Barbaro's Blog

Seriously, what is all this fuss about a horse? I can't believe I am even wasting my keystrokes on a glue factory. This is not news, its an annoyance.

a multi-million dollar industry. beautiful muscular athletic specimins. amazing speed. being able to run 50 miles an hour. obviously on the edge. pretty cool medical technology. even the x-rays are beautiful. i've never before seen a horse-monorail or a horse-surgery-recovery-pool. plus, most people just have a heart and like to wish good things for others. there's a lot to care about.

Nick: what's your middle name? Grinch?

I've heard this expression before..about the glue factory and Horses. I'm sure I'll be nice and say something like...maybe nick should try to get on American Inventor..and think of all the glue possibilities..such as glueing his mouth shut. But, I'll have empathy, it seems that because of the time he entered for his posting, he has had a hard time sleeping at night. Or maybe he just lives in the "Down Under"...nice name for a Horse...eh?

Today, during the brouhaha over possible shots fired at the Rayburn building in D.C. one of the Congressmen was blogging about it in real time. He and his staff were locked down inside the building in their own offices.

I think Barbaro's medical staff could do the same thing and probably cut down on the calls and e-mails they're getting.

re: Nick's moral and emotional sophmoric lack of all-grown-up human sensible etc..

You know the deal with the internet folks: the great thing is: every jackass gets an opinion; the bad thing is: every jackass gets an opinion. I love this country, even when I don't.. etc..

I completely agree this is a perfect situation for a blog, and we have one at Tim Woolley Racing. Take a look, we use the blog to provide updates frequently throughout the day, and the comments really show how much people care about this situation. we receive about 1500 visitors a day at this point. stop by, i am now off to visit Barbaro, and will then blog it.

I love Barbaro. I can't understand anyone that doesn't get his story.

I, for one, am glad to see that Barbaro is doing well. You folks gotta remember, if they can save this colt, he's possibly got a future at breeding which, in itself could be worth millions. His pedigree is something to look at, I know his owners feel that right now this colt is worth any amount of money to save him.
It's gonna be a long, long road ahead, but the vets there are giving him the best care they possibly can.
I just hope he continues to get well so that we'll see him in the stud books one day along with a long list of great foals to add to his reputation.
Just think, he could've been the one to finally break the Triple Crown Curse,but alas that didn't happen. Maybe he'll make a great stud just the same.
Sometimes I wonder if trainers and onwers alike shouldn't really consider letting their racehorses grow up some more for at least another 6 months before they put them out on the tracks.
It could be ther difference in finally breaking the curse.
You have to let the animals really rest. But then again, the main players will tell you it's all about money.
And the ones who don't make any money usually wind up in the dog food or slaughter houses. I think it's barbaric, but what can you do?

I agree that Barbaro could use a blog, and I agree that nick's name can be rhymed, like in a rap song, to better describe his appearance. But, that aside, what is unusual is that folks seem to be so off-handed. Maybe the fortunes and pains of one horse don't amount to much in this world, and certainly anyone could make the case for a (perhaps) more deserving animal, but Barbaro is the animal we are talking about here, and I, for one, wish him the very best and hope that his life can be saved.

My 2 cents from a racetrack junkie: Poor horse…part of me wishes they would have just put him down when he injured himself. Don't tell me the horse isn't suffering. He's doped up on horsey morphine. The owners are just worried about all the money they could have if he could be a stud. Well, he's going to die and they've spent thousands and thousands of money for nothing. I think it serves them right!!! Don't get me wrong, I'm very sad about the situation, but that's exactly why they put horses down. The only reason this one was allowed to live was for the almighty dollar. Wouldn't it be great if he lived and then was found to be impotent? That's what we should be praying for - that would serve those people right. What would they do then? Sell him for about $100? Jackasses….

DIDN'T ANY ONE SEE THAT HE HAD PULLED UP HURT WHEN HE FIRST BROKE OUT OF THE GATE? TO PUT HIM BACK IN AND RACE HIM IS WHAT CAUSED THE CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE.
MY FAMILY HAS BEEN IN HORSE RACING FOR OVER 40 YEARS, AND ALL THREE OF US WATCHING THE COVERAGE SAID AT THE SAME TIME, "HE'S HURT FOR CHRIST'S SAKE! WHAT ARE THEY DOING?"
PLEASE TELL ME IT WASN'T SO.....

Over 200 hundred calls have been made by different horse owners to the vet hospital, the vet and the owners concerning a miracle drug that can clear up the Laminitus that Barbaro has. It is made by Total Health Enhancement which is based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. The Vet thinks that the stuff is snake oil but if you ask people in the rodeo industry they will tell you that the Vet is the snake oil salesman. This stuff works and could cure this horse in short order. These Vets are such close minded egotists that they will not try anything else and would rather put a horse down than try something else when their methods are resulting in total failure. Total Health Enhancement has had dramatic results with their product in treating laminitus. Unfortunately the Vet has apparently convinced the owners that he knows everything and that they must follow his advice. Too bad for Barbaro!

I am distraught to hear today that Barbaro has developed laminitis in his non-broken rear leg and that that may be enough to require he be euthanized. I had a best friend (now deceased) who was very involved in the protection of retired racehorses in California and I remember how she cried when recounting the story of how Native Dancer broke down in a match race and had to be destroyed. I feel much the same way, having seen Barbaro run in the Derby and the horrible video from the Preakness. I am posting on this blog because I simply have nobody to talk to about how I feel.

I know Barbaro is "only an animal." Even so, I can't help feeling great sadness at the serious turn of events. He was a magnificent racehorse and I can only hope he survives, but it is looking bleak. It is possible to feel sadness at the loss of an animal's life under these circumstances as an appropriate emotion.

Thank you.

Barbaro iws a true champion!.. My thoughts have been with the whole family!

Hi Elise,

I agree. I grew up with horses, including race horses, and it's just tragic when something like this happens. We know that it's part of what they do, and some people talk about why don't all horses get the same kind of attention.

Maybe they would or we would feel as attached to more of them if we had the big horseracing culture that we had in the 1930s and 1940s. But now it's different and people only see the big races, and so their public affection is only shown when something happens to the horses they see.

What a shame if he doesn't make it now. He has come so far. People that talk about glue factories should just shut off their computers. This is such a sad story that one can only hope turns out for the best. Good luck Barbaro my thought and prayers are with you!!

Poor, poor Barbaro. I think it is sick that the Jackson's are keeping this horse alive, because of breeding purposes and of course the worthless buck. If any of you as kids ever used a magnifying glass to torch ants, then you could see that the situation with Barbaro is very similar. The Jacksons are the two mean kids and Barbaro is the unlucky ant, but instead of getting burnt to a crisp, he suffers the pain of constant burning. I hope to GOD Almighty the horse finally goes to sleep and never wakes up or even better as previously posted.....be alive and impotent. Awwww, wouldn't that be a bitch? Sick, hypocritical bastards!

I am so happy to see the outpouring of sympathy and ongoing concern over Barbaro. It renews my faith in man's enherent empathy. I was beginning to think the whole world had turned cold and could not be moved by anything. I sincerely hope this beautiful animal recovers.

I'm praying for him. IMHO his spirit and will is a gift, deserving a gift in return... an accomplished life.

In reference to the blog above...

"Over 200 hundred calls have been made by different horse owners to the vet hospital, the vet and the owners concerning a miracle drug that can clear up the Laminitus that Barbaro has. It is made by Total Health Enhancement which is based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. The Vet thinks that the stuff is snake oil but if you ask people in the rodeo industry they will tell you that the Vet is the snake oil salesman.

... If they've had success with the treatment they are using... that's what they know. UofP is an extroadinary, creative and dynamic place. I would guess/hope several students were checking into any/all possibilities offered.

There was a very good article in the LA Times (a paper I don't usually read) about why there is such an outpouring of sympathy for a horse. To paraphrase (poorly) it's because Barbaro is a fantastic athlete especially compared to a lot of current human athletes. Barbaro doesn't brag, have to testify before Congress, debase himself, etc. He just gets out there and gives it all he's got for a meal and a stall.

Animal pain is unfair and no doubt Barbaro is uncomfortable even with his pain medication. But if the first thing you do is put down the animal, how will anyone ever learn how to fix the problem. I say bless all of them for trying and I think if Barbaro starts to suffer, they will do the right thing. I want him to live and have colts and I won't make a dime off it.

For all you Jackson-bashers out there, I understand that the horse was insured (2 policies) for somewhere around 50 million dollars at the time he was injured. If they were only interested in the almighty dollar, they could have put him down, and collected the dough. That's what all the GREEDY people do.

I also understand that the Jackson's have other brokedown horses at their ranch, that they spent money to save, and then let them live out their life in peace .. even GELDINGS.

I also understand that they have made it VERY clear that the effort to save him should even supercede his ability to breed.

Praying that he lives and then is unable to breed is pointless. There is also an insurance policy to protect against that scenario. We all remember Cigar!

Don't judge people you don't know anything about. You won't find a more compassionate team than the Jacksons, Matz,Prado, and Richardson.

I think what the Jacksons are doing is commendable. For all the Jackson bashers, if money were the object, the horse would have been put down immediately and insurance money collected. In addition, Mr. Jackson already comes from a line of very moneyed folks. Understand that whenever an animal's life or human life is saved, the medical treatment used to save that life is of itself an invaluable education and contribution to the medical field that can be used to save other lives. This horse had more than potential, if you saw all his races, you knew he was something special. I am hoping for a miracle, and that he lives.

A young girl in our area contracted rabies, the case classified as terminal. An outpuring of grief ensured.

She lived and is getting better...

Barbaro's fate is out of our hands. Sure, "modern medicine" is doing what it can, and we always speculate whether they should be doing something more or different, but ultimately his fate is beyond our control. We should try not to assume outcomes. We don't know.

To Nick: I feel sad for you because I think you are unhappy and need someone to open your eyes to compassion.

To Elise: You are not alone.

To Dan W.: He may have hurt himself during that miss start... That's a very sad possibility, if true.

For anyone assuming the Jackson's are bad people and think they know "their motives", we don't. None of us are walking in their shoes and we should never judge others. I wrote them after the accident, and unblievably received a lovely thank you note for my concern. For them to take the time to do this in the midst of everything speaks volumes. None of us know what this is doing to them.

For me, the world has too much hate and sadness, with innocents receiving an unfair shake. And Barbaro is one of many. We just need a ray of light here... I believe this is why we are anxious for his recovery, but a greater power, in whatever form suits you, is the decider. For those that care about life, we must keep hoping. For those that don't, I feel sorry.

Labeled a "Jackson basher" - call it what you want. A $50 million insurance policy is pocket change compared to what could be made by a healthy stud. Again, living in Louisville, KY which some would argue is the horse racing capital of the world - I'm not stupid, just stating my opinion, which is more close to fact than some of this sympathetic uneducated commentary by the rest.

You ARE right. You are definitely entitled to your opinion, and living where you do, you probably do know more about the business side of the industry. But I still contend, we are not the Jacksons, so how can we really know what their motives are? And frankly, whatever their motives, it's their decision. For the rest of us, I'm just grateful there is still compassion in a world grown cold in many ways, even if it means I am an uneducated sympathizer. But I respect you for stating your opinion in this highly charged situation.

Let's let them speak in their own voices. Here is a verbatim transcript from right after the original surgery. The surgeon, Richardson first speaks, then the Jacksons.

Barbaro press conference transcript: May 23, 2006

Dean Richardson: "OK. Barbaro's doing very well. He's actually better today than he was even yesterday, and he was - he was pretty good yesterday. I'm a little upset. This is the first I heard about the e-mail because we actually don't have a keyboard in his stall yet. So I don't know how that's going to work out. But he's pretty agile. He's - I was telling Roy and Gretchen that he's done a couple of things that should - that manifests his level of comfort, one of which is he actually was scratching his left ear early with his left hind leg, which is his good leg. So - and he tries - when I was in working with him this morning he was - he kind of waved at me with his left hind leg, which is his good leg. So he's feeling pretty - he's feeling very good. He's walking very well on the limb. He's got absolutely normal vital signs today. All of his - his temperature, pulse, respiration, attitude, appetite. We have no shortage of volunteers to go out and hand-pick him grass. So he's grazing at a distance. So he's doing very well.

One other point I did want to make because I'm afraid that I may have misspoken on a couple of things previously, one of which I made a big point about how he's - the optimal outcome for the horse is that he be salvage for breeding. And some people are taking that the wrong way. I want everyone to understand that if this horse were a gelding these owners would have definitely done everything to save this horse's life. So this - these - I've know the Jacksons a long time. They - this horse could have absolutely no reproductive value and they would have saved this horse's life. So I don't want to make it - I said something about the horse being salvaged as a breeding stallion. That would be great. I think everyone would recognize that if you were an intact male horse you might prefer to do that if you had your options. So the only other minor correction is I was pretty tired after the surgery the other night and I said there were 23 screws. I think my resident or somebody told me there were 27. I kind of lost track. OK? So thank you.

Dr. Sweeney: The Jacksons (Roy and Gretchen)

Roy Jackson: Just a couple things that I would like to say. I would like to thank Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Richardson and the whole staff here that have made it possible to jump the first big hurdle.

I'd also like to publicly thank Edgar Prado for the job he did in pulling the horse up, the wonderful job that the (out-riders) did at the Preakness, the wonderful job that vets did there.

I'd like to thank Michael and Peter for all their work in trying to get him stabilized and back to the stable. I'd also like to thank the management down there.

I'd like to thank particularly Dr. (Scott Palmer) that just happened to be in attendance there as a spectator and rolled up his sleeves and helped and was in communication with Dean.

I'd like to also thank the State Police and the Baltimore Police for getting him out of there in a hurry and up here. I probably left out somebody, but I'd like to thank everybody that had a connection with him.

Just another word, I guess. We've run through the gamut of emotions from the Kentucky Derby, the euphoria to the devastation of the Preakness in our family and Gretchen and I. I think, you know, we've gone through our own personal feelings. I think the sad part is that in Barbaro's case that the American public won't get a chance to see him continue his racing career. I think Edgar and Peter and Michael and all of us thought that he probably, even though he ran so well in the Kentucky Derby, we probably didn't see his greatest race. But that's water over the dam. We're just glad that we've jumped the hurdle here so far. We ask for your prayers and thoughts. We appreciate them all. We hope he goes through the hurdles. And we hope that someday all of you here will be able to see little Barbaros or will be able to cover them running around the track."

Thank you for sharing this. Many may look at all things from a money angle, but, hard to believe or not, money isn't always the driving force. As I said, I wrote the Jacksons and they took the time, during this highly emotional period, to send me a note of thanks. And I again say, that spoke volumes to me about who they are. Let's just keep hoping for the best.

Every day I check on this horse's progress I feel worse. I just don't think a horse can have any quality of life with one fused ankle and laminitis in the other rear foot. Even the best case scenario leaves you with a seriously impaired horse prone to further injury and pain. Am I wrong about this?

Not only are the Jacksons outstanding breeders and owners, and Dean Richardson one of the best equine surgeons alive, but Barbaro's trainer, Michael Matz also has an international reputation as a horseman as rider and trainer. Again, let the record speak for itself:

"Superstar Michael Matz and legendary horse, For The Moment were inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame on April 1, 2006

Michael Matz, of Collegeville, Pa., is a three-time Olympian and four-time Pan American Games veteran. He won the USET Show horse Jumping Championship a record six times and first represented the United States in international competition in 1973. He competed in the 1976 Montreal, 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, winning a team silver medal in Atlanta.

Matz won eight Pan American Games medals, including five gold, and rode in three World Championships where he won a team gold medal (1986), as well as team and individual bronze medals (1978). In 1981 and 1984, he was the AGA Rider of the Year. Matz was also a two-time AGA Show Jumping Champion (1991 and 1992).

With all of his riding accomplishments, Matz received unprecedented notoriety when he survived the crash of United Airlines Flight 232 in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1989. Matz was named ABC-TV's "Man of the Week" for helping to save the lives of two young children on the plane. Less than two weeks later, he won the USET Show Jumping Championship."

Barbaro is in the best hands possible.

BARBARO IS A GREAT RACEHORSE. MY CHAMPION.BARBARO MAY GODS HEALING LIGHT SURROUND YOU NOW AND FOREVER FOR THIS I PRAY. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART. ALL MY LOVE, ELIZABETH

to nick seib

just because you are a dim whitt and consider horses glue, doesn't mean that most of us are like you and don't care. this horse is fighting for his life and is winning slowly he has a superb heart and will to live and he definately deserves the adoration he gets from the public

God Bless Jacksons for not taking the easy way out and euthenizing him and collecting the insurance they also show the love for this horse and mayn he recover enough to produce some nice babies for them

kelly ann it would've been easier to just kill him and collect the insurance I don't think he's suffering or else the vet would insist on euthenizing him yes he did get laminitis in his other hind leg but you don't hear or see him complain and Jackson's definately don't deserve to hear comments like yours see they are damned if they do ( your comment) and damned if they don't( people whould say they are greedy and were only interrested in money if they euthenized him)

Barbaro is a strong horse. I may only be eleven but, Barbaro taught me not to give up on everything including life just because of a small or in his case a big set back. My family and I have been in the horse racing buissnes since I could remember. Barbaro has touched everyone's hearts and is still. Any horse on planet Earth doesn't have a right to be sent to the glue factory. Like most of you in this blog said he inspires me to live life to it's full potential. All horses were put on this Earth for a reason. In Barbaro's case it is to teach us not to give up when life looks short. To be who you want to be and to fight when you are down in a battle. Ya'll may say why would an eleven year old be writing this. Well because no horse should die without getting a say in it. Some people (I won't mention any names) wouldn't think they are worth the money just to send them to a GLUE FACTORY hmmmmmmmmmmmm . But, all us horse lovers know that they deserve a second chance. That they should get to decide. And that is what the Jackson's did and now look at Barbaro. Some of you still don't understand why I have said this but, the horse lovers understand. I may be eleven and in fith grade but, when it comes to Barbaro and horses ain't nothin' getting in my way. Some of you are sayin' well what does a eleven year old Kentucky know? Oh well I know a lot of stuff about horses that people that think horses should be sent to glue factories just wouldn't understand. But, like I said my family has been in the racehorse buisness since I could remember. And I have been ridin' since i could practiclly walk. I still have a lot to learn though. But, one thing I do know is Barbaro rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

Oh and one more thing Barbaro is not an annoyance and if you don't want to waste keystrokes than why are you even in a blog for Barbaro LOVERS?

Hey Nick this is soppose to be a loving and caring website about Barbaro and if your ganna be that nasty you shouldn't even state a comment most of us people may not know much about horses but that doesn't mean we shouldn't care about Barbaro so i'm sure you never got taught manners but you don't have to tell it to the whole world maybe you don't have feelings for Barbaro then keep your mouth shut brittany

Hey Nick and everyone else,
We may only be eleven and ten but when it comes to horses we are very intelligant. And when we speak we're speakin' for everybody who cares for Barbaro. I Cassie am horse crazy along with my younger ten year old sister Brittany we can really get mad at someone for hateing horses. But, when it comes to you and your mouth my sister and I including everyone on this blog we can easily say keep your opinions to your self. And this blog doesn't have room for smart alecks and big mouths like yourself. So shut up Barbaro has been through a lot. And if it is annoyence to you then why in the heck are you on it?

hey nick and everyone else who could care less about Barbaro.Barbaro may have went threw a lot and MOST people may have went threw a lot to give and make cherities for Barbaro. everyone cared about Barbaro except for Nick and if you can't wake up and realize man that horse has been threw a lot! and at least give that horse a little credit than I don't know how you have made it this far threw life and when I say this i am speaking for everybody who cares about Barbaro yes a lot of people cared about Barbaro and yes I can understand that you want to be different than everybody else but that gave you know right to say what you said some of us people may not be in a horse buissness indistry but we cared about Barbaro and if you can get over yourself and give Barbaro a little bit of credit than you need to save your snobishness for other people who really care. brittany cassie and Brandon

Barbaro is an amazing animal. You all owe credit to the veternarian's and staff. And Edgar Prado along side the jackson's. And especially Barbaro for being so strong. I think everybody owes this amazing animal and the people who love him enough to care for him and love him enough to not give up on him credit. Yes everybody owes this horse credit including Nick. Because as much as he does dislikes Barbaro deep down he does give credit to them. No matter how much he denies it! And by the way I'm not so sure that anyone visits this site as much. But that's okay cause I am a regular blogger on here. And I agree with Elizabeth he is an amazing racehorse and I beleive he is a hero to all of us in some way!!!!!!!!!!!! And believe it or not he is also Nick's hero even though Nick will probably denie it. He probably won't visit this site again. He is probably mad knowing that we our proud of our Barbaro for being strong and he is really mad probably because Barbaro is doing even better and walking on all 4 of his feet!!!!!!!!!!!! They even have a video as proof!!!!!!!!!! Ain't that great?!!!!!!!!!!! I love Barbaro and always will!!!!!!!!!!!
Cassie

I may actually cancel my subscription to Businessweek based on the fact that they put this article on their website. Eff Barbaro. I hope he dies.

Rob stay off my computer. Even though Cassie is retarted and a horse may have taught her to spell you could still be nice to her.

Long live Barbaro!

How much suffering is this horse going to have to endure in his lifetime? Even if he gets to the point that he can breed, how painful is it going to be for him to sustain all of his weight on only his hind legs, which are both injured at this point. Being a nurse and a fellow racehorse owner, i understand the challenges of these decisions, but are they really thinking about his quality of life, long term? I feel bad for Barbaro.

I feel bad for what haappened to Barbaro. But,
I think it's a disgrace that all of this money was raised for a injured horse, when we have poor people, especially children, in the Delaware Valley who cannot even get access to food or healthcare. It absolutely boggles my mind that 1.2 millon dollars was raised in donations to help sick/injured animals, but we cannot find a way to care for poor sick people. Cards, letters and gifts for an injured horse? This country is so screwed up. We treat animals like people and people like animals. Hopefully, many people watched the 20/20, where Diane Sawyer profiled the poor children in Camden. They could use your money and well wishes more than the damn horse.

He runs free on painless track. His stable floor is cushioned by clouds and he can rest his head on the arms of angels. May those he leaves behind not be saddened by his passing. Like all champions, the day must come when the race is over. How we exit the field is the true test of our courage, humor and resolve. Barbaro gave us a model for all three. In these difficult times when families are hearing all too frequently of the loss of a loved one, let us take heart in the great example given us by this horse and not give up.
We can love this horse and his memory, and those who do are probably the very same people who are fighting every day for goodness on this planet. It takes a person who can love a horse or a dog or a cat to show, through that love of the vulnerable, that it is not difficult to turn around, face your fellow man and say, you, too, need shelter, protection and my affection.
What we see in Barbaro was an equine nobleness, that obvious desire to excell, and something altogether intangible in his personality, call it charm. This quality, one he was born with, is, I am sure a reason why, when the question of putting him down was faced so early, it was so hard to look this animal in the eye and say, no dice. He deserved this chance. We mourn his loss so deeply because in each of us is a comradery of purpose, an instinctual sharing with this horse, our belief that courage and strength and love can bring about a miracle. Was he a hero? Certainly. And what is wrong with admitting that. There is room on this Earth for many kinds.

This is for Barbaro, He will be running races in heaven and winning every one of them. I know what was done for him was of nothing more then above and beyond what anyone one in the world would have done in order to save him. It all came from the love that the owners have for him. I personally don't even have a dry eye and my heart is broke. If I could go to heaven and bring him back to you all in brand new shape, I certainly would do that for you. You both are the best people on earth with a heart as large to go with it. I am forever sorry and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Best regards, Patricia Smith

Forever undefeated. RIP Barbaro.

I love horses as life itself. In my younger days I was an amateur jockey and have won both as a rider and owner of two racehorses. I love racing for the sport. When I first heard of Barbaro's passing I could not help but cry. Barbaro was one of the greatest, not only in racing, but also in spirit. What a wonderhorse!!! He will live in my heart until my death.

Excuse me actually I am not retarted and ya'll don't even know me. I love Barbaro and he will always be in my heart. That's more than you can say Rob! And Excuse me Rob's mom I have always been raised and taught that if you don't have anything nice to say than don't say anything at all! I am most certaintly smart and not retarted. Barbaro means alot to me! If there is something you don't like about me or Barbaro then fine but, keep it to your selves! And I will have you to know that Barbaro is dead!!!!!!!!!!!

Hoofbeats at the Rainbow Bridge
It was an ordinary day at the Rainbow Bridge, sunny and warm, and all the
creatures were playing or resting while waiting for their people who had
loved them on Earth.
Suddenly the tranquility was broken by a sound like thunder, which most
residents could just barely remember. The sound got louder and louder, a
powerful, rhythmic pounding until a crowd formed to see what it could
possibly be. Finally, within a cloud of dust appeared a magnificent
stallion, snorting and galloping across the Rainbow Bridge into eternity.
The animals knew that Barbaro had arrived, on four strong legs, never to
limp or be in pain again while he waits for the all his people who loved him
so much.

I was so proud of his owners, trainer, jockey and doctors, he was a great animal athlete who needs to be remembered. Barbaro had the spirit of a champion and proved it. I sent him apples when he was injured and feel proud of the effort he made. It was time to let him go, and he will be forever in the thoughts of true sportspeople. Prado made sure he had a chance.

He is across the Rainbow Bridge, racing his days away.

Go Barbaro!!

Can't wait to see you again, look for me, I will be in the front row!!

Stephi Luken

Thank you! You summed up how I feel about Barbaro. I want to thank the jockey Prado, for saving him and giving him a chance. Thank you again for you powerful words.

I have never met you, but like countless others, you touched me. Your courage, strength and ability to reach out to so many makes our incredible loss become heavens gain. They await you Barbaro with open arms. As you trot toward them with 4 perfect legs for the first time in months, turn around. Can you see us smiling that you are finally pain free. You will be missed.

$1.2 million in donations for Barbaro's medical care! That is pathetic when one considers all of sick and starving children and elderly in America! Just think how much better we would all be if everybody put in just half as much compassion, time, and energy in the human race as some do for animals!

Long live Barbaro.

Check out this article:

http://www.sunjournal.com/story/196951-3/LewistonAuburn/Mainers_mourn_champion/

The inspiration that resulted from your galiant efforts to save the wonderful animal is most admirable. You have shown the rest of us the supreme gift of compassion and enduring love for this great animal even to the point of losing him.

Thank you.

Wish they had tried some "snake oil" on Barbaro's laminitis. I have seen horses recover, NOT die, with blue green algae. Maybe this info will save another horse.

I can't believe all the attention this horse is getting. Something is wrong with our media, when they put the death of a horse as the top story! Come on give me a break! Im not an animal hater by any stretch, but this is utterly ridiculous. We need to focus our attentions on other things than the death of a friggin horse!! Pathetic!!

This only goes to prove what matters most he the horse racing world. It takes the death of a truly phenominal and beautiful creature to make people realize that this horse would have clearly lived a long healthy life had he not been pushed to his limits in the world of horse racing. What a shame. People will do anything for the almighty buck won't they? The owners should be ashamed of themselves! Watching the news casts on this the owner's feel it was a very peaceful and humane was for the horse to die! HORSE SHIT! How humane is sending a horse to its death at such an early age. You made your money off Barbaro although didn't you. These people have no idea the true nature and amazing ability of horses to interact with humans, had they known it would not have been as easy for them to push this horse to the brink of despair and pain as they did. I hope the two of you enjoy your blood money, money that was was made off the sweat and pain of this poor horse. Barbaric!!

Barbaro,
With all your strength and determination you kept your fighting spirits, with the odds against you. You my friend never gave up until the very end, when we felt that you should not suffer any longer. You gave us all hope that we too must do the same in our everyday lives. Barbaro, be in piece now and know you were loved by many. It will be a long time before we see another majestic animal such as Barbaro again.

When the attending physicians couldn't fix Barbaro, they took the stance that "nothing else could be done". A protocol used sucessfully on other animals previously under the care of other vets in the same hospital was made available to them without cost to anyone. But in this very high profile case, clearly someone unafilliated with their facility would not be granted permission to teach them how to mend this wonderful and precious athlete without causing him to suffer more pain.
Arrogance, ignorance and ego are what killed this great heroic animal.

Last night I had a dream. I saw a horse standing on a hill against the setting sun. A beautiful chestnut colt seemed to beckon me. Clouds started to gather as I started up the hill to where the horse was. I sensed a deep sadness from the horse. I can’t explain it but I’ve always had a special gift of empathy. This majestic creature appeared so strong and powerful and yet I sensed in it pain. I arrived at the fence that separated us and opened the gate. The horse turned and looked straight at me. For a moment we just looked at one another. But it was a look like no other. I looked into his eyes and I understood. I believe that I saw his soul and he mine.

In an instant, I knew it was Barbaro. And this magnificent beast, which had looked so healthy, was hurt - a deep, profound wound. Don’t ask me how, I just knew.

I thought, Barbaro, you courageous, valiant steed, Equus, friend of man. How can I help? Barbaro bowed his head; my power of empathy in instant told me Barbaro had made a decision. It was a good decision, a decision that sadden me and would sadden many other people, but the right decision. Just then there was a break in the clouds above and a golden beacon of light shone down, illuminating Barbaro. He looked up and whinnied. Barbaro was going home. The gate I had opened, he now trotted through. Barbaro soon increased his pace to a gallop. He kicked up his heels in joy like when he was a young foal with naught to fret about but laying in the soft grass on a lazy, warm day and nestling at his mother’s teat for sweet milk. He was afire with the joy of freedom of movement and of flying. He was fiercely alive - alive with all that was good and holy between man and beast, beast and God. Run Barbaro, run, mighty being and true friend. I watched as the proud champion ascended into heaven atop a sunray, his hooves aflame, his mane and tail alight and shining. I whispered, “Godspeed, Barbaro, and thank you for your gift to all of us.”

I woke in the morning a found out that Barbaro had been put down. This is a true story.

There is one more part to the dream that I know sounds crazy but I have to say it because I know that’s what Barbaro wanted me to do. He asked me to tell the world he was happy, at peace and thank everyone for all their prayers.

Barbaro, Uh.. My friend loved you. She thought of you as her horse. She bought a stuffed animal that looks like you and a breyer model of you. the pain you have felt she has felt. And now that your gone she is feeling the pain you aren't. She dreams about you and if she had a choice she would buy you and keep you in her bedroom and be grounded for the rest of her life because she loved and still loves you. But she said she now feels even worse that she never got to meet you and I hope that you two can somehow meet even if only in her heart.

Hi,

After reading this blog (and replies within), I wanted to try to bring awareness of my band’s tribute song for Barbaro, his fight for survival, and the doctors/medical staff/volunteers that helped in treating him through his courageous battle.

The song, entitled “Wear your Crown” (written/recorded just days after his passing), is currently available to hear at our profile page on myspace- http://www.myspace.com/thetellalls.

Here is an excerpt from the ‘myspace’ blog I have posted expressing my personal thoughts and feelings:

“In live, there are events that occur which can cause affect on the human psyche on so many possible levels (sometimes in the most unexpected places/occurrences). With last weeks news of the passing of Kentucky Derby champion Barbaro, so many of us around the country (sporting world and abroad) have felt such an affect.

Grimly, owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson knew that they had no other choice…. it had come time for their champion's gallantly fought battle to end. It's been one week today since the world received the news that we all had hoped wouldn't need reporting for years to come. This amazing creatures life had come to a close.

Amazing, for lack of a better word, describes Barbaro's heart, courage, will, drive, desire and intelligence possessed, by which all observers were constantly inspired by (myself included!). That inspiration is no less apparent among the likes of Dr. Dean Richardson and staff, who's efforts to treat Barbaro's ever-changing condition restores the faith that a caring dynamic CAN develop between a doctor and their patient.”

From the preliminary support the song has received, we are excited to announce that we, together with our label Journeyman Records, are in the process of making it available for purchase at the (myspace) link above.

From the revenues generated, we will be donating significant portions towards the cause to help find a cure for the disease that ultimately ended Barbaro's courageous struggle for survival. Specifically, the recently established ‘Barbaro Memorial Fund’ will be one cause targeted for donation. We feel this will also help in his memory, the great champion that he was.

Action does speak in volume, so those of you who may be interested in showing your support with this endeavor, please contact us through email- barbarotributesong@comcast.net. We appreciate your efforts!

Now that he's in a better place, may he forever run free.....free from pain and suffering.

Sincerely,

Ken Buono-The Tell Alls

I personally think Barbaro was sent to Earth for a reason. I thought of Barbaro as my own.I'm only 11 but, Barbaro ,I think,has taught us all something.That something is not to give up just because things are looking down.Barbaro was a magnificiant horse and deserved to be treated as royalty.I still can't believe he is gone! I sat in my room for weeks at a time crying. I was asked to ride the race horses at my farm but it felt like something had been pulled from my heart.Pulled from the thrill of riding. Now I'm a Kentucky girl and I know my fare share about horses and I am still learning but Barbaro taught me the greastest lesson of all.You never know what you can achieve till you try!Rest in peace Barbaro!Even though you didn't get to make beautiful babies here on Earth you will make beautiful babies in heaven!

Thank goodness this horse is finally dead. Now, how long can we beat a dead horse?

I found it somewhat amazing and sad how negative people can be. I fully understand there are more important things in the world than the outcome for an injured horse. Yes, there are starving people and a war going on and so many other terrible things for people to focus on. However, some people find alot of comfort around animals. Horses can have a wonderful influence on people. It may have never occurred to alot of people but those of us who love horses love them for their pure willingness to give their all for us. Animals depend on us completely because we've taken their ability to provide for themselves. We have taken so much away from the other species on this planet I think it's Ok to give a little effort back. But perhaps you "anti-Barbaro" folks think this planet was created just for the humans to over-populate, polute and in general make it un-inhabitable for anything. And James, I can beat this dead horse for a very long time. Perhaps if you and Nick, Amy, Kelly Ann, Scott, Butch, Rob and Rob's mom feel so strongly you can find a better way to spend your time then trying to upset people on a site developed for people looking for information on something they feel strongly about. We all get to decide how to spend our time and money and I for one would prefer to donate money to help a horse then take a chance my money would help people with the same mentality then the likes of you all.
Now, on to a happy note. Today at Pimlico they ran the first Barbaro Stakes and it was won by a horse trained by Michael Matz, trainer of Barbaro. I can't think of anything more fitting then that.

dear barbaro i miss u ,u were the strongest racehorse ive ever seen u made raceing look easy ,i no hes watghing over u and u are ok

Barbaro was a great horse, and one of my heroes, but I cannot help but comment on a few of the other comments.
1. Barbaro did not pull up lame when he broke out of the gate. and
2. Who is more "retarded" someone who mourns the loss of a great horse, or someone who is offended by the "mourners?"

I miss Barbaro just about as much as the rest of us, and to those of you who can think of nothing better to do than "terrorize" his fans...go out and get yourself a life...they sell cheap these days.

I saved this blog and have not visited for a year and a half. I don't even know if it is still active. Posts seems to have dwindled long ago. But for me, Barbaro will never dwindle. Not an obsessive longing day in and day out, but in his memory, I am helping other animals (and people) in whatever ways I can and will continue. I wish the story had ended different. Well, I wish the Preakness had never happened....What a dreadful day. But, Qui, your post of February 1, 2007, is so lovely..... And I choose to believe it is so.

The audience that this article was written for animal and horse lovers.The purpose of this article was to let everyone know how serious this horse was, and to inform us about his condition.The structure was to the point and got across as a seriuos matter. Barbaros will live forever in our lives as much as we want it.