Barbaro ~ America's Horse [Archive] - Page 17

VirginiaBred

Jan. 29, 2007, 04:44 PM

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1407: It's 4:25pm, the press conference has just wrapped up. It'll take me a little bit of time to write up the details of the conference but no doubt it'll be reported upon heavily. My initial thoughts are that the three people addressing the press conference, Dr. Richardson and Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, were clearly devestated by this turn of events. There were times during some of Dr. Richardson's responses that you could tell it was tough for him to maintain his composure. It was nice to hear from both Mr. and Mrs. Jackson acknowledging the support that they have received throughout this entire experience...whether it's been the devotion of Dr. Richardson and his staff, Michael Matz, Peter Brette, or the public at large. Their overwhelming hope appears to be that the positive good that Barbaro represents and has highlighted becomes his enduring legacy. It was also nice to see Mr. Jackson acknowledge not only the developments in veterinary medicine that will come out of this episode but the heightened focus on anti-horse slaughter issues and issues of backstretch workers etc. I'll add a further update with regards to the press conference shortly.
updated 4:40pm

Scar Face

Jan. 29, 2007, 04:47 PM

Although I had a feeling it was coming, I wasn't prepared for the sadness and hurt I feel in my heart. Such an unbelievably strong fighter. :cry:

Chester's Mom

Jan. 29, 2007, 04:49 PM

Chester's Mom

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:03 PM

on a sidenote....I looked on Ebay just to see what merchandise was doing. Breyer models are going for $300 or more!!! Holy crap!

Personally, I believe this will strengthen racing. It shows owners aren't the money-hungry and uncaring people they have been thought of. And Barbaro showed the true grit and determination that are at the heart of a Thoroughbred.

The owners aren't but I'm not so sure about the person who just posted their model on Ebay with a Buy It Now of $325. Seems a little..... opportunistic?

411

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:05 PM

I hope this is how he spends his eternal days:

http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/photo?slug=mdcg10501292054.barbaro_death_mdcg105&prov=ap

If link doesn't work go to yahoo.com and look for the link to barbaro, then the link to more photos.
I love that photo too! He was breathtaking to watch. One of the news sites had video footage of him romping in his paddock and playing under tack. That's how I want to remember him, wild and free and full of joy. :sadsmile:

classicsporthorses

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:05 PM

very sad. He was a good solider and he will be rewarded.

AHorseSomeDay

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:12 PM

Godspeed and farewell Barbaro. :( Thank you for giving us hope. May your days be pain free and peaceful.

La Gringa

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:12 PM

This is just a question I have always wondered, did they ever consider amputating the leg completely? Can a horse live with only 3 legs? Probably the founder would still have occurred, I'm not sure, but I was just wondering. If he had had it completely taken off, would his chances have been any better?

I am very sad about his loss today.

Anne FS

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:16 PM

It wouldn've have worked. Unlike say, dogs, who can get along quite well on three legs, a horse simply cannot. It must have all four.

Sabovee

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:18 PM

Godspeed Barbaro.

Such a sad day. God is certainly amassing quite the racing string.

Here's to days of freedom,
free of pain,
among the stars,
to run again.

Kim

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:19 PM

A nice article by Jane Smiley:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/29/AR2007012901004.html

La Gringa

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:21 PM

It wouldn've have worked. Unlike say, dogs, who can get along quite well on three legs, a horse simply cannot. It must have all four.

That's what I thought, and is the reason for the founder, I understand. Have they ever tried a prosthesis for a horse?

Cartier

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:22 PM

Like so many others I've checked in here daily but being at work had little time to post. Right now I just want to go hug my horse but between working late and snow squalls that probably won't happen until Wednesday. I guess tonight I'll have to cry into a little poodle's neck. V.B., you have put so much heart and soul into this; keeping everyone updated and taking some flack along the way. You must be exhausted, too. Thank you hardly seems adequate, but thank you so much for helping us all to be part of this very special community of Bobby's admirers.

"This was a remarkable effort. I make no judgment about whether it was right or wrong, except this: IF they had succeeded (which they almost did), they would all be heroes. It takes courage to try, courage to take the risk with such a high-profile chance for failure. I applaud the courage of the owners and the medical team. And I admire their ultimate compassion and wisdom to make the right decision for Barbaro when the time came. "

Cartier: I hope you don't mind one correction - While the outcome wasn't what we all hoped and prayed for - they are heroes.
Absolutely!

MHJLittlefield

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:24 PM

Every time one of the champions crosses the Bridge, I always imagine the ensuing race on the other side... to sort out for themselves who really and truly is the BEST. Can you hear the thundering hoofbeats? What a vision it would be, to see them all going head-to-head in the Greatest Race of All.

God speed, Barbaro. And go, baby, go!

TKR

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:27 PM

I had a bad feeling this morning and now, like all the Barbaro fans, I'm truly heartbroken. I really believed he would make it. I can only imagine how shattered the Jacksons, Michael Matz, Edgar Prado and the staff at New Bolton must be. He was such a ray of sunshine and hope and coped with all the ups and downs with such bright-eyed dignity and heart. I can't imagine not being able to check on him through the day on this board. I know he's now running free and sound and he knows he was loved. The really good don't always last long enough but he'll certainly live on in our hearts and minds. Thanks Virginia -- you've been such a trooper and an inspiration going the distance with this and keeping all of us up to date. God Bless Barbaro!
PennyG

I'm EBO

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:28 PM

I found of a video from the newsconference (?) with Dr. R. It's at:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16846723/

Levi's owner

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:28 PM

He fought the good fight. He gave us hope, and that's why his team kept up the good fight for him. His body just couldn't fight anymore. I feel terrible for his connections, and I know that New Bolton's staff is devastated. It's hard not to fall in love with an incredibly sweet animal that has been with you for 8 months.

I was going to give Levi off today. My friend at work told me about Bobby as she was leaving (I purposely stayed away from the INternet as I was working today. Can't have a teacher crying uncontrollably all day.) As soon as I heard, I got in my car, work clothes and all to give my horse some peppermints. I put him in the indoor to spend some time with him. And he didn't disappoint me. I imagined he was following Bobby's lead in heaven....laying down and rolling ALLLLL the way over, leaping up, running around playing. Free jumping the jumps. He had a blast.

It did my sad heart good.

God Bless.

Levi's owner

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:33 PM

I found of a video from the newsconference (?) with Dr. R. It's at:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16846723/

Thank you for posting that. I have such profound respect for Dr. Dean Richardson, that I just can't get enough of hearing his explanations first hand.

evenstar

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:37 PM

As a PSA, here is how to put people on IGNORE. ;)

Thanks, War Admiral.

The Jacksons did what they said they would do all along. Very special people. I am so sad for them, and for all of us who were able to see the heart that he had. To allow us all to share in this day by day, when I'm sure many would have kept it all behind closed doors, was truly generous.

RIP Barbaro. And be sure to check out that pretty black mare under the tree.

Frank B

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:37 PM

Fox News Write-up: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,248194,00.html

He was a wonderful horse, and brought out the best in the horse community.

God Speed, Gallant One, for you will be forever loved and sorely missed. May you frolic in verdant pastures beneath cobalt skies.

jlmckinley

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:43 PM

Rest in Peace Barbaro.

Dalfan

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:44 PM

Just watching the good doctor try to hold it together is heartbreaking. That's for posting that, I'd been looking for the news conference and couldn't find it.

What a valiant effort for all involved. RIP.

Just curious if anyone knows if they considered him a candidate for a prosthetic leg?

Lookout

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:50 PM

Perhaps, but guess what. It's none of your business. What benefit could you possibly gain from knowing.

You are a menace.

I think an incredible amount of learning could be gained by veterinary and podiatry students. Many horse owners donate legs to research so that other horses can be helped or saved from knowledge gained. I myself learned a tremendous amount from examining cadaver legs from a poor mare that foundered and went to her eternal rest. Several of us learned a lot from that one little mare. I think much could be learned from Barbaro.

Sannois

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:50 PM

on my local nightly news. And Yup dinner lost its appeal after watching it.
Hard to eat and cry!
I just wish they would stop showing the breakdown sequence.
Watching Dr. R was really hard! I will be interested to see what the national news has tonight! :(

summerhorse

Jan. 29, 2007, 05:58 PM

If the other link doesn't work press conference is also here: http://ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=23079

Wellspotted

Jan. 29, 2007, 06:04 PM

Two Simple, I'm glad you posted what you did:

Thank God its all over for him finally. It is a pitifully horrible shame he was made to suffer this long. Godspeed to this poor animal. It absolutely breaks my heart and I'm sitting here in tears. Tears of joy that he doesn't have to face another single minute of pain. It should have been done many months ago.

Through all the longs months of reading posts on this thread, of Googling "Barbaro" to see how he was doing each day, it never really was described for me just how him himself was feeling about it all. 'Til I read your post. I have to say I think you're right--it should have been done many months ago. Yes, I know they said he had a good chance. I didn't doubt that then, I don't doubt it now. But what a nightmare it must have all been for him. He was a RACE horse. He was a Thoroughbred. Bred to run, to fight, to win. If he had been put down on the track right after the Preakness he would have "crossed the bridge" right then and been galloping in the green pastures. Instead he entered a nightmare world he could not understand. Yes, he might have survived and gone on to live in retirement. But could he have galloped? Jumped? Did those lovely at-liberty airs above the ground all horses--not just Lipizzaners--can do? I never, until now, thought about it from his point of view. Two Simple, you have given me that viewpoint.

I'm glad you posted what you did. :)

sprite

Jan. 29, 2007, 06:31 PM

Farewell, Barbaro. You were something special.

My condolences to the Jacksons, Michael Matz, Edgar Prado, Dr Richardson and all the rest of Barbaro's family. Thanks to VB and Alex for keeping us updated through the ups and downs. What a sad day for everyone. :(

anita m

Jan. 29, 2007, 06:34 PM

He was a RACE horse. He was a Thoroughbred. Bred to run, to fight, to win...Instead he entered a nightmare world he could not understand. Yes, he might have survived and gone on to live in retirement. But could he have galloped? Jumped? Did those lovely at-liberty airs above the ground all horses--not just Lipizzaners--can do?

Let's not anthromorphize here. I think most horses are perfectly happy to eat, drink, sleep, and eat some more. I don't think he gave a fig about no longer being able to gallop down the track at breakneck speed any more than my horse, or yours, would miss dressage or doing whatever it is he is trained to do if they never did it again. Horses are adaptable beings, much more than humans, I think.

HobbyHorseLabradors

Jan. 29, 2007, 06:37 PM

Oh, and the tears flow again. I just went out to get my mail and my Barbaro beanie baby arrived today. What timing!

How ironic, my mailman knocked on the door today and had in his hand my Breyer Barbaro that I won on Ebay over a week ago...

Levi's owner

Jan. 29, 2007, 06:41 PM

If the other link doesn't work press conference is also here: http://ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=23079

There's also a link where you can send his connections an email. Also, let's not forget that Barbaro raised $1.2 million for the New Bolton center. Not only will they learn from how they treat him, they will have more funds to treat other horses.

farmgirl88

Jan. 29, 2007, 06:44 PM

From the words of Kara Sundlun, CT news reporter for Channel 3 news:

"Like a true thoroughbred, he gave it his all."

I'll leave it at that. What an amazing horse he was, godspeed

canyonoak

Jan. 29, 2007, 06:50 PM

Thank you, VirginiaBred, for this wonderful thread.

Thanks to Bobby, for the inspiration.

Thank you to the Jacksons, to Michael Matz, Edward Prado, and everyone at New Bolton, for responding in the best way possible when a great heart full of courage put himself on the line and demanded what he demanded of himself-- no less than everyone's best.

And they gave him the best--right through the end.

The emotions on this thread--may they continue to inspire all of us, even if it is just a little, in our every day. With our horses, our friends, and life in general.

I sort of hope this thread might join some of the classic ones that are saved on the Saved Forum.

Sannois

Jan. 29, 2007, 06:51 PM

Someone mentioned a Beanie baby Barbaro. I had not heard about that. anyone know where to find one?
On another note. The national news coverage was very nice! My heart breaks for Dr. Richardson the most. What an incredible man and outstanding veterinary surgeon. Truly a remarkable horseman. May he be at peace with the knowledge that he went above and beyond with that magnificent animal. I am sure his remarkable work will benefit many other horses in the years to come. :yes:

SuperSTB

Jan. 29, 2007, 06:55 PM

Yes- if you watch the news conference- it just breaks my heart to see how emotional everyone was. Barbaro was certainly loved and admired.

I like how doc made sure to mention- "He had a lot of very good days".

mairzeadoats

Jan. 29, 2007, 06:56 PM

I held it together at work, but watching Dr. Richardson at the press announcement on the news tonight left me in tears.

My heart goes out to the staff at New Bolton, to the Jacksons, Michael Matz, Edgar Prado...all of Barbaro's people.

The Jacksons were true to their word. As long as Barbaro was comfortable, happy and fighting the good fight, they gave him their all. There is no need to 2nd guess his comfort levels -- the videos throughout the last 8 months showed a clearly happy horse.

Even the video that showed him last night, for the first time unable to sleep, he was not in horrible agony. Just not right and letting them know that it was time.

I was so relieved to hear Dr. Richardson describe his last morning. I had hoped he'd be able to enjoy one last graze, and to leave peacefully, in some comfort, and surrounded by those who loved him and who he loved.

flyingchange

Jan. 29, 2007, 06:58 PM

so so so incredibly sad.

rest in peace buddy. you were and remain an inspiration to many.

SafeHorses

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:07 PM

Just watched a bit of the news conference and Ms. Jackson's following comment really touched me:

"Certainly grief is the price we all pay for love"

So true...and so perfectly put. RIP Barbaro, run free.

cookie-monster

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:08 PM

How sad. RIP Barbaro, now you can run as fast as you want.

I am wondering about the Beanie Babies too. How to get one & does the money go to a Barbaro fund or something?

mairzeadoats

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:10 PM

Any news if his legs will be amputated and used for further research?

I can't help but wonder if KC knows what a wonderful advertisement you are (not) for his school?

If you're going to go around being a troll, then you really shouldn't be dragging innocent others into it. Especially when their livelihoods -- and life's work -- is involved.

Home Again Farm

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:14 PM

I have read this thread daily and thank VB for keeping it up. My heart goes out to all involved in his care and to his owners and trainer Michael Matz. I cannot begin to imagine their feelings tonight. To Bobbie, gallop over that rainbow bridge and graze happily among friends forever. :sadsmile::sadsmile::sadsmile::sadsmile::sadsmile:

Anne FS

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:19 PM

"It's kind of like playing a chess game. Whenever you get confronted with something different, you have to make the right moves. You have to be impressed with the number of right moves Dr. Richardson made. They got close, and if not for a little bad luck they would have made it." -- Dr. Larry Bramlage, a veterinarian at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, who said Barbaro lived as long as he did because of Richardson's solid decision-making.

Laurel&HollyFarm

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:26 PM

I didn't post much until the last few days but tomorrow will be a very different day for me. I have started every day since last May checking in to see how Barbaro was doing. Maybe because I had an injury in April that kept me off my horse for most of the summer. Maybe because Barbaro is the only racehorse I have actually bet on. And won ;). Maybe because he looks a little bit like my beloved ottb Bob. And maybe because Bob spent some time at New Bolton with his previous owner.

I don't know. I wonder what Alex will be doing and how Tim Wooley's horses will do. Also what the Jacksons will be up to and how Micheal Matz is. Other than having a few ottb thoroughbreds I haven't been much into thoroughbred racing until this happened. Erin could we start a new "Team Barbaro" section :sadsmile:.

And now I have to change my sig line :cry:.

Anne FS

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:33 PM

The New York Times:

"Beyond Barbaro’s burgeoning talent, all of his human connections were beguiled by his personality, which blended intelligence with, as Mr. Brette said, an old soul’s temperament."

cyberbay

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:35 PM

I think I will go ahead and keep wearing my blue Believe in Barbaro bracelet. I still believe in him, I still feel he pulled us higher, demonstrated to us our own humanity, showed many the way to be the better people we can be.

And I miss him, so the bracelet is consolation.

luveventing

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:36 PM

wow------ that press conference is soooo hard to watch. How moving. I am just speechless. Dean Richardson just leaves you in awe that a surgeon on such a big case with such power that sees soooooo many horses, is still so moved by this horse's spirit. simply touching.

Kenike

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:43 PM

I don't know where to find them now, other than through Ebay. Depending on the dealer, a portion of the funds from sale DO go to the Barbaro fund at NBC. The dealer I bought mine through was one who donated....I double checked today.

I think Ty might manufacture some more now, but I don't know. At any rate, short of Ebay, I think they're going to be tough to find for a while.

Kenike

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:47 PM

"God is certainly amassing quite the racing string"

This hit me. I've heard many different things about what the sound of thunder is. Now I have a new one to tell my son:

The thunder we hear is the sound of the horses we love galloping about the green pastures of Heaven. Barbaro will definitely be among those thundering hoofbeats, and we can be happy for him.

Appassionato

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:49 PM

I can only imagine how hard it was for the Jacksons to make this decision. Godspeed to Barbaro and jingles and hugs to them! And all the others who poored their heart and soul into his case!

Laurel&HollyFarm

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:51 PM

I ordered three on Saturday from Amazon at like $8 a piece. I did get a notification that they shipped so all should be well. Not for profit. One for me, one for my friend Nancy that always gives me Beenie Babies and one for my next door neighbor that actually went to the derby and bet on Barbaro for me.

I wonder if they still have them.

Appassionato

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:54 PM

I can't help but wonder if KC knows what a wonderful advertisement you are (not) for his school?

If you're going to go around being a troll, then you really shouldn't be dragging innocent others into it. Especially when their livelihoods -- and life's work -- is involved.

Honestly, before getting too hot under the collar, I can absolutely see why Two Simple asked that question: for further learning. Not everyone wants to do that with their horse, and that's understandable. But it has happened before.

merrygoround

Jan. 29, 2007, 07:54 PM

I write this in tears. We have lost another brave heart.

Like so many before him, his feet and laminitis were the unconquerable.

Would someone republish the address of the Barbaro Fund, at New Bolton? (I n his memory I think many of us would be willing to contribute to more research on laminitis, a syndrome over simplified by many, and only partly understood by few.

:cry:......................

Chestnut Mare

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:03 PM

You know, I asked Two Simple to be a bit tactful and respectful of this thread's purpose, and as far as I can tell s/he has done so. Now I'd like the rest of you to return the favor. Your behavior is not one bit better.

Look Two Simple, people on this thread have mostly come here, gathered here and stayed here to express thir thoughts and condolences. You don't have to agree with them, but sometimes there comes a moment to exercise this strange thing you seem to have little familiarity with. It's called "tact". So even though you might heartily disagree, what say you dig deep down, summon some tact, and leave people alone to express their condolences in peace, mmkay? It's just a nice thing to do and this seems like a fine time for some kindness, don't you think?

And the rest of you making sniping comments back to Two Simple? Knock it off as well.

mairzeadoats

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:05 PM

Honestly, before getting too hot under the collar, I can absolutely see why Two Simple asked that question: for further learning. Not everyone wants to do that with their horse, and that's understandable. But it has happened before.

Sorry Appassionato, but I'm not hot under the collar. However, 1. based on the tenor of Two Simple's posts in this thread, and 2. based on how totally inappropriate a question it at this time and in this thread, I'm simply not buying it.

Furthermore, I'm a graduate of KC's school and I'm well aware of where he gets his cadaver legs from. As it happens, they almost all come from rendering plants, not donations. That also happens to be *totally irrelevent* to a thread dedicated to prayers for Barbaro's recovery and condolences and sorrow at his loss. And imho as a graduate, it reflects very badly on KC's school to have a troll using it as a signature.

Beezer

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:08 PM

:cry:

What a class act, all the way around, horse and human.

The fairy tale was not supposed to end this way. RIP and Godspeed, Barbaro. You will be missed and never forgotten.

ivy62

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:09 PM

Run free Barbaro over the rainbow bridge there are plenty there to greet you....Pine Island and Lost in The Fog...No more pain and freedom in front of you..frolic and run as you were born to do...I am very sad at this moment and cannot express it all...I feel that with the GREAT updates from VB and Alex he was our horse not just the Jacksons...

His legacy will not be how he died but how he lived like a champion...we will live forever in his debt about finding a way to decrease the number of fatal breakdowns on ALL tracks...

And to the Jacksons how wonderful they are for loving this horse this much and knowing when the time was right..
I will miss this thread for it has become part of my daily life...I am in hope that there is more that has been learned and his life is not in vane
A champion does not always win but the try their hearts out..
RIP Big Boy and we will miss you..

Thank everyone involved in his care and all the wonderful people we have heard of.. I will take my Barbaro bracelet and put it somewhere safe and think of his courageous fight often I am sure...

Does anyone know the address of Lael Farms?

June

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:17 PM

Have had my plate full this last year and it continues, but always, as time allowed, I followed the "Barbaro" on COTH through its pangs, its skirmishes, its candles, its angst.

I probably find myself on the side of the owners and immediate connections in their decision and cannot criticize individuals who might have made similiar decisions, earlier. We do not know their circumstances; we are not privy to private records nor conversations.

What unites many this evening is sadness and profound grief; a valiant effort by the horse and his connections to beat the odds.

I want to say I will say a prayer this evening and the days to follow for all for whom this horse meant so much.

Prayer Continues, Always,
June

FalseImpression

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:21 PM

tbjmpr24

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:27 PM

I saw some before Christmas at two different Cracker Barrel stores in Central VA.

msj

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:28 PM

I'm betting that across the Rainbow Bridge there's a match race going on right now between Barbaro and Lost in the Fog! And the winner gets to challenge Secretariat!!! :) :)

Many thanks again to VB for all the time she and Alex spent keeping us informed about Barbaro! :) :) :)

Anne FS

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:33 PM

You can go to www.philly.com for lots of good links to articles and photos from both the Phila. Inquirer and Phila. Daily News. They've been great all along in following this story since U of P is in Philly.

I also think it's nice that the New Bolton website allows you to send condolences to the NBC team. "Send Condolences" link is at the bottom of this page: www.vet.upenn.edu/

Appassionato

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:39 PM

Sorry Appassionato, but I'm not hot under the collar. However, 1. based on the tenor of Two Simple's posts in this thread, and 2. based on how totally inappropriate a question it at this time and in this thread, I'm simply not buying it.

Furthermore, I'm a graduate of KC's school and I'm well aware of where he gets his cadaver legs from. As it happens, they almost all come from rendering plants, not donations. That also happens to be *totally irrelevent* to a thread dedicated to prayers for Barbaro's recovery and condolences and sorrow at his loss. And imho as a graduate, it reflects very badly on KC's school to have a troll using it as a signature.

I didn't mean it rudely, as I'm sure Two Simple didn't. I didn't say it to start a fight, I said to possibly explain Two Simple's purposes since she's been trying to educate herself about founder. It's not like she's burning up the phone lines to the Jackson's begging for their horse's feet. :no:

No offense, but learn to admit the truth. Your post indicates stress. Just admit you're mad. Don't scream at me or others that you aren't mad, it just looks less than the truth.

Laurel&HollyFarm

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:43 PM

I just checked Amazon and the Barbaro Beenies have gone up $2 each since Saturday. I have a receipt for $7.95 each and they are now $9.95. :eek:

Godspeed Barbaro, I will miss you. Your team did the best in the world by you.

Appassionato

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:56 PM

Your team did the best in the world by you.

No kidding, they tried their hearts out.

jennifersw

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:56 PM

Today a horse of a lifetime lost the fight of his life...and sometime in the wee hours of tomorrow morning...if you have any faith at all...you will believe with me that as Barbaro gallops over the clouds and comes to a halt in God' s great winner' s circle in the sky...a foal is being somewhere...in somebody' s barn...who will get a little bit of the heart he left behind...and somewhre else, in another stable...another will be born gifted with his tremendous strength...and another might be blessed with his courage. It may be a long long time before America- and the world- will again get to revel in the 'thrill of victory' we all shared that first Saturday in May of last year...and if we are lucky, it will be a far longer time before we ever again feel that 'agony of defeat' we felt just two weeks after the Derby...and feel again on this sad day. Godspeed, great horse.
(PS- I have lurked here since the very beginning...I only speak when I feel something I have to say might spread a ray of hope to the many, many faithful followers of this thread or might express the gratitude I think the majority of us feel towards the ones who have kept it alive)

Sannois

Jan. 29, 2007, 08:57 PM

Sannois

Jan. 29, 2007, 09:00 PM

niceb

Jan. 29, 2007, 09:06 PM

I can only imagine the emptiness and grief felt at NBC tonight, all those months of caring, day and night, for this wonderful creature only to have his stall empty tonight. He was able to beat the broken bones but the deadly laminitis is what took him. I could not stop crying when I read that Barbaro had been laid to rest. This all hit so close to home, it was also in the month of January when I lost my beloved mare 2 years ago after many months of battling laminitis in three feet. I pray one day our equine partners will not have to face this dreaded disease. I cried like a baby after watching Dr. R on the news, he loved this horse as did so many others who's lives he touched. What heroic efforts on Dr. Richardson's and the Jackson's part- they did everything humanly possible to try to save this horse, this was a labor of love. They are commendable. Barbaro was a fighter with such heart and he put up a tremendous battle but this morning he told his caregivers that he simply could not fight any longer. I believe Barbaro knew up until his last breath that he was loved...as he galloped off on strong healthy legs into eternity. Run free sweet Barbaro, run free...

Platinum Equestrian

Jan. 29, 2007, 09:07 PM

So sad... I loved his beautiful face with his small star and snip. What a fighter and an amazing animal. :cry:

*jumper*

Jan. 29, 2007, 09:27 PM

I've noticed that people are mentioning how they'll have to change their siggys because they say Team Barbaro. I've thought about it too. Just because he's gone doesn't mean Team Barbaro has to dissolve-so keep Team Barbaro in your signatures and allow his grace and spirit to live on. If I can come on this bb in a year or two year's time and still see those Team Barbaro signatures, I'll be filled with hope and belief in the fact the despite adversity of the worst kind, one can never give up hope-and to fight until the end. Barbaro deserves to be honored for years to come, for he has taught me and countless other people lessons about life that no one knew a horse could teach. I can't even put into words all that he's taught me. His good attitude in tough times and constant will to live have inspired me during these last 8 months. So long live Team Barbaro!

HobbyHorseLabradors

Jan. 29, 2007, 09:27 PM

The Live New Bolton Update was one of the hardest thing I've ever had to watch.

Dr. Dean Richardson and Mrs. Jackson's tears, and her husband struggling to keep his voice even, showed the deep committment and love they had for this brave stallion.

I wondered if there is a link to that? I missed the first 4 minutes trying to figure out which ESPN it was on, we have like 8...

J. Turner

Jan. 29, 2007, 09:33 PM

I have a fresh tear in my heart as I had to put down my dear greyhound Teddy Boy after 7 1/2 years with him. Hearing about Bobby today further ripped open that wound. I can imagine how the Jacksons and all the people who care about Bobby feel. Of course, any of us who have gone through this with a loved animal or person can empathize.

I could do nothing but hold Teddy as the vet let him go. And cry. And cry. So now I cry for both Teddy and Bobby.

I'm so glad they did not make him hold on for their own sakes. I wouldn't think anything less than that of the Jacksons, Dr. Richardson, or Michael Matz. They are consumate animal lovers.

This comment by Mrs. Jackson was poignant, "Grief is the price we pay for love."

How true.

Bless you Bobby. I believe Teddy is just on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge waiting to run with you in greener pastures.

Love,
Jessica

J. Turner

Jan. 29, 2007, 09:33 PM

I wondered if there is a link to that? I missed the first 4 minutes trying to figure out which ESPN it was on, we have like 8...

Here is a link to press conference:
http://cbs3.com/topstories/local_story_028115637.html

CANTERSoIL

Jan. 29, 2007, 09:37 PM

[QUOTE=Sannois;2178112]Someone mentioned a Beanie baby Barbaro. I had not heard about that. anyone know where to find one?
[QUOTE]

I read on another bb (TWR) about a week ago that someone had donated 4 Barbaro Beanies to CanterSoIL to help them raise funds for Dinky post-surgery care. The intent was to keep one and auction the other three on ebay one at a time. So, maybe you can kill two birds with one stone! Get the Beanie and help Canter at the same time.

We did get Barbaro Beanies donated for an eBay fundraiser. I had originally planned on listing them last week, ran out of time, and was going to do it this evening - until I heard the news. While it may not be the most financially sound decision right now, it just seems extremely tacky to list them right away. We'll list them, and in the near future, but just now is not the time. :cry:

War Admiral

Jan. 29, 2007, 09:38 PM

We did get Barbaro Beanies donated for an eBay fundraiser. I had originally planned on listing them last week, ran out of time, and was going to do it this evening - until I heard the news. While it may not be the most financially sound decision right now, it just seems extremely tacky to list them right away. We'll list them, and in the near future, but just now is not the time. :cry:

Another reason why CANTER is a class act!!

Lori T

Jan. 29, 2007, 09:42 PM

Freebird!

Jan. 29, 2007, 09:50 PM

What a trooper. My condolences to all involved. Eight months is a long time to fight, and he did it valiantly, as did his owners, trainers, vets and supporters. May me always remember that his fight was not in vain, as I cannot even fathom the wealth of knowledge that has been learned from his injuries.

Yes, I am sure he did suffer some, but so does ANY horse with an abscess, bowed tendon, or even a stone bruise. And in the wise words of his Vet:

Richardson, fighting back tears, added: "Barbaro had many, many good days."

Gallop on boy.

vineyridge

Jan. 29, 2007, 10:14 PM

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/29/AR2007012901575_2.html

If you haven't read this one, it's lovely.

Whatever we humans asked of him, he gave.

At the end, when he asked of his people, they gave back. And that IS love.

Buffyblue

Jan. 29, 2007, 10:20 PM

Thank you VB and Alex for all the updates. I have been checking in every day since the beginning and appreciate your dedication in sharing all the information that helped keep hope alive and well for 8 months. I'm sure we would all have hoped for a different outcome, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. My condolences to Barbaro's owners and to his "extended family." Peace.

HobbyHorseLabradors

Jan. 29, 2007, 10:29 PM

Another reason why CANTER is a class act!!

That they most certainly are!!! :)

jetandmegs4

Jan. 29, 2007, 10:30 PM

RIP, you'll be terribly missed :cry:

equinelaundry

Jan. 29, 2007, 10:30 PM

mareseatoats

Jan. 29, 2007, 10:34 PM

Laurierace

Jan. 29, 2007, 10:43 PM

It will take many years for me to overcome the tragedy of Barbaro, but with the Preakness, I have watched my last race. It is purely for man's profit that these magnificent, fragile creatures are pushed beyond their limit. George Vecsey ("Racing Can't Afford More Tragedies," The Times, June 6) asks when animal rights' groups are going to speak out against this human (not humane) narcissism. I ask the same question and mourn the loss of Barbaro.

Barbaro's death should not be in vane .. it sent a loud, clear message, it did to me!

Keywords: Barberic, Greed

I personally could not disagree more. If anything I think this whole thing is an example of what is right with the sport. There was never a moment, including today where they didn't put the horse first. He should be an inspiration to everyone in this game, not a turn off. A shining example of what it means to truly care for an animal, even if that means making the hardest decision possible.
I understand your pain, and you have every right to feel that way, but I think you just did not get it in the first place if that is your gut reaction. Racing will carry on with or without you, and hopefully we will continue to have wonderful ambassadors of the sport to emulate like the Jacksons.

Anne FS

Jan. 29, 2007, 11:03 PM

Pushed beyond his limit? It was a bad step. You couldn't be more wrong. Oh, wait..."vane" "Barberic" never mind.....

Anne FS

Jan. 29, 2007, 11:18 PM

Just heard an announcement that tonight's NIGHTLINE will be about Barbaro.

It's on at 11:30pm Eastern on ABC.

La Gringa

Jan. 29, 2007, 11:19 PM

A horse can shatter a leg like that playing in the field as well, is that beyond the limit too?

This was not about greed, this was about love for a magnificent champion who was doing really well, beating the odds... and was improving.. up until just recently. He gave all of us hope, kept us all glued to the updates, opened people's hearts. I saw nothing but love and adoration from his owners and Dr R today on the tv.

I finally lost it and couldn't hold back the tears anymore as I watched more video of him tonight on the news. He was so beautiful, and had such a spark for life. I am glad they gave him the best chance to live. He lived a good 8 months past what most people thought he would. I learned a lot myself through the process of what they did, as I know a lot of people did. Barbaro fought for all of us, and for himself. He wanted to live, otherwise he wouldn't have gotten through all this as long as he did.

I think it's unfair to post negative things on this thread. Take it someplace else and post your negativity .. keep this for those that cared about this horse, and for the people who cared for him through all these months. My mom, who became a COTHER because of Barbaro lit candles every single day for him, first thing in the morning. He touched us.. beyond words..

Thanks Virgniabred for all the updates and the constant fight for him. You kept us all involved and a part of this.

Freebird!

Jan. 29, 2007, 11:36 PM

Sounds like New Bolton is a somber place right now, with everything probably feeling so surreal to everyone there. RIP Barbaro.

COPIED FROM www.timwoolleytracing.com (http://www.timwoolleytracing.com):

Update 1409: Just returned from a bite to eat with Jennifer Rench and Kathy Freeborn from New Bolton. We were somewhat subdued, trying to go over events over the last few days without really taking it all in. As we were finishing up a few of the AP reporters came to join us. I left shortly thereafter and on my way home chatted with Ed Fountaine. A couple of observations of the day; Barbaro will be missed, Barbaro can help us make a difference.
Update 1408: While the press conference is over, things are now starting to wind down with post conference interviews, reports from media for local news stations, wire services etc. I talked to a couple of reporters and also WJZ out of Baltimore for their 6 o'clock news. Tom, the Jacksons farm manager, just called and we chatted about Barbaro. Now off out for a drink with a few of the New Bolton staff before I head home.

Anne FS

Jan. 29, 2007, 11:46 PM

My daughter is a foal sitter at NBC. As she pulled in tonight at 11pm she said there's still a lot of media there (most likely to do their stand-ups for the nightly news).

So spare a final candle for the little newborn patient she'll be watching all night.

Wellspotted

Jan. 29, 2007, 11:49 PM

This is so sad. Barbaro has died, and many of you are spending more time and energy sniping at each other than mourning him.
Why can't you people just be friends? This is a community, remember?
I have never known so many b ... I would use the word but it would be an insult to female dogs! I'm just glad none of you board at my barn--I'd hate to have to hang out with a lot of you in the nonvirtual world.

And to make fun of someone's spelling is just plain cruel. Grow up, people. Be nice.

Rubs Not Pats

Jan. 29, 2007, 11:55 PM

I am still not sure how I feel about Barbaro loosing his fight. Barbaro surviving all this time against odds that frankly defied expectations was truely amazing. In many ways, the fight Barbaro went through paralleled my Bob, who broke his leg last year and was given little chance for recovery and or living after surgery. (He did his in a pasture accident, by himself) I am happy to say Bob is still doing well. Whenever I see Bob, I will always think of Barbaro. Treating mine, I have come to believe that they do understand that we are trying to help them. I believe this is part of the reason that Barbaro never quit.

I have to applaud everyone connected with this horse, they are truely exceptional individuals and I wish there were more people like them in the racing industry. They took something that could have been a horrible story and made it heartwarming. No small task.

Last thing, Virginiabred, I have loved reading your daily updates and stories from around the racing world. I woke up to you every morning for a long time now. On behalf of the COTH community, thank you!

Slewdledo

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:04 AM

This was just posted on the PQ forum.

Somewhere, somewhere....in time's own space,
there must be some sweet, pastured place....
where creeks sing on...and tall trees grow,
some paradise where horses go.
For by the love that guides my pen,
I know great horses live again.

---Stanley Harrison "Gentlemen--The Horse!"

Anne FS

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:06 AM

And to make fun of someone's spelling is just plain cruel. Grow up, people.

We can take this OT, but I'm quite grown, thank you. Totalling mis-using words (such as "vane" for "vain") is indicative of carelessness in thought and writing, to say the least, and that post proved it, which I'm sure the poster was not trying to do. A person loses credibility when posts contain words that are used totally wrong, and when rather simple words are misspelled. We all make typos, but when someone goes on a rant and starts throwing around words that don't mean anything close to what they're trying to rant about, what they WERE trying to say is easily dismissed.

And to get back on topic, the Nightline piece was at the beginning of the show and was very nice.

And to also get back to the positive, a really nice ESPN piece ended with the reporter quoting a Chinese proverb that "you think you've lost your horse, but who knows? he may bring a whole herd back to you" and that this is what the people close to Barbaro are saying now, that they hope this is what the veterinary knowledge gained will do.

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:28 AM

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1410: Here is today's news conference from NTRA: Barbaro euthanized after long ordeal.
Update 1409: Just returned from a bite to eat with Jennifer Rench and Kathy Freeborn from New Bolton. We were somewhat subdued, trying to go over events over the last few days without really taking it all in. As we were finishing up a few of the AP reporters came to join us. I left shortly thereafter and on my way home chatted with Ed Fountaine. A couple of observations of the day; Barbaro will be missed, Barbaro can help us make a difference.
Update 1408: While the press conference is over, things are now starting to wind down with post conference interviews, reports from media for local news stations, wire services etc. I talked to a couple of reporters and also WJZ out of Baltimore for their 6 o'clock news. Tom, the Jacksons farm manager, just called and we chatted about Barbaro. Now off out for a drink with a few of the New Bolton staff before I head home.

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:32 AM

Worth Reposting ~

God saw you were getting tired
and it was not meant to be.
So he put his arms around you
and whispered "come to me"
With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly
we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating
hard working hooves put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best!
A million times we've needed you
and a million times we've cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
you never would have died.
A heart of gold stopped beating;
Two fighting eyes closed to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best.

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:37 AM

www.thoroughbredtimes.com

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/January/29/Richardson-Time-was-right-to-euthanize-Barbaro.aspx

Richardson: Time was right to euthanize Barbaro
Dean Richardson, D.V.M., chief of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, said that in the past he has waited too long to euthanize a horse. However, he does not think that was the case for Barbaro, who was euthanized Monday morning due to the effects of laminitis.

“I’m as comfortable as I’m likely to get with the decision,” Richardson said. “I feel it was the right thing to do now.”

Sunday night was the first in the eight months that Barbaro refused to lie down," Richardson said.

“Last night was the first night ever that he clearly was distressed by his condition,” Richardson said. “We intensified all his pain medications pretty dramatically last night trying to get him to go down. We stated, and we meant what we said, if we couldn’t control his comfort, we wouldn’t go on, and that’s why the decision was made.”

The discovery that Barbaro was beginning to show sign of laminitis in his previously healthy front legs was the final development. Roy and Gretchen Jackson were present when Barbaro was euthanized.

“We were all there. Barbaro was in the sling, and he was comfortable, in the sense he was under a lot of medication,” Richardson said. “He ate his grass this morning. He was alert and aware. He knew the Jacksons.

“He was given a very heavy dose of tranquilizer first and then an overdose of an anesthetic. That’s the mechanics of it. He had a catheter in already. He was already on intravenous medication, so it could not have been any more peaceful in that sense.”

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:39 AM

www.thoroughbredtimes.com

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/January/29/Gulfstream-Park-establishes-Barbaro-Foundation.aspx

Gulfstream Park establishes Barbaro Foundation

Gulfstream Park has established the Barbaro Foundation, which will oversee an annual scholarship program for future veterinarians.
Details of the foundation and its scholarship program will be released at a later date, Gulfstream Park General Manager Bill Murphy said.
“The sacrifices of owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, and…their colt’s contribution to the sport, and the courage of all involved, have been inestimable,” Murphy said. “The Barbaro story went beyond racing. It held us all in its grip for eight months. On behalf of Magna Entertainment Corp. and Chairman Frank Stronach, we at Gulfstream Park will proudly honor the people who tried so hard to create a better ending than the one we received.
“The entire Barbaro team—the Jacksons, trainer Michael Matz, jockey Edgar Prado, the veterinary staff and his fans throughout the world—deserve recognition after this experience.”

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:41 AM

www.thoroughbredtimes.com
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/January/29/Barbaros-struggles-could-pave-way-for-future-injured-horses.aspx

Barbaro’s struggles could pave way for future injured horses

While Barbaro did not prevail in his efforts to survive a shattered right hind leg and laminitis that developed in his left hind leg, his struggles could potentially pave the way to improve the survival of Thoroughbreds who suffer similar injuries or suffer from laminitis.
Since the Barbaro Fund was started in June to benefit the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center where Barbaro was treated, contributions have totaled more than $1.2-million. The fund money is being used to purchase an operating room table and new rafts and slings for the recovery pool.

Please use the above link for the entire story

buttersmom

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:49 AM

VB - thank you so very much for your dedication to keeping us all informed. I checked this thread everyday and I am so grateful to you.

I loved what Gretchen Jackson said about hoping this inspired people to help horses of all breeds and in all countries.

Other words of her's that stuck with me was when she said, "grief is the price of love."

I am happy he is at peace but it is a sad day for those who grieve him.

HobbyHorseLabradors

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:52 AM

It will take many years for me to overcome the tragedy of Barbaro, but with the Preakness, I have watched my last race. It is purely for man's profit that these magnificent, fragile creatures are pushed beyond their limit. George Vecsey ("Racing Can't Afford More Tragedies," The Times, June 6) asks when animal rights' groups are going to speak out against this human (not humane) narcissism. I ask the same question and mourn the loss of Barbaro.

Barbaro's death should not be in vane .. it sent a loud, clear message, it did to me!

Keywords: Barberic, Greed

The racing industry, as with any other industry, has it downfalls absolutely. The rescues sitting in my barn will testify to that. But never was this particular horse treated poorly or with anything but the utmost respect and best care. That goes for his entire life, not just after he became a celebrity.
This is big time racing, not your rinky dink, crappy little tracks that unfortunately are everywhere. There is a difference, a major one. Horses like Barbaro are not treated like the over raced, broken down, misfortunate TBs that overpopulate the bottom of the barrel race tracks.
There is nothing wrong with running a horse as long as it's done in a way that does not push a horses beyond his limits.

Kenike

Jan. 30, 2007, 01:32 AM

I thought I was done crying for the day.....wrong. I watched Nightline, not knowing there would be a piece on our dear friend. I just flipped over on a hunch, and that hunch was right. Oh my, what a BEAUTIFUL piece! I must send them a thank you.
I never knew I could cry so much over an animal I've never met. My heart is breaking over losing him, but mostly I am completely devastated and heartbroken for the Jacksons.

Seriously, is there anyone who knows how we can get messages to Edgar Prado? I left a message on the NTRA site, but I'd like to end one to him. I want him to know he's not forgotten in all of this.

Albion

Jan. 30, 2007, 06:09 AM

... ended with the reporter quoting a Chinese proverb that "you think you've lost your horse, but who knows? he may bring a whole herd back to you" and that this is what the people close to Barbaro are saying now, that they hope this is what the veterinary knowledge gained will do.

I love how "Chinese proverbs" take on a life of their own in the West. This is actually one of my favorite stories - and I think does have a good 'moral,' and application to the story of Barbaro, but sheesh: The actual idiom is "Sai Wang loses a horse" (Sai Wang shi ma) - there was once a gentleman who took a middle-of-the-road approach to everything. If something was perceived as being lucky, he would be likely to say "Well, maybe it's not"; if something was perceived as being unlucky, he would also say "Well, maybe it's not."

One day, his horse ran off. His friends all came over to offer their sorrows on losing his horse, and Sai Wang remained calm and level-headed - "Who knows, this isn't necessarily a bad thing." Sure enough, his horse returned, but there was a very famous horse by it's side. His friends all came over to congratulate him on this fabulous luck! Sai Wang said, "This isn't necessarily a good thing, you know."

True to Sai Wang's words, his son was trying to race with some other youths one day & decided to ride the famous horse, who threw him and broke his leg (and of course, this story was written down in like, 200 BC when broken legs were a bit more problematic to deal with!). People once again came to moan about the horrible luck - Sai Wang once again said, "This might not be such a terrible thing."

Well, while his son was on the mend, the kingdom they lived in went to war with another kingdom; every healthy young man was called up & sent into the army and terrible losses were suffered. Sai Wang's son, of course, had a broken leg and couldn't go. That stroke of awful luck turned out to be not so bad, after all.

I'm sorry for all of Barbaro's connections & fans that the story couldn't have had a better ending, but I hope that people can continue to focus on the *positive* that came out of this event and will hopefully *continue* to come out of this event. Just like Sai Wang, there is almost always a silver lining in even the most awful of events.

Sannois

Jan. 30, 2007, 07:18 AM

for the peaceful description of how he left us. May he run with the greats who went before him!:sadsmile:

Sannois

Jan. 30, 2007, 07:20 AM

where will his remains rest? Will it be a private place on the JAckson farm?

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 07:34 AM

At this point regarding the burial of Barbaro, all that has been posted (at the Press Conference when the question was put to Gretchen) that it was a private matter for the time.

Should additional information become available, I will post it here.

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 07:35 AM

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1411: Wide media coverage on the internet of yesterday's very sad news. Likely I will highlight a few throughout the next few days, but here is an article to start:
Philadelphia Inquirer: Kentucky Derby champion Barbaro euthanized (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/16572986.htm), excerpt:

"It is rough, but not to be there is rough," Gretchen Jackson said of being in the stall at the end. "He's been a friend or whatever, everything to us... I think we've been concerned about him for a while. We just wanted the right moment where he's still himself. I think it had reached the point where it was timely."

There will be more activity at New Bolton today I think. I know Jeannine Edwards is planning to return and Good Morning America is planning to do a piece on Barbaro. Flowers were starting to arrive yesterday afternoon at New Bolton. I remember seeing one young girl with her father, they came to deliver some flowers and good wishes. After Fair Hill I will likely return to New Bolton and see how things are.

Lori T

Jan. 30, 2007, 07:39 AM

Thanks, VB, for all you have done to keep us informed.
GMA did a beautiful tribute this morning...once again, the tears are flowing.

CB/TB

Jan. 30, 2007, 07:59 AM

Yes VB, thank you for all your updates and thoughts throughout the past several months. Barbaro may have been owned by the Jacksons, but he "belonged" to us all.

CANTERSoIL

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:11 AM

Rambling thoughts on Barbaro....

When the accident first happened, I was horrified. When I saw the pins on the x-rays, I was absolutely astounded. I *really* thought this horse was going to make it and live a good life until the latest round of set backs, when I think we all knew it was very unlikely he could recover.

I don't think he thought he lived a horrible existence for the last 8 months. Like so many Thoroughbreds do, he rolled with the punches. His connections & caretakers were and are an absolute class act in dealing with him. This all happened for a reason and this horse left a legacy like few others... perhaps more so than a Triple Crown Winner.

The awareness he brought to the industry and to Thoroughbreds in general will be long lasting. The ripple effect will be nothing but positive, I think.

Each year on Kentucky Derby Day, we have a fundraiser at the track. On Kentucky Derby Day 2005, during the first race at Fairmount Park, a horse broke down horribly in the stretch - a VERY ugly breakdown. We had our table set up in the usual place, just a few dozen yards from where the breakdown happened. The usual rubbernecking of the crowd, normal reactions to this type of thing at the track - it was very sad. But of the hundreds of people who visited our table that day, not one person mentioned it.

At our Labor Day Fundraiser this past fall, table in the same place - another horse fell. This one simply collapsed, a horse called Real Note had a "heart attack" in almost exactly the same spot. No less than a dozen people came up to our table in the next few hours and put a donation in the jar - not buying a t-shirt or trinket - saying "This is for Real Note." Several others came just to ask if we knew what happened to the horse, would he be okay, etc. It even made the local paper - that NEVER happens, "Horse Collapses At Fairmount Park" read the headline.

Our organization was recently touched by Barbaro in a '6 Degrees of Separation' manner. A tough old 11 year old "warrior" in our care, Time to Time, had life-saving surgery largely funded by folks who had come together because of Barbaro (not to slight others who contributed as well!). He deserved it, and earned it, but we just couldn't do it for him and had no hope to begin with after the diagnosis - those gathered around Barbaro never doubted it, and helped make it happen. He was sent the Barbaro Beanies mentioned above, the donor asking that we save one aside for his stall.

Look at all of the tracks examining surfaces, changing over to synthetic - perhaps not directly because of Barbaro - but???? The awareness raised, the timing, etc., I just don't think it's a coincidence. How many horses will be saved because of this, even though Barbaro didn't make it? Not to mention the veterinary treatments that may be improved in the future, learned directly from him or gained through the donations to New Bolton's Barbaro Fund.

Perhaps racing did and still does need a Triple Crown Winner to survive, but I think, perhaps, it needed Barbaro as well.

What a grand colt....

ivy62

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:27 AM

I would like to take a moment and thank Alex, VB and everyone involved in keeping us in the loop...I was horrified after the accident, memories of Ruffian running through my head, then when he rebounded I thought he might really make it. Not to be I suppose he was needed elsewhere for bigger and better things.
As suggested I will not change my signature for it has been an absolute honor to be part of this group...I will think of you guys often for my daily routine must change...no more updates to check...
RIP Barbaro- run and frolic in those grass filds in the sky

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:54 AM

For Condolences

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson
c/o School of Veterinary Medicine
New Bolton Center
382 West Street Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348

Condolences may also be sent to Edgar Prado and Dr. Dean Richardson & Staff to that address.

Anne FS

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:24 AM

I love how "Chinese proverbs" take on a life of their own in the West. This is actually one of my favorite stories - and I think does have a good 'moral,' and application to the story of Barbaro, but sheesh

Thanks, Albion, for the amplification.

Hey, it was ESPN - they like to do stuff like that. (The movie Dodgeball captured ESPN's over-the-top manner perfectly).

But they (and you) are right: good will come in the future for many because of this.

fooler

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:49 AM

July 1975 I watched and cried then cried again when they put Ruffian down. Several years ago I found a book about her. Seems she, like Barbaro, touched all who knew her.
After she broke down they brought in a human Orthopedic surgeon to repair her leg - twice actually. She destroyed all of the work coming out of anathesia (sp?). At that time they put horses in a 'padded' stall to minimize injury as they awoke. Since she was such a fighter and they did not know how to awake her without all of the movement and damage - they made the decision to put her down.

After her death, they developed the water+sling process used so successfully with Barbaro. Thanks to her, he (and so many other horses) have a chance live.

It is so sad to lose him, but we all knew it would be a miracle if he survived.
We know he is with all those who went before. And we also know many more will stay with us thanks to all we learned from him at NB.

What Champions!

LAZ

Jan. 30, 2007, 10:27 AM

This is cut and pasted from the editorial page of the New York Times, I couldn't get it to link.

Editorial
One Horse Dies

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Published: January 30, 2007
Why should we feel so much grief at the loss of one horse? After all, this is a world in which horses are sacrificed again and again for the sport of humans. Barbaro was euthanized yesterday, eight months after he shattered his right hind leg at the start of the Preakness Stakes. After an injury like that, most racehorses would have been put down minutes later. But every race is a complex equation — a balance of economics, athleticism, equine grace and conscience. Conscience often comes in last, but not in this case. Barbaro’s owners gave that horse exactly what he had given them, which is everything. It was the very least they could do, and yet it seemed truly exceptional in a sport that is as often barbarous as it is beautiful.
Barbaro was exceptional because he won the Kentucky Derby and looked as if he might have a chance at the Triple Crown. But nearly everyone who met him also talked of the life he displayed, a vivid presence that was so much more visible to us because it happened to belong to a winner.
Humans are not especially good at noticing horses, but Barbaro was easy to notice. And if his life caused us to pay attention to the possibilities of all horses, his death should cause us to pay attention to the tragedy inherent in the end of so many horses. Barbaro’s death was tragic not because it was measured against the races he might have won or even against the effort to save his life. It was tragic because of what every horse is.
You would have to look a long, long time to find a dishonest or cruel horse. And the odds are that if you did find one, it was made cruel or dishonest by the company it kept with humans. It is no exaggeration to say that nearly every horse — Barbaro included — is pure of heart. Some are faster, some slower. Some wind up in the winner’s circle. But they should all evoke in us the generosity of conscience — a human quality, after all — that was expended in the effort to save this one horse.
Next Article in Opinion (4 of 15) » (http://select.nytimes.com/2007/01/30/opinion/30kristof.html)

eggbutt

Jan. 30, 2007, 10:29 AM

VB, You are amazing. Thank you for continuing to provide concise and accurate information. And a very special thanks for posting Barbaro's last moments. I had begun to hear other things and I knew that the truth would be posted here.

Gunnar

Jan. 30, 2007, 11:10 AM

www.thoroughbredtimes.com (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com)

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/January/29/Richardson-Time-was-right-to-euthanize-Barbaro.aspx

Richardson: Time was right to euthanize Barbaro
Dean Richardson, D.V.M., chief of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, said that in the past he has waited too long to euthanize a horse. However, he does not think that was the case for Barbaro, who was euthanized Monday morning due to the effects of laminitis.

“I’m as comfortable as I’m likely to get with the decision,” Richardson said. “I feel it was the right thing to do now.”

Sunday night was the first in the eight months that Barbaro refused to lie down," Richardson said.

“Last night was the first night ever that he clearly was distressed by his condition,” Richardson said. “We intensified all his pain medications pretty dramatically last night trying to get him to go down. We stated, and we meant what we said, if we couldn’t control his comfort, we wouldn’t go on, and that’s why the decision was made.”

The discovery that Barbaro was beginning to show sign of laminitis in his previously healthy front legs was the final development. Roy and Gretchen Jackson were present when Barbaro was euthanized.

“We were all there. Barbaro was in the sling, and he was comfortable, in the sense he was under a lot of medication,” Richardson said. “He ate his grass this morning. He was alert and aware. He knew the Jacksons.

“He was given a very heavy dose of tranquilizer first and then an overdose of an anesthetic. That’s the mechanics of it. He had a catheter in already. He was already on intravenous medication, so it could not have been any more peaceful in that sense.”

This puts my mind at ease! Bobby you were the world's boy and you will be missed! My only problem is I cannot stop crying over this wonderful horse!:sadsmile: Time will heal my heart but I will never forget Bobby's spirit!:sadsmile:

Thanks again to VB and Alex!

holmes

Jan. 30, 2007, 11:41 AM

I just heard that there is talk Barbaro might be burried at Churchill Downs.......

skatepixie

Jan. 30, 2007, 11:56 AM

I just heard that there is talk Barbaro might be burried at Churchill Downs.......

That would allow more fans to "visit" him.

www.HWfarm.com

Jan. 30, 2007, 11:58 AM

It was really time to put him down, they should have done that right away, poor horse!

holmes

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:01 PM

That would allow more fans to "visit" him.

So Bloodhorse is now reporting that they have offered - no confirmation yet.

Duffy

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:14 PM

Glimmerglass

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:29 PM

Regarding the Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby Museum burial possibility ...

Associated Press 1-30-07 "Barbaro may be buried at Churchill Downs" (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/R/RAC_BARBARO_CHURCHILL_DOWNS?SITE=KYLOU&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT)

Officials at the Kentucky Derby Museum, located on the grounds of Churchill Downs, said Tuesday they'd be "honored" if Barbaro were buried in a garden along with four other Derby winners.

"We've expressed to them how honored we'd be to have Barbaro here," Lynn Ashton, executive director of the museum, said. "We feel like we're bringing horses back to be honored."

The grave sites of Derby winners Sunny's Halo (1983), Carry Back (1961), Swaps (1955) and Brokers Tip (1933) are located outside on the museum grounds.

Other possibilities include the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., and the Jacksons' Lael Farm, just a few miles away from the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.

ponymom64

Jan. 30, 2007, 12:55 PM

Godspeed Barbaro......

VB - thank you so much for your devotion to this magnificent animal.

My heart is breaking for the Jacksons, Michael Matz, Edgar Prado and the NBC staff - in the end, he let them know that the fight was too hard and they listened....

Cold Spring Farm

Jan. 30, 2007, 01:04 PM

A 'Bottomless' Heart

By Sally Jenkins
Tuesday, January 30, 2007; Page E01

In diagnosing the public's unreasoning love for Barbaro, maybe it comes down to the fact that he never lied to us. Human nature seems like a sorry, wastrel thing, compared to that horse. No doubt, we idealized him, but the fact is, we could have used a happy ending for Barbaro, given some of the Gilded Age characters who parade safely through public life into retirement. His survival seemed like one good thing, a balm for foreign wars, domestic deceit, and the bimbo cocktail party circuit, ruthless wealth-swappage, and cross-entouraging that we lately call American culture.

Barbaro was an honest, blameless competitor. Our ridiculously soft feeling for him was based at least partly on that fact. Unlike so many people in the sports pages, he was neither felonious, nor neurotic. He let us place burdens on him, whether a saddle, a bet, or a leg brace, and he carried them willingly, even jauntily.

On the track, his trainer and jockey reported that there seemed no end to what he was willing to give. "Bottomless," was how they described his heart. He obviously raced for pleasure, and he ran with such dynamic abandon that he made circling a track seem an impetuous act. His effort was always sincere and supreme, and when he won the Kentucky Derby by 6 1/2 lengths, the largest margin in the race since 1946, it was less of a surprise than an affirmation to the people who had reared him. "Why shouldn't we have felt that way? Every time he had run before, he never let us down," trainer Michael Matz said to the Thoroughbred Times. "His will to win was obvious in whatever he did."

Also, he was handsome. On display in his stall, he had the calm expression of an inveterate star, and a preening stance that suggested he'd heard the roar of the crowd and knew he'd won the big one. Even his doctor, Dean Richardson, who hardly saw him at his best, noticed this. When he was asked why Barbaro excited such affection from perfect strangers, a choked Richardson replied, "He was good looking."

We followed his medical reports like they were our own. Phrases like "laminitic area," and "deep subsolar abscess" became familiar, as did the anatomy of his horribly damaged hind leg, the shattered pastern and sesamoid, and the pinned cannon bone.

There have been continual attempts to analyze why Barbaro's fight to survive so captivated the public, but maybe it's fairly simple: He had both innocence and greatness and it's not often you find those ephemeral qualities alive in the same creature. What's more, anyone who watched Barbaro run in the Derby felt that they saw traces of a distinct character: He was winsome. This gave his suffering specificity. We felt we knew him.

Possibly, this is anthropomorphic, and some have rightly pointed out that we should care as much about human beings. But it's not anthropomorphic to say that horses are irreproachably benevolent creatures, and this is surely one of the causes of our grief over Barbaro. It's a fact that of 4,000-odd animal species, only a very few are tame-able, none more so than horses. They are peaceful grazers by nature, and willing by disposition. Despite their considerable size advantage, they tolerate us and even bear burdens for us. While thoroughbreds can certainly be fearsome, their misbehavior is a flight response, not sadism, or outlawry. They have followed us, and favored us with their gifts to an extent that few other animals do, and partnered with us throughout history, from Persia to the Pony Express. "Gallant" is a word often applied to them, and it's apt.

Barbaro seems to have had all the virtues of his breed, and a few more besides. His character wasn't a matter of wishful projection, it existed, and was quite vivid to those who cared for him. He was indefatigable and had a high tolerance for pain. He was mettlesome without being spiteful -- and how often do you find that? He was expressive. In a lovely piece a few weeks ago by John Scheinman of The Washington Post, one of his night nurses described him as "mouthy." He befriended another patient at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa.: a cow. When he slept, his night nurse would pet him.

Despite pain and confinement, he wasn't mean. Among the things that caused his owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, to give up hope yesterday was that, in the grip of wounded exhaustion, he finally tried to bite the hand of his doctor, Richardson. It was a first in eight months of treatment.

Novelist Jane Smiley wrote a strange and wonderful book a couple of years ago called "A Year at the Races," in which she explained, with an articulacy missing here, that the human engagement with horses is nothing less than a love story. If you were wondering why the death of Barbaro hurts so, there is the answer:

"A love story, at least a convincing one, requires three elements: the lover, the beloved, and the adventures they have together," Smiley wrote. "If the lover isn't ardent, then the story isn't a love story. If the beloved isn't appealing, then the lover just seems idiosyncratic or even crazy; and if they have no adventures, then their love is too easy, and they have no way of learning anything important about themselves and one another."

Barbaro was appealing, and he was obviously beloved by the public, and by his owners. If the public learned anything from him, it was that with enjoyment of thoroughbreds comes responsibility for doing the right thing by them. One of the few consoling results from the Barbaro tragedy was an anonymous gift of $500,000 for the establishment of the Barbaro Fund, for animal care at the hospital where he died. Yesterday, it was Gretchen Jackson who best summed up the public outpouring for a horse. "Certainly, grief is the price we all pay for love," she said.

J. Turner

Jan. 30, 2007, 01:05 PM

Thanks, Alex~
"It is rough, but not to be there is rough," Gretchen Jackson said of being in the stall at the end.[/I] "He's been a friend or whatever, everything to us... I think we've been concerned about him for a while. We just wanted the right moment where he's still himself. I think it had reached the point where it was timely."
.

It must've been hard for Michael and Peter not to be there.

Kenike

Jan. 30, 2007, 01:10 PM

holmes

Jan. 30, 2007, 01:14 PM

It must've been hard for Michael and Peter not to be there.

Vintage farms is full of wonderful people - I got an email from them this morning and I think they are just proud to be associated with such a great horse.

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 01:22 PM

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1412: It was Fair Hill as usual this morning, but of course it was not usual. The atmosphere was a little subdued, and I suspect quite a few people simply had nothing to say. A few riders offered their thoughts, as did a couple of trainers. Mostly they were just sad that this had to happen to such a wonderful horse who had shown great talent determination and will. Many of us have memories of Barbaro from the good days, when he was a runner. We may have watched his final work before the Preakness (he did not look like he was working, just galloping); or simply watched him graze, without a care in the world, in one of Michael Matz's paddocks two days after destroying the field in the Kentucky Derby. Anyway, I am sure we all remembered our moments and memories this morning.
I rode six, my usual six. They all went well, although it was a bit of a blur. My cell phone rang quite a lot, I talked to a few media people who are becoming friends. Perhaps I should interview them on their attachment to Barbaro. As I was grazing Hawty Creek at the end of the morning a "Fan of Barbaro" stopped by for a chat. It was nice to share a few thoughts.

CrzyCorgi

Jan. 30, 2007, 01:26 PM

You ran a GREAT!! race, Barbaro.......

May you Rest In Peace

~Darci~
:cry:

Skipper

Jan. 30, 2007, 01:48 PM

Quote

"God is certainly amassing quite the racing string"

This hit me. I've heard many different things about what the sound of thunder is. Now I have a new one to tell my son:

The thunder we hear is the sound of the horses we love galloping about the green pastures of Heaven. Barbaro will definitely be among those thundering hoofbeats, and we can be happy for him.

I have always hated thunderstorms but I think now I will think of them differently and may be less anxious about them

All of Barbaro's caregivers were a class act throughout this whole ordeal. My condolences to them all.

Joanne

Jan. 30, 2007, 02:11 PM

After her death, they developed the water+sling process used so successfully with Barbaro. Thanks to her, he (and so many other horses) have a chance live.

Actually, New Bolton had the water recovery system in place already when Ruffian died (I confirmed this with New Bolton earlier). I always thought it was so sad that she couldn't have been taken there, but the distance was too far.

Slewdledo

Jan. 30, 2007, 02:25 PM

For an astonishing array of articles about Barbaro, go to www.equidaily.com

Just to see the length of the list makes your jaw drop.

Slewdledo

Jan. 30, 2007, 02:26 PM

From the Seattle P-I: When your hero is a horse and the horse dies there's nothing much to say, but I have a grandson named Liam and he'll ask me questions I can't answer here or anywhere.... I have no words of comfort more than this. My hero is a horse. His name is Barbaro. He shattered his leg but did not shatter a boy's heart. He gave my grandson hope. Liam learned more about life from a valiant horse's death than these few words can say.

holmes

Jan. 30, 2007, 02:29 PM

Ruffian's fracture was open - even with people saving those are tough!

ivy62

Jan. 30, 2007, 02:46 PM

Barbaro gave us hope for many months, which is unusual, normally it is ended quickly. He let us get to know him and his family. My heart goes out to all involved. The learning process is all we can hope for now...New methods and techniques...research into laminitis (which is of the utmost importance)
If you ever had a horse founder you know how bad it can get and recovery is not certain even with the best care.

Godspeed Barbaro!

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 03:00 PM

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1413: I went over to New Bolton at Lunchtime. There are some nice flowers displayed in the lobby area. There were also some flowers placed on the outside fence line. There are still some media there and we went to lunch. Actually six of us went to lunch, but only three of us stayed and ate lunch! Jeannine Edwards, John Hennegan (First Saturday in May) and I had some nice conversations about Barbaro, horse racing in general and John's documentary.
When we returned to New Bolton I asked Jeannine and Mike Jensen what is was like to cover a story like Barbaro, and both have covered it pretty extensively. Both agreed yesterday was a hard day for them. Jeannine noted that it was tough to have to ask questions of people who are clearly grieving when on a personal level she has a lot of empathy for their situation, and I think, quite frankly likes the horse like any of us and is very sad about this outcome!
I also ran into Kathy Freeborn and Jennifer Rench of New Bolton. If they are reflective of the entire staffs' mood for the sad loss of Barbaro, then New Bolton is a sad place today.
Dr. Richardson sent me a nice e-mail this morning thanking me for the work we have done on this site, and I hope we continue. He noted he had read the site, if not very often!

2ndyrgal

Jan. 30, 2007, 03:37 PM

There was an article just a few minutes ago that said Churchill Downs had offered a burial site for Barbaro. nice.

Wings of Hope

Jan. 30, 2007, 03:39 PM

I heard this on CNN.

holmes

Jan. 30, 2007, 03:42 PM

I heard this on CNN.

Larry King is well known around the racing circles - I believe he was at the Eclipse awards.

FourWands

Jan. 30, 2007, 03:47 PM

Do a search of Barbaro on news.google.com

There are literally 1000s of articles about Churchill Down's offer.

I said yesterday that I hope they bury him in a public setting and several people disagreed with me. I would love to see him at Churchill Downs or at the Kentucky Horse Park. Both venues would do a super job. I realize he was "THEIR" horse but even the Jacksons thought he was "the people's horse". I think they will make a good choice - I just think it would be nice for the people to pay their respects without needing to make an appointment...

411

Jan. 30, 2007, 03:57 PM

Editorial
One Horse Dies
...You would have to look a long, long time to find a dishonest or cruel horse. And the odds are that if you did find one, it was made cruel or dishonest by the company it kept with humans. It is no exaggeration to say that nearly every horse — Barbaro included — is pure of heart.
I love this excerpt from the NY Times article. Thank you for posting that, LAZ.

The Jacksons put themselves on an emotionally draining roller coaster trying to save their horse, when they knew the odds were stacked against him. As a horse owner I feel an enormous debt of gratitude to them. Veterinary medicine is better for what they did, and while I hope it never happens, one day one of my own horses may benefit from the knowledge gained through Barbaro's fight.

If the Jacksons decide to bury him at home, I hope Churchill Downs will erect a memorial giving his fans someplace special to pay their respects.

vineyridge

Jan. 30, 2007, 04:34 PM

Kenike

Jan. 30, 2007, 04:56 PM

Viney, Dr. Richardson was actually quite detailed in the press conference yesterday.

The laminitic hoof was growing well in part of the area, but not all. After that was worked on, a deep abcess was found in the other hoof (the broken side). To alleviate that pain, the brace was put on, didn't work, was taken off, pins put into the coffin bone, but didn't work. He started over-compensating on the front end, developed "fairly severe" laminitis up there, became rather cranky, couldn't get comfortable, and was clearly not satisfied with his quality of life. (the very short version, of course).

I'd be surprised if it was the entire story, but, quite frankly, the public really doesn't need to know the entire story. JMHO.

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 04:57 PM

FourWands

Jan. 30, 2007, 05:01 PM

The Jacksons will be on Larry King Live tonight.

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 05:02 PM

ivy62

Jan. 30, 2007, 05:08 PM

It was obvious that this horse touched many people. During the press conference they all had to stop and take a deep breath to keep going. It is good to know Barbaro was loved by all, certainly not all owners are like this, He gave a valiant effort but in the end the result was not what we wanted.
Dr. R seems to be a very caring person that's why he takes care of horses because he loves them and it shows....

Remembering Barbaro "THE CHAMPION"

VB your dedication is unprecidented.(sp)..Thank you and all who contributed to this forum....

Spoilsport

Jan. 30, 2007, 05:14 PM

vineyridge

Jan. 30, 2007, 05:15 PM

I understand completely why he was put down. And agree that the time had come for him, given his descent into pain this last month.

What I didn't understand is wheter things were going so badly with the laminitic hoof that they decided to tempt fate by calling in an outside specialist to work on it. It would seem to me, looking at what we know now, that perhaps that intervention started the downhill spiral. As it was explained here and in the press, the condition of neither hind foot was quite critical at that time.

That's why I'd like for the story to be told. I have this deep seated feeling that, perhaps, things were going askew BEFORE the hoof expert made his first appearance. If not, I, for one, would hate to be labeled as the hoof expert who might have caused Barbaro's recovery to go wrong.

Please don't flame me. This might have been an inevitable result of just being a horse with today's veterinary knowledge. Or maybe fate was tempted to step in just because things seemed to be going so well. Fate is fickle in so many ways--and giving humankind the finger is one of them.

Edited to add: Thanks for the previous response. That makes very good sense to me.

monstrpony

Jan. 30, 2007, 05:16 PM

"
"I've been getting up before six every morning for the last eight months to look at the horse," said Richardson, pausing to collect his thoughts. "And he's not there. It's kind of tough."

Quote from Dr. Richardson this morning about Barbaro's outcome.

How can anyone, anyone who calls themself a horse person, question the veracitiy of a self-proclaimed "egotistical surgeon" who will stand in front of a camera with tears in his eyes, and make a statement like the one above?

There may be more to "know" about the Barbaro saga, but I don't need to know it, at least not now. What Dr. R said above is all I need to know to be absolutely certain that everything done for Barbaro, as sad as the outcome is, was done as well as it can be done.

harvestmoon

Jan. 30, 2007, 05:17 PM

I thought the final straw was the laminitis in the *front* two feet?

J. Turner

Jan. 30, 2007, 05:32 PM

I thought the final straw was the laminitis in the *front* two feet?

I believe that is correct.

2ndyrgal

Jan. 30, 2007, 05:43 PM

debsinsb

Jan. 30, 2007, 05:57 PM

"I'm still having trouble dealing with it," said Richardson, the chief of surgery for the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, his voice cracking. "I don't really want to talk about it. It's still hard to deal with."

"I've been getting up before six every morning for the last eight months to look at the horse," said Richardson, pausing to collect his thoughts. "And he's not there. It's kind of tough."

Quote from Dr. Richardson this morning about Barbaro's outcome.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/R/RAC_BARBARO_DAY_AFTER?SITE=PAPIT&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=sports.htm

If one can take away something good from all of this, it's the advancements made in critical care and the donations received by the Barbaro Foundation.

VirginiaBred, thank you for all of your efforts and those of your friends to keep everyone updated for these past months. I was a regular reader, but don't think I said "thank you" often enough.

vineyridge

Jan. 30, 2007, 06:07 PM

Please, folks, I'm not criticizing. It's patent that every decision that was made was made by and for Barbaro's best interests by people who loved him.

Reason I'm a bit curious about the things that were going on behind the scenes that affected those decisions is that the founder man wasn't brought in until so close to the actual end. Not when the founder first happened, not in all the procedures and openings and closing of the bandages on that foot, not for about six months. When he was brought in, it was presented to the public as a sort of "ho hum" procedure, just like so many others in the past. I simply hadn't gotten the impression that what was done was critical to survival at that point.

2ndyrgal, is Scott Morrison actually better than Ric Redden? I'm not up on Kentucky goldplated hoof vets and have been wondering about the choice.

msj

Jan. 30, 2007, 06:09 PM

They called in Dr. Morrison, because he is simply the best "founder" guy in the country. It is his specialty. They needed his expertise. If one surgeon calls in another specialist for a consult, it's because they have checked their "ego" at the door, and brought in the best in the business.

Right on!

Dr. Richardson is far from an egotistical Dr, unlike many human Drs. Veterinarians surpass the Drs in the human field many times over. Stop and think about it, a human can tell the Dr where it hurts, whereas the Vet has to use all of his knowledge to determine what the problem is often times.

I've said it time and time again, that I have more faith in my veterinarian than I do my primary care physician. :rolleyes:

Carol Ames

Jan. 30, 2007, 06:24 PM

viney ridge, unfortunately laminitis is a horribly cruel disease:mad: ; I know I and I suspect most others here also had a horribly sinking feeling when we first heard the word laminitis:sadsmile: ; Despite valiant round the clock efforts with seeming improvement in the patient, it can come back with a vengeance leaving a horse who spends most of the day , and night , lying down I have had to help a severely laminitic horse, a "sinker" move from his stall .to the aisle way in order to be put down, and recall the feeling/shudder of pain which went through his body :eek: and while his owner hoped as we did that there might be some miracle cure, there was none,:cry: and recalling the pain shuddering through his body, trying to keep hm going when he would never be pain free enough to sallow him to live a life of quality out in a pasture was unkind,:( it would have been "for us " :mad: and not for the horse.I prefer remembdring Barbaro on the end of the lead trying to get Dr. Dean to "head butt " with him, just two guys having a little guy fun:lol: ; It is highly unlikely that we would have seen that again:( ; Dr. Dean said early on "If we had put him down at the track you would have asked"Why so soon " and if we put him down later people will say "Why did you wait solong?:mad: :eek: Avery shrewd understanding of human nature.:yes: Laminitis is a systemic disease with often deadly consequences.:cry::eek:

Carol Ames

Jan. 30, 2007, 06:30 PM

I second this!I've said it time and time again, that I have more faith in my veterinarian than I do my primary care physician. :rolleyes::yes:
__________________
Susan

cartera45

Jan. 30, 2007, 06:48 PM

Do any of you think we, the public, will ever know what really happened this past month? Barbaro seemed to be doing so well, growing hoof, actually walking without a cast or support on his broken leg. Then Scott Morrison was brought in to work on the laminitic hoof, and things went downhill very quickly. There was never any real explanation, of why intervention was so critical at that point.

Maybe Laura Hillenbrand or someone like her will do a Barbaro book--soon. She was on the Nightline piece yesterday evening and seemed truly affected by his death.

I didn't get that impression at all but maybe that is because our local stations had Barbaro reports pretty regularly. We have to remember that Richardson said from the beginning that he had less than a 50% chance of survival. At one point, he may have said 50/50 and that was before any laminitis showed up. They knew from the very beginning - before he ever touched that leg that laminitis was a bigger threat than any break would be. Very early on, the Sigafoos shoe was put on the left hoof in an attempt to avoid laminitis. Sigafoos is no amateur when it comes to laminitis. They predicted laminitis at 6 wks - he got it at 7 wks. After the first laminitis bout on the left leg, Richardson said the chances were "poor." Losing 80% of the hoof can give you nothing but a poor prognosis. I know he hoped for a miracle but I think it would have been a miracle at that point. He said some time ago that the hoof was not growing back evenly and was growing in the wrong direction. The deep digital flexor tendon had been cut and had healed and was still pulling the coffin bone out of whack so they had to cut it again. They knew then that procedures would be needed along the way to deal with the way the hoof was growing. They just needed it to be stable enough and comfortable enough for him to put enough weight on it to save the others. That didn't happen. Finally, the left hoof bruised and became infected. When he shifted the weight to the front, there were signs of laminitis there. They said back in July that if he got laminitis in another hoof, they would end it. Something so simple really was his undoing. Barbaro didn't want to lay down and they couldn't get him to do it - he needed to do that to give his hooves a break but how do you tell a horse to do something that goes against his nature. Horses don't lie down when they don't feel confident in getting back up. They aren't meant to stay down for long periods - it is vulnerable, it is scary and it is something that a horse who will not give up is loathe to do. He probably knew that this time, if he went down, he wouldn't get back up. We all had more hope that we probably should have, but that's what we do - thank goodness.

Cubs

Jan. 30, 2007, 07:49 PM

We are all saddened by Barbaro's death. While I agree that every reasonable measure should be taken to save a horse's life, any horse, I think in Barbaro's case the Jackson's went too far by prolonging his suffering months longer than was reasonably humane. And I have to ask--why?

I don't care what someone wants to spend on treatment. That's their business. But was it due to public interest/pressure? The media? Maybe it became a medical challenge the vets couldn't pass up. Or their chance to be a hero against all odds. I don't think for one minute the powers that be had Barbaro's interest in mind. The average horse owner would have reached a decsion long ago that enough is enough. Not every horse story has a Seabiscuit ending.

Oakstable

Jan. 30, 2007, 07:57 PM

vineyridge

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:01 PM

Cubs, maybe you forgot or never knew that there had been miracles in the past. It wasn't a compound fracture, so that part of hope had been preserved. Several famous race horses have survived severe breaks and had a reasonable quality of life afterwards.

With all the advances in medical appliances, it was worth a shot for people with money and love. I know if I were seriously injured and there was real hope for recovery, my family wouldn't pull the plug prematurely.

Lori T

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:06 PM

I just don't understand how people who 1) aren't vets 2) don't know the horse and 3) don't know the full facts that only Dr. Richardson, his staff and the Jackson's know; how can these people continue to make such critisism and pass such judgement in this case? It has been stated all along that once Barbaro was in pain, uncomfortable, not eating, etc...that he would be euthanized. This horse was not normal...he did eat, he indicated when he needed his sling and when you looked at his eyes, he was bright eye and alert. Clearly not a horse suffering. The minute that all changed, the Jackson't and Dr. Richardson wasted no time in making that horrible decision.
The legacy Barbaro leaves will be immeasurable, from the knowledge gained, the money donated and the scholarships awarded, all because of him. My husband says everything happens for a reason..well, perhaps the reason behind this tragedy was to leave such a legacy.

411

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:10 PM

Very well said, Lori T. I couldn't agree more.

Anne FS

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:28 PM

I don't think for one minute

Wellll, there's the problem. ;)

Try thinking longer.

If you do, and if you follow the constant reports and IF YOU WERE THERE, as people on this list were THERE, you would know that he was going quite well, bright, alert, and happy, all these months. When that changed on Sunday night, he was put down Monday morning.

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:28 PM

Tonight, 9pm CNN Larry King Live
Mr & Mrs Jackson

holmes

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:34 PM

I spoke to someone very close to Barbaro on Friday - without going into detail there no indication of what was about to happen, everything was very positive. I really do not think you were left out on any detail.

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:36 PM

Matz soldiers on with Barbaro gone
By JAY PRIVMAN
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - Horse training requires working seven days a week, but Tuesday was not a typical work day for Michael Matz. He had to do what he always does, coordinate grooms and hot walkers and exercise riders and assistants to get his 67 horses to and from the track at the Palm Meadows training center. But this was the first day since Barbaro, the colt Matz trained to win last year's Kentucky Derby, was euthanized.
"It's hardest when I think and talk about it," Matz said during a break in training at his barn Tuesday morning. "If I'm working, I don't have it on my mind. It's better to keep going."
"Poor old Michael, he hasn't slept in months," Grae Kennedy, one of Matz's assistants, said while his boss was on the racetrack supervising a set of horses. "You know what Michael's like. He's a sensitive guy."
Two cars parked outside Matz's barn had bumper stickers that read "Go Barbaro." The tack room at Matz's barn had a pair of bouquets on his desk. A copy of Wednesday's Daily Racing Form, with Barbaro's obituary on the cover, sat on his desk. An occasional visitor happened by to offer condolences. It all seemed so incongruous to the photo above and to the right of Matz's desk, which showed Barbaro crossing the wire in the Derby, with all four feet off the ground.
"I guess I just have to look at it that I was lucky enough to have had him once," Matz said.
"I'll just have to go out and find another one. But that'll be pretty darn hard. There's no telling how good he could have been."
Matz, 56, has been based at Palm Meadows since November. He spends half the year here, half at the Fair Hill training center in Maryland. Fair Hill is a short ride from the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, where Barbaro spent the last 8 1/2 months. Matz said he flew to Maryland to visit Barbaro on Jan. 13. It turned out to be the last time he saw Barbaro.
"He did so well so quickly after the operation, and then in the beginning of November there was talk about getting him out of the hospital," Matz said. "And then it all went so bad so quick."
"We all knew this could happen, but we hoped it never would," said Peter Brette, another Matz assistant who was Barbaro's exercise rider. "Unfortunately, no one ever saw how good he really could be. We always had said that the Derby was going to be the beginning of him. But it wasn't meant to be."
Matz said he got a call early Monday morning from Gretchen Jackson, who owned Barbaro with her husband, Roy.
"She usually doesn't call that early. She was pretty upset," Matz said.
Two subsequent calls from Dr. Dean Richardson at New Bolton confirmed Matz's worst fears, that Barbaro's condition had deteriorated to the point where he would need to be euthanized.
"Everybody tried their hardest," Matz said.
Matz said he watched a televised press conference Monday afternoon with Richardson and the Jacksons.
"It looked like they handled it really well," he said. "I don't know if I could have done it."
Matz did, however, have to explain the situation to his two youngest children, Alex and Lucy.
"They wanted to know why we couldn't do this, couldn't do that," he said. "They just didn't understand all the ramifications."
Matz was overwhelmed and gratified by the outpouring of emotion directed toward Barbaro from the general public. Although the colt won every one of his races before suffering his catastrophic injuries in the Preakness, his stellar racetrack accomplishments were dwarfed in recent months by his ongoing battle to survive.
"Maybe this was bigger than the Triple Crown," Matz said. "It's hard to say."
Of the 67 horses in Matz's barn, he has a half-brother to Barbaro named Man in Havana, 3, who is by Quiet American. Waiting in the wings is a yearling full brother to Barbaro who has yet to be named. Matz also trains Round Pond, who won the Breeders' Cup Distaff and is about a month away from her first start of the year. As good as some of those horses are, or may be, it would be trite to say they will replace Barbaro. Though Barbaro had physically left Matz's barn the evening of May 20, the emotional void became more pronounced Monday.
"I've just got to remember the good things we had and he did," Matz said. "I guess things happen for a reason. But sometimes you don't know what that reason is. We just have to group ourselves together and try to go on."

VirginiaBred

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:39 PM

You can send condolences or comments to New Bolton Center using this link.

http://www.vet.upenn.edu/

Towards the bottom of the page is Send Condolences.

Also good picture of Barbaro and Dr. R.

2ndyrgal

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:43 PM

Didn't mean that Dr. Richardson suffered from an ego problem, far from it, that's how he characterized himself early on. Having been around a track or two in my life, we do have some "solid gold hoof vets" here in Kentucky. We are lucky they are in our "back yard" so to speak. Dr Morrison is actually working on my neighbor's show horse right now, takes a lot to impress me, I've seen some of the best, let me just say, I'm impressed with his work and I certainly understand why they called him in. As to why they waited, I'm not sure, but I can only speculate that the first problem obviously his right leg, laminitis in the left hind was almost certainly going to be an issue at some point, and when it got to the point when some sort of ortho shoe/device was necessary, they went to the go to guy. When it gets to that level, everything is specialized, I'm sure his nutrition and everything were minutely scrutinized. Didn't mean your guy isn't good, but I do have that Kentucky bias....

holmes

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:48 PM

Michael is truly an amazing guy - many people know how much he loved Barbaro, very few know that every horse in his barn receives the same love and attention Barbaro got - Michael knows every horse in his barn personally, spends time with them, and puts their needs before his! Michael and his staff are wonderful, and I am sure together with their horses they will turn this tragedy into something positive.

draftgirl01

Jan. 30, 2007, 08:58 PM

A moving tribue to Barbaro http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz5xzK4q6Xw

Anne FS

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:05 PM

from today's NY Daily News:

"I hope we can turn our love into an energy that supports horses throughout the world," Gretchen Jackson said. "One fan of Barbaro said to me this afternoon that she thought Barbaro's thoughts were, 'Please finish these unfinished tasks of mine, and therefore I will comfort you.'"

sweetfern

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:12 PM

Today is the first time in about 7 months that I am not lighting my four candles (one for each of my horses) for Barbaro. Seems weird, seems empty. But I guess that is how many of us feel.

Thank you for all of your time and effort, Virginia Bred. I feel that you have been a special part of my life for the last 8 months. The Big Guy connected us all. That was one of his gifts. :)

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:22 PM

bad bad larry king. well done Jacksons and Dr Richardson.

2ndyrgal

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:28 PM

Did anyone besides me turn off larry king before they had to listen to Bo Derek and the PETA PITAs?

solargal

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:29 PM

Bo Derek was actually very good and informed. She is likes racing and regularly attends.

harvestmoon

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:30 PM

NeuroticShowMom

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:30 PM

Did anyone besides me turn off larry king before they had to listen to Bo Derek and the PETA PITAs?

I did.

FourWands

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:39 PM

2ndyrgal - I'm nosy... Are you in Lexington, Georgetown or north of there?

We share the same thought patterns... :)

QHJockee

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:42 PM

I thought Bo was quite informed, however, I feel I know where JAck got a lot of his information - he put in a phone call to my former boss this afternoon because he mentioned him at least half a dozen times! :D :lol:

Dean Richardson is extremely well spoken on camera (no surprise, as he probably has lectured hundreds of vet classes, but it is still a surprise as I never really watched any of his news conferences he had on Barbaro).

I too, turned it off before the tree hugger got on.

YoungFilly

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:44 PM

I only knew that what happened to Barbaro was going to be on Larry King because of this thread. I thought Bo Derek was fine, I *believe it or not* thought the PETA rep was fine too. They both had valid thoughts on the subject. The guy in the middle seemed like he was taking it from the money side of things.

The PETA rep only wanted for the awareness of slaughter, and improving the tracks, and to make aware that not all people are like the Jacksons.

Lori T

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:44 PM

Actually, Bo and Jack were good...not sure why they were picked, but they were pro racing and anti slaughter. The PETA rep did make some valid points but I really didn't take her seriously. It was a great story all and all!

HobbyHorseLabradors

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:50 PM

Did anyone besides me turn off larry king before they had to listen to Bo Derek and the PETA PITAs?

Ha ha, I almost did but actually Bo and Jack did a good job but that idiot from PITA, well, she's an idiot and certainly portrayed that tonight!!!!

holmes

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:51 PM

I think when you are around people who epitomize class like the Jackson's - they set the tone - anyone who follows tend to emulate that, because otherwise they would come out looking rather poor.

cartera45

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:53 PM

I was surprised at how rational the PETA lady was - I thought she had valid points - better running surface, not running so young for example.

HobbyHorseLabradors

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:57 PM

I think when you are around people who epitomize class like the Jackson's - they set the tone - anyone who follows tend to emulate that, because otherwise they would come out looking rather poor.

Very true. You could feel the emotion coming from Mrs Jackson and Mr Jackson was able to stay very composed. Dr R was great as always.
I was really happy Mrs J was able to get a few words in about the horse slaughter issue, as well as Bo. I don't think Jack really "gets it" but I think he means well.
Maybe this will reach the people who aren't exposed to the horse industry on a routine basis and who have no idea there is such a thing as horse slaughter.
Maybe this is what Barbaro has done for us. Got the attention of an otherwise unreachable audience. :yes:

TheGipper

Jan. 30, 2007, 09:58 PM

had it half right. Racing is a cash cow for the state, but is more of an ego enhancer for the owner.

J. Turner

Jan. 30, 2007, 10:06 PM

Thank goodness the PETA rep didn't put down the Jacksons - the retribution for that ... holy cow.

As usual, the Jacksons and Dr. Dean were so well spoken and respectable (maybe has something to do with education??).

I think that Jack Hanna's point that there are people who abuse in any situation was a good point. I don't quite understand the relevance of his presence on the program. Is CNN that hard up? There are far more equine educated celebrities ... or how about a politician ... like Mayor Bloomberg who obviously has a hand in horses between racing in NYC and his daughter. Or Pataki. Or a "star" like Redford, Morgan Freeman, or someone else well known who owns racehorses like Rick Pitino, Joe Torre (I think) ... my mind is fading ...

And as for including the "other side", does it have to be PETA - there must be organizations that are a bit less extreme but still have concerns about racing and slaughter. An advocate for better conditions at the track, especially the lower level tracks where money isn't quite thrown around.

TheGipper

Jan. 30, 2007, 10:13 PM

you can be certain that Barbaro got the best care he could have anywhere in the world. The comment he made that "we are always learning" speaks volume about the best equine orthopedic surgeon in the world.

HobbyHorseLabradors

Jan. 30, 2007, 10:15 PM

And as for including the "other side", does it have to be PETA - there must be organizations that are a bit less extreme but still have concerns about racing and slaughter. An advocate for better conditions at the track, especially the lower level tracks where money isn't quite thrown around.

My vote would have been for the TRF!!!! Now that would have been a huge opportunity to speak out for the Thoroughbred.

YoungFilly

Jan. 30, 2007, 10:20 PM

Dean Richardson is excellent. If I could do college all over again, I would be studying furiously under him.

Xctrygirl

Jan. 30, 2007, 10:25 PM

LOL

Too many jokes YoungFilly, MUST...NOT GIVE IN.....

:lol:

Ohh boy thanks for that. I too would study furiously....just maybe not under him.

~Emily

holmes

Jan. 30, 2007, 10:30 PM

Can you imagine though going from a vet respected and loved by the local community to be on national TV taking care of a horse who was so loved -

Xctrygirl

Jan. 30, 2007, 11:03 PM

OK I am venturing into this debate slowly and carefully...

The PETA woman was used for a reason, to show the other side of the public opinion of racing. One of the biggest parts about free speech and expression is that we must allow BOTH sides to speak publicly, without censorship, to fully enjoy all the benefits of this right.

Now this doesn't mean you must agree with the opinions either sides professes, by all means take the time to research and experience and make your own opinions. But to adequately cover the whole story tonight a few other voices were brought in to speak on the topid of racing and how it works and the problems, and opinions of its problems therein.

Barbaro wasn't the topic these people (Bo, Jack and Lisa) were brought in to discuss. They were brought in as a cross section of horse/animal people who are well versed in Pr, available tonight and had something to say. You may not like the PETA lady, but hey at least she was a Sr. Vp of communications, not just a hot headed intern.

Bo has been very involved with the horse world and is an ambassador for Animal protection. She is very knowledgable and anyone who dismisses her as a blonde actress air head is gonna be in for a pretty big misunderstanding. Her diplomatic handling of the whole ending suffering through euthanasia versus a mare of hers that died in the night from a horrbile bout of colic, was a big point getter for her as we watched here.

Jack has worked with tons of animals and could speak well on a horses own insticts beyond the world of humans. He could also do a great job (as he did) of deflecting stupid/tasteless questions and instead direct the conversation to a positive element of the equine/animal world.

As far as the email questions, just take a stroll over to TWR, many Barbaro lovers are just normal people. Normal people who don't understand our world can ask what seem like "stupid" questions to us. They don't know any better. And since a lot has been made in the news in the past couple years about cloning and Dolly the sheep and the various cloned cows, I really don't see it as that silly of a query. We all were clueless once and it took kind and patient people to help us understand the world we're in now and whats the norm and what is outside the norm. Give the laypeople a break.

And for the PETA rep, Lisa Lange... We stand up just as passionately for what we believe in. By rights she is allowed a chance to stand on the soapbox as well. Or at least I will respect her right to speak her mind, and I will listen and pay attention so that I can then make an informed opinion of what I feel about her. (She had some things I disagreed with, some good points that racing has been trying to work on, and she at least didn't give in and bend. )

Overall it was an interview that once again brought attention and light to our sport. For better or worse we have the public's attention. What they come away with is entirely of their own making. But what can push them one way or another is if we stand to firm, and refuse to bend or yield to either help them understand, or see the joys that we see.

I hope this hasn't come off as too high handed. It wasn't my intent.

Laurel&HollyFarm

Jan. 30, 2007, 11:21 PM

The thing that made Barbaro different was the Barbaro Team. The Jackson's, Michael Matz, Dr. Richardson, Alex and VirginiaBred for relaying Alex's reports over here. I know there were others on the team but these are the ones that made a difference for me. Perhaps it was only because I was more interested this time but all of these people from my prospective gave us unprecedented access to his day to day life. Did the ordinary person know what happened day to day for Charismatic (gosh I didn't actually know he made it until I saw another thread today).

They allowed us into Barbaro's life. They provided insight when things were good and when things went bad. I think we all knew the end was near on Sunday. Monday morning they told us he did not have a good night. Was anyone that follows this thread every day surprised that he was euthanized on Monday? I don't think so. This team kept us in the know. Thank you.

I do have a question. Does anyone know if they are doing any type of autopsy. Obviously we all know why he died but I am just wondering if they will try to find out the size of his heart. Secretariat had such a big heart as several champions have. Would really like to know what Barbaro's was if it was noteworthy and they would like to share.

I am actually going to get the opportunity to see Dynaformer, Barbaro's Sire, in April at 3 Chimneys. I was so hoping that Barbaro was going to be released and might be there as well :sadsmile:.

Laurel&HollyFarm

Jan. 30, 2007, 11:23 PM

Opps worked on the above post before the whole PETA thing.

merry98

Jan. 30, 2007, 11:24 PM

The Philly.com site has link where folks can leave condolences. As of this writing there are 95 pages (approx 10 entries a page). That's 950 entries from people all over the country. It is a testament to the effect this horse had on everyone. Here is the link: http://www.legacy.com/philly/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=86211889.

*jumper*

Jan. 30, 2007, 11:25 PM

Barbaro was eating, sleeping, and interacting with people. How do you euthanize a horse before it becomes an obvious quality of life issue? When the horse changed and was clearly unhappy, the owners said that's it.

Everyone knew the odds were long.

I agree with another poster, no decision would have satisfied everyone.

All in all, it is their business.

Amen.

It's over. I don't think now is the time to argue over this. We can't change what happened, but we can celebrate a magnificent horse and talk about the good things in his life.

shea'smom

Jan. 30, 2007, 11:28 PM

Very well put, Xctrygirl.
In the wake of all this sadness, people can say things we take offense at, because we are upset. Several times today, people who know I ride made some remark about Barbaro, some stupid, some not. Sort of human nature, isn't it?

Kenike

Jan. 31, 2007, 12:37 AM

I'm watching the re-run of LKL because my hubby wasn't going to watch earlier and had the remote.
Wasn't as in-depth, etc, as I thought it would be, but I'm so glad he asked Mrs. Jackson about the slaughter issue. As always, the Jacksons and Dr. Richardson were top class. :)

PETA lady has just come on and has already ticked me off, despite her efforts to be diplomatic.

Bo Derek surprised me. I really thought she'd be....well, much less supportive than she was. I was impressed with her!

Poor Jack Hanna..he just seemed so unprepared.

I have come to a conclusion....so many complain about horses racing at such a young age. What about our HUMAN kids? They start very young in sports, as well, with many who end up with surgeries at young ages (myself included), arthritis at early ages, and in some severe cases, debilitating injuries that cause an end to athletics, or even a "normal" life. Why is it okay to encourage our kids to play hard and be the best at their game, but it's inhumane to do the same with our horses? (playing devil's advocate, I'm not totally serious)

syntax_592

Jan. 31, 2007, 01:58 AM

I had to chuckle at the PETA spokeswoman who said a few times that race horses are a "cash cow" for people. I kept thinking about this old saying about horse racing:

Q: How do you make a million dollars from owning race horses?

A: You start with $10 million.

I also find it amusing on Larry King when they show the person from the "other side" listening to someone with whom they disagree. That head starts shaking from side to side as if THAT's going to convince me to disregard what the other person is saying? It's like watching the amateur debate hour.

I agree that it would have been nice if they had had someone from an actual HORSE RESCUE organization. What a concept.

Spoilsport

Jan. 31, 2007, 06:38 AM

Overall it was an interview that once again brought attention and light to our sport. For better or worse we have the public's attention. What they come away with is entirely of their own making. But what can push them one way or another is if we stand to firm, and refuse to bend or yield to either help them understand, or see the joys that we see.

I think this is very nicely put, the whole post is :) .

I didn't get to watch the show, so my impressions are based on what I've read here. It seems to me that, even if some things were said that some of vehemently disagree with, the show drew more drawing attention to the sport and horses, and that's what Mrs. Gretchen (and many of us) want. From an earlier post:

from today's NY Daily News:

"I hope we can turn our love into an energy that supports horses throughout the world," Gretchen Jackson said. "One fan of Barbaro said to me this afternoon that she thought Barbaro's thoughts were, 'Please finish these unfinished tasks of mine, and therefore I will comfort you.'"

VirginiaBred

Jan. 31, 2007, 07:28 AM

Wednesday~
Thanks, Alex~

Update 1417: John Hennegan (First Saturday in May (http://www.henneganbrothers.com/)) left a comment (timestamp: 3:13 am) to alert us that he has provided the first of a few outtakes of Barbaro on youtube: Barbaro in Boynton Beach, FL, March 2006 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvD_Qa8FdN4).
John and his brother Brad may have more footage of Barbaro in training than most and the couple of times I have met John I have asked him about making some of their content available for everyone to see. John called me yesterday afternoon (after we had had lunch) and we discussed the best way to do this. I hope you enjoy the short glimses of Barbaro in his prime. I will post each as they are published, in an update. This first one is of him relaxing in a round pen.
Update 1416: A couple of the many articles today:
Barbaro's gallant battle is over (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/01/30/SPG8NNRDK81.DTL), excerpt:

Hollendorfer said Barbaro stood out even in a talented field.
"He was a very impressive looking horse and his composure was second to none," Hollendorfer said. "There are horses that come there that have outstanding records and you can tell that maybe they aren't at their best, but he was one of the ones that stood out. He looked like a star and he turned out to be a star."
Harry J. Aleo, owner of Eclipse Award-winning sprinter Lost in the Fog, who had to be euthanized last year after developing cancer, was also moved by Barbaro's passing.
"I really feel badly for those people (Gretchen and Roy Jackson). They are very good people, and they sent me hand-written notes every week after Lost in the Fog was diagnosed with cancer," Aleo said. "They'll think all the time about that horse, just like I think about Lost in the Fog. It's heartbreaking."

Derby winner Barbaro is euthanized (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/16575937.htm), excerpt:

"At least he can rest now," said Peter Brette, assistant trainer to Michael Matz, and the man who exercised Barbaro every morning. "He's been fighting long enough."

VirginiaBred

Jan. 31, 2007, 07:32 AM

WITH BARBARO GONE, NEW BOLTON FEELS A VOID
http://delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070129/SPORTS/70129034

Congressman Mike Castle, R-Del., in a statement for the Congressional Record today, said, “This magnificent racehorse connected with so many Americans because of his drive and determination. A Rocky Balboa figure, Barbaro continued to fight even when the odds were strongly stacked against him. ... What followed the injury was an outpouring of support not frequently seen in our world today. Letters, donations and gifts came in from all over the world, all because of what this wonderful horse embodied. ... While a racing champion many times over, Barbaro's greatest talent was bringing people together and inspiring them."

For the whole story, use the link above

VirginiaBred

Jan. 31, 2007, 07:33 AM

Barbaro inspires idea for a museum
By Mike Jensen
Inquirer Staff Writer

Owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson are not sure about Barbaro's final resting place, but they have an idea they want to pursue.
"My son-in-law, I think, had this idea that we really ought to get some kind of museum for the horses who have run out of this area," Gretchen Jackson said in an interview last night. "That sort of sticks in my mind. You'd have to look at that before you decide where Barbaro goes."
The 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, who had been at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square since suffering catastrophic fractures in May's Preakness Stakes, was euthanized Monday morning.
"We cremated him," Gretchen Jackson said last night. "I assume it's been done."
Monday was not the easiest day emotionally, but a day later, Jackson said: "There's a certain amount of relief knowing that horse is in a better place... . I don't have any regrets."
Like most owners of top thoroughbreds, the Jacksons had insurance, but Gretchen Jackson said she had no idea what it was worth or how Barbaro's time at New Bolton affected it. And they have yet to see a bill from New Bolton. "I cringe," Jackson said, half-joking.
"To discuss money in terms of what was spent in trying to save his life - I don't see how it's even remotely productive," said Barbaro's surgeon, Dean Richardson, aware that there had been a lot of such talk. "It cost a lot of money. But the horse was worth a lot of money, and the owners have a lot of money, and he earned a lot of money. The horse earned $2.3 million. He doesn't owe the Jacksons anything, and they know that."
One horse owner who has had multiple horses in surgery at New Bolton, and was aware of all that went into Barbaro's care, estimated that the cost probably did not go higher than the high six figures. Richardson said estimates "talking about millions of dollars" were "totally ridiculous."
As for another area that has attracted widespread public interest, Richardson and Gretchen Jackson said no sperm was taken from Barbaro before he was euthanized. Under strict rules, thoroughbreds must breed with a mare naturally.
And passing Barbaro's genes on to other horses "wasn't the point," Richardson said. "That wasn't the point of working on Barbaro. It was never to save his value as a breeding stallion. It wasn't necessarily to save his genes. It was to save the horse. We would have done the same thing if he were a gelding."
"We don't even know if he was potent," Gretchen Jackson said.
Yesterday, representatives from the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs in Louisville and the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, both places where horses are buried, said they would be honored to have Barbaro buried there.
Gretchen Jackson said she and her husband had not ruled out any possibilities.
"It would be nice to have a memorial for Barbaro, a statue with access for people who loved him so much," she said. "He's our horse, and we'd like to bring him home" to the Jacksons' farm in West Grove, Chester County, "but this wasn't really his home."
But the idea of burying his ashes at a local horse-racing museum does appeal to her. She does not have any firm idea for a place. However, she talked of the facility's being near the local tracks, and mentioned that maybe Penn would consider donating a few acres at New Bolton if the idea ever got off the ground. Jackson is on the center's board of trustees.
She talked of the long local racing history, going back to Delaware County's Sam Riddle, owner of legends Man O' War and War Admiral.
"One of the first people I'd go to is Pat Chapman," a longtime friend and coowner of 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Smarty Jones, Jackson said. "I intend to talk to her."
She also mentioned the great local interest in Afleet Alex, the 2005 Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner. Jackson said she had not met the five owners from the Cash Is King stable.
"I'm sure everybody from Cash Is King would love to be affiliated with something like that," said Chuck Zacney of Phoenixville, managing partner of the group that owned Afleet Alex. "I think it would be a great idea."
Gretchen Jackson said her family had discussed the idea for a museum for about a month. She credited her son-in-law, Tom Zungailia.
Keith Chamblin, senior vice president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, told the Louisville Courier-Journal last night that he planned to launch a national fund-raising initiative into laminitis research in Barbaro's memory. Details were being finalized and were to be presented to the Jacksons for their approval, and could be announced as early as today.
Chamblin said NTRA Charities would channel 100 percent of contributions into research. The venture also could include public-service announcements on NTRA-sponsored racing telecasts and dates for organized fund-raisers at tracks and simulcast outlets across the country. Roy Jackson has been apprised of the effort, Chamblin said.
A full brother to Barbaro is a yearling, and his mother, La Ville Rouge, is in foal again to Barbaro's sire, Dynaformer. The Jacksons will own both colts. Asked about names during an appearance on CNN's Larry King Live last night, Roy Jackson explained that Barbaro's name came from a dog in a painting in their house of old family foxhounds. There are six hounds in the painting, he said. Look for more names from that same place on the wall.
"It brought us luck once," Roy Jackson said.

ivy62

Jan. 31, 2007, 07:34 AM

Unfortunately, the people who have heard it all are already intrested in horses. The idea is to get it out in the open for people to hear and see...True human athlete's that are the tops start at young ages too, good point,and have problems but most do not cost them their lives.
Barbaro's legacy will be to avoid fatal breakdowns on ALL tracks around the country, which has already started...Yes, there will be problems with it, they have not figured everything out but if it saves one more horse it is worth it.
The out pouring of love and caring from all ages was amazing. This alone brings us together for a good cause....
The Jacksons are wonderful people and they did it for love and Dr. R, is awesome but training under him must be a nightmare!
Barbaro will not be forgotten has anyone forgot Ruffian?

VirginiaBred

Jan. 31, 2007, 07:35 AM

Per the Jackson's request, Barbaro was cremated. His burial site has yet to be determined.

FourWands

Jan. 31, 2007, 08:14 AM

Has anyone heard from Edgar? I don't recall seeing any quotes from him but it's entirely possible I missed it.
How is he holding up? He must be reliving the moment everything changed every day...

Texarkana

Jan. 31, 2007, 08:16 AM

I do have a question. Does anyone know if they are doing any type of autopsy. Obviously we all know why he died but I am just wondering if they will try to find out the size of his heart. Secretariat had such a big heart as several champions have. Would really like to know what Barbaro's was if it was noteworthy and they would like to share.

No, there wasn't a necropsy performed...

You only needed to meet him once to realize he was all heart!

FourWands

Jan. 31, 2007, 08:24 AM

You could probably figure out the heart question through his pedigree. I know Princequillo's line had it but I'm not sure where it stems from.... Some of our racing gurus would know...

Fancy

Jan. 31, 2007, 08:55 AM

Barbaro inspires idea for a museum
By Mike Jensen
Inquirer Staff Writer

Keith Chamblin, senior vice president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, told the Louisville Courier-Journal last night that he planned to launch a national fund-raising initiative into laminitis research in Barbaro's memory. Details were being finalized and were to be presented to the Jacksons for their approval, and could be announced as early as today.

Here's a nugget buried in amongst all the other info--I have been waiting to see somebody step up to the plate and get this research started. If Bobby's death is the catalyst for this research, then he was a mighty horse indeed. We need laminitis research SO badly. It takes too many of the best and brightest.

fish

Jan. 31, 2007, 08:59 AM

Here's a nugget buried in amongst all the other info--I have been waiting to see somebody step up to the plate and get this research started. If Bobby's death is the catalyst for this research, then he was a mighty horse indeed. We need laminitis research SO badly. It takes too many of the best and brightest.

Wasn't a fund for laminitis research established in response to Secretariat's death?

Frank B

Jan. 31, 2007, 09:04 AM

I have to admit that last night was the first time I've voluntarily watched CNN since Bloomberg Information Television and Fox News started their programming. My first question: When did Larry King get rid of the red suspenders?

The Jacksons and the Vets, while out of their element and under difficult circumstances, were interesting and imparted a hint of the passion most of us horse people share for our animals. I changed channels part way through the following segment to keep from falling asleep. CNN is a couch-potato network aimed at the masses, so not much was expected, nor was much delivered.

Hopefully, some media outlet like ESPN, Vs, Outdoor Channel, or Animal Planet will do a special on Barbaro and his humans that does justice to the whole saga.

On a lighter side, Barbaro was a topic of discussion on Rush Limbaugh's program (he's an avid sports enthusiast) and how semen could be collected from a stallion that could not mount a mare came up. A few self-appointed horse 'experts' called in to offer their interpretations of the process, and he, in his inimitable way, kept pressing them for details. I almost had to pull off the road, I was laughing so hard!

The mass media aside, I think history will treat Barbaro and his humans well and with respect.

FourWands

Jan. 31, 2007, 09:07 AM

Yes... The Secretariat Foundation donates a lot of money towards research on laminitis, among other things. The foundation has been around for a LONG time.

http://www.secretariat.com/Foundation/index.htm

A lot of money was donated when Secretariat died as well.

Kimberlee

Jan. 31, 2007, 09:08 AM

It is hard to see Barbaro's candles going out... :(

vineyridge

Jan. 31, 2007, 09:38 AM

I don't think it's time for the candles to go out just yet. The site is focused on gratefulness. I am still grateful that Barbaro lived, that he was so magnificent, that he had the Jacksons as his owners and breeders, that they tried to save him, that Dr. Richardson was in his life, and that all of them shared so much of him with us for so long. I'm also grateful for Alex and VB.

Lets focus for a while, if we can, on all the reasons we have to be grateful for Barbaro and all the people in his life.

Anne FS

Jan. 31, 2007, 09:45 AM

CNN is a couch-potato network aimed at the masses,

Uh, no, actually, that's Fox.

On a lighter side, Barbaro was a topic of discussion on Rush Limbaugh's program

I had to turn that one off. Rush went on and on about the "disorder" of all these people who had an attachment to Barbaro, then he said that he was providing information "to all those who suffered from this disorder" (no kidding, he must've said it 12 times) about Churchill Downs having cards available that people could sign and they'd be sent to Barbaro's connections. Then he kept talking about "his connections? What does that mean? His CONNECTIONS?" Then apparently someone on his staff explained that connections meant his trainer, breeder, owners, people involved with Barbaro, and Rush said oh, then why didn't they just SAY that? He said he thought that it meant sending messages to heaven for Barbaro. :rolleyes: and that's what all these people with the disorder were doing.

He was awful.

VirginiaBred

Jan. 31, 2007, 09:51 AM

The website for viewing the CBS video is here:

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml

VirginiaBred

Jan. 31, 2007, 09:57 AM

www.espn.com

Barbaro's death: Equine beauty meets harsh reality

VirginiaBred

Jan. 31, 2007, 09:58 AM

The 'Barbaro Effect' has taken hold:

"Keith Chamblin, senior vice president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, told the Louisville Courier-Journal last night that he planned to launch a national fund-raising initiative into laminitis research in Barbaro's memory. Details were being finalized and were to be presented to the Jacksons for their approval, and could be announced as early as today.
Chamblin said NTRA Charities would channel 100 percent of contributions into research. The venture also could include public-service announcements on NTRA-sponsored racing telecasts and dates for organized fund-raisers at tracks and simulcast outlets across the country. Roy Jackson has been apprised of the effort, Chamblin said."

For full story and more: http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/16584064.htm

VirginiaBred

Jan. 31, 2007, 10:00 AM

Here is an article by a local Sports Columnist, Rick Bozich, in Louisville, KY. I have included a couple of excerpts and the link to the entire article.
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070130/COLUMNISTS01/701300491/1005

"I always scoffed at people who said they could watch horses parade around the ... paddock and then pick the Derby winner." "Then I saw Barbaro"

Spoilsport

Jan. 31, 2007, 10:07 AM

I think someone asked earlier where they could make donations to New Bolton. In case you haven't gotten ans answer, you can go here - https://galaxy.isc-seo.upenn.edu/pls/devadmin/dvpk0100.nv00?p_school=VT2

From there, you can donate either to the Barbaro Fund or the Laminitis Research Fund.

eggbutt

Jan. 31, 2007, 10:20 AM

"I always scoffed at people who said they could watch horses parade around the ... paddock and then pick the Derby winner." "Then I saw Barbaro"

Amen to that! What a wonderful memory.:sadsmile:

jiggles

Jan. 31, 2007, 11:20 AM

It is pure and simple passion!!!!! For the equine people!!!

VirginiaBred

Jan. 31, 2007, 11:25 AM

Thanks Alex~
Update 1418: Dr. Richardson interviewed on CBS, broadcast this morning, interview was yesterday: Veterarian remembers Barbaro (http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=2415704n).
Mike Jensen wrote this: Barbaro inspires idea for a museum (http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/16584064.htm) which discusses some potential plans afoot for a Barbaro inspired museum. The article also notes Barbaro was cremated.

I saw Kathy Anderson as I was leaving. She had just returned from a conference in Mexico last night. We hugged, she (and I) were visibly upset. She said she was glad to be out of the country when the news broke. Kathy then asked me what we were planning to do with the site. Lets hope we are able to help support Barbaro's legacy.
It was great to see Dr. Richardson and the Jacksons last night on Larry King Live. Mrs. Jackson made a strong case for pushing the anti horse slaughter bills through, so I hope we can take that signal and follow up by calling our own congressman and senators.

BasqueMom

Jan. 31, 2007, 11:30 AM

VirginiaBred,

Thank you for all your great work in keeping us updated. Was out of town when I heard the sad news and did not have computer access.

May Barbaro run free again! Such an amazing animal and so short a life.
My condolences to all who loved him. He will live a hole in all our hearts.

summerhorse

Jan. 31, 2007, 11:31 AM

Uh, no, actually, that's Fox.

I had to turn that one off. Rush went on and on about the "disorder" of all these people who had an attachment to Barbaro, then he said that he was providing information "to all those who suffered from this disorder" (no kidding, he must've said it 12 times) about Churchill Downs having cards available that people could sign and they'd be sent to Barbaro's connections. Then he kept talking about "his connections? What does that mean? His CONNECTIONS?" Then apparently someone on his staff explained that connections meant his trainer, breeder, owners, people involved with Barbaro, and Rush said oh, then why didn't they just SAY that? He said he thought that it meant sending messages to heaven for Barbaro. :rolleyes: and that's what all these people with the disorder were doing.

He was awful.

I love how this guy who is a known addict and has been arrested how many times? How many stints in rehab? thinks he should be criticising ANYbody no matter what their "disorder" is. A Barbaro disorder is nothing like narcotics addiction Rushie boy.

VirginiaBred

Jan. 31, 2007, 11:44 AM

I was so pleased to have received a beautiful e-mail yesterday. I thought I would share it with you.

After posting it briefly, the sender requested I remove it, so to honor that request, I did.

I would however like to say the e-mail was deeply appreciated, and treasured.

Spoilsport

Jan. 31, 2007, 11:54 AM

VB - What a great e-mail :) :) :) !

What he said about this thread and you is very true. You have kept it upbeat and civil. I will miss it. Lets keep it going a little longer.

summerhorse

Jan. 31, 2007, 11:55 AM

Don't Cry For The Horses, by Brenda Riley-Seymore

Don't cry for the horses
That life has set free
A million white horses
Forever to be

Don't cry for the horses
Now in God's hands
As they dance and they prance
To a heavenly band

They were ours as a gift
But never to keep
As they close their eyes
Forever to sleep

Their spirits unbound
On silver wings they fly
A million white horses
Against the blue sky

Look up into heaven
You'll see them above
The horses we lost
The horses we loved

Manes and tails flowing
They Gallop through time
They were never yours
They were never mine

Don't cry for the horses
They will be back someday
When our time has come
They will show us the way

On silver wings they will lift us
To the warmth of the sun
When our life is over
And eternity has begun

We will jump the sun
And dance over the moon
A Ballet of horses and riders
on the winds
to a heavenly tune

Do you hear that soft nicker
Close to your ear?
Don't cry for the horses
Love the ones that are here

Don't cry for the horses
Lift up your sad eyes
Can't you see them
As they fly by?

A million white horses
Free from hunger and pain
Their spirits set free
Until we ride again

ponymom64

Jan. 31, 2007, 11:56 AM

What a lovely email, VB. It is so nice to see that your hard work and devotion have been recognized, not just by us, but by the outside world as well.

eggbutt

Jan. 31, 2007, 12:02 PM

VB, thank you for sharing the email with us. And, thank you for finding and posting all the wonderful articles that are trying to explain the unique connection many had with Barbaro. I'm not sure it can be explained....you either get it or you don't.

VirginiaBred

Jan. 31, 2007, 12:12 PM

Thanks Alex~
Update 1419: Sue McMullen just sent this e-mail from the UK:

It is testimony to Barbaro's position on the world stage that he made the mainstream 'heavyweight' newspapers in the UK, including The Times, The Guardian and The Independant, in addition to the Racing Post, our only dedicated racing paper and Horse and Hound, our main equine magazine. I'm certain there was other coverage that I have yet to see. There might be some follow-up stories, and I have been asked to do one of them.

News of his death didn't break here until it was too late to make certain 'print' deadlines, but the story was posted on the online versions. The first UK outlet to break the news was Turftrax, a racing website, and they had it first as, having visited here and seen the devastating news, I sat in shock and sent a text message to their editorial director saying simply 'he's gone. The fight is over. 10.30 am this morning'. I didn't have to say any more than that. He knew exactly who I was talking about and what it meant. At that point I couldn't phone.

Clive Brittain is one of the UK's leading, most highly respected and long serving Flat trainers and was one of the first to take horses to the US. It was his filly Pebbles who won the BC Turf at Aqueduct in 1985 and Bold Arrangement chased home the ill-fated Ferdinand in the 1986 Derby. He is a tremendous character and a great horse lover. Needless to say, he has been following the story and today he spoke warmly of Barbaro and his loss to the sport, and beyond:

"It is tragic to lose such a horse. There is no such thing as a bad Derby so the way he skipped away from the field showed he was something exceptional. He may well have become the horse of the century. He was truly a superstar and the way he coped for so long with his terrible injuries indicated the type of horse he was. It is really very, very sad. Let's hope all the good he generated continues."

Praise indeed from a man whose judgement you just have to respect.

On a personal note, I'm deeply sad that my first post here for 2007 is to address something that many of us refused to contemplate as we had begun to think him invincible. On Friday morning I visited hospital for a routine screening that although not painful I knew was going to be very uncomfortable. As I sat and waited, feeling some dread at the prospect, I looked down at my Barbaro bracelet (that Sharon kindly sent to me) and thought of all he had gone through, demonstrating his indomitable spirit and unfailing courage. I suddenly felt my fears were utterly pathetic and wondered how many others had faced much worse and drawn comfort from that colt's great spirit.

In common with so many people I have spent the past eight months with the same daily routine, logging on wherever I have been just to see he was doing ok. Sometimes I had no time to read more than 'Barbaro spent a comfortable night' and that was enough. I could go on with whatever it was I had to do. I feel bereft and still can't quite believe he's gone so how those close to him are feeling, I just can't imagine. I had a fantasy that when he was discharged from NBC, there would be a celebration party somewhere for as many fans as possible and I had resolved to attend. It seemed almost 'when' rather than 'if'.

I'm still wearing the bracelet. I can't take it off yet. We have lost a tremendous life force, a magnificent, imperious, galloping creature, a fighter on and off the track, who became such a focus for good. May this continue and become his legacy.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,379-2575211,00.html
http://sport.guardian.co.uk/horseracing/story/0,,2001545,00.html
http://sport.independent.co.uk/general/article2198433.ece
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/108015.html

A "Fan of Barbaro", Elizabeth Laban, wrote this: Barbaro taught her about the love of sport (http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/magazine/daily/16587484.htm).

Glimmerglass

Jan. 31, 2007, 12:14 PM

Yes... The Secretariat Foundation donates a lot of money towards research on laminitis, among other things. The foundation has been around for a LONG time.

A lot of money was donated when Secretariat died as well.

Worth pointing out is the fact that since 1940 the Grayson Foundation - now the Grayson Jockey Clyb Research Foundation (http://www.grayson-jockeyclub.org/aboutDisplay.asp?section=12&story=31) has been funding via grants research into a wide variety of subjects impacting horses. Paul Mellon donated well in excess of $3m to this organization

New Projects Funded In 2003

Key factors in the cause of laminitis: $53,430 (one-year project)

Dr. Rustin Moore - Louisiana State University

These investigators made huge strides toward understanding the causes of laminitis in previous work funded by GJCRF. This project continues that effort. The goals are to document the blood flow to the foot, before and after laminitis develops, and to test a therapeutic approach to controlling that blood flow. Controlling and preventing laminitis is a realistic objective, which appears to be attainable

eggbutt

Jan. 31, 2007, 12:15 PM

WOW! Thanks VB...that was beautiful.

Davignport

Jan. 31, 2007, 12:35 PM

This board, along with the one on Tim Wooley's site, has been the first place I came in the morning for the last 8 months. I knew, thanks to VB and Alex, that we would be getting the information straight from the horse's mouth (excuse the pun) on how our boy was doing. It is hard now not seeing the updates and "ACN" and being happy for the rest of the day. There is no amount of thanks that we can extend to Alex, VB, Mr. & Mrs. Jackson and Dr. R. for letting us all be a part of the wonderful creature that was Barbaro. Their willingness from day one to let everyone know how he was progressing and being so open, was something I have never experienced before. I have cried for Ruffian, Secretariat, Go For Wand, Lost in the Fog and many others, but Bobby was something different, perhaps because we felt like he belonged to all of us. I know I cried again last night when I hugged my horse and I guess that is what it is all about - the love these animals can give to us.

It is nice at times like this to know there are many, many other people out there who feel just the way I do and to have somplace we can come and talk to each other. If someone doesn't understand how you feel, you cannot explain it. I have had my bracelet on for some time and when I look at it now, he is right there. I have a feeling that I will be wearing it for a very, very long time. It is comforting to know Bobby is running again on 4 healthy legs and watching over us. He was a very special boy who was here for too short a time but his legacy will last forever.

horsea

Jan. 31, 2007, 01:04 PM

I think Barbaro touched so many people because he took us out of the mundane daily existance and made us feel again. I cried tears of joy when I heard " and here comes Barbaro...". I felt disbelief and dispair two weeks later. Then came hope and miracles... when standing on four legs and walking was such a huge deal...a thrill of a different kind. And now, I am very sad that he is gone but so happy to have been touched by him and the love that surrounded him. He knew he was special and he knew his people loved him.

eggbutt

Jan. 31, 2007, 01:21 PM

I just noticed the candles are down to a bit over 3700. It will be sad when they are all out. Gosh, remember the day we were thrilled to have lit 1,000? That seems so long ago.

ivy62

Jan. 31, 2007, 01:29 PM

should we let the candles go out? Or keep them alive with his memory? He lives in all of us our hearts and heads. Just because he has left us in body not in spirit...Today when I hugged my horse I only hope I have the courage to do what is right when it is his time....The gallantry of the horse and ALL the people involved is amazing....Let us all learn from them and keep his spirit alive....
VB there are no words to express your dedication to us other than THANK YOU. It was hard today checking my computer, which became a daily ritual, with no Barbaro, had a comfotable night in there, We all came here for a reason but the reason has not ended. We must continue his work....AMEN to that....

Dressage62

Jan. 31, 2007, 01:31 PM

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=barba

Kenike

Jan. 31, 2007, 01:39 PM

I have continued to light candles over the past few days just to say thanks for the memories. Like a pp pointed out, it's for gratefulness, and I want to be sure my gratefulness is shared.

I must say I'm a bit surprised at the cremation news, though I have no idea why. I also know the Jacksons will do something wonderful for Barbaro's fans in that we will be able to visit a memorial of some sort and continue to express our love for him.

I haven't heard anything on Edgar, but I am sending a card to the address at New Bolton that VB shared yesterday specifically for him. Afterall, he was also emotionally attached AND was a major reason we had another 8 months with the big guy!

flshgordon

Jan. 31, 2007, 01:45 PM

I thought everyone handled themselves well on Larry King and I forced myself to watch the whole thing. Bo Derek surprised the heck out of me, Jack Hanna looked nervous, the Jacksons and Dean R were the epitome of class as always and the PETA woman was....well....a joke. She came across to me as ill informed, and sensationalistic. She had about 2 good points and that was it but actually it made me happy that her appearance probably did not win more than 3 people over to her argument that didn't already know it. If that's the best PETA has to offer other than the radicals, I think they need to start doing their homework to appear a lot more educated.

eggbutt

Jan. 31, 2007, 01:55 PM

Here in NC cremation of a horse normally is the head and heart only. I wonder if that's true in PA? Please notice I have said "normally".....I suspect if one wanted to cremate the whole body, a suitable crematorium would be found. I am curious because that was going to be a tough decision for us when we put our great horse down several years ago. When I was told that "normal" cremation was head and heart, I found that so appropriate for a horse. In the end our decision was burial over cremation and I don't know that we had a specific reason for one over the other at the time.

I'm all for keeping the candles going for personal reasons. I light a candle each morning when I've finished my morning prayers, so lighting one for B's memory is a good thing to me too! It is interesting how "rituals" become a fabric of one's life. I haven't wanted to let this thread go yet either and I sincerely appreciate COTH for allowing us the space to have updates and now thoughts of Barbaro.

summerhorse

Jan. 31, 2007, 02:09 PM

NMK

Jan. 31, 2007, 02:12 PM

Actually, Bo Derek is on our CANTER National Advisory Board and is very intelligent and well-versed in the horse racing industry. I thought she did an good job, although I wish Larry King had introduced her as the equine humane advocate that she has become.

It also seemed that Jack Hanna made a pretty quick call to John Phillips, whom he probably knew from living in Columbus. Darby Dan got some good mileage out of that one! I was glad he brought up that there is good and bad in racing just as in any other business.

The anti-slaughter movement was brought up on National TV during the discourse, which I found interesting.

Which brings me to ponder, what will Barbaro's legacy actually be? I think, in part, it will be for the general public to realize that many people really do care for the humane treatment of these wonderful animals. We will all be grateful if it spawns any kind of new research (currently in the works, yea) and escalates the implement of some much needed safety measures (the new poly track, etc.). A special thanks to the Jacksons for sharing their relationship with Barbaro to the world. Who was it that said "he dared to love a horse"?

So true.

Nancy

summerhorse

Jan. 31, 2007, 02:22 PM

Do any of you think we, the public, will ever know what really happened this past month? Barbaro seemed to be doing so well, growing hoof, actually walking without a cast or support on his broken leg. Then Scott Morrison was brought in to work on the laminitic hoof, and things went downhill very quickly. There was never any real explanation, of why intervention was so critical at that point.

Maybe Laura Hillenbrand or someone like her will do a Barbaro book--soon. She was on the Nightline piece yesterday evening and seemed truly affected by his death.

I do remember this part. Well sorta. The problem was he was not walking correctly on the laminitic hoof. He was walking with too much pressure on the inside I believe. They called in the hoof man to see what could be done about this and the came up with the cast to try and equalize the pressure on the weight bearing areas. The cast put pressure on the wall that LOOKED normal but turned out to be abnormal because it was only growing down on the outside but was not attaching to the inside. That is why they had to cut that away. Mrs. Jackson said he had actually been walking the best ever on that foot with the cast on but once they took it off and had to cut away that bad section (which would indicate there was some damage to the coronary band on that side of the hoof (the inner side was was not growing normally and some areas barely at all whereas the outside was nearly grown down the hoof they said). Also at this time his coffin bone was sinking. I'm not sure why they didn't recut the tendon at this time but hindsight is 20-20.

After a few days or a week some more tissue had to be trimmed back (this would be expected) and they cut the tendon to relieve the pull on the coffin bone. Not sure what kind of cast, bandage, boot they put on during this time.

Anyway during all this he started to put more weight on the other foot which if you remember from the pictures was canted a bit so the heel was lower than a normal leg would be. It was the heel and the sole on the outside (I think he said) that took the weight and developed a bruise which caused the abcess. The abcess was not related to laminitis although if he had continued to overload that foot that of course would be inevitable. So after taking off the cast to treat that and trying the brace which he didn't tolerate they put the "device" on. They knew this was a last chance effort there and had risks but if he didn't get off that foot it would have fallen apart one way or the other.

So of course with two uncomfortable feet he's now starting to shift weight on to the front end and it doesn't take a whole lot of weight there to cause bad things to happen either, already 2/3 or so of a horse's weight in on the front end. And well we all know the rest.