God Speed Barbaro

God Bless you Big Guy. I love you.

Karen

R.I.P. Barbaro.
My deepest sympathy to everyone involved with this glorious horse, and greatest admiration for doing the right thing when it was time.

Katie

My UNDEFEATED CHAMPION......I will never forget you ..my heart is heavy right now...it had little time to prepare!!!

Here is the link to Barbara Livingston's photo
galleries of Barbaro.

http://www.barbaralivingston.com/gallery/barbaro

Thank you Alex Thanks to Tim as well. Gosh this must be so difficult for you all. My thoughts are with you, with Michael, with Edgar, what a huge loss

Cheryl

You'll live on in my heart.

Alex,

Please let everyone involved with Barbaro know how much he means to all of us. We will continue the work we started because of him.

My heart breaks for the heart of this wonderful Champion. Barbaro taught the world what it truly means to be 'The Chanp"
My condolences and prayers for his wonderful owners,caregivers and of course Dr, Richardson. You gave him all theat you could.

My heart is broken at the death of "our" horse. NOw he truly belongs to the ages. My deepest, respect, gratitude and support to the Jacksons, Dr. R and all of team barbaro & the FOB's. This love truly makes our Boy immortal. Linda

RIP dear brave horse.

Deepest condolences to everyone who loved you.
So glad you're in a better place now...

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead.
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

-- W.H. Auden

I will have to look deep into my soul to find the reason for this to happen. In my stillness, I know that God will give me the answer.

No more shackles on your legs, even though they were lovingly put there to help you in your battle. Now you are free to run and buck and kick up those heels in thick, lush pastures. Run free forever, great Barbaro.

Posted by: Rosemary in NE Ohio at January 29, 2007 6:32 PM

I love you Barbaro. You will always have a special place in my heart. God bless the Jackson's, Dr. Richardson and all those who so lovingly cared for you. You will never be forgotten. God Bless!!

Goodspeed, Barbaro.

Alex, thank you so much for keeping us informed and for soldering on. Condolences to you and to all of Barbaro's people. You are each in my thoughts and prayers today and for a long time to come.

You will be missed big guy! There is a great place in heaven for you. Why do all the good die young? God Speed. And thank you Alex, The Jacksons, Dr Richards, and Michael Matz for everything you did for Barbaro.

Thank you, beloved Barbaro, for you courage and your spirit. You brought us all together for a purpose greater than ourselves. My heart is broken, but I'm so thankful you touched my life. God's speed. Deborah, Winter Park, Florida

The Flyaway Horse

Oh, a wonderful horse is the Fly-Away Horse-
Perhaps you have seen him before;
Perhaps, while you slept, his shadow has swept
Through the moonlight that floats on the floor.
For it's only at night, when the stars twinkle bright,
That the Fly-Away Horse, with a neigh
And a pull at his rein and a toss of his mane,
Is up on his heels and away!
The Moon in the sky,
As he gallopeth by,
Cries: 'Oh what a marvellous sight!'
And the Stars in dismay
Hide their faces away
In the lap of old Grandmother Night.

EUGENE FIELD

Oh My Handsome Sweetheart...You fought SUCH a GOOD FIGHT...I will always love you, Barbaro...you found your way into my heart from the very beginning and will have a home there forever.

I think of you in Heaven now...Running freely and happily and meeting so many NEW friends and maybe even giving some autographs, too:) Since you are such a Big Boss Horse...I know your way there was well lit and I know you felt all of our love on your way.

Someday I will see you and FINALLY be able to put kisses on yer nose:) Until then my dear Bobby, enjoy your freedom and enjoy the love you will feel from us here, as well as all those there.

Lynne-Your Friend (forever) in Ca.

Barbaro

Spirit of a champion. You have rallied a nation. Brought newcomers and old together for discussion. You have shown many what is possible. You've also reminded us what is not.

As I think of you today I will remember all the happy memories and I will remember all the things you have done. I am sure the list of things that you have taught is very long indeed.

I hope in these days people will list what they have learned.

I had the eerie feeling yesterday that this was coming - there is only so much that one can take. Barbaro's fighting spirit will remain with me always - I almost feel like he was my horse! I will remember him as one of the greats!

Thank you Alex for providing us with your daily updates - you have united a community of people who will do great things. Thank you also to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson for allowing us all to be a part of this emotional journey, and to Dr. Richardson who obviously put his heart and soul into this horse. You are all heros, just as Barbaro continues to be.

I believe Katie said it so well!

Goodbye sweet Barbaro, I love you heart & soul!!

Shirley

Sweet Barbaro - Your pain and confinement are over... Now again you may run free. Every time I hear this song i will forever think of you! You ran and you ran exquisitely and perfectly and were NEVER defeated!
Good Bye Beautiful Champion.

" Run for the roses
As fast as you can
Your fate is delivered
Your moment?s at hand
It?s the chance of a lifetime
In a lifetime of chance
And it?s high time you joined
In the dance
It?s high time you joined
In the dance -- "

Dance Free - Sweet Barbaro

I have followed this site daily since May, but I have never written before. My sincere thanks to Alex for all of the work that has gone into keeping us connected to this great animal, and his connections. My deepest sympathy to the Jacksons, Mr. Matz, Peter, and all of the dedicated medical professionals at New Bolton, for this loss. And, thank you for knowing when it was time to say goodbye.

Thank you Alex for everything...

Those of us who have come to this website daily for over the past eight months are all better people because of Barbaro. You will be greatly missed but your championship spirit will live on in the work we continue to do in your behalf. We will never forget. May you once again run as you were meant to do. Marcia

Barbaro, brave boy, God bless you and ease your journey.

Hello Alex,

Thank you for affording us a place to write our feelings this sad day.

Thank you for always being there for us during all these months.

I'll check back later on.
Lynne -Barbaro's Friend in CA

God bless you , Barbaro, I will never forget you.
God bless also the Jacksons, Dr. Richardson, and the many, many others who worked so had to save this gallant creature. God's will is done. It is not for us to understand why. Barbaro surely is in a better place.

Herb

I will be heartbroken for a long time. I will never forget you and hope to see you someday.

Love always,

Gayle

I sure hope that there was nothing else they could have done for him BARBAEO wanted to live so bad and that is what hurts me i"m hurting so bad marge

While the hearts of those he left behind will never be the same again, Heaven became brighter today when Barbaro entered. May the Angels carry you to the beautiful Rainbow Bridge. May Fog lead you over. Our Magnificent, Beautiful Boy, you will always rest in our hearts. You accomplished so much more in your short life than a Triple Crown. And let all of that be your legacy. And we will do our utmost to carry on that legacy. I love you so much, my Beautiful Friend. I will miss you forever..until we meet again. And we will.

Our hearts are broken at this news Big Guy but now you are truly healed, never to feel pain again. I know the horse angels were waiting to welcome you home, be free Barbaro, we will miss you.
xoxoxoxo

God Bless the Jacksons, Dr Richardson, and everyone else involved in his care.
God Bless you Alex

Barbaro was a true champion and will always be remembered. Rest in peace Barbaro!!!

http://www.cscs.umich.edu/~crshalizi/Poetry/Millay/Dirge_without_Music.html

The pastures of Heaven have a new member in the herd and they'll all have a tough time keeping up with him when he goes of a gallop. Our Lord my want to consider this one for His quickly approaching ride...
Rev. 19:11

The words to express my deep sadness just don't seem adequate. Just know sweet spirit Barbaro you are forever in my heart. I will never forget your determination and I am forever grateful to the Jacksons for giving you the chance to overcome your injuries and to Dr Dean for his knowledge and compassion in treating you. Also to Alex I thank you for this site and for all you have done for all of us FOBs. Lets all join together and get the anti-slaughter bill passed in honor of our great champion horse

Someone say it isn't so.....I can't hold back the tears....oh, my sweet boy, I love you, Barbaro!

I will always believe, peace to you. love, libby

Such a sad day. In my heart I knew that it was coming but I had hoped that he could pull off one more miracle. I doubt that we will see his likes again and that is what is so sad. I wish that he had been able to graze in a paddock again and just be a horse but it was not to be.
Alex, thank you so much for keeping us informed over these months. And also for the care you gave him on your visits.
My condolences to the Jacksons and all of those who cared for him. I know the empty feeling in their hearts right now. Also thanks to Dr. Richardson and all those who took care of him over these months and I know it will be very, very hard for them for a long time.
And also to Michael Matz and Peter Brette, the barn staff and Edgar Prado my deepest condolences.

Barbaro saved alot of horse's lives,Thank You Barbaro for your courage,grace,and spirit.Thank You to the Jacksons and New Bolton.Continue saving horses in Barbaro's name.

The WH Auden poem captures today so well - thanks for posting. Here's a repeat of George MacDonald's beautiful poem:

"The great sun, benighted,
May faint from the sky,
But love, once uplighted,
Will never more die.

Form with its brightness,
From eyes will depart;
It walketh in whiteness
The halls of the heart."

God Bless Barbaro and all the Barbaromaniacs.

I too have never posted before but today is a day to come forward and mourn with all of you. You have all helped me throughout Barbaro's journey to stay strong and believe and now you are all helping me to grieve. Thank you for your open hearts. We loved him so much didn't we, we all hoped for the best...and for a while it was ours....but now let's remember that he will forever continue to feel our love as long as we send it to him in Heaven....and Believe in Barbaro...he is STILL a miracle in progress. I love you all and I love you, Barbaro. Run free big boy.

Family of Barbaro,
Barbaro is free now to run in the meadows of the Lord. All hoofs perfect, legs straight and strong. Bless You, Noble One.

Once a Derby Winner, Always a Derby Winner.
Susan

God Bless you Barbaro
with love forever,
Lou Ann in Pennsylvania

God Bless you Barbaro
with love forever,
Lou Ann in Pennsylvania

An absolutely beautiful article from Bloodhorse on Barbaro's ordeal - bringing a flood of tears (although with today's news that was not very difficult).

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37320

I am a bit more composed (for the moment). I would like to thank you, Alex, for all that you have done over the past 8 months for all of us. Your daily reports (several times a day)were appreciated more than you could ever realize. Thank you and ((((hugs)))) from me. I would also like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Jackson for their updates, they are wonderful people! And the most important guy in the world, Dr. Richardson, if it wasn't for you, Barbaro never would have had a chance in life. You gave him 8 more months to his life that he otherwise would not have had. You did everything in your power to save Bobby, and I know that. It has to be devastating for all concerned, especially you, as you put your heart and soul into getting Bobby back on his feet. Thank you, Dr. Richardson, I will never forget all that you did for Bobby. RIP, Bobby, Secretariat, Pine, Lost in the Fog, Ruffian....they have all greeted you and you will be able to run free once again with all your friends and be whole again. God Bless you, Big Guy, I will love you always and never forget you.

My heart is breaking, I can't believe our dear sweet Barbaro is.... I can't even say it.
I'm so sorry and deeply saddened.

Your battle is over our brave hero. We will listen for you in the sound of the wind and remember you always. May you be in green pastures running free forever. We love you.

Thanks Alex.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Jacksons, Dr. Richardson, and the entire NBC staff.

Also to Mr. Matz, Mr. Prado.

I cannot even imagine your pain.

Again, GODSPEED BARBARO.

Thank again to the Jacksons for allowing us to be part of Barbaro's life. And also to Dr. Richardson for his expert care and his unending devotion.

Barbaro will go on in spirit, helping many great causes. He will not have died in vain.

I have become so attached to magnificent Barbaro since the Derby, and I am deeply saddened that he had to be put down. My only thought is, as someone so eloquently stated before me, he will now be able to run as he was meant to be. May the Jackson's and Dr. Richardson be blessed for all the love and loving care they gave him, and especially to know when it came time. That is not an easy decision. Thanks to you Alex for always keeping us informed. Does anyone have the address for Lael Farms? Thank you.

God Bless you beautiful Barbaro. You gave it your best.

Thanks to all the wonderful souls who cared for you and did everything in their power to make you well. Unfortunately it was not meant to be.

You will be loved and in the hearts of millions for years and years to come.

I am truly sorry to hear of Barbaro's death. He was a great horse! My heart goes out to the Jacksons, Dr. Richardson, and all of the many people who were involved in his care.

May he have safe passage to the Rainbow Bridge!
Vicki

My heart is broken, along with everyone else's, and also like everyone, I am in shock. Iam trying to focus on thinking of Barbaro and where he is now and how wonderful everything is for him there.

Harriette, thank you for your post of Barbaro's story of today's events (Updates: 190, timestamp 5:58 p.m.), I love thinking of him racing Secretariat to the fence and eating clover with Fog, and I know that's just what he's doing.

Do Not Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken
in the morning's hush
I am the swift, uplighting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars
that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.

Mary E. Frye, 1932

Nancy B in CA

My Barbaro! I feel happy and relieved for you, but so sad for those who came to love you. You did more in your short life than most of us accomplish in a lifetime. My sympathy to all your connections . I feel my family has increased to include them. I will love you always. Cate Kane

God Bless you Barbaro. You are at rest. It will take awhile for me to recover but knowing you are not suffering makes me feel better. God Bless Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, the best parents a horse could have. God Bless Dr. Richardson and staff, Michael, Edgar, Alex, and all FOBS. You had the best of the best Big Boss. Love

Barbaro may be gone.. but rest assured Our Sweet Barbaro, we will continue your "race" to end horse slaughter and make race tracks safer.. All will be done in your memory and showing your fighting spirit..

Race free my friend.. run with the wind in your mane and be free of all earthly bounds..........

I have never commented on this site before although I have read the updates daily. My heart goes out to all those involved in Barbaro's care. Having had a horse who lost the fight for life after a brave 6 month battle, I know what a weight is on all of their hearts today. My tears today are for them as well as for the loss of this courageous horse with the heart of a champion. But he is safe from pain now, and they as well as all of us are better people, a bit kinder and a bit more loving for having become acquainted with this horse. God keep you, Barbaro.

God Bess you Barbaro. You are free now. You have open fields in which to run. I will sadly miss you, and fondly remember you for being you. What a beautiful horse with so much spirit. What an example!!! With all my love. Marty from Ohio

Barbaro...I look forward to seeing you one day running in the beautiful fields of heaven with my
horses and dogs.
God Speed..you were a brave hero.
I will miss you.
God bless your human family left here to mourn
your passing..give us all strength.
Barbaro..your fire and determination will help
so many of your brothers and sisters who must
face slaughter or ailment. We will defeat
the horse slaughter houses in your beloved name.
I love you.
Give my sweet Nikki a horsey kiss in Heaven.

My heart is heavy.

My heart too is breaking as I sit in my cubicle with wet eyes.
God bless this great horse and his wonderful owners.

Barbaro - you will always be my Champion - my horsie hero! You've done so much, in so many ways, for so many others....

dear Barbaro, family, friends, all who loved him. my heart grieves for all our loss and i'm a better person today for the examples y'all have shown.

May It Be
Enya

May it be
An evening star
Shines down
Upon you

May it be
When darkness falls
Your heart
Will be true

You walk a lonely road
Oh how far you are from home

Mornië µt?[Quenya: 'Darkness has come']
Believe and you
Will find your way

Mornië ¡lantië ›Quenya: 'Darkness has fallen']
A promise lives
Within you now

May it be
The shadow's call
Will fly away

May it be
A journey on
To light the day

When the night is all gone
You may rise
To find the sun

Mornië µt?[Quenya: 'Darkness has come']
Believe and you
Will find your way

Mornië ¡lantië ›Quenya: 'Darkness has fallen']
A promise lives
Within you now

A promise lives
Within you now..........

blessings to all especially Dr. R.

Barbaro may you run with the wind, my heart is breaking and I cannot stop crying. Thank you to everyone so involved with this great champ over the past months. God's Peace Be With Barbaro.

Barbaro may you run with the wind, my heart is breaking and I cannot stop crying. Thank you to everyone so involved with this great champ over the past months. God's Peace Be With Barbaro.

Barbaro may you run with the wind, my heart is breaking and I cannot stop crying. Thank you to everyone so involved with this great champ over the past months. God's Peace Be With Barbaro.

God Bless you, Barbaro!
Love you forever.
My heart beats for your heart, Barbaro!
I am very sure that dearest Fog was there to greet you, long may you run.
I love you,
Lou Ann in Pennsylvania

God, thank you for allowing us to borrow Barbaro. It's clear why you would want him back but my heart is shattered just the same.

In the house made of dawn
In the story made of dawn
On the trail of dawn
He is finished in beauty
He is finished in beauty
Farewell Barbaro

Roy Jackson had this to say: “I would say thank you for everything, and all your thoughts and prayers over the last eight months or so,” Jackson said to Barbaro’s fans.

Amazing words from Barbaro's connections. Thank you Alex, for giving us this outlet.

Karen in MD

Where I usually post, even about Barbaro, is on Vivi's blog, by Denise Flaim (our Alex) at New York's Newsday. Vivi is the whippet Delta Airlines lost and chased off of JFK's runways into the frozen swamps, and then promptly gave up on, after Westminster last year. She has not yet been found, but like Barbaro, has not given up, nor we on her (She has been sighted in glimpses all over Queens) and has helped many others- at least 60 animals rescued because of her so far. We have also followed Barbaro daily and today have been posting about him and crying.

Vivi's people wish Barbaro and his people peace. Godspeed Barbaro.

http://newsday.typepad.com/news_local_flaim/2007/01/pinging_for_pup.html#comment-28410950

To all my friends on this site. I will miss each of
you in our daily postings.
Stay strong and fight slaughter.

Vast green pastures await you young prince. Peace to you dear Barbaro. Peace to those who did their best to heal you. Run free now.

Dear Sweet, Precious Barbaro, I feel such a void now -- empty. Surely my horse Buster met you at the Rainbow Bridge to guide you along, as did Lost in the Fog, and all the rest. You are always in my heart, my hero, my champion, my inspiration. May God bring you sweet rest & peace among the green hills. You are always with us, Precious One. May God grant comfort to the Jacksons, Dr. Dean, Michael Matz, Edgar & all those around him & who loved him so.
I don't know why this happened, but God must have some reason. Bless you Barbaro, May God Bless you forever.

My condolences to you too Alex. This must be a very sad and difficult day for you as well. Thank you for all you have done for us these last eight months. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. You are truly a wonderful human being, and I am forever grateful to you. Godspeed.

The legacy of Barbaro continues...

To All of Barbaro's Connections..The Jacksons, Dr. Richardson, Michael, Peter, Edgar et al...

Dear, dear Ones....My deepest condolences on the passing of a Great Horse. Your love for Barbaro always shined forth and inspired the world. The journey has been difficult but rich and now Barbaro's journey of Spirit will continue to fill us with love, light and inspiration. He runs free and fast in the green pastures of Heaven and will never be forgotten.
Much love, Ernesta Corvino

In Cherished Memory of Barbaro:

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you and whispered "Come to me."
Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.
A gallant fight you fought, our love you'll always have.

Thank you for all you've taught us about love, devotion and courage. You will always live in our hearts.

ALEX:

Please post the best address to use for condolences for the Jacksons.

Thank you.

Thank God for the gift of Barbaro.

He came into our lives on a beautiful spring day, and stunned the world and captured our hearts.

Just like that, now, he is gone, and a bit of our hearts he has taken with him.

Thank you for bringing me along, Barbaro.
I will miss you, and I loved you so.

Go with God, my friend.

And, One last time...

slumber well, sweet prince.

The rose may be gone, but its sweet scent lingers.
Kudos to Team Barbaro for their persistence and compassion. Let us hope that the world becomes just a little kinder for the examples set during this champion's long battle.
I think I'll go hug my horse.
Harline

Godspeed dear Barbaro. I will love you forever.

For Mr. and Mrs. Jackson and Dr. Richardson, God Bless you and hold you in his arms to comfort you at this time. I have the highest respect for you and always will.
And I truly believe Barbaro is not gone, he is just on "the other side", and I believe he will send you a sign once Lost In The Fog, Secretariat and many other friends have finished showing him around.
With all my love,
Lou Ann Marie Riedel, Dallastown, Pennsylvania

For Edgar Prado, Michael, Peter, Eduardo, Alex and Tim, Kennett Florist, and all the NBC care staff, I am so very sorry, I love Barbaro with all of you but this has to be even harder for you. My prayers remain with you.

Special Thanks to you Alex, God Bless you.

I love you, Barbaro, run with the angels honey.
Lou Ann in Pennsylvania

To all the FOB's, I love you all . . . . but sorry the tears are making it too hard to keep typing just now. I do love you all and prayers continue.
always, Lou Ann in Pennsylvania

I know of a poem of another great race horse - Secretariat - it can certainly be attributed to Barbaro as well.....

Surely such a vibrant spirit
Would not want eternal rest.
There must be some equine
Heaven,
some green pastures of the blest,
Where your bay coat still
flashes,
Shining golden in the sun -
Some wide, limitless sky meadows
Where those restless hoofs still run,
Drumming over fields of cloud
drift
Where the blue-star flowers grow;
Racing gaily with the North wind,
Getting cloud foam in your mane,
Galloping across the rainbow -
Jumping bars of silver rain.
Yes I feel your gallant spirit
Surely has survived somehow,
Freed of all earth's limitations
to live on - a legend now.

We love you, Barbaro. You will never be forgotten.
Our sympathy and thanks to Mrs. and Mrs. Jackson, Dr. Richardson, the New Bolton staff, Michael Matz, Peter Brette, Edgar Prado and everyone who loves this wonderful animal. And our continued thanks to you Alex for all you have done. Your efforts have been appreciated by so many.

To my dearest Barbaro,
You fought bravely - and now you are free.
You and Lost in the Fog can run with the angels.
I will always love you - my hero forever!!
Rest in peace angel face - Let your spirit run free!!
Love, Carole

My thoughts go out to all of Barbaro's connections. You did all you could do. Barbaro is pain free!!

My sincerest and heartfelt sympathy to all that cared, loved, supported and prayed for the magnificent Barbaro. The Jacksons, Dr. Richardson, Micheal Matz,Alex for this site, and all the FOBs that stood watch all these many months. Sadly, the outcome was not what we all wanted, but greater goodness has come from it. Barbaro is free. Run with the wind and God speed valiant champion. You will not be forgotten in all the good works that will come from your battle. Run with the wind!

Godspeed, Barbaro. You filled our lives with love and hope. You fought a great battle, but the end has come. May God bless the Jacksons, Mr. Prado, Mr. Matz, Dr. Richardson, and all of your caretakers for their caring compassion, and the strength to make the difficult decision when your time was done. Memories of Go For Wand, Ruffian, Pine, Fog, and my own horses lost have come rushing back. I grieve again. My heart aches for your babies that we will never see. May you race the wind, Barbaro. Farewell.

I've posted once already, but I still need to say more, I've visited you almost everyday for 8 mo. I'm going to miss you so very much, how we all love you sweet Barbaro. I'm broken hearted and just somehow need to deal with the lose of you in our lives. May you rest in peace and remember all the people who love you and will miss you for the rest of our lives. You made us proud, your courage and spirit will live forever.
Bless everyone in your family.

A champion until the end
Barbaro touched us with his grace and fighting spirit
Posted: Monday January 29, 2007 12:54PM; Updated: Monday January 29, 2007 1:56PM

The first flowers arrived on the morning after the Preakness, a breezy and sunlit springtime Sunday that turned the rolling hills a brilliant shade of green in Pennsylvania horse country south of Philadelphia. Signs were hung from the wooden fence rails outside the New Bolton Center, where Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was being treated for what surgeons would soon call "catastrophic'' injuries to his right hind leg. A family arrived with a bunch of carrots and asked that they be given to the horse.

The love never ceased. When May turned to June and then June to July and it appeared that Barbaro might steadily be winning a battle for survival that surgeon Dr. Dean Richardson called, from the very beginning, "a coin toss,'' the tokens came less frequently. It was as if the public felt the big horse no longer needed its care because he was doing so well on his own.

But in the second week of July, when Barbaro developed a terrible case of laminitis in his left hind foot -- the good one -- the flowers again began piling up at the hospital. After Christmas he appeared to be doing better, but he suffered a severe setback last week when he developed an abscess in his right hind foot and had to undergo another surgery. The pain was too much for the horse to bear. When he was euthanized on Monday, a profound sadness fell across the sport, and far beyond, touching humans in ways they could not explain.

His passing can be measured in many ways. The sport lost a giant talent who might have won the Triple Crown (he might, in fact, have dominated the Triple Crown; more on that later). It lost a sire whose impact might have been felt for many generations to follow. It lost a champion whose class and bravery -- before and after his injury -- were inspiring and lent a visceral touch to a sport that is rapidly becoming disconnected from human emotions.

His passing, upon further review, is immeasurable.

I first watched him run in a small video box on the desktop of the Apple laptop on which I'm writing these words, winning the Florida Derby. The book on Barbaro was that he was a front-runner who would wilt when pressed on the lead. On that day, he was pressed nearly to the wire by Sharp Humor and won the race. Granted, Sharp Humor was just a tough sprinter stretching out, but still....

Three weeks later I met with Michael Matz, Barbaro's trainer, in a spotless tack room at Delaware Park race track. We talked about Matz's epic history. As the survivor and hero in a 1989 plane crash. As an Olympic medalist in 1996. And we talked about Barbaro. I could not have imagined that less than nine months later, Barbaro would be humanely destroyed less than half an hour away. Of course, that is a reality of horse racing. Sometimes horses are injured and sometimes they cannot be saved.

Three weeks before the Kentucky Derby, as I sat and wrote about Matz, my cell phone chirped. On the other end was Sports Illustrated photographer Bill Frakes, who was shooting the pictures that would accompany my story. "Have you seen this horse?'' Frakes asked. I had not.

"`Wait until you do,'' said Frakes. Five days before the Derby I was walking the Churchill Downs backstretch and passed Matz, who was riding alongside Barbaro and exercise rider/assistant trainer Peter Brette. Frakes was right. What a majestic animal. There are beautiful horses who cannot run fast; we already knew that Barbaro was fast and now to see him in the flesh was breathtaking.

Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby in the manner of an athlete who is evolved beyond his peers. He cut a massive, striking pose in the Derby paddock before the race, taller and more muscled than the others in the race. The breeding industry buzz had been that Barbaro would one day do his best running on the grass. As Barbaro circled the Churchill paddock, Jill Baffert, the wife of three-time Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert, turned to her husband and said, "You better hope he's a grass horse.''

He might have been, but he was brilliant on dirt. He won the Kentucky Derby by six lengths without feeling jockey Edgar Prado's whip. Eight days later I talked with Prado in the jocks' cafeteria at Belmont Park, and he could scarcely find the words to describe the feel of sitting on Barbaro's back.

Matz lightened up on Barbaro leading to the Preakness, until putting one stiff, short breeze into him two days before the race. Barbaro was so full of himself that Matz had to gallop him on the morning of the Preakness, just to take the edge off.

There are very wise handicappers who suggest that Bernardini would have beaten Barbaro in the Preakness. The absolute and obvious truth is that we will never know, but that is a towering presumption. Barbaro never lost a race. He was dominant in the Kentucky Derby and razor sharp before the Preakness. It is hard for me to envision him losing. Perhaps I would have felt differently if Bernardini had proven himself a great racehorse, which he did not.

Yet this is the point, is it not?

We can debate forever why we feel pain at losing Barbaro. There is a significant lobby out there that despises the fact that horses are bred to race. (Trust me, I have heard from this lobby). It is a fair point.

For me, pain came from the other side of that same coin and it hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks at the Preakness. In the minutes before the race, I stood with owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson on the infield grass at Pimlico, so close that I could have reached out and patted Barbaro on his forehead (which I did not). He was stunningly ready to race, a mass of barely contained muscle and veins. (Maybe of all that energy signified something more ominous; we'll never know that either).

Moments later I stood on the Pimlico dirt as track attendants and veterinarians tried to steady Barbaro on three legs. The magnificent horse tossed his head about and tried to break free. All I could think was: He wants to race. I could feel a huge lump in my throat. Barbaro was bred to run and couldn't understand now why he was being restrained from doing so.

Now that he is gone, there is another sort of sadness altogether, a sadness at never learning what Barbaro might have done. He has a place in history. No horse has ever won the Derby and broken down in the Preakness so publicly and so sadly.

In a much larger sense, Barbaro leaves that deepest of empty wells, of greatness never fulfilled. Many wise people thought he would win the Triple Crown, ending a drought that is approaching three decades. He might have run a memorable Preakness and few doubted that he would have been nearly unbeatable in the Belmont, with his long, swift stride that it seemed he could carry forever.

On June 9, 1973, Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths in the untouchable time of two minutes, 24 seconds. People of many ages can tell you that as Big Red opened 15 lengths on the turn, track announcer Chic Anderson intoned, "He is moving like a tremendous machine.'' Barbaro might have given us another moment like that.

We will never know and that will always pain us most.

Precious Bobby, My heart is shattered, but at peace. You will always be alive in my heart.

Thank you to M/M Jackson for showing us the ultimate in grace and compassion under extreme adversity; thank you to Michael Matz, Edgar Prado, Peter Brette, Dean Richardson and others for their dedication and love for Barbaro. Your actions have shown us all that even when the outcome is devastating, the journey can bring people together in wonderful ways... ways befitting a horse named Barbaro. I'll never forget.

Beautiful Barbaro, you are free. Free to run through the clouds and dance on the stars with no pain, no limitations. You are free.

Your new life begins now. May you forever find joy in God's endless fields of green.

Rest in peace sweet Barbaro, cradled in the loving arms of God. I love you sweet boy.

The legacy of Barbaro continues...

Dear Alex,

Thank you for everything you have done for the Friends of Barbaro over the past eight months. We can never repay you for the devotion and care with which you have tended this web site. It was only right that you be the one to share the news of our gallant boy with us one last time. Bless you, Alex. We all share your profound grief today.

I too have never posted on this site but have checked it everyday for months to see Barbaro's progress. I shed a lot of tears yesterday because I had a sinking feeling this was coming. My heart is breaking. I will remember Barbaro always right along all the other "greats" in horse racing. Rest in peace sweet boy. I will miss you. You were loved by so many especially those closest to you. In the end, that's all that really matters.

To Mr. & Mrs. Jackson my sincerest sympathies on the loss of your sweet beloved BARBARO! It must have been the hardest decision of your lives.

To Doctor Dean: hugs to comfort you during this time. Thank you for all you did to help BARBARO.

GOD WELCOME HOME BARBARO WITH YOUR LOVING ARMS AROUND HIM AND ALL HIS HORSE FRIENDS TO YOUR HOME. Thank you GOD for BARBARO not being in any more pain or discomfort.

Love from a very very sad Grandma Bea, but happy for BARBARO that he is pain free.

Dear Barbaro,
I hope you are now running free in wide open spaces, out of the confines of your stall. From John Lyons "Horses are the most mentioned animal in the Bible".

Mr. & Mrs. Jackson, Michael, Peter and Edgar I am so sorry for your loss.

Alex thank you for this site I have come here every day since that fateful day in May. I so wish the out come was different.

Barbaro you will never be forgotten!!

Cheryl in PA

Barbaro, I miss you already, but I am near you in spirit...I wish we all could have done more..Rest in peace, little one....you have all taught us much.

My sympathy to the Jackson's.., Edgar, Michael Matz, Peter Brett..and Dr. Richard and his entire staff at NBC....We are indebted to you all for the constance vigilance and utmost strength and care you put into saving Barbaro....

Bless you all, and Barbaro...I hope your eyes were looking at your Mommie and Daddy...Mr. and Mrs. Jackson...one day they will meet you in heaven, as they are angels.

To my sweet BIRTHDAY BUDDY BARBARO: I am so glad you are not in anymore pain, but the pain is in my heart right now which is so empty. I love you and will miss you till we are both together in heaven.
Hugs and kisses to you my BIRTHDAY BUDDY BARBARO, I will celebrate your birthday in April exactly a week after I celebrate mine.
I will love you FOREVER!
All my love and hugs and kisses, your kitty cat friend and birthday buddy
Ladee Elizabeth Gobee

Fare thee well, Barbaro. You've been so generous and determined in life. You will never be forgotten, and you will always be loved.

Alex, please say you'll be keeping this blog open--at least a little longer. You and Fair Hill, New Bolton, Kinnett Florists, and the Barbaro supporters, all of you have become like an extended family to me.

I grieve with all of you. Blessings on those who did what they could to heal this magnificent creature, and who recognized the time had come to let him go.

To Mr. & Mrs. Jackson, Dr. Richardson & team, Michael Matz, Peter Brette, Alex, Tim, & all the FOB....
All I can say is this. We loved him, too........

Peace.....

To Barbaro, my sweet friend
You are so loved and will be forever missed from my mom and sister.
You are now pain free forever and running with Lost In The Fog and Pine Island, and the others who lost their lives doing what they loved best: racing.
Hugs to you
Love
Remington Gobee (kitty cat & brother to Ladee Elizabeth)

Alex,

My deepest condolences to you. I sure you are shattered too.

Horse hugs,

Lor in PA

Do not weep for me

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room,
I am the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

~ Mary Frye, 1932

Barbaro-"Once a Derby Winner, always a Derby Winner!" My heart is sad that you are gone. You embodied the spirit of America. You united strangers to pray for you and see what's good in this world. Your fight to live, gave us the chance to witness your heroism, Dr. Richardson's love for you and horses, the love/dedication/kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, Tim's wonderful website, Alex's faithfulness to us FOBs, Kennett Florist friends, everyone's huge efforts @ U Penn and NBC!

Barbaro your legacy will be bigger that any Triple Crown. Your battle WILL save more horses from laminitis, improve race tracks, and provide more orthopedic options! I will continue to donate to your fund @ U Penn.

You will be loved forever. You are pain free.
Deepest sympathy to all who loved you!

Sweet Barbaro
Your star will shine over all of us forever.

We love you. Rest in Peace my friend.

For Barbaro, the Jacksons, and all who love him-

Stars may come and stars may go
Up there in that starry space,
But when one falls,
God always calls
A star to take its place.

There's a new star in heaven tonight
That will never fade from sight;
There's a new star at home
In that far starry dome,
Shining down on his loved ones tonight;
There's a voice singing "Lead Kindly Light,"
With a smile that has made the world bright,
Barbaro
Goodbye!
But way up in the sky
There's a new star in heaven tonight.

Stars may rise but in my eyes
There shines only one tonight,
A jewel rare,
God wanted there
Within His crown of light.

Dear Sweet Barbaro, our Beloved Hero,

My heart is breaking at the thought of you no longer being with us, but I take some comfort in knowing that you are once again whole and galloping without pain.

My heartfelt condolences to Team Barbaro, and all FOBs. It helps to know that we're not alone during this time.

God Bless You, Dear Barbaro. God Bless us all.

Love,
Sue and Walter
xoxoxo

BARBARO YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME. I'M SO SORRY, I'M SO VERY, SAD.

MY CONDOLENCES FOR MR. & MRS JACKSON, DR RICHARDSON, MICHAEL MATZ, PETER AND BARBARO'S OTHER LOVED ONES.

I LOVE YOU BARBARO!!

Run, Barbaro, run! How shall I say goodby...in silence and in tears

I know this was the right thing because I know the owners and Dr Richardson were always about doing the right thing for Barbaro.
But I am overwhelmed with sadness and my heart goes out to Alex and everyone who understood the beauty and uniqueness of Barbaro.
Today is a sad day.

Sweet Barbaro, in a very short time, you taught us a very important lesson. Of course, not speaking, but in your spirit.

I more or less waited holding my breath after the latest effort by your terrific doctor and his medical team. Would it work? A definite long shot. Most importantly, would you want to continue?

The answer came this morning.

You're at peace Big Guy. I'm gonna miss you.

My best wishes to the Jacksons, Dr. R, NBC, Michael Matz, Peter Brette and of course Alex. I'm sure that you will treasure the few times you had the pleasure of being in Mr. B's presence.

Love ya.
Edie G

Barbaro - Well, Champ, you certainly did everything you possibly could, more than once, as a matter of fact, and there has not nor will there ever be one quite like you. You are the star, Precious One, and you will be sorely missed.

I do like to think, though, that you, Secretariat, Lost in the Fog, and all the other beautiful creatures are having the most wonderful races over that Rainbow Bridge. And that the sun is shining gloriously down on your beautiful self.

I feel your spirit is still with us who grieve. We'll be okay one of these days. It may be many many days before that happens, but eventually our joy for your freedom will override our pain at losing you.

Sail on, Beautiful Boss Horse Barbaro, sail on.

All my love, hugs, kisses and best wishes are still yours.

Mary in NC

I'll miss you Barbaro.
Run free.

To beautiful Barbaro - I know you are at peace and free of pain, running and frolicking in the pastures. You will always be a champion.

My sympathies to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. Thank you for sharing Barbaro with all of us. We know you always put his comfort first.

To Dr. Richardson and the staff of NBC - Thank you for the wonderful care given to Barbaro and for the care you will continue to give other horses and animals in need.

- Jessica Westrom
Collegeville, PA

I am grateful that Bobby is out of pain now, sad as it is to accept - and somewhere now he is running free, not hobbling, not walking, running - with all the great ones that came before him, Ruffian, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, he belongs with them, he is one of them - running sprints with Man o'War, in endless fields of green. Goodbye Barbaro...we love you and we'll never forget you!

I ususally don't post very often on this site, but I have read it everyday now for quite some time.
Here is a poem that has helped me through many deaths.
IMMORTALITY

Do not stand at my grave and weep...
I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning's hush,
I am the swift upflinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star-shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry...
I am not there. I did not die.
Author Unknown

God Bless Beautiful Barbaro and his owners,caregivers and all those who love him.
I will miss you,Barbaro, and remember you well.

My sympathy to all who cared for and loved this magnificent horse.
When I read this heartbreaking news I felt such sorrow I cried out... but almost instantaneously I had a breathtaking vision of Barbaro upon leaving this world raising up onto his strong powerful legs and running at full speed across the great green grass of heaven,and I smiled through my tears!
Special Love, thoughts and paryers to Mrs. Jackson who loved this horse with her whole heart and to Dr.R for his loving care and to all who took this horse into their heart.

Godspeed to you Barbaro. Thank you Alex for the unwavering updates, and my condolences to the Jacksons, Michael Matz, Dr Richardson and all of Team Barbaro. I love you horse, you fine creature.

God speed! Thank you for all you have brought to us and for letting us know you - your strength and your deep soul. We will miss you Dear Barbaro.

GO BOBBY, GO!

I've finally got alittle control over my tears. Barbaro will always be a champion, as much for what he did off the track as on. I'm so sorry his story did not have the ending we all wanted. Thank you to Alex and all FOB who cared to much.

My sincere condolences to the Jacksons, Mr. Matz, Peter Brette, Dr. R and all the staff at New Bolton.

Your are free again - run fast Barbaro - run like the wind, you are free again - thank you MY Dear Champion.

To our beloved Barbaro and his family, we love you.

ONE LAST REQUEST
Weep not for me though I am gone
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul's sweet flight.

I am at peace, my souls at rest
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For my few wonderous years.

There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath.
Remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death.
But celebrate my life!

- Author Unknown

My thoughts and prayers are with the Jacksons, Dr Richardson, Michael Matz and he New Bolton Staff. My heart aches with sadness but I know the decision you made was out of love. RIP Barbaro you will be missed but not forgotten.

Has anyone else read "Remembering Barbaro" by Steve Haskin on Bloodhorse.com. It is the only thing that has made me feel better all day.

Barbaro has been an inspiration to me. I will miss going to this site to check on him several times a day. And reading all the thoughts from all of you!

Thank you to Alex for making this all possible.

Marybeth in Massachusetts

The Rose Beyond the Wall

Near shady wall a rose once grew,
Budded and blossomed
In god's free light,
Watered and fed by morning dew,
Shedding its sweetness day and night.

As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height
It came to a crevice in the wall
Through which there shone a beam of light.

Onward it crept with added strength
With never a thought of fear or pride
It followed the light
Through the crevice's length
And unfolded itself on the other side

The light, the dew, the broadening view
Were found the same,
As they were before,
And it lost itself in beauties new,
Breathing its fragrance more and more.

Shall claim of death cause us to greive
And make our courage faint and fall?
Nay! Let us faith and hope receive
The rose still grows beyond the wall.

Scattering fragrance far and wide
Just as it did in the days of yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
Just as it will forevermore

A.L. Frink

My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Jackson, Mr. Jackson, Dr. Richardson and Alex. God Bless you all for allowing us to accompany you on this journey. We will always love Barbaro and will never forget him.

Mike C, you can finish your story now.. Barbaro has crossed the finish line the winner in our hearts..

Look at all those great horses that are meeting him at the Bridge!

A true Champion who fought the good fight and brought out the very best in all of us. You won't be forgotten - Run free Barbaro!

Barbaro,

I will miss you so very much. Even though I never "knew" you I felt like you were one of my own. You brought out the best in me and so many people through your tough fight. You have and will continue to make life better for your brothers and sisters. We will continue to move on with the task at hand in your honor. May you Rest In Peace my SWEET PRINCE.

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, Dr. R., Michael Matz, Edgar, Peter and Alex....THANK YOU FOR EVERY THING! Our hearts are heavy for our loss but also for yours. We will all keep you in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. God Bless you all.

FOB's I look at it like this, We all, the FOB's, have a very special angel watching over us now. And what a special one he is!

I WILL FOREVER BE A PROUD FOB'S!!

I WILL FOREVER LOVE BARBARO!!!!

Karen - TN

REPOST

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Ro & Brady

Posted by: Rosemarie at January 29, 2007 7:08 PM

Barbaro you will never be forgotten. WE love you. Thanks to everyone who has taken care of the big guy you too will never be forgotten. You are with Foggy now Barbaro you will be missed by all.

To Mr. and Mrs. Jackson & family, Dr. Richardson, Michael Matz, Peter, Alex and to the entire New Bolten family:

You have my deepest condolences. I know how much I will miss him, I can only imagine how much of a loss it is for all of you. Thank you for everything you did for Barbaro. Thank you for loving him.

Dr. Richardson,
You did everything that was humanly and humanely possible. Thank you for that.

Mr. & Mrs. Jackson,
Thank you so much for sharing Barbaro with us. Please know how much love we have for him. Please know you did the right thing this entire time. You are truely wonderful people and you were blessed to have a horse named Barbaro as he was blessed to have people like you in his life.

God Bless all of you.

Dear Sweet Barbaro: Every morning for months now, I've thought about you and sent prayers for your healing. You fought a good fight and finished the race. Run free, Barbaro. Love, JoEllen

Barbaro, you are with the angels now. Your spirit will live forever in my heart! What an incredible horse! I LOVE YOU!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, Thank You for showing all of us what Love is. Dr. Richardson, Thank you for " doing your job", we all know you always went above and beyond the call! Everyone involved in the care of Barbaro, God Bless your hearts! Thank You to all! Alex, I hope you are OK, Thank you for this incredible journey, there is no way to pay you back! FOB's- I don't know any of you personally, all I know is we have one very awesome thing in common: OUR LOVE FOR BARBARO!! Love is patient and Love is kind!! I Love you ALL!!

I'm so incredibly sad, but I know OUR SWEET BOY is now at peace,no more pain.

Love Betsy from Tampa FL

Is the press conference going to be televised?

It is truely amazing how this horse has dominated my thougts, prayers and emotions for so many months. I can hardly see what I am typing for the tears which flow for him. He is America's Horse, and America loves him. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Jackson for your efforts in attempting to save the Ro's life.Purely out of love. Can't imagine how you feel on this day.

I haven't posted here before and I am so sad especially for those who took such good care of Barbaro. I hope this verse brings all of you some comfort. I couldn't find the author but I don't think they would mind under the circumstances.

Ascension

And if I go,
while you're still here...
Know that I live on,
vibrating to a different measure
-behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
-both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest.
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in you heart,
...I will be there.

Can somebody out there please tell me what we're supposed to do? I have no fancy words of wisdom about how is at peace, or how he has brought us all together. I KNOW all that, but I'm just LOST.

To all FOBs - it has been a wonderful experience to know that in this world there are so many people who truly love animals. I have said it before and will say it again.

People who love animals are special people. They know what it means to have the love of an animal.

For those who have never loved an animal, they are missing out on one of the most wonderful things in this world. An animal loves you for you. It doesn't matter how young or old you are, whether you short or tall, big or small, have a different skin colour or speak a different language - an animal just loves you for you and when you love an animal back - you are a much better person - because you love unconditionally and are a better person for it.

I miss all of my animals, birds, dogs, cats but I do know that because of them, I am a much better person.

The rainbow bridge was crowded today at 10:30 a.m. when Barbaro was free of pain and was met by our animals.

You will be missed and we will cry because you my friend brought so many people together and because of you, so many other horses are being saved from the slaughter.

We will keep up your work here on earth and continue to fight for all animals, large and small - they are all God's creatures.

Barbaro I will miss you, enjoy roaming and running free - you are a True Champion!

Dearest Barbaro,
My heart cries for you on the news of your passing,rest in peace sweet,brave boy. All you ever wanted to do was to run free in green pastures;and now you will be able to once again.All my sympathy goes out to your family,the wonderful Jackson's especially for sharing you with all of your fans.Be free again sweet prince and know that so many of us love you and will miss you so very much.

Mary Anna Savage

What an inspriation to us all you were Barbaro!
You gave it your all. No one tried harder than you. You didn't fail us.
We need to learn from this and move on with treatments for laminitis and injuries such as his. Dr. Richardson and staff worked countless hours hoping for a miracle. They almost pulled it off. As Mrs. Jackson said, we had a few more months with him and that says it all. He taught us all a lot about patience and the will to live.
At least in the end, Barbaro was with the people he loved the most. He wasn't alone.
Many thanks to Alex and Tim for giving us this fabulous site for all of these months. Your love and dedication gave us all comfort.

Anne

Steve,

That is beautiful, Thanks.

Ro & Brady

"Horses In Heaven!"
An old man and his horse were riding down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was nice grassy, woody areas, just what an old horse and man would like, but it had a sign saying 'no trespassing' so they walked on.

They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. Welcome to Heaven, he said. The old man was happy and started to ride his horse in. The gatekeeper stopped him.

Animals aren't allowed, I'm sorry but he can't come with you. What kind of Heaven won't allow animals? If he can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now. Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promise you anything, but, the horse can't go there either. If you won't leave the horse, you'll spend Eternity on this road. So the old man and horse rode on. They came to a run down fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole.

Another old man was inside. S'cuse me Sir, my horse and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and rest in the shade for awhile? Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there, along with a bucket to water your horse.
Make yourselves comfortable.You're sure my horse can come in? The man down the road said animals weren't allowed anywhere. Would you come in if you had to leave the horse?
No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the horse couldn't come in. We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here can't come and that's final. The man smiled a big smile and said, Welcome to Heaven.

You mean this is Heaven? Horses "ARE" allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't? That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but, then it's too late. The animals come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow animals to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?

Unknown Author

Fly, Sweet Prince,

Fly like you've never flown before.

You'll always be an inspiration to me...

And when there's a new heaven and a new earth, I'll be looking for you...provided I make it, too.

Marydel in Colorado

Alex,

Once again my deepest gratitude for your information, for your caring. For everyone else, thank you as well for sharing with me the love of the beautiful Barbaro. I will miss him so.

Celeste

If all of the people grieving today put some of that grief into banning horse slaughter maybe it will really happen. I wonder if they can call it Barbaro's bill.

I am having a difficult time writing with the tears rolling down my face .. My dear Bobby, what a shock .. but, Big Boy, you gave it your best .. and, the Jacksons, connections and Dr. R gave you the best chance that anyone could do.

My heart goes out to all of us and to the Jacksons, his trainer (sorry, I know your name like the back of my hand), Edgar Prado, to his training rider (I am crying too hard to remember your name, sorry).

I want to thank Alex and Tim for the updates and the opportunity for all of us to come together .. may we, in some way, always be connected.

My dear Bobby, though your life was so short, you united people all over the world to realize that many changes need to be made in the horse industry .. from safer tracks to responsible ownership to push for the passage of the Horse Anti-Slaugther legislation .. God had a higher calling for you than winning races .. and, now it is time for you, his magnificent creature, to be held in his loving hands. You have won our hearts and will always remain there.

I love you, dear Bobby, and everyone else who cared for you and loves you.

Signing off for now, my dearest Bobby ..
God Bless you.

Love,
Dee from Denver

My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Jacksons.

I am so sorry for this loss we all are grieving. He gave so much, and probobly never even realized it.

He was the Best of what we know. Greatness like this comes but once in a lifetime, and I am sure we will never see the likes of Barbaro again.

I have been molecularly restructured as a result of this incredible journey I was priveledged to be a part of.

I will never be the same, because of Barbaro. And for this, I am thankful and grateful.

I will remember this always...what this day feels like, what this day is, and what it will mean to me for the rest of my life.

I thank God for the gift of Barbaro, and all I have been given in his name.

I am so sad, but I know I will find peace in the belief that Barbaro is free and no longer tied to his earthly chains.

Run free, sweet boy, you are home at last.

"Free at last, free at last,
Thank God Almighty, I am free at last"

MLK

Barbaro is among the immortals now, but he gave us all the ride of a lifetime during his short stay with us. May we never forget his spirit, both on and off the racetrack.

My heart goes out to all who were so close to him and who loved, cared, and followed him during his incredible journey.

Barb in AZ ... I am feeling your pain! I know he is at peace, but I have a huge void in my soul! He wanted to live soooo much! Please someone ... anyone ... help me to help myself understand and to find the peace that our Beloved Barbaro has found!

Therese ... the news conference will be televised on ESPN at 4:00 p.m.

Our hearts are heavy having to say goodbye.
As a rememberence, I will be making a quilt with pictures of Barbaro for the Jacksons to wrap themselves in his love.

Not to break the beautiful spirit and prayers, but ESPN (ESN)-it's 207 on Direct TV is going to have a short clip of info on PRECIOUS BARBARO in just a bit.

GOD IS WITH YOU NOW MR. BARBARO, I'M SO SAD, I HOPE YOUR HUMAN MOMMY & DADDY ARE OK AND YOUR BEST BUDDY DR RICHARDSON. I FELL TO THE GROUND WHEN I READ THE NEWS, I LOVE U SO MUCH MR. BARBARO.

LOTS OF LOVE & PRAYERS FOR BARBARO & HIS LOVED ONES,
CHERYL G

Go to ChurchillDowns.com and watch Barbaro defeat the rest of the field in the Kentucky Derby-it's how he would want you to remember him-it will make you cry, no doubt, but it was a performance worth remembering and celebrating on this sad day.

Barb in AZ, We all are feeling a little lost today. Just let it happen and you'll get through it. Today we allow ourselves to grieve, and we will regroup when we're ready, and forge ahead with our work.

For the past 8 months Big B. has cemented us all together here. He has been the center for us. And he will continue to be our center. Because of him, some wonderful things have happened here. And now he looks back on us and says, "Continue on".

We will mourn for him as long as we need, and we will all be here for each other.

B. - God knows how much we're going to miss you. Just ask Him. XXXOOO

He fought as bravely for life as he did on the track
He will be remembered as one of the greats, whose life was cut short
He was one of a kind, both on and off the track
He is in all of our hearts for evermore
Barbaro, fly like the wind among the clouds of angels

I dont know BarbAZ I dont know. I am at work, but I am just frozen with sadness. It's really catching up to me. I guess we just stay here and be with each other and try to see what we do next. I know we need to show support to his connections and to each other.

Barbaro will be as remembered in death as he was loved in life.... My thoughts to all who so loved him and to those wonderful caregivers who helped him along when he needed it most. RIP, you fine, brave, valiant, loving, gifted athlete. Your legacy goes on, and you can bet that 100 years from now, your memory will still burn bright.

BarbZ, I am with you in your loss, I too seem to be left adrift. But I know everyone here feels the pain and loss and I know we will get through this together.

Judy

Of course there are horses in heaven!

In the Christian scriptures we are told that man brought suffering on the whole creation, which stands on tiptoe waiting for the final completion of salvation (Romans 8), when there will be a new heaven and a new earth (Revelations.) If the created order, including horses, were not to be there, why would they be standing in such anticipation?

Through God's grace, and only through that, I hope to see Big Boss Hoss in that new earth.

"Beginning with Romans 8:18, Paul places suffering and splendor in proper perspective. Suffering is for a while; splendor is after a while. The whole created universe, now writhing in agony, is standing on tiptoe, as the original Greek means. It is looking down the long road, waiting for the spectacle of triumph when the sons of God come into their own. The people of God give meaning to the whole creation. Man was at the peak of God's creation. His fall subjected the whole domain to despair. His final victory will bring rejoicing to all. Hope is written in shining letters of gold across the face of the whole created order of things."

Marydel in Colorado

####

Thank you, Ruth. I think I remember someone posting that, but, honestly, I can't keep a thought straight right now. We are all such a mess. This is so sad.
Thanks.
Therese

All,

I just want to share in everyone's sorrow today. I think what makes it harder on all of us it that he did NOT go from injury right down hill to death. He fought back, AND was seriously being considered to be released from NBC a mere few weeks ago. THAT is why I am taking this so hard today.

For me this will take on a very personal life changing aspect. You see, I am the guy who lives a mere 11 miles from Fair Hill and Alex. I met Alex and gave me a birthday gift in person. I hike there nearly every weekend. Now when I pass by Double Trouble stables or see folks on the track breezing horses, I will feel the loss of today. I remember seeing one of M. Matz's trainers with a "Go Barbaro" sticker on his vest as he jogged by. The place was always a buzz with enthusiasm for Bobby. This has got to be a horrible day for everyone at Fair Hill.

I also feel personally regretful as well. I came on her for months after Bobby's injury and made friends and wished well for our knight. But, I let drinking control me some Saturdays and said some horrific things to folks in the chat room. Now when I could use the support of the family here I have no right to ask for it despite being very sorry for my actions. And whats worse, unlike many of you that take solice in religion, I am a scientist who is all but atheist, so I can't take comfort in Bobby being in the "fields of heaven". I will take great comfort in that our precious one is no longer in any pain whatsoever.

So, good bye Bobby. I loved and still love you.

BobJ

Please everyone ... take the time to read this. It will make you feel better!

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37320

Barbaro started something very important and I beg & plead with you all to now continue the fight, surrounded by the strength of his spirit.

*Make sure horse slaughter ends not only here in the USA, but everywhere.

*Help bring racing into the 21st century so that its safer, humane & held accountable for what happens to the 'by products' of the sport.

*Support horse rescues who work so tirelessly to help horses who dont have loving owners like our Bobby did. They often are operating on a wing and a prayer.

*Continue fundraising for the Barbaro Fund so that horses of the future have a chance to overcome the odds.

And of course, public awareness to all of the above. The more who know... the more who will care.

Heartbroken, but determined to carry on, for the love of Barbaro,

Heidi in MA

If there IS a heaven, I hope Bobby & my beloved Ruffian are there - running on beautiful, strong legs & making beautiful music together...

Somewhere...
(Stanley Harrison)

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.

Thanks to all of those who kept us up to date, tried so very hard to give Barbara a chance to continue to live, and to the owners, who shared their hearts with the world.

I've checked on this site since right after the Preakness and while I haven't participated, have become very well informed regarding not only Barbaro, but horse slaughter & rescue issues, and so on.

Thanks, Alex. Thanks for those who posted. Good luck and God speed you all.

I am a civilian working in Iraq, fell in love with and followed Barbaro since the Preakness.

This evening while eating and watching TV with great young Americans of the United States I saw images of Barbaro. I quickly got up and went to the TV to find out that what I had feared for so long had finally happened.

An empty sadness sank deep inside of me; I was no longer hungry.

I live around and eat with great American soldiers, sailors, and airmen who strive to protect a country that has a spirit as great as Barbaro's.

I see his same "spirit of greatest" in the faces of your sons, daughters, fathers, and wives who are over here.

They, like Barbaro, live in and seek higher levels of greatness in themselves, their country and their families.

If I wasn't living in this land where the killing of innocent children by savages and the death of beautiful Americans has become so common place I would have spent time crying over the passing of this majestic creature.

That great spirit within Barbaro should be an example to those of us willing to make an attempt at duplicating it in our lives through building a better world (like these Americans around me are attempting) or at least teaching our children to reach for a higher level of achievement than is common place.

That uniqueness which captured the soul of a nation lay in Barbaro's unflinching confidence that his best effort would always be enough to be a winner.

We humans have so much to learn from him.

God Bless America,Our Armed Forces,and Our Barbaro

My deepest sympathies to the Jacksons, Michael Matz, the New Bolton drs. and staff, you all gave Barbaro every chance that his valiant spirit required, and knew when to let him go in peace. I hope this tragedy will encourage reforms to track surfaces and training to save other thoroughbreds from Barbaro's fate.

Gwenn

Barbero you are running free now.... No more surgeries. You are running in God's pastures as fast as you can with Big Red.

We will always remember you for your courage and bravery and the hope you gave us.

I don't know about you all, but I think I would feel better about Bobby's passing if I knew that it were Bobby's choice to say goodbye. He WAS still bright-eyed, eating and nibbling at fingers. I have to trust that it was the right decision at the right time. Can anyone please help me to feel better about this?

I have never posted before, but have checked in daily since last May. Beautiful Barbaro was put on this earth for a reason and a purpose: animals are teachers and an inspiration to us humans. Barbaro is an Old Soul; I believe we will experience his spirit again. He is not gone but will live forever.

I never posted or commented before but I have always read your site for months on how Barbaro has been doing! I now feel the need to comment.

I would like to thank you Alex for keeping everyone informed all these months. It is so deeply appreciated!

Barbaro, Mrs. & Mrs. Jackson, Dr. Richardson and the New Bolton staff, Michael Matz, Edgar Prado and everyone else involved my heart goes out to all of you.

Barbaro will now rest in peace!

Linda Jones, Philadelphia, PA

Ruth Stacey, I was just thinking of that myself, on how fast it happened, Friday he was the chipper-nipper, I guess that's what makes this so hard. I'm sure it was the right choice, but I hope he had a say in it.

Judy

What just makes this so hard for me is that just a month ago talk was of Barbaro leaving New Bolton. It is just so shocking that this is what happened. If he had been doing badly and not so well just a month ago. It is just so hard to believe.

Barbaro, YOU ARE STILL SIMPLY THE BEST. So many lives were touched by your spirit. It is hard to let you go but I know you are in a better place where there is no discomfort and you can run to your heart's content. Enjoy Heaven Barbaro. Bells are ringing...this angel found his wings.

####

Cheryl G

Thank you so much for letting us know about the bit on ESPN...it was really great to see.

Leslie in MN I am at work too. The calls keep coming in. The work keeps piling up but I can't even breathe let along work.

I really don't know how to feel better right now.

I love you Barbaro and will miss you terribly.

You were such a noble, strong, courageous horse.
Far better than some humans.

Rest in peace my baby boy.

Susan

Judy,
I had always felt all long that Barbaro would let us know when HE has had enough. He sooooo wanted to live! It tears my heart out to think that this choice was made for him and not with him, although I do have great faith in his owners and caregivers. Maybe last night was worse for him that we know.

Leslie and Marie ... I am at work also. Thankfully my boss is OOT. I feel like I have a rock on my chest!

RIP Sweet Boy. :-(

For Barbaro and all those who his spirit has touched, honour and courage can be defined by you. Your miracle of life inspired global hope. To the Jacksons, Dr. Richardson and team, thank you for caring sharing this gift, who will always be the unforgettable BARBARO.

Ruth, I know what you mean, I keep thinking of his bright eyes and great appetite, well just everything, but I know deep down that everyone involved in the decision did what the felt the best for Barbaro, but it is still sooooooooooooo
hard, I keep crying and everyone keeps looking at me but I don't care, I'll shed my tears anyway.

I love you Big Boy, run free

Mary Langkamp ... You get it!!! All I can say is that it is God's will, and who am I to question God? I don't think anything is going to make me feel better about losing our Precious Boy, except maybe time!

Lets light lots of candles for the Jacksons and for Dr. Richardson. They're still soldiering on, lots for them to deal with.

Marydel in Colorado

Judy, but why so fast??? What happened???

Some day we may ride bareback, confident and rejoicing, those greater mounts, those winged, shining and world-shaking horses which perhaps even now expect us with impatience, pawing and snorting in the King’s stables.
CS Lewis

Thank you to Tim and Peter for sharing your website and all your updates over the last 8 months. You are truly very special caring people who share the "love of Barbaro". We were all united by a courageous horse who was truly a champion in every sense of the word. Let us not soon forget how Barbaro showed us how much we humans have to learn from our animal companions on this earth -- a lesson well-learned -- I Believe!! And we all believed together.....in Barbaro!!!!

Ruth, Marie,

Yes...the rock is on me too.

A co-worker just popped his head into my office and said "our 2:30 meeting today has been cancelled" I starred blindly past him and said "okay"

After he left my office I turned my head to the sky and grinned and said "Thanks Barbaro" ....

Thank you, Alex. I'll never forget what you and Tim did for all Barbaro fans. Thank you to the Jacksons, to Dr. Richardson and to all the staff at New Bolton for doing everything that could be done to save our beloved Barbaro and for letting him go when he could not live without pain. My heart is breaking and the tears won't stop, but Barbaro is free of pain now. I'll always love you, Barbaro. Rest in peace, brave horse.

Ruth,

I think your answer lies in the report first thing this morning that Barbaro had a bad night last night. I imagine we'll hear more from the press conference, but one article also quoted Dr. R. as saying he had not laid down in two+ days. I would take that as an indicator of his comfort/pain level. Even immediately following his accident, he laid down and got up on his power, when he felt the need. It would appear he didn't feel comfortable enough any more to do this.

If I'm not mistaken, I also read where there were the beginnings of laminitic changes in his front feet. Based on his experience in july and every laminitic horse I've ever seen, progressing to full blown laminitis would have been inevitable (assuming there were changes occuring) and excrutiating. That would have been something from which he couldn't recover (can't rest one and allow it to heal when the other three need the same, a horse can't go on "bed rest", they need their legs and feet to support them). From what I've read and IMO, they knew it was coming and chose to end things when he could go with dignity and in a lesser amount of pain rather than waiting for the new problems to progress.

Again, that's just my educated opinion, but I'll be surprised if it's not fairly accurate (unless there were even MORE problems than we're currently hearing). Putting down an animal that appears happy is probably one of the hardest things to do, but those who loved him saw what was in his immediate future and made the decission to spare him the pain of waiting until his spirt was as defeated as his body.

He truely went out fighting. I take more comfort in knowing he was spared the agony of further complications than knowing he was in enough pain to have given up.

Remember you guys who we are talking about. This is the