You can specify on the website who this is donated for.
If enough people come through...it will be noticed. I just donated again!

[Goldylox]

It would be great for those people want to donate, but a lot of us can't:(
(No offense meant PA 3Day:)
So instead we are jingling really hard and praying that his vets' hands are being guided:)

teal tea's computer is down. She says she is "with us in spirit" and is jingling really hard for Barbaro.

[PA 3Day]

Donate $5.00...if everyone on the boards right now did that (was 3000 at one point today) do the math...it will matter. It is a mistake to think that $5.00 is to little. Strength in numbers!

[StrawberryFelidos]

What is the New Bolton donation link?

[Fairview Horse Center]

still in surgery, but near completion