A Museum. What a beautiful tribute.

####

Philly paper had the cremation article. was told to them from Mrs jackson. I am all for cremation, all my animals have been cremated. It is not disrepectful to do so, and done with dignity and respect for the animal and the owner. My daughter has visited a crematory here in Ohio and was HIGHLY impressed.

It is and was the Jackson's choice to make, and more "popular" in todays world than what it was even 10 or 20 yrs ago.

JMHO...

Alex, it's bitter cold here where I am. Sub-zero temps with wind chill right now. But wait....I take that back....it's supposed to get to, like, 14 today. Break out the shorts and sandals.

I'll make a deal with you. Dawn in Omaha, Linda R in Bellevue, and me.....we'll keep the cold, bitter temperatures here if you keep the site open. We have far, far too much to do here.

Deal?

Alex....please lets continue this site in the name of Barbaro. We have much work to do in the upcoming weeks and we cannot lose this place!

I'm sorry for Kathy Anderson, and you, and all who actually got to meet the Great Champ. I can only imagine...and I who never met him still cannot put my contacts in today for all the crying!

My father called me this morning to check on how I am doing. He has rolled his eyes at me for the last 8 months during this journey. And today I felt him doing it through the phone too. I guess it was nice of him to call, but when he said "well, you just have to get on with things" in a hollow sort of way it was not comforting in the least. It's so great to have all of you guys here who understand. I just don't think I could get through this without all of the FOBs here.

Good Morning, All,

I think a Barbaro Museum would be a wonderful tribute to our hero. I would surely travel there to visit.

Take care all FOBs. Remember that we are not alone - we have each other to help us through this sad time.

Love,
Sue and Walter
xoxox

Please, please, Please, let us follow the Jackson's lead. In loving memory of Barbaro, let's get this amendment passed and end horse slaughter in America.

Please contact your Senators and Representative and make your voices heard!

Barbaro, always in my heart.

KATHIE: I echoed much of the same feelings yesterday, in a very long post, that you have today. That's why it has shaken me to the core. (My post was under Update 192, for Jan. 30, Timestamp: 6:25 pm).

My whole time on this site I spoke affirmations of healing and health for him. Never wavering. Never doubtful.

But as I mentioned in my post yesterday, I had had a dream, right after the Preakness, that he would be euthanized. A dream which I told no one. A dream which I knew, could not come true.

So, my only answer to you, which is how I answered it to myself, in yesterday's post, was that despite our prayers and affirmations, Barbaro's fate had already been sealed. The universe...God...whatever...had already ordered it. "So let it be written. So let it be done".

Of course, this explanation elicits other, more troubling questions...about prayer...about God...things we cannot hope to answer. Not even the best theological minds can answer them. For whatever reason, what happened, was meant to happen, and no amount of praying was able to alter the course of events.

Like you, I'm really not wanting to feel better. I'm wanting answers, which will never come.

please keep this site going alex, i love reading about fair hill doings and there are many barbaro inspired projects to be reported on
you have been alifeline for those who cared about barbaro so i want to thank you for that from the bottom of my heart
karen

I remember last summer I gave you guys a bit of a chuckle when I likened our "condition" to that of the charature that Richard Dreyfuss plays in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" Our families starring at us in disbelief as we carve images of Barbaro out of mashed potatoes...LOL. Being inexplicably drawn to something and have absolutley no idea how we came to be here, and everyone else around us thinks we are coo-coo.

Someone stated earlier this week that after months of wondering about this same thing, they just decided to relax and just go with it. Same with me. I cant explain it. I'm here and thats it.

Which brings me to an important point about something that happen to me in my grieving sessions yesterday evening. Like all of you, I am experiencing deep deep emotional pain. After watching Larry King, I was still extremely distraught. I was alone last night as my husband was at work. In my grief, I said to myself, "OKAY THAT'S IT....I'M DONE!! I just want to go back to my normal life ...they way I was before I even knew Barbaro!. I am walking away from this..I just want to forget about all of this! Why did this happen to me??! WHY!!! Where is the lesson here? I am going to just fade away back to where I belong".

WOW huh? That's me up there saying those things. I am a Barbaro Ambassador for the state of MN no less....Fortunantly I snapped myself back into reality and realized immediatley how selfish and immature this was..but the feelings cant be denied. I had to let myself work through them.

If any of you are feeling this way, I guess I would say, let yourself go for a while and then try to slowly take a moment, step back, and really think about how your life has changed by this and where you want to take yourself.

I have decided to fly on Bobby's angel wings and get back into the game right along with you.
This story is FAR from over folks. Lets enjoy it together.

Leslie in MN

Hi Guys......
Tribute To Barbaro
Champion of Hope

First Saturday in May, a charge fills the air,
In Kentucky they gather, a most splendid affair.
The Run for the Roses, mere hours away,
As twenty colts vie to be champion this day.

Some colts seem anxious, aware of the task,
Some balk and some bray, while some seem to bask.
But asleep in his paddock, a champion sublime,
The unconcerned Barbaro, enjoys some peacetime.

As post time draws near, and the horses are saddled,
The once sleeping Barbaro, appears to be rattled.
He starts to act up, his groom works to console,
In a moment the horse is brought under control.

The Post Parade finished, they load at the gate,
The unbeaten Barbaro wears number eight.
With seven to left, and eleven to right,
The start gates crash open, twenty youngsters take flight.

The front stretch is blazed in the blink of an eye,
One-hundred thousand faithful watch them rush by.
The field rounds the turn, down the backstretch they bound,
Halfway to the roses, halfway to the Crown!

Five furlongs cleared, and the noise starts to churn,
Moving faster and faster into the far turn.
The crowd starts to rise like a wave on the sea,
Which colt will move up, which one will it be?

Around the last turn and they charge into sight,
One horse pulls ahead, and seems up to the fight.
A thundering bay is now leading the field,
Digging in like a steam shovel, a champion revealed!

His rider has no need to go to the whip,
This magical colt has run his perfect trip.
The others are fading, as if they all know,
Today there's no way they can catch Barbaro!

The bay locomotive explodes to the line,
The next best has slipped seven full lengths behind!
A deafening roar now erupts from the fans,
Who all sense the magic they've watched from the stands.

A Derby performance unseen sixty years,
Has rekindled dreams that bring many to tears.
Twenty-eight years since the crown has been worn,
Twenty-eight years of dreams tattered and torn.

Nineteen brave contenders have given their all,
And nineteen contenders have taken a fall,
But now there is one for whom destiny waits,
In a blanket of roses, it's Barbaro the Great!

For weeks people speak of him breaking the drought,
His romp to the roses leaves little to doubt.
The shadow of Slew, of Big Red and Affirmed,
Will finally give way to perfection confirmed.

The Pimilico track is awash in the glow,
In the paddock sits larger-than-life Barbaro.
The undercard races tick down like a clock,
As the Preakness approaches the faithful take stock.

He's led from the paddock and joins the parade,
As thousands anticipate history made.
The gates are all loaded and all that remains,
Is a mile and sixteenth, and a seventh field tamed.

With millions now watching, a cruel twist of fate,
A single bay colt breaks alone from the gate.
An audible gasp echoes over the track,
As his rider fights hard just to hold the horse back.

To the amazement of all, the fortunes have changed,
For the great Champion Barbaro, and his fate prearranged.
He's led back around, and again loads the gate,
Can this champion regroup from a tragic mistake?

The gates are flung opened, they bolt down the track,
Barbaro breaks cleanly, and he's running mid-pack!
There's hope after all for this champion renowned,
To reel them all in before shutting them down!

But another groan rings out, with cries of despair,
Barbaro has pulled up, and dread fills the air.
With his right hind leg shattered, he struggles to run,
The pack draws away quickly, the dream is undone.

Six races finished, and six races won,
His only defeat, in a race never run.
But now a new challenge, a new field of strife,
Confronts this bold champion: a race for his life.

With the prayers of the faithful, and the odds stacked against,
His crestfallen owners spare no expense.
For his chance to survive this disastrous blow,
The New Bolton doctors do all that they know.

For eight months he battles through every travail,
As millions hold hope that he'll somehow prevail.
This horse with no rival upon the racetrack,
Continues to carry such hope on his back!

But every great champion faces the day,
When no more contenders stand in their way.
When no more mountains, exist for to move,
When finally, at last, there is nothing to prove.

With all of his races on earth finally done,
This bold, gallant hero continues to run.
With Big Red, Slew and Affirmed by his side,
His legacy: Hope! Barbaro did provide.

I Love you Barbaro........ Dr. Richardson and Alex thank you for doing all you have done to provide the best for all of us. Alex you rock and Dr. Richardson you are awesom...... You tried harder than humanely capable to save our beautiful colt. You KNEW it was time and I thank you for listening to Barbaro.... I only wish that he had been listened to the day of the Preakness........

God Bless you all.................

Morning different type of skritches to the Big Boss Horse of Forever.

####
FsOB:
Hard as it is, this is the perfect opportunity to make our push. If Mrs. Jackson has the presence of mind and composure to open this door, we owe it to her and her horse to follow her lead.

I'm reposting ShelleyA, Debra, WI from this morning. Look what they got for us!!!

THIS JUST IN....A STATEMENT SENT TO US FROM SENATOR LANDRIEU...

Debra,
Here is a statement from Senator Landrieu -

"Barbaro was an inspiration not only to equestrians and horse lovers, but to all Americans. I hope that his memory will serve as added motivation in our continued fight for the safety and welfare of horses,and his legacy will serve as an inspiration to get the Virgie S. Arden
American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act passed through Congress."

Senator Landrieu
----------------------------------------

For those of you who watched Larry King, you saw that even through the grief of her loss, Gretchen Jackson made a valiant effort to make the public aware of the horse slaughter issue in this country. If she can do it, so can we! The publicity we received tonight from Mrs. Jackson and Bo Derick is invaluable. We must "strike while the iron is hot". Mrs. Jackson did that and she has asked us to do the same.

While I know we are all overwhelmed by our loss, this is the time to make our voices heard. Millions of people heard about the horrors of horse slaughter on Larry King tonight and we cannot let this opportunity get away from us.

In Barbaro's honor, please contact your representatives and urge them to join us. This is also the time to contact everyone you know and ask them to do the same. Everyone has been following this story for two days and we now have the attention of the entire country!!

PLEASE, we know how hard it is to rally but we would be wrong not to seize the moment. Barbaro would expect no less of us. Let's not fail him.

Shelley and Debra

Posted by: Debra, WI at January 31, 2007 3:01 PM

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

A museum!!!! Way to go! What a wonderful idea. Would love to be a part of something like this. Even some hands on with working on it.

Everyone,
There is a video called Barbaro:Farewell on the same site as that mentioned by Alex earlier this morning. Will try to post the URL but I am not too good with things like this so give it a try yourselves. You will need a box of kleenex, but I believe it is outstanding and beautiful. Best to all.

Alex I think everyone is in agreement we would love this site to continue. We have lots to do to make the world a better place for our horses.

To me that is Barbaro's legacy.

Anything I can do to help with the site, I am willing. Financial support whatever.

Agree 100% with Lor in PA's post: "Please, please, please, let us follow the Jackson's lead. In loving memory of Barbaro, let's get this amendment passed and end horse slaughter in America.

Please contact your Senators and Representative and make your voices heard!

###
Sheila,
While your dad's comments to "get on with things" may not have felt comforting to you, try to listen to the feelings in his heart that are behind those words. He called you because he is worried about you and he does not want to see you unhappy. I think that is just the sweetest thing. For those of us who's daddies are in Heaven, please thank yours for caring.
And yes, please know that we are all here to support you -- and each other -- through this difficult time. Pain shared is less than pain borne alone.
Hugs to all who are Missing Barbaro.

FOBs--As stated below, I generally don't waste my time on things of this nature, but after reading the LA Times editorial by TJ Simers, I'd pretty much had enough. It's a long letter for someone that I'm sure has a short attention span, but it will be forwarded to him as well as the editor of the LA Times--for what it's worth. . .

Mr. Simers:

I generally wouldn’t waste my time writing a response to a throw-away sports column, but I found your January 30th piece “Grieving for Barbaro. . .” to be so crass and tasteless, and most importantly, such an insult to the fine people closest to Barbaro, that I felt compelled to respond. After reading your bio, I have to wonder why a columnist with your background would choose to write to an audience of the lowest common denominator. The mouth-breathing dregs of society who live for any chance to ridicule, harass, humiliate and abuse anyone with compassion and humanity, that sit in their parent’s basements waiting for this type of swill to feed on.

Was Barbaro courageous? He was a damn exceptional horse, but it’s impossible to assign so-called “human” emotions to an animal. However, when you checked out “courage” in the dictionary, a picture of Barbaro’s trainer, Michael Matz, should have been there. This is a man who put his own life at risk pulling three children from the burning jetliner that crashed in Sioux City, IA in 1989 that killed 112 people. If ever a guy “deserved” the joy of winning the Kentucky Derby, let alone the Triple Crown, it was Michael Matz. Who among us wouldn’t want the best horse he’ll ever race to pull through?

You could’ve seen Edgar Prado’s photo next to “courageous” when you looked it up. One of the most respected jockeys in the sport, he could’ve saved his own neck and bailed off the second he heard the leg snap and just let Barbaro run himself to death and maybe take a few other horses and riders with him. Instead, he stayed on, slowed the horse and literally held him up on the track. Who wouldn’t want to see the best horse he’ll ever race pull through?

As for Barbaro alive being “worth a lot of money in the breeding shed”, he was worth $20 million bucks in insurance money if they’d put him down on the track and walked away. Instead, the Jacksons wanted the best horse they’d ever raced to pull through.

You spent a couple of minutes cutting and pasting a few posts from a message board in an effort to make all of us that cared about Barbaro look like a bunch of “desperate housewives” anthropomorphizing this animal. I’m a woman who knows horses and horse racing—won the $587 exacta in the Derby thanks to Barbaro and Bluegrass Cat. Since you asked, here are two horses that died in the last year: Lost in the Fog—one of the best sprinters of all time, and Pine Island— a filly nominated for an Eclipse award that broke down in the Breeder’s Cup.

Want more? I can start naming every horse that broke down at Arlington this year, but instead, I’ll just segue-way to the fact that thousands of Fans of Barbaro have now been made aware of the dangers of dirt tracks, and in part as a result of his accident, poly and Tapeta tracks are being installed at facilities around the country. People who never realized horses were slaughtered in this country before they heard of Barbaro are now working for the passage of HR503 and S311—the anti-slaughter bills. $1.2 million at last count has been raised for the U of Penn’s New Bolton Center and Laminitis Research Fund and a veterinary scholarship has been established in Barbaro’s name at the U of Florida. Thousands of dollars have been donated to horse rescues and humane societies around the country by the Fans of Barbaro, not to mention donations to a 6 year old child battling brain cancer and to Mike Rea—a horse trainer who suffered a severe brain injury last spring.

But come on, it’s just a HORSE—right TJ? In your sophomoric attempt to upset fans by comparing Barbaro to road kill, you completely missed the point of why this animal was and still is important. Long after the bottom-feeders who delight in mocking compassion have moved on to their next “victim”, those of us who cared about a racehorse named Barbaro will still be working for positive change. It’s called The Barbaro Effect.

Leslie-
Hold still so I can pinch you really hard! Stand still I say! Girl, you need to get a real southern style smackdown on your heiney! You are way too important and viable helpful person to even threaten to quit on us now! Do not make me come up there and get you...I will. I do not have any MN type clothes, but I can find some! I am shaking you now, like a lil ragdoll;'-'/.,%^$@&*&*)_ those are what shaking looks like-LOL So are we okay now, Ms. Ambassador? Do not make me have to threaten you again, MS. Prissy pants! :0)

Renee, I know his whole body would be cremated, but there is something about the whole cremation process that freaks me out. Just my feeling!

Ruth Stacey:
Go to 12:13pm post by Mary from Update 193

I'm torn between wanting to share my sadness and wanting to honor the Jackson's wish to stay positive.

So I'll try to keep my mouth shut about my own pain and say that I'm happy they are thinking of keeping Barbaro in their area.

Although it's none of my business, I thought about it a lot yesterday.

It occurred to me that Barbaro was more a story about love than a story about winning. Even winning for him seemed to be an act of love. Love for running, love for his connections, love for the joy of competition - all of it.

I'd be thrilled if they erected a statue in his honor at Churchill Downs, but buried his ashes in the place he was most loved by those who knew him - on the days he was winning, and on the days he wasn't.

Alex, I was so grateful for this site when Barbaro was still alive. I'm even more grateful for it now.

When Barbaro was having a good day, It didn't matter so much if I wasn't. I miss him profoundly
(sorry Mr. & Mrs. J, I just had to say that)

Dadgummit, Nina. Now I AM about to bawl with that one. He was a special colt, no doubt. Blessings to all from the Gates of Eden.

Spirit Horse,
I enjoy your posts and I understand them.Only God knows why he took him and we have to live knowing that.At least he was saved from horrible suffering.
I had always had feeling different from yours that he would make it. Sunday and Monday were different, I sat here at work at my desk and had a horrible feeling Monday in my chest and I got blurry about the time Barbaro was put down. I had an idea at the time what it was, I do know now what the feeling was. Thank you for your posts. My Native American ancestory takes over quite a bit.

###
Renee ... Did you see this post: Ruth

Philly paper had the cremation article. was told to them from Mrs jackson. I am all for cremation, all my animals have been cremated. It is not disrepectful to do so, and done with dignity and respect for the animal and the owner. My daughter has visited a crematory here in Ohio and was HIGHLY impressed.

It is and was the Jackson's choice to make, and more "popular" in todays world than what it was even 10 or 20 yrs ago.

JMHO...

Posted by: Mary L Ohio at January 31, 2007 3:58 PM

I just came from the candle site (gratefulness.org)

Barbaros candles are very low, many short ones that look like they will go out soon.

Foggys candels are very low, he is down to 130

Candels for Mary S are few

I'm not ready yet to let their candles go out.
Perhaps there are others of you who feel the same way.

##

Dawn, all I can say is "Wow". Very powerful.

Good morning everyone--

I was thinking, when I read an article about Mr. Matz and that he had "Go Barbaro" bumper stickers on a couple of vehicles---

How about if we make a bumper sticker that says,

"BE LIKE BARBARO"

????? How cool would that be? Proceeds to go to laminitis of course???

LOL

OK Dora!! That must have been you shaking me back to reality last night!!!

OOUWWEEE!! Dang IT! Geeze! You aint no Chipper Nipper! LOL

:)

For All Of Us who Love Barbaro
I dedicate this story.

Barbaro was having another bad day, he hadn’t slept well. Even with the pain medicine he still hurt. His legs hurt, all of them, his back hooves hurt. He hurt all over and he was tired. He loved all the people here at NBC, especially Dr Richardson, but he was tired of these four walls, he wanted to go outside and feel the warm sun again. He loved his mom more than anyone, she knew him better than anyone, and bless her heart, she always had the blue tote with the fresh Lael grass. Lately, he didn’t even much feel like eating, but he did to please her, He always tried to put on a show of feeling good for mom, even trying to nip her occasionally to make her smile. He loved to see mom smile.
But still, the truth was he hurt and he wanted Dr Richardson to make him well, once and for all.

When Dr Richardson came that morning, he had his “procedure” face on. Here we go again, Barbaro thought. Another surgery, I’ll wake up in the swimming pool. I sure hope Dr R has the cure for me this time.

When Barbaro started waking up, he felt something tickling his nose and when he tried to open his eyes there was a light so bright it almost blinded him. The light felt wonderful, it was so warm, and it was hard to describe, the light felt like love. It surrounded him and felt so good, like all the hugs his mom had ever given him. When his eyes adjusted to the light more things became aware to Barbaro.

He wasn’t in a pool ,he was in a field of clover and buttercups and the tickle on his nose was a butterfly!He also noticed he felt no pain, his crooked legs were straight again ,his hooves were well ! Dr R had done it, he remembered now the last thing DrR had said….Barbaro when you wake up you’ll be good as new!
The Light he felt, he now knew was GOD himself, the Creator of all life.

God himself welcomed him to Rainbow Bridge. He explained to Barbaro it is here that all animals wait for their human keepers
So they can cross the bridge to Heaven together.

Barbaro had never seen so many horses, dogs, cats, animals and birds of every kind, large and small. Everyone got along, no one was sick and all made him feel loved and at home.

A couple of the horse who greeted him were there by special permission from God, they had already crossed over the Bridge but wanted to welcome Barbaro. Barbaro knew of the legendary stores of Man O War, Seabiscuit and War Admiral, here they were to say hello. There were also a couple donkeys that came to greet him. One once carried pregnant Mary into Bethlehem, the other one had carried Jesus in to Jerusalem.

Barbaro was so happy to be here. He thought this has to be the greatest place in all the world . He spent the afternoon racing Secretariat to the fence and eating clover with Lost in the Fog. Yes, he was very busy his first day at the bridge, he even learned he could FLY!! He always knew he could run fast, now he’d become a horse angel and he could fly!! He could look down on Earth and see all the people who loved him. He could finally put names and faces together. All the FOB that had faithfully loved and prayed for him, sent him cards and letters , baskets of flowers, apples and carrots, pears and those green mints he loved.
He was happy but they all looked sad. He wanted to yell to them,
“Hay, it’s me, Barbaro,I’m well. Your prayers have been answered. Don’t be sad.”

Barbaro had had a long day. He thought it was time to go to sleep.But before he did he had one thing he had to do.

Hello Laurie H,
I know it’s been a long day, you look sad & tired. Why don’t we get your blanket.. Honey, tonight I’m going to cover you with my blanket, the sage cashmere one you gave me, it’s always been my favorite. Don’t be sad, Laurie, God made me well.
Tonight, We’ll pull the blanket high on your neck so you can feel my love for you. As you sleep the dream angel will come. Guess what, Laurie, it will be me! I’m your dream angel now. Sometimes when you’re just waking up, and you feel a tickle on your nose or a hair across your face,you’ll know I’ve been there to check on you. That tickle is my mane touching your face.
Shhh time to go to sleep. I’ll be here for you every night when you sleep.

XOXOxoxo Barbaro

That being taken care of Barbaro could finally lay down to sleep himself. He wanted to dream about the First Saturday in May,the day he and his pal Edgar had run the very best race. He could still remember Edgar’s hand on his mane, the smell of roses, his mom’s hug and he fell asleep hearing the song thousands sung that day…

Weep no more, my lady
Oh weep no more, today,
We sill sing one song for
My Old Kentucky Home
For My Old Kentucky Home
Far Away………………….

I love you Barbaro
Harriette Brillianthawk in Lexington

reposted from 1-29-07

To the Jacksons,Dr Richardson,staff at NBC,Alex & Tim and all of the fans of Barbaro, a Native American Prayer to always remember this beautiful animal's life:
IAM WITH YOU STILL
I give you this one thought to keep...
Iam with you still, I donot sleep..

Iam a thousand winds that blow.
Iam the diamond glints in the snow.
Iam the sunlight on ripened grain.
Iam the gentle autmn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush
Iam the swift uplifting rush of quiet
birds in circled flight.
Iam the soft stars that shine at night.

Donot think of me as gone...
Iam with you still in each new dawn.

Becky & the Meezers,

Point taken. I do appreciate his phone call but I know he doesn't really understand why I have been so caught up in this. However, you are right. He cared enough to check on me. Thanks for the reminder.

Nina,
You have to remember that everything was positive with Barbaro,until Sunday night. Dr. Richardson said he had a lot of good days. Don't look to the dark that is not there.

DAWN IN OMAHA: WOW! What great writing!! I hope they print it! Thank you! It stopped my tears for a moment.

Yes Ruth I saw that. I am glad it was posted. Phew. At least he is whole.

First of all, thank you to Alex for continuing to keep this open (i hope it's for a LONG, LONG time). I'm not going to go into how I feel (it's as bad as all of you guys) but I would like to relate a message that I got from my Congressperson (I'm from Florida). She said (and I'm paraphrasing a little) that while she "understands my concerns about horse slaughter" she has a duty to protect the rights of people engaging in a legal business. I was able to snap out of my grief long enough to get almost uncontrollably angry. She completely missed the point: IT SHOULDN'T BE A LEGAL BUSINESS!! Clearly, I have my work cut out for me. I'm going to try to transfer my heartbreak into a letter-writing campaign that the energizer bunny couldn't match!!

I'm doing this for myself, for all of the horses out there that need help, for Mrs. Jackson, for the other FOBS and, mainly to honor Barbaro.

My best to Alex, M/M Jackson, Dr. R. and all of you FOB's that have been so important to me without even realizing it.

We have all hear it said “Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.”.

When I was a child, I had a toy called a viewfinder, it was like a tiny slideshow, you inserted a round disk into the viewer,clicked and another picture would appear..Think power point Circa 1950’s lol.. In my mind I have so many visual and word images brought forth by all of you and the one who unites us, Barbaro..

Barbaro eating buttercups on a lazy spring day
It’s all Barbaro in a sublime performance.
Edgar’s hand on a vein thickened neck
A blanket of roses
A warrior horse standing on three legs
Edgar’s hundred pounds bracing the weight of an 1100 pound horse
Dr ., please save this horse
Butterfly kisses on a velvet nose Dear Alex and FOB’s

Tears silently falling on thousand’s cheeks
A thespian turned veterinarian
A lady, mother, grandmother, wife, businesswoman, horsewoman, horse mom
Blue plastic tote with green grass
Lael colors of blue and green
The colors of Mother Earth
In the darkness and the light
A dancer poised on pointed toes
A veil of protection
Love and Light
All the fallen angels and their plight
Lost in the Fog , we remember with tears
Doctors speaking in a choked voice
People around the world praying on bended knees
Give us this day our daily bread
Pass the carrots and Praise the Lord
Prayers lifted on Angel’s wings
Remembered verses, Jesus Wept
Hoofray Across America and Why not this horse
All creatures’ great and small
Nimble lips picking treats from a stall ledge
Bouncing in a sling
Apples, red
Carrots with green tops
Green mints
Pears
Prayers
Nightly tuck-ins ever so sweet
Now I lay me down to sleep
Soft blanket caressing sick limbs
Wish on a star and the man in the moon
A fence line of posters
A florist delivery van
Our man on the scene, Alex Brown
Reiki masters and Navajo chants
Patron saints and candles glowing
Non-believers too, lighting candles
The first step, light from the darkness
Across the US and desert sands
Water from the Holy Land
No horse left behind
The River Thames, my sweet Baboo
In Jesus’ name for all time
God Bless Barbaro

GRIEF IS THE PRIC WE PAY FOR LOVE

repost from Jan 18

Dawn in Omaha

Bravo! Well said!

Hello,
I know some of us have been bothered by the theology involved with Barbaro's passing. I like to think that we all had a part in keeping him alive these past eight months, boistering his spirit and his body through the horrible July and giving him many more months of peace (as we all know, prayer has a masterful effect on mind and body) However, some time this month, it was decided by a higher power that he had to come home to heaven so that we might learn from him and, in his memory, fulfill our jobs on earth- at that point, our prayers and hopes gave him comfort as he departed. We were with him always and he knew it. Never doubt that he knows us all in spirit.
He cremation is just kind of scary because it seems so final- as if his body could have gotten up and walked again, which we all know is not the case. Barbaro does not live in that body/those remains anymore, so it is okay.
Ah, sigh. I'm at work and feeling pain. Whenever I see a picture or think of this site I feel pain.Be assured, this too will pass, and, like Ruffian, instead of feeling pain we will feel joy and inspiration at his photos.
Hang tough Barbaro Nation!

####

Dawn in Omaha--

STANDING OVATION. Bravo.

###
Leslie,

I actually went through those emotions Sunday when the last New Bolton update was posted. I had this really bad feeling what was coming next. I told myself I couldn't so this anymore. I have my own life to worry about. My own horse, dog, and cats to worry about. I was very angry too. Barbaro was fine just a few weeks earlier. How could this happen!

I didn't sleep at all Sunday night. Was late for work on Monday because of this sick feeling I had.

I have cried more the last couple of days than I have in years then last night I thought about my grandmother who died 2 weeks ago. She suffered for a very very long time before she died. Barbaro did not. We allow animals a dignity in death that humans many times don't get. That is our gift to them.

Now I am ready to fight and devote my time to fight the causes closest to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson because I owe it to them for giving Barbaro a peaceful and dignified death instead of the pain he would have gone through if kept alive.

Okay I am done. He are all in this together!

Miracle follows miracle, and wonders never cease.

Magnificent Steed!. We hold the vision of your wholeness and your balance - hind legs restored, perfect and complete - in vibrant good health.

The Light of God surrounds you
The Love of God enfolds you
The Power of God Protects you
The Presence of God watches over you
Wherever you are Barbaro, God IS.
Thank you God for the presence of Barbaro in my life.

Love, Light and Protection for Barbaro

Please light some candles for the awesome Spirit of The Fog

For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us…” Romans 8:38, 39

For the love of who you are
For the love of your spirit...

God Bless The Fog
I love you Fog

Love, Light and Protection for All The Bearers of The Light

prayers from Mary S and for Mary S
posted by Harriette for the Barbaro Nation

I remember when I put my first Irish Wolfhound down. And had decided on cremation. It was so hard that first time...but then my Vet told me, "It's just like walking into the sun." I can't tell you why, but this image has stayed with me all those years, through many hounds, many deaths and many cremations. Walking into the sun. I can see Barbaro doing this, outlined in brilliance, mane and (long) tail flaring in the solar wind....

I have come here every morning since I found the site days after the Preakness. Alex, we will all continue to come here, almost like gathering around a campfire. Holding out hands out to warm them and tell stories about this gallant colt and the people who loved him. He is safe now, surrounded by the Great Ones, the little ones--like the White Mare from the evil slaughterhouse--and all our racing greyhounds who came to Heaven from loving homes or careless owners....He is home now, we can only trust in that as we have trusted in each other...until we come home ourselves. Today I finally cried. I feel so for his loss on this earth, and for all who looked into his beautiful eyes and helped him through these months. I feel for Michael Matz and Peter and Edgar and Edwardo. The Jacksons: how they have shown us the way with their every step forward, always forward. What extraordinary people we have met on this Barbaro journey. And Alex, dear Alex, thank you and Tim's Fair Hill for giving all this emotion a home. We will go forward in Gretchen Jackson's steps, and the anti-slaughter bill WILL be passed this session of Congress in the name of Barbaro. Stay strong, stay focused. Keep reaching out to the world...

###

My last experience with cremation on a beloved Sheltie I had for 11 yrs before his hips went on him and he could no longer walk.. The place we choose for cremation is the best in Ohio. They contacted us when they received "Logan". Asked about his "life" and what he enjoyed doing. when I received Logan back in a beautiful wooden box, there was a great plaque on his box, quoting the words I told him. a card came with it, there was 1/2 heart with it. It said " We placed the other 1/2 of this heart with your beloved Logan as a token of his love and life he gave to you. May you find comfort in this and the Angel Ornament we also have sent with you. This angel symbolizes the Animal Angel that protects and guides our companions to the Rainbow Bridge..

They also place a memorial Marker in their special garden they have on the grounds. Each animal is awarded this honor and you are encouraged to visit and see it but they also send you a picture.

That was my great experience with cremation for my last dog.

## Dawn, I second Skyler's comment...wow...very powerful..I particularly liked the "bottom feeder" comment....no wonder the LA Times is in such trouble.

Anne at January: Trying to understand your feelings right now, however, it is not fair to put so much blame on horse racing and the track. Agreed the tracks need to be addressed, but we have human athletes on a daily basis who break legs from a variety of sports: football, soccer, basketball, hockey and the list goes on. Do we blame the surfaces? NO. Accidents happen, mishaps in horse racing happen. Children and adults break bones on a daily basis walking wrong, falling off a sidewalk or falling down - do we replace our streets??? NO. Barbaro's life ended due to the difficulties with LAMINITIS because horses are purely genetically unable to function without the use of 4 legs. Too much weight on ONE (or more) leg/s causes this dreaded disease - just the way it is and extensive research is being done on this. Barbaro SURVIVED his ordeal of a broken leg, extensively broken leg in 20+ places. His leg healed, he lived. Laminitis proved too much in the end. If he had not been uncomfortable in the left hind new cast, he might not have put so much weight onto his hind right leg causing that terrible abscess and bruising, then, with two hind legs hurting, he shifted his weight to his front legs - causing Laminitis once again on BOTH FRONT FEET. Horse racing did not CAUSE his death. Barbaro was bred, raised and ran like nothing I have ever seen. It was what he loved to do. Horse racing has been a sport centuries old - we enjoy what these magnificent horses were bred to do and treat them like royalty. Betting on horse racing is considered a hobby and sport - as is betting on car racing, football games, casinos, etc....well, I could go on, but Barbaro is not gone because of horse racing, Barbaro is gone because of a terrible disease which inflicts all horses - pet horses, work horses, all horses and not just racehorses......

I didn't really think it would be esier to deal with anytime soon and I can certainly say that it is not any easier today than on Monday.

I think of his last time on a race track - hobbling in horror - looking at those ahead of him probaly thinking that "if this didn't happen I'd be 4 - 5 lengths ahead of you by now."

I want to start thinking of the happier times in his life.

He was such a magnificent horse. Can someone please prove to me what would be impossible to prove - that there is an afterlife and Barbaro is there. It's too hard to deal wtih otherwise.

Thanks to Alex for this site. Don't know what I would have done without it. Hope it keeps going to honore Barbaro's legacy.

I think another great way to honor him is to donate to the UPenn Laminitis Reasearch Fund. Another lady on chat board suggested donating $29 per month to this fund (Barbaro was born on April 29 and passed over on January 29). I've made my donation this month, and urge everyone who can to do the same.

A cure must be found for laminitis. All the great surgeons in the world (and Dr. Richardson is one great surgeon)are pointless to heal horses who break their legs, unless a successful treatment or cure is found for laminitis. Please consider donating to the fund.

Love you Barbaro!! Will never forget you.

A Cat lover in Ohio who dearly misses Barbaro.

##

Harriette Brillianthawk, bless you.

I thought I was done crying. How beautiful your story is. I guess that's my cue to leave for awhile and go to lunch. I suddenly feel the need to drive to the barn and see my boy, make sure he's warm. Although he doesn't have nearly as great a blanket as the sage one Laurie gave to Barbaro.

What a gift your story is to all of us.

#### Skyler--thanks. I was in no mood to see a "journalist" perpetuating that kind of garbage. Barbaro and those who love him deserve better.

I'm with ya for keeping the cold here in Omaha if Alex will keep the site rolling on!

Thank you Harriette

prayers from Mary S and for Mary S
posted by Harriette for the Barbaro Nation

Julie L.

Good idea Julie! I would put it on my car.

Forgive me for posting my own comment again, but I still think this might be a good idea, and if nothing else I am going to get some made for my own personal use.

Good morning everyone--

I was thinking, when I read an article about Mr. Matz and that he had "Go Barbaro" bumper stickers on a couple of vehicles---

How about if we make a bumper sticker that says,

"BE LIKE BARBARO"

????? How cool would that be? Proceeds to go to laminitis of course???

Posted by: Julie L at January 31, 2007 4:19 PM

I am writing a letter to Michael Matz, here is what I have so far;

Dear Michael,

Please remember Barbaro as running free with all the great racehorses of the past, for that is surely what he is doing now. With four fast legs and a long flowing tail he is living in the next life pain free.

While he was here on earth, Barbaro had the most loving people around him, including you. He had the best life a horse could have, and if he can think back on his life now, he is saying "Thank you, Michael."

Thank you, Michael, for giving Barbaro his best chance to shine. I hope beyond hope that you get another that can take you to the Derby winner's circle and even farther.

I havet got farther than that yet.

Spirit Horse, aka Loretta--

I have gone through similar thought processes as in your post (timestamp 4:06) myself and come to the same conclusions. It's come up in my life before, but I wasn't really sure...until now.

It's the ages old controversy regarding pre-destination vs. free will. There is a way to reconcile these two--I think it's the Hindus who have something of a handle on it, but this is perhaps not the time or place to go into that.

It is as if a devastating earthquake has shaken your own foundation and left it in shambles.

E-mail me privately (by clicking on my signature's link) if you would like to continue the discussion, although I have no answers, just empathy for what you're going through. I'm there too.

Nancy in CA

Hi Loretta A. I read your post at 3:41 PM timestamp. I still can't sleep or really eat.
I called Kennett Florist this morning and talked to Rachel. I sent some chocolate to his ICU nurses on Monday from "The FOBs" with our sincerest thank you for everything. I read today that Dr.R has not been able to bring himself to go to the ICU yet and see his stall but those gals have to still look at it 24/7. Rachel said the outside of NBC has all kinds of tributes and it indeed does look kind of like Graceland. Elvis was a King also. Both he and Bobby are SUPERSTARS the likes of which don't come around very often.

I like to think of our boy as having transitioned to what awaits him next in the universe. Like the metamorphisis of a butterfly. He is now connected to all things everywhere, including us. We are lonely because we are still in our limited mortal shells.

I am a big Star Wars fan and I think of Yoda's quote:

"Luminous beings are we - not this crude matter."

Cremation would be best if the museum idea comes to be. Moving a horse's burial site can't be easy.

I love the idea of a Museum. A lot of notible horses are from the area. My father remembered as a boy he saw Man O War at Riddle's place in Delaware County Pennsylvania.

And the Jacksons are from Chester County, where New Bolton is, where Smarty Jones was born, where the great Danzig and Storm Cat were born too.

just to name a few!

I'm ALL for bumperstickers! Need one on my car real bad, the old one, Jingles for Barbaro, just hurts too much to see right now.
I'm off to write a little paper! Let's see if I can finish it in...22 minutes... before class!
:)
Hard to get work done with so much grief.

He deserved the HONOR of being buried WHOLE. No matter where he was buried. This is the first time I have openly questioned anything the Jacksons have done.

This was wrong. Even Head, Heart, Hooves would have been better than this.

Heartbroken and now despirately disappointed, too.
Glenda

Okkk, Day 2 and crying again. Nina's poem yes how maybe if he had been pulled back after that gate. The champion just wanting so bad to win and get his job done. We will never forget.

I keep thinking about the nonprofit foundation woven into the Barbaro fund at New Bolton which would tie with the museum. Another thing before ppl make tacky Barbaro things, Is to enure his name and any items can not be sold without the Jackson's approval. A thought would be some very classy T shirts, tanks for summer and long sleeved polos with a photo of our Prince Barbaro (he is so handsome after all) and maybe one side where he is air born in his victory. The Lael Stables and BARBARO. Funds going to the museum fund? A thought.

That tacky LA Times sports writer was at it again today. I think I may just cancel my times subscription.

Well with Barbaro and his loved ones in my heart it is back to work. Nina your poem was awesome.

Attention: Karen -TN

In reference to the recent post from Karen in TN
concerning the obnoxious Sports Talk Radio station 104.5 - The Zone, in Nashville this morning ridiculing Barbaro fans, etc...

I sent a complaint to the station as follows:

"I thought it was so disrespectful for your announcers, Wycek & the others, to ridicule the recent passing of a great horse racing Champion Barbaro. It's so unfortunate, for this type of ridicule to come from within a city that is surrounded by horse lovers. It is an embarrasment to Nashville. Show some class like they are doing in the quality Newspaper articles in this nation. Such as http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/16577370.htm I think you owe the public an apology.

I always thought Frank Wycek had some class... now I know differently. It's a shame that I had to learn of this on other boards across the nation, that are reporting the ridicule of a champion such as Barbaro was. Believe me, the nation hears of such verbiage coming across the air from your station."

We love you Barbaro!

Dawn -- what an incredible message. thank you so much for sending it.

for all of us who are having a brutal time with this, Jackie's message about the theology of Barbaro's passing is important. "why" is the worst question in the world -- it takes so much energy and we will never, ever be satisfied with the answer.

the question that will help us out of our grief is, "what are we going to do about it?" how do we live in the light of his incredible old soul.

I wonder if this is why the tormenters still show up with their spiteful and mocking words. they don't begin to have the guts to live with grief -- certainly not enough to be transformed by the beauty of a life they don't understand.

but that's why we keep coming back to this board. this is the hardest thing there is -- to move through grief, to let ourselves be changed by something we don't understand and cannot control -- and to let Barbaro's light shine through each of us.

this is the best work humans do. for all these months we've been saying, Believe in Miracles - Believe in Barbaro -- well, this is what it looks like to believe.

There are some GREAT photos of Barbaro on Sabina Pierces web site. Somebody mentioned it earlier the site is www.sabinalouisepierce.com. She was Barbaros photographer at New Bolton. I still cant believe that he is gone!!! I will really miss him! I am sure the folks at New Bolton are having a very hard time getting through this. They were with Barbaro every day. Its hard to believe that he was unable to recover. There will hopefully be a cure some day for lamenitis-what a terrible, terrible disease!

Thanks for the post Alex, a Museum what a great idea!

######
RENEE: I'm part Native American too -- part Cherokee. I think that's why my dreams are so accurate.

And despite my very early dream -- right after the Preakness -- that foretold he would be euthanized, I could not imagine him not making it. My conscious mind felt he would have to survive. Unfortunately, my subconscious knew the truth.

I hope a book is released with all of Barbaro's pictures in it. I would love that.

A must read essay/article in the Philadelphia Inquirer today -- it sounds like the author is a frequent visitor to this website.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/16587484.htm

I was touched and deeply moved by the article and thank her for sharing her feelings with us.

Hi all,
I wrote a rather long post that I finally hit "send" on, and then Alex went and posted an update and it is sort of left hanging high and dry on the previous update.

If you dont' want to go back and read, my main point was that I sent email to the Larry King show yesterday and it was the one he read to the Jacksons. When I said '....and we are all so sad along with you" in my mind I was referring to the FOB's because it is here I have come to every day since May 06 and rejoiced over Barbaro and now come to help deal with this pain.

Just think-if a little 'ole email from a FOB can be on the Larry King show, think of the power we have as a group to accomplish anti-slaughter legislation and who knows what else?!

For the love of Barbaro and all he brought to us,

Jenny

Everyone please remember..........

We trusted and supported the Jacksons throughout Barbaro's hospital stay.

None of us should second guess their decision regarding cremation vs burial.

It's their choice.

Thank you, Alex for keeping this site open. We have so much to accomplish in honor of Barbaro.
You have been so wonderful to all of us and we are very thankful.

I have thought long and hard about where Barbaro should be buried. Barbaro, after his accident, had all the love and care that he could possibly have received at New Bolton. Mr and Mrs Jackson, who he loved so much, visited twice a day and he was so very happy, nickering when he heard Mrs J's voice coming in! He had Michael and Peter come everyday to love and groom him. He had the best possible care from the New Bolton Staff. He spent time everyday with his best buddy, Dr. Richardson. He grazed in the fields surrounding the Center. I believe that for the very most time, he was a truly happy horse. How could he not be with so much love and caring surrounding him. We may all have different opinions and they are all honored by me, but I believe that his spirit remains at New Bolton. It would be so fitting that a Memorial Museum be built at the Center and his remains placed there. He is still our miracle in progress.

He inspires us every day to be the best we can be.

Sharri

### Harriette: Thank you for your re-post. I didn't see it the first time.

So beautiful -- I'm almost starting to feel better with your image of Barbaro "waking up with a tickle on his nose..."

You truly are gifted with words inspired by Barbaro to help make us feel better.

Always Believe In Barbaro!

######

KAREN,

Could not have said it better!! THANK YOU!!! I also sent an e-mail to the station this morning when I got to work. My Frank jersey, it will be torn up and thrown away as soon as I get home!

Karen - TN

how do you find closure I can't seem to stop hurting and i can't believe barbaro is gone i lost 2 ibs already marge

Spirit Horse,
I alwasy wanted him to go on to, but that small doubt always remained. Maybe a protection for my heart breaking. It did.

Barbaro was here for a reason, his work will continue as it should and he wil have a hoove in it.

I am Mic-Mac and Iroquois. Sunday I put my turquoise on, I needed to calm myself down and that always works.

#### Dawn,way to go, you really said a mouth full and I just love the way is was said.
YOU GO DAWN!!!!!!!!!!!

I am with the Jacksons. I cremated my dog as it seemed fitting to do. He was a LARGE dog and I was not sure where to bury him as a FINAL resting place. This enables me to take him anywhere with me and this also gives the Jacksons time to grieve and then figure out where Barbaro's remains will finally be laid to rest. His soul is running free, his body was the shell and the Jacksons should be respected for the decision they made. Frankly, it shows me sincerely that they completely loved this horse. No DNA was taken, no sperm, just the love for this horse. Barbaro was like their son and no dollar figure determined their mind to save him....very honorable.

Prayer for the Barbaro Nation

The wisdom, passion and fierceness of our love for Barbaro is without limits. May we take the energy of our sorrow and transform it into a unified tapestry of prayerful support, each in his or her own remarkable individuality contributing a thread here, a bit of wisdom here, a nugget of prayer there, until we create, in loving and united community, a powerful, uplifting web that carries on the right and perfect legacy that Barbaro gave us every day he lived. May we be inspired now by his courage to remain steadfast in ours. May his great, willing heart comfort our hearts now as we accept the truth of his journey. May we continue to grow with the strength of Barbaro, the fiery, passionate champion he was and is forever.

AMEN


FOBs, my heart aches today with the love we share for each other and this horse and his people. Each post today leaves me in awe of the beauty of all of you. I wish I could write to each of you and tell you how much this means to have you here... helping...how brilliant your messages. Thank you. Something huge is happening here. Heaven on earth. Thank you, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping me heal mine. Weeping with joy, loss and gratitude in Saratoga.(((FOBs)))

Marge Dowler,
It will happen in time.It is too new for all of us to deal with. We all need to give it time to sink in and then we can deal with the reality of what happened. We just need time...remember that and take what you need. Today I am very numb.

I just wanted to say thank you to Tim for starting this site- I don't post very often but I just wanted to share that Barbaro - and all the information from this site inspired me to 'reactivate' my love of horses that I had when I was a young girl. It also brought back some painful memories of a horse I used to love very much. I was too young to do anything about it - but I believe he ended up in a slaughter house. It broke my heart so much that I couldn't bear to get close to another horse.
Barbaro's brought me back to my true love and I finally feel like my life has that ONE thing it was missing.
I've bought into some Thoroughbreds at a local track and I'm happier than I ever have been. Yes - it's alot of money but - they bring me joy. I love them all.
Thank you to all...and I will do all I can to get that bill passed.
Jo, in VA

Mark - you're right - great article!

Skyler - I'm in on that deal! I'll be happy to "weather" some sub-zero temps if this site can stay open! Alex??

Linda R

####
Jenny form AZ - When Larry read the comment, I was so hoping it was from an FOB from TWR. It was beautiful. Thanks for representing the FOB's so eloquently :)

Glenda, there are some real sickos in the world - remember Monday and all the creeps who posted vile things on this site?

I would not put it past a deranged idiot to have tried to desecrate his grave if he was buried. I am glad they cremated his remains.

I am posting this story—something that happened to a very close friend of mine and her family, therefore I know it is true--because to me it is proof positive that our animals are there with us in the next life. I hope it helps everyone to know for sure, not only where Barbaro is, but also where all of our animals are, and that we will be reconnected with all of them.

I have known this friend--Julie--for about 24 years. This story happened about 20 years ago, so 4 years into my knowing Julie.

Julie is originally from South Africa. Her family is of the British colonial stock that had lived in Africa for years by the time Julie was born. She and her husband moved to the US 24 years ago and I met them soon after.

In Julie's family were 4 girls and 1 boy--and the boy was being groomed to take over the family farm, which looked like the farm in Out of Africa, if you remember that. Julie's dad had made his money in construction and the farm was where he invested much of it. Chris, Julie's brother, was destined to take over its management and his parents devoted their lives to developing it for him.

One night, when Chris was 23, he was killed in a car accident--he wasn't found until almost 24 hours later, the car having fallen off the road into some kind of deep gulley way out in the countryside.

His parents were, of course, beyond devastated. they essentially had lost their reason for being, and the farm had lost all of its magic for them. They sold the farm, along with the animals on it, and after a year and a half of not being able to move on in their lives, took a 6 month trip to Europe, just to get their heads going in some other direction.

Before they left on this trip, Julie's mother had been given the name of a psychic medium woman in Scotland to contact if they went to Edinborough.

They did go to Edinborough and Julie's mother did call this woman. At first the woman explained that she couldn't see them as she only worked on government and crime cases, but as they were saying good-bye on the phone, the woman suddenly stopped and said "Wait--I am getting a message for you...I will see you." So off they went to see her.

Once there, this psychic woman immediately seemed to connect with Julie's brother, Chris. He identified himself to her and his parents using the African nickname the family used for him--something a Scottish woman would have no idea of.

He went on to describe the accident scene where he had died, and to explain the details of it, how it happened...answering a lot of questions his parents had had and clarifying to them things that someone who hadn't been there to see it could ever have imagined.

Then, he started talking about the people who had been there on the spirit side to welcome him--his grandparents and other relatives--using again, their African nicknames that told his parents that this psychic woman was not faking this as there is no way she could have known these nicknames.

Then he went on to talk about and name the animals from the farm that had died that were also there with him--cats and dogs, as well as some others. And then he mentioned a particular horse.

His parents were a bit confused as they had sold this horse with the farm and the horse was still there, or so they thought. This was the only part of this session that didn't fit with what they knew.

A few days later they called home to South Africa and actually spoke to the farm's new owners, as they had been keeping in touch with them since they'd sold the farm to them.

The news was that the very horse that Chris had said was there with him on the other side, had died.

I've never needed any more proof than that to know that our animals are there and will be with us forever.

KAREN: Thank you too, for giving that radio station a piece of your mind. I, too, am appalled that such ridicule came from TENNESSEE!! How can adults act like this??!! I would expect the trolls, who come to this board, to act like that, because they're probably silly little kids -- you can't tell what age people are on a mb -- but a host of a radio program???!!! THANK YOU AGAIN. When that guy drops dead someday, he won't have even 1/1,000,000th the mourners that Barbaro has. I hope that station disciplines him.

Reneee: I totally agree with you. This is not about his recovery...... There is much more to this than that......... I don't want to say anything negative but I now know that it was NOT God that didn't answer our prayers..... He did!!!!!!! As we Christians know, the truth will all be clear in the end........

I feel that Barbaro should have been barried whole like Secretariat but I guess there was a reason for the way that he was let go. My heart goes out to Barbaro and in time, God will reveal all of this to us.........

Thanks Renee for being so understanding with me..................

God Bless Nina.................

Kathy in Norbrook,

Thank you.

Chris Byers,
Funny you should mention Star Wars. On Sunday, when we all began to realize that something happening,... we were struggling quite hard to stay positive. But all I could hear and feel was "There is a great distubance in the Force"
Kinda goofy, but kinda true too.....

Leslie in MN

Thank you Nancy...that was very comforting to me. I gotta go get some work done now...be back later. Peace to all.

It is such a relief to be able to come here and share emotions. I am still so devastated, but am trying to focus on the wonderful days that our beautiful boy had grazing with Dr. R and Alex, all the treats, scritches and Lael grass, and the non-stop love from his owners and extended family. I'm excited that the Jacksons will have some Barbaro siblings in their lives - a couple of bright lights in an otherwise dark time.

It is such a relief to be able to come here and share emotions. I am still so devastated, but am trying to focus on the wonderful days that our beautiful boy had grazing with Dr. R and Alex, all the treats, scritches and Lael grass, and the non-stop love from his owners and extended family. I'm excited that the Jacksons will have some Barbaro siblings in their lives - a couple of bright lights in an otherwise dark time.

Thanks Nancy

Let's all bombard our Senators and Representatives re: the horse slaughter issue . Barbaro will be our "committee chairman" from afar .

Good bless Dr. Richardson and thank you Alex .

We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
Through the unknown, remembered gate
When the last of earth left to discover
Is that which was the beginning;
At the source of the longest river
The voice of the hidden waterfall
And the children in the apple-tree
Not known, because not looked for
Bur heard, half-heard, in the stillness
Between two waves of the sea.
Quick now, here, now, always --
A condition of complete simplicity
(Costing not less than everything)
And all shall be well and
All manner of thing shall be well
When the tongues of flame are in-folded
Into the crowned knot of fire
And the fire and the rose are one.

T.S. Eliot
Concluding lines, Four Quartets

Sorry for the double post. Got the wierdest msg. from my computer and didn't think the original had gone through.

#### Thanks to everyone who responded to my post of the letter to the LA Times. If you'd care to deluge this writer with your own versions: t.j.simers@latimes.com is his address. I googled on his name to find the article and then went thru an ENDLESS "registration" process to read that piece of crap. Finished my response around 1am last night, but couldn't sleep anyway!

I know a lot of people have problems with cremation--my Dad and husband being two of them--but I have always looked at fire as a purifying force. It would be so difficult to transport a 1200 lb. horse any distance for burial, particularly not knowing for sure where his final resting place will be. I've always thought that removing the head, hooves and heart was a little grim, so I guess I prefer to think of Barbaro's beautiful body intact and now purified by fire. He has left that body behind and is free from what burdened him.

I've had all of my pets cremated (except my parrot, and now I regret that!) and have a little memorial to each of them with their boxes. It will kill me to move and leave their remains behind, so this way I'll always have a part of them with me. I can certainly see why the Jacksons chose this for Barbaro.

Good morning all.....I am still feeling so awful. Cant stop the tears like the rest of you. And I am so sorry if this post offends any of you. But I am so upset and this is the only place I can turn.

Can someone please find out for sure that Barbaro was creamated.....I feel so disheartened.

I am trying to understand if the Jacksons actually chose this method, but it is very difficult.

I personally feel creamation is not a good thing.
If they were talking about a place for his burial,I assumed they meant his whole body. I have also read atricles that tell of only burying the horses head hoofs and heart.

I just really believed they would have a regular burial with Barbaro intact.

I am having a hard time accepting that it might not be that way.

Again, sorry for this post. I just had to let these feeling out.

Thank you. Ellie Az

Hi, Alex.

I'm chiming in and asking that you keep the site going -- look at the energy here . . . the interest and compassion maintained with the ferosity of intent to still try to finish the things Barbaro did not finish.

More than the need to stay connected to Barbaro (which is certainly still there -- missing him like crazy), the movement has begun . . . the Barbaro Effect.

We've been privileged to be part of something important that Barbaro's blazing into this world and out has generated. Clearly we still need a forum, a source for contact, information and caring.

Additionally, it is wonderful to hear your "voice" and keep us in the Pennsylvania horse country world.

And we cannot wait to hear about Barbaro's brothers -- I look forward to embracing every tidbit about them and watching them grow and enjoying whatever Barbaro's spirit is shared within them.

I absolutely LOVE the idea of a Museum . . . leave it to Gretchen and her family to continue to get it right. I have many of my animals buried, and some cremated. Cremation is indeed a way of keeping them whole and with you . . . I regret burying my other animal friends as I cannot take them with me if I should move. It is not disrespectful, but again that is a viceral and spiritual choice we all respond to differently.

My heart breaks for Dr. Richardson who clearly is lonely with out his "buddy" Barbaro . . . they were brotherly. Sabina Pierce described Barbaro's relationship to Michael Matz as a son and father. It looked like Barbaro had a human brother in Dr, Richardson. He is a wonderful man, showing a heart that is so large . . . and so broken.

Let's trudge on, Alex !

Dawn in Omaha-
Reading your letter to the LA Times this morning made me feel stronger than I have in days. Thank you so much for that in itself!
Yes- BE LIKE BARBARO!

Chris Byers: I agree with you. Who knows what someone might have tried to do to his gravesite. Or some sicko digging him up and trying to take DNA to clone. Barbaro boy, you rest in peace...

I just can not get it our of my mind that when Dr. Morrison applied that cast it was downhill after that. Maybe I am wrong, I hope so.

Dear Beloved FOBs,

The link below will take you to a nice article from yesterday on Michael Matz's thoughts and feelings. It also mentions Barbaro's siblings at the close.

www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=23124

Hang in and hang on for Barbaro.

-Lisa S. in Miami, FL

I agree with Dawn. We had our first Lab cremated and that way he was able to come with us when we moved. That has always been comforting to me - that, and the lock of his fur that I keep in a gold locket.

Hi Everyone!
I know I was only an occasional poster to the site but work made it difficult to read everyone's past and be a part of the dialogue on a regular basis. However I did check the website every day, several times a day to keep abreast of the progress of our Sweet Barbaro and when I did have time to read the posting was so touched and inspired by the FOB's. Barbaro would have been praoud and now he knows and watches as he runs free.
The Hennigsn's video is wonderful. So good to see and HEAR our Champ. Can't wait to see the others this week. Thank you Hennegans so much. I hope you know how much this is touching every one means to everyone, and how much it will help as we all continue the journey of healing and remembering Barbaro.
Want to alert everyone to another site on UTUBE called Barbaro: Farewell. It is absolutely exquisite(?). You will need a box of kleenex, buom/watch?v=xihuomvTybe&mode=related&searcht I think you will appreciate it immensely. I am not good at this computer stuff but give this URL a try or just go to UTUBE. Best to all and thank you for being you and sharing that with so many of us.

youtube.c0m/watch?v=xihuomvTybe&mode=related&search=

may be

youtube.com/watch?v=xihUOmvTybe&mode=related&searcg=

####
Karen TN & Spirit Horse...

I was happy to respond to the radio station here in Nashville. I was shocked that they would act that way.... Unbelievable.

We all need to respond to these heartless people such as the one in LA Times, etc....
so their Managers will hopefully take care of it.

We just need to make sure we report them...and word gets out about the character of these people and the city they are representing.

Peace.

Just my 2 cents, but I think we should all RESPECT the Jackson's choice on what is done with Barbaro's body and be done with it. We would want the same consideration for ourselves.

Same goes for their choice of his final resting place. They were the closest to Barbaro so they should choose whatever helps soothe their heart the best.

Randee and chris:

While I respect your opinions, it is a long tradition in the horse racing world that when a horse as great, as beloved as Barbaro passes, he or she is buried whole. It is a way of honoring and respecting that horse. I do not doubt for one second that the Jackson respected Barbaro and that is one of the reasons that I find this decision so inconceivable.

BTW, I do not oppose cremation. But this was not an animal who should have been cremated, imo.

Obviously it is too late to change anything now, but I will never understand this decision.

Glenda

I understand the Jackson's decision to cremate Barbaro. Forever rid him of his damaged body and set him free and his final resting place will not be one of controversy in the immediate aftermath of this tragic ending.

I'm sure there will be a lot of ideas from well-meaning people on how best to honor this great horse. But again, the Jackson's are the only ones that have the right to erect any 'official' memorial to him

At first, I thought Churcill Downs would have been a great place, but then I realized that the Racetrack might have an alterior 'money' motive. Barbaro's celebrity status has already been utilized by profit mongers for personal gain.

As for burial or cremation. I've gone both ways with my dogs. I have bad thoughts about little "Thumper" being all alone and cold under a few feet of ground. I buried her near the duck pond, next to her sister, where I thought she would be happy. She always trembled and came looking for me when a bad thunderstorm passed through. In Oklahoma, that's pretty darn often. But I think she still comes looking for me whenever there's a bad storm.

I just recently lost my father's dog that I inherited. I buried her sister in the heat of the summer in the middle of the drought. The ground was like cement and I had to haul water from several miles away just to get the hole deep enough. Took me almost all day and I was exhausted. With Rose, she was put to sleep and 'Precious Pets' picked her up and disposed of her body. Her ashes are on my desk, close to where she used to lay at my feet. I've also managed to pick a spot that was more poison ivy than dirt with another dog.

Whatever choice the Jackson's made, it was their's to make. And no one has the right to criticize their decision. Their love for Barbaro was never questioned, and their final tribute to Barbaro was made out of love and doesn't diminish his legacy, his greatness, nor his message of hope.

Whether he was buried or cremated was a personal choice and their's alone to make.

RIP Barbaro.

Dawn,
Great letter to Simers. I emailed him as well yesterday. What I wrote was not as long or as eloquent, but I put it below.

"I used to think you were a clever idiot, now I know that you're just a cruel idiot. This wonderful horse will be remembered more fondly and for much longer than you ever will."

##
Dawn--beautifully done letter! Kudos to you, Tiger Woman!

###
Thank you, Harriet Brillianthawk, for both your wonderful writings and for reposting the soothing prayers of Mary S, who has been silently grieving.

###
Paul, you asked about afterlife, and proof of such. I've talked about this a couple of times before on this site, and I hope this is helpful. I guess it rests on whether you will believe what I say. I promise you it is the truth.

I have utilized the services of a well known and well respected animal communicator for about 10 years. She studied with the famous Penelope Smith, the Interspecies Communicator.

When my pets have passed away, I have contacted this woman, and what she tells me is uncanny. She has never been to my house--she lives on the other side of the state. She has never met or seen my pets in person. All communication is done via telephone (with me) and telepathically with the animals.

She told my husband that his childhood pet dog visits him "in the room with the blue carpet and furniture"--that was our living room.

She told me that our late cat Murphy visits me "in the room with all the colors; he is with the flowers"--our bedroom has pastel colored wallpaper, and a flowered quilt on the bed; this is where Murphy and I spent much time cuddling.

She told me that Murphy visits with my husband "in the room with all the music. He likes the fast piano music the best"--my husband and Murphy were "work buddies", and the cat would spend many hours with my husband in his home office area, and they listened to music on public radio. Frequently during his life, Murphy would show up when the piano segment was being played; apparently he still does that after his passing.

She told me, soon after Murphy passed away, that "He likes the yellow flowers". I had bought some daffodils to cheer us up, and put them in the dining room on the table.

She told me Murphy had been visiting with my husband when my husband was doing some home repairs (as he loved to do when alive). She said, "He doesn't always hit the nail", and related that Murphy had seen my husband hit his finger with the hammer. "He goes like this," she said, and drew her breath in. My husband said he had, indeed hit his finger with a hammer a couple of days earlier, and it hurt so badly he just couldn't even yell.

There's more, but my computer is giving me problems (again), and I have to sign off.

I hope this helps.
Sue M., Pittsburgh

I have been away from my house since Sunday and came back yesterday...My picture of Barbaro, all fours off the ground and flying in the Kentucky Derby, had fallen off the wall - Very symbolic to me in that the same thing happened when my grandfather died - his picture was off the wall as well....To me it was a sign that he is OK, jsut somewhere different.

In August a friend and I were driving from New Jersey to Baltimore. Imagine my surprise when we saw Kennett Square (I know nothing of the area). He pulled off and we drove past KF, and then found NBC...We stopped at the fence and looked at the signs, and then drove around the facility. I could really feel Big B everywhere, his presence and life force as i drove around pastures etc. And then it turned out that it was the day he first got to go outside again - that he had actually been eating the grass isaw that day - That's what i try to think about - That energy and life force that I could feel, and still feel through everyone here - and the joy he must have felt going out to graze the day I visited NBC.

Lisa in Colorado

Glenda:

There is a reason why Barbaro was not barried whole and in time, you will know what that reason was..........

Dr. Richardson and Alex my heart goes out to both of you. I KNOW that you both are hurting and feeling a great loss. Dr. Richardson you are the best. You didn't do anything wrong. You only did your very very best to save a colt that was injured and I saw the pain in your eyes many times on TV.......... I sense things you know........ You did the right thing.......... We all love Barbaro and we will (at least me) will never really say goodbye, just say see you later..........

God Bless Nina..............................

Everyone, he's at it again! T.J. Simers of the L.A.Times wrote another disgusting story regarding his FIRST article that he wrote about Barbaro. This time the chicken---- published "just a few of the hundreds of e-mails he received telling me they thought my article on Barbaro was hilarious". I sent him an e-mail asking him why he doesn't print the "thousands" of e-mails he has received from the people that loved Barbaro. Lets swamped him with e-mails letting him know what we think of his articles making fun of Barbaro's demise. I also wrote to the editor letting him know how I felt. I am so disgusted with this person and the mean spirited things he's written.
Barbaro's memory will live on forever, his will not! I will never forget you Barbaro.

Janet (Oklahoma) Where in Oklahoma are you from?

Nina,
Just think he is whole, just in a different way. But he is whole all of him is there. Not just parts. I don't know if this helps? Maybe it has to do with time and where and when he will be burried. I just feel I have to respond to you. You are so welcome. Times like this are very difficult.
Take Care

Amen Julie L.

I posted earlier, saying it was none of my business, but...

But you are right, it was none of my business.

My apologies

Dawn in Omaha,

Re: your response to the article in the LA Times

BRAVISSIMA!!!!!

Ro & Brady

I have to comment about Dr Morrison. I know we're all upset about losing Barbaro but we should not point fingers at anybody. Do you honestly think for one minute that Dr Richardson would allow anyone to treat Barbaro if he did not feel confident in their skills? Dr Morrison did not cause Barbaro to go downhill. Dr Richardson warned us all from the very beginning that this could happen and unfortunately it did. It doesn't make it any easier to accept but like I said, questioning Dr Morrison, to me, is like questioning Dr Richardson and I think that is wrong. Just my two cents.

####

Ellie,

Since our Alex posted it here, you can be sure that it is true - Barbaro was cremated. I think the Jacksons chose this for any number of reasons, some of which might be: they can take as long as they need to decide where the best place to lay him to rest will be; and, we've seen the kind of 'unkind, ruthless, unfeeling people' who post hideous thoughts about Barbaro - I can imagine that having him cremated may have put some security issues they may have had to rest. Ellie, take comfort in the fact that while Barbaro's spirit lives on, his body was intact for cremation and he will remain safe from any further harm while his complete remains rest forever in a very special place.

Don't apologize for your post, we all have a rush of emotions going on right now and this is the place where we can be of comfort to each other.

nice video of our beloved boy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhdTCNCoL80

i'm so sad.... i miss you bobby! love forever big boy!
Lisa

We, too, are upset about Barbaro's demise. His tragic journey does bring up a number of thought ramblings, and one of the things that Mrs. Jackson brought up last night was the importance of finding jobs for retired racehorses. Our mare (a not-very-distant cousin of Barbaro) is an off-the-track thoroughbred, and we are transitioning her to a new career in dressage. Please, if any of you can do this, consider providing a loving home for an OTTB. These horses are too often on their way to the killers, an amazing tragedy considering that some are still sound and potentially very capable for a variety of careers. New Vocations here in Ohio (www.horseadoption.com), a not-for-profit organization, is a wonderful place to start.

LLeslie -

It sticks in my mind also, that all was well until Dr. Morrison's cast. Wish someone in a news conference would have addressed this as a turning point. I will always wonder if there was something about the cast not fitting well, or something to do with the coffin bone, that set off the discomfort and Barbaro putting more weight back on his right & getting that abscess.

I'm going to post what I intended to before I replied to other posters, and then had a computer problem.

On my commute to work this morning, traffic was moving slowly (as usual--this is Pittsburgh). I was thinking about Barbaro. I saw a pretty white Lexus with a silver panel on the bottom pass me on the left.

The license plate said "ACN CAM" I don't know what the CAM is about, but I sure know "ACN" from out of the blue when I see it!! Wanted to share.

This experience this morning reminded me immediately of another which happened probably five years ago now. We had a cat named Koko. He was a compulsive eater, and got very large. As we had another cat with diabetes who had to have food available to him, we just couldn't keep Koko from eating. At the age of only 8 years, Koko had to be euthanized. That was in May. My husband's birthday is in late June. My daughter and I took my husband out to dinner on his birthday, and we had a gift bag with some tissue paper in it. Koko had always LOVED tissue paper and gift wrap in general.

After dinner, we came out to the parking lot to get in the car. Parked right beside our car was a HUGE van. The license plate said, "KOKIE", which was our nickname for Koko. He just loved my husband, and we figure he was saying "Happy birthday", and probably eyeing the tissue paper.

Sue. M., Pittsburgh

Sue McMullens' beautiful post just opened my tear floodgates again just when I thought I might get through the day without needing those darn tissues.

And Alex ,I know this is particularly hard for you , Dr. Anderson and all the Fair Hill family. All I can say is take comfort that each time you do the incredible things you already do with the most beautiful creatures on the planet, you will be ensuring Barbaro's legacy of love, care, compassion and concern.

Good morning, my Starshine.

Another day, more tears this morning as I received condolence emails from two of my sisters. One said she found out while watching Jay Leno last night. She said Leno made a tasteless joke.

I am very disappointed in Mr. Leno.

We've seen some comparisons between Barbaro and Elvis these past couple of days. Even now, almost 30 years after his death, Elvis and his fans still have their detractors. I guess this won't completely go away, but I really don't have time for those people.

There are people who absolutely worship sports teams and specific athletes, who buy all their insignia and memorabilia, who paint their bodies and shave their heads for the games...Dale Earnhardt Sr. is more popular now than when he was alive, and his legend continues to grow.

I'll bet many of the Barbaro mockers have their own "thing" and chances are I've mocked it. I would never go so far as to intrude on their websites or publish jokes, because that's cruel and bad manners.

I will try to be more tolerant of other people's deep, abiding interests and passions. We need tolerance.

Rambling here..still missing "my" horse as are we all.

I love the idea of a Barbaro museum. We can all visit him that way. I thought the Jacksons might be planning cremation and I am glad they did. The