Good Morning Alex

Thank you again for all you do for us. Please try to stay warm today if you are working.

Believe in Miracles!!
Believe in Barbaro!!

Good Sunday morning Alex, Barbaro in your new home and all fans of Barbaro

Thanks Alex for all the reading material about Barbaro. I wish I had time to read it all and save every word but unfortunately I don't. I do know that I will never get tired of reading about him.

Tomorrow will be one week since his departure. I don't know when acceptance sets in but it hasn't happend to me yet.

I know today is the BIG day in sports, but for me the BIG day is sports was last May when Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby in such smashing fashion.

Janice
A fan of Barbaro forever

Good Morning Alex and all--keep warm out there, it's a cold one.... Say hey to Hawty for us!

sallie

Good morning, Alex.

It's a cold yet sunny day in Northern Virginia. Stay warm if you are working. You're probably almost finished by now. And give Hawty and extra pat today.

Thank you Alex for the many news articles on Barbaro. Each day he is missed and each day the tears flow........One day (perhaps) we can think of Barbaro and not cry...........perhaps........

good morning to all FOB's I am still having a very difficult time with this loss. But, I can't imagine the pain of those who cared for and saw Barbaro every day.God Bless All of Us.There is no death just a changing of worlds. Barbara

Alex, just a wonderful article by By Sue McMullen
"Barbaro is gone but the courage that inspired a nation ensures he will never be forgotten"

Good luck to all Bears and Colts fans in the big Super Bowl today.

I bet Barbaro (Big Boss Angel) is picking the Colts (uhmmm) wonder why.

Thanks again Alex

Alex, thank you for everything.
I miss hearing Barbaro. He will always be in my heart.

Thanks Alex for the clips and articles.

Wilmington NewsJournal has the following:

Barbaro's legacy: saving other horses
Unprecedented medical effort for Kentucky Derby winner gives vets hope

There is a great picture of Barbaro having fun in his outdoor 'pen' online

http://delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070204/SPORTS/702040337/1002

I just noticed that Cafe Press has added to their Barbaro merchandise.
"Heart of A Champion"
Check it out:

http://www.cafepress.com/barbaro

jan

Thanks Alex,as always.I'll be rooting for Hawty on Tuesday.I wish Icould ditch work to attend. Guess I'll sneak peaks on my Blackberry for results...Stay warm.

Good Morning All!
Thanks Alex for everything!
jan

I expect to cry this morning in church.

It's still so hard.

Thank you Alex for your commitment to us.

Bless You All.

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070204/SPORTS/702040337/1002

Barbaro's legacy: saving other horses
Unprecedented medical effort for Kentucky Derby winner gives vets hope
By MARTIN FRANK, The News Journal

Posted Sunday, February 4, 2007

Excerpt:

"The amazing thing is that the fracture healed, and that's what everyone needs to remember," said Dr. Rick Arthur, equine medical director for the California Horse Racing Board, who has done thousands of surgical procedures on thoroughbreds over the past three decades.

"But it's kind of like the first heart transplant recipient. That person lived for three or five days after the surgery. From that, doctors could see how they could make things better so other patients could live longer. That will happen from what took place with Barbaro.

Hello all FOBs,

Just a post to let you know I am praying for all of us and grieving for our boy.

Alex, I loved the articles and the picture of Barbaro playing in his pen. Thanks to God for His beautiful creation.

It has been a privilege to join all of you in prayer for Barbaro. I continue to pray for all horses and God's guidance in our journey together to save them.

Alex, thank you in a big way!!!

Sally in Louisiana

Alex, Sue's piece is great.

Nice article Alex, I wiki'ed Knutsford and it sounds like a charming place. You must be homesick, if it weren't for the idyllic place you find yourself now.

Interesting article a few days back.about Barbaro's beginnings I wonder if the early tendonitis/brace on his leg and stall confinement helped to make him a better patient in his later ordeal.

Godspeed, dear one. Have a good day everyone/

Congratulations to the Hennegan brothers for the good press. Nice article. Amazing story about the ticket stub from his childhood.

Thank you, Alex, for gathering all these wonderful articles and presenting them to us. . . Since Monday your continuing updates have had even more impact. Such poignancy to each article and so heart-felt by the writer. Also the photos and videos add comfort to our heads and hearts. R from Maine

Wow! A Barbaro documentary! I am so excited. I sent a number of my non-horse friends the First Saturday in May website and they all loved the preview clip! I will travel to see that movie. Alex please let the H. Bros. know that!

I love you Barbaro. Today I am going to write my senators and order some Barbaro pics for my home office. We are turning it into a library/office and the decorating theme will be Barbaro. It was always going to be Barbaro but early this week I thought I would never be able to look at his pics, it would be way too sad. Now, I have realized that I love him no matter what and that he will always be with me.

I believe in Barbaro!

Good Morning, FOB's!

Sue McMullen, thank you so much for that wonderful article. I've always enjoyed reading you.

And what can I say about the Hennegans? I can't wait to see "First Saturday..." and any other documentaries they make.

I also realized yesterday that along with receiving lots of horse hugs, I also kissed more velvet noses in one day than I ever have. (hugs to Quick Quest and Luke...Red Aspen, the Queen and of course, Miss Hawty...) I'm more at peace today than I have for the last 10 days. I did ask the horses to take good care of Alex....

Interesting how the number 29 is coming up - my b'day is July 29...

Keep warm, everybody. It helps that the sun is out here in Chester County.

Healing, Love, Peace,
ONS,
Lyn Gilbert

Thanks Alex for all you have done for the FOB.

I know our Bobby's fourth birthday is April 29th, I noticed on some other postings that the date is mentioned. Does anybody know if there will be a tribute on that date?

Susan

Good morning all,
Thanks for your continued updates Alex a giving us wonderful articles to read.

I don't know if this has been posted before and I don't know how to do the blue to make it easier, but there is a Tribute to Barbaro poem by Derek Granger at www.horsehats.com that is worth reading, but have your kleenex.

Continued prayers for all who were close to Barbaro and all of us who weren't, but loved him anyways.

God bless you all.

My favorite quote from Sue McMullen's article:

"....his fate lay beyond the racetrack where he became a focus for so much good that will continue as his legacy."

Indeed.

Hi Alex and Everyone,

Alex, thank you so much for all you do. Sue McMullen's article was beautifully written, a piece documenting the journey written with compassion and warmth. Still hard to believe he is not here with us, but I know his spirit is alive and well.

My prayers are with the Jacksons and Dr. Richardson and all who love the beautiful Barbaro through this time.

###Lynette
Thanks for the link, it was great reading.

"So, to those who think this whole thing was a waste of time, I would say that if you're afraid of failure, you're never going to accomplish anything."

I also like the comment ""Barbaro is the poster child for the dangers of laminitis."

Let not forget the $29 MOVEMENT FOR LAMINITIS RESEARCH

Hello, FOB's, My heart is still aching from Monday's events. I keep hoping for some peace. I still can't believe our beautiful Barbaro is not here with us, but I have to believe he's in a better place where he can run. I loved the videos from the Hennegan bros. The First Saturday in May makes you feel the excitement of the Derby. I cried when I saw Barbaro winning. He looks so regal and powerful. If that awful laminitis would have just stayed away from him; I sure hope they find a cure for that or invent some kind of sling that will make the pressure equal in each leg.
I love you, Barbaro, so much. I hope they build a museum for you that we all can visit. My family has promised me when can visit your final resting place and I promise to bring you buttercups. I have a picture of you with your head down eating buttercups. I love it so.
Thank you, Alex, for providing this site. It is cathartic for grieving for our baby, Barbaro.

Thank you Alex for continuing to provide a place where those of us who wanted so badly for Barbaro to recover and now a place that other can share their thoughts and sadness.

I know Barbaro has changed your life. Taken you to places and people that you would have never met and fostered a great talent you have for bringing the real world into a space that makes others share a part of themselves.

I know you will take all that you've learned and move forward. You will always be connected with Barbaro and his legacy. You were meant to be in the right place, at the right time to keep us all informed and to share the story of Barbaro and the people around him with the world.

We talk about destiny and fate. You were destined to make Barbaro the legend and hero that he has become.

Thanks for all your tireless efforts.

FOB,

Hennegan Brothers here......Got our act together early and a new clip is up folks. Peter and Michael leading Barbaro back to the barn at Fair Hill after a gallop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4u7hsEPxA8

Thanks to you all for your support. And to Alex Brown, Mike Jensen and the other journalists for helping us to get the word out. As we are indie film guys, a grassroots following is what will help us get this movie seen,

Regards,

The Hennegan Brothers
www.henneganbrothers.com

Good morning Alex and FOB'S . . .

Sue's article, and all of the tributes, are so moving.

Still hard to think that one week ago today was a difficult day for Barbaro. I think we were all scared and aware that something had changed last Sunday.

With respect to that, I just want to say thank you again to Alex, and wish you all a better day . . . where sadness can give way to joy, purpose and pride in being a part of a legend that will live forever . . . BARBARO.

Thank you Mr. Hennegan

Interesting article about one of Barbaro's distant relatives

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/04/weekinreview/04rarick.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Opps. Hennegan Bros here again......

An article I forgot to mention. Another little blurb in the New York Daily News

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/494467p-416527c.html

Thanks to Michael O'Keeffe for getting the word out in the Big Apple.

Best,

The Hennegan Brothers
www.henneganbrothers.com

Sue McMullen's article captures our daily vigil beautifully!
Also the poem posted by Kathy on February 2 soothes me each time I read it. It's been a long week. Thankfully, Alex has given us much to remember.

Kathleen Parker Opinion Piece:

Barbaro Struck a Common Chord

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20070204/2057778.asp

Excerpt:

No wonder we fell in love with a horse.

A country driven mad by partisanship found common cause in Barbaro - an utterly neutral reservoir of hope, beauty and determination. For a while, we were all in the race with a champion, and, for a while, we were champions, too.

Good morning FOB's....Cold but beautiful here in PA. Selfishly I must admit I am excited about the thought of a Thorouhbred Museum here in PA because I could visit it.

A co-worker of mine had her horse at New Bolton last weekend. He had an awful case of colic and they operated. She actually saw Barbaro Friday and Saturday. She said he didn't look like he did in the media, that he looked kinda down. This fits with everything we've heard. While I am still grieving I still believe it was the right thing to do. So the sun shines today and I plan to try to be bright and positive too. Big B was...should should we be.

Nancy in PA

Are you all aware of Premarin Mares....Mares in foal are used for their urine. It is a main ingredient in the hormone replacement drug Premarin. This is from a resucue website below:

For more than 40 years, Premarin was the most popular drug in the United States, with an estimated nine million American women taking Premarin prescriptions to treat menopausal symptoms. Yet what many women, and even some doctors who prescribe this hormone replacement therapy, don't realize is that Premarin is made with estrogens extracted from pregnant mares' urine and that tens of thousands of pregnant mares and their newborn baby foals are suffering every year to produce this bitter pill.

UAN has been committed to exposing the cruel truth behind Premarin, the sad dark secrets hidden behind the PMU ("Pregnant Mare Urine") barn doors. Women should know that Premarin mares are confined to small stalls for months on end while their urine is collected and that their foals are herded off to slaughter every year to be sold to European meat markets.

The farm next to where my horse is rescued two Premarin mares two years ago. They didn't know they were in foal. One early summers night the neighborhood dogs went nuts.....the owners went outside to investigate and found that one of the mares had delivered a foal. A few days later the other rescued mare delivered one as well. It was cute - the bay mare had a white foal and the white mare had a bay foal. They are still at the farm...the owner calls them his "babies". They will be two years old soon and they don't look like babies that much anymore but they are happy and healthy...

There MUST be a way to make this drug without torturing horses and then sending them to slaughter. I've decided to add this to my fight!!!!

Nancy in PA

Last night I sent e-mails to my senators regarding the anti-slaughter act, but unfortunately, knowing those two, they'll vote the wrong way!

I also asked them to sponsor a bill to end the senseless slaughter of greyhounds used for racing. I hope the FOB's on this board can also get behind that. These dogs are so sweet (I have fostered a couple as unfortunately my situation right now doesn't allow for adoption) and what happens to them is just tragic. When you contact your congresspeople and senators regarding the anti-slaughter act please add a request for them to write a bill to help save these adorable dogs. They make wonderful, loving pets, so for anyone out there looking for a new canine companion, please look into rescue groups in your area.

As I sit here reading and re-reading these comments (am rather new to this) I am continually fascinated by the wonderful ways in which people express their thoughts. . Amazing people - all who love Barbaro. I, too, thank the Hennegan Brothers - these clips are treasures - each one. Can anyone tell me how to make them a "favorite" on UTube? I've tried and can't do it!

Good morning in Heaven Sweet Prince!

It still hurts this morning, it will always hurt. We will just get used to the hurt with time.

Ro & Brady

Nancy: Interesting to read about your friend's comments. In reports just after Barbaro passed to the other side, Mrs. Jackson said that she thinks they've been concerned about Barbaro "for some time." I took that to mean they were seeing ominous signs at least for a couple of weeks, and probably the entire month of January. But, they were still fighting as long as Barbaro was willing to fight.

So, while the news of his passing seemed to some folks that it was a sudden decision, in reality - it wasn't.

Good morning Alex and thank you again for this opportunity to express ourselves and learn about others who love Barbaro.

For all who want to participate, a group prayer from 3:00 to 3:15 today. The intent will be to pray for the Jacksons, Dr. R, Michael, Edgar, Alex and Peter, to bring them healing, peace and grace in thanks for all we have received from them.

Also, for all who wish to sign a petition to fire TJ Simers who wrote the ignorant article in the LA Times that Gary Stevens wrote about, here is the link.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/FireTJSimers

Good morning Alex and FOB,

Thanks to the Hennegan brothers for their clips of Barbaro. I have enjoyed watching them.

Missing Barbaro
cindy a

Wow,that ticket stubb gives me chills.!And how interesting that the Hennigan Brothers picked
2006,of all years to do this documentary.
God works in mysterious ways my friends.
Barbaro will be doing great things for horses
for decades to come.And we are all a part of it.
His mission was much bigger than winning a Derby.
But to get the attention,he had to be a super athelete.
Lets just think good thoughts today,for our Barbaro is home.And he doesn't hurt anymore.
Love You Big Boss Horse.!

Good Morning Alex, I am excited about the documentary thanks so much for sharing the news with us. Freezing here, hope it is warmer where your at? Are you going somewhere to watch the big game? Stay warm this morning and give Hawty a carrot for us.

Believe in miracles
Believe in Barbaro!

Thank you Hennegan Brothers!
The video clip is so peaceful.......
jan

when you say prayer vigil at 3:00 - what time zone is that?

Hennegan Bros... YOU ROOOOOOOOOOOCK!!!!!

Thanks for showing us your clips of our beautiful boy and for Paying it Forward to all the fans of Barbaro.

Good things are coming for you guys.......Good things.

## Shelley in Ca I was thinking the same about the weather. We are acoustomed to the bitter cold here in MN, but it was interesting to note the change in the climate trend after we lost our pal. OUr weather had also been unseasonably warm until this week.. when we all felt the chill in our hearts. The temps followed suit and took a nose dive with us.

They say it will get warmer next week........ :)

Leslie in (-15) MN

Hennegan Brothers --

Your passion in your project is our joy. I don't think you realize how many of us will flock to see your film, and CANNOT WAIT for your documentary on BARBARO.

Thank you so much for the clips. Serious thanks.

To the Hennegan Brothers
Thank you so much - these are wonderful clips
We love him so

Will always remember this great inspiration of Barbaro,he will always be remembered,God bless his care takers & owners for sharing him with all of us.
John
New York

Good Morning Family.
Barbaro, Sweet Bobby J. I miss and love you more each day. How DO you mend a broken heart?
Sue McMullens article was wonderful, but it made me think, we always thank Alex, rightfully so, he has been everything to us, went out of his way to tell us information and to find out the news and answer our questions, but let's include Tim Woolley in our thanks more often, for without him this site would not even be here. And I am sure he was the one who gave permission to expand the bandwidth after we crashed the site that day. That has to be paid for.
##########
Ashley,
You asked yesterday if Fair Hill in MD was close enough to visit from Louisville, the answer is only if you think 664 miles is a day trip (Though I have gone to Colorado from Topeka and back in a day). Looked it up on MapQuest.
If you have Google Earth you can visit over the net, since you can see all the barns. I can even see my house on it, close up enough to see the pool and trees in the backyard.
Ashley, MOST important, make sure you book a hotel room NOW. I didn't one year I went to the Derby and had to stay in OHIO.
Wake up time (coffee)
Back later,
Love to Family, 29 on the 29th
SusanW
Hail to our hero, Barbaro!

g'morning~
I am heartened to know that the Hennegan brothers are going to be doing a full documentary.

TOMORROW AT 10:30 AM EST I THINK IT WOULD BE A NICE IF WE ALL COULD HAVE A MOMENT OF SILENCE. DURING THIS TIME WE COULD REMEMBER WHAT BARBARO MEANT TO US, WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR OTHER HORSES AND WHAT STILL NEEDS TO BE DONE IN HIS MEMORY.

THANKS

DENNIS

I think Big Angel Bobby is picking the Bears today. It was a hard week but it gets better with time knowing he is at peace.

Patti
Schaumburg

Good morning FOBs:

Godspeed, Barbaro.

Susan

Nancy in PA- sales of Premarin and Prempro are on the decline, as more women seek healthier alternatives. Some farms have apparently shut down.
Whether they realize what it's made from or not, they are realizing that it is hazardous to their OWN health.

Dennis GREAT idea!
Absolutely! Tomorrow we all pause at 10:30 est...
A moment to remember, give Thanks for Barbaro's life, and gather strength for the tasks at hand..
Wonderful idea!

I woke up this morning & the first thought I had was for Barbaro. I just was convinced this could not have happened...It could not be real.... Reality soon set in.....
jan

Good morning everyone.

I'm kind of down this morning. Alex thank you for this site. All the articles and posts by everyone help so much.

Hennegan Brothers that last video is priceless!

FOBs:

Tomorrow morning - 10:30 EST - as Dennis suggested, let's pause and remember Barbaro. The other-worldy, magnificent, WARRIOR HORSE, BARBARO.

Thanks, Dennis. Grand idea.

Susan

Good morning, and thanks again, Alex.

Good morning all,

It is clear and cold today. The perfect weather to reflect on all that has happened last week beyond.

Sometimes you think you have life figured out and then you realize you were wrong.

Missing Barbaro....

MattinMD

Sue that was good.... The Colts.... Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm maybe I'll change my wager aye?????

Alex: Thank you so much for this home and house that Barbaro built. You are the best.

Edgar: I know how hard it must be to jockey a horse now.... You are a wonderful jockey and I bet what-ever horse you get on, will run in honor of Barbaro.....

Renee: Have you been missing things around your house????

Lynz: Your filly and Barbaro I just found out were on the same block in Heaven..... Boy oh Boy!!!!! I hear they are having lunch today before the superbowl....

Barbaro...... One little hint of who will win the game PLEASE???? One nip for the Bears and two nips for the Colts..... Three nips for points uner and four nips for points over. Five nips for under on the field goals and six nips for points over on the field goals. Seven nips for over on the rush yards and eight nips for under on the rush yards......

I'll be waiting for those nips......my big best friend..... Hey tell Slew hi have a new friend now. His name is Butch. He is a beautful black stallion that is only 15 hands tall. He is 2 years old...... Actually he is a colt but he will be a stallion...... I have a problem though. He is going to race pretty soon and I would like for all of you up there to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't get hurt..... Our track is sand and so that is kind of OK...... He nipped me the other day and wouldn't let go............ It was soooooooo funny.......

If I forgot anyone sorry.... I just woke up yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnn!!!

With much love Nina.............

I love to read all the articles about our Barbaro. I cannot see any videos, and never could, having slow dialup. Hennegan brothers I do appreciate you making the clips available for us to see on the utube but I am just hoping your movie will be picked up at least in Birmingham if not here in Montgomery. We rarely get anything good, I have not been to a movie in probably 15 years. or more. We do have the Capri theatre that shows some avant garde artsy/interesting films. but there is absolutely no parking and is a nightmare to deal with. Thanks for your consideration.

Wonderful idea.

A moment of silence for Big B at 10:30 Monday, whereever you are.

###Dennis
Tomorrow morning - 10:30 EST - I'll remember

and maybe we could all lite a candle too

###Patti Schaumburg
respectfully I think Big Boss Angel is picking COLTS- good we can still find some humor.

Hennegan Brothers-Great Clip #5

ALEX-Always Thanks

Thanks SusanW. I think that may be too long of a day trip, although I really want to see where Barbaro trained. I do have my hotel room so at least that's taken care of. Thanks for the info!

Ashley

Dora, I'm in the dialup-boat, too. >:(
but I slog through many of them anyway. the ones that will load up and are replayable are okay- and the Hennegan brothers vids will do that.

Just let it load while you're washing dishes or doing laundry or something.

Hey Guys....

God keeps on changing my address: It is rumor up here that he does this until we are where we want to be 100%.... It rocks up here..... I want to thank you
Dr. R. for helping me for so many months.. Edgar.... You rode me well and you are the best jockey that has ever been on me. I am sure all of the horses will now love you...
Mr. and Mrs J........ Thank you for taking care of me while I was there........ Please don't cry... I love you guys all so much and I will be seeing you guys so soon.... If only you knew how soon.... I know now but it is a secret I can't tell you guys because it is only for us in Heaven to know when you will be joing us.....
ALEX: You are great. I am reading all of the horse up-dates and all of the posts everyday...... Your doing a good job....... All of my fans..... I love you all equally.... I have sooooooooooooooo much love for you and now your horses are going to be so much better off because of what God had planned for my life on Earth................

Barbaro
111111 Un-Defeated Road
Derby Champion Ave.
Edgar Mansion #8
Heaven
042903-012903

With all my Love Barbaro..............

Nina - shouldn't Barbaro's zip code be 012907

It's been exactly one week since I began to realize something serious was wrong with Barbaro. At that time I put my Barbaro t-shirt on that says "saving Barbaro". I left my t-shirt on until the next day after I had heard that he passed. I'm just thinking about it now because it was about this time last Sunday that I went to go put it on.

Seems we are down this morning, Dennis, great idea about the moment of silence tomorrow morning.
#######
MattinMD
You sound down , too. Anything wrong besides the obvious?
######
Nina, hope things are better for you today.
Love to Family,
SusanW
Believe in Barbaro. Hail to our hero, Barbaro.

Woops... Yeah it should... TYPO sorry......

Barbaro
111111 Un-Defeated Road
Derby Champion Ave.
Edgar Mansion #8
Heaven
042903-012907

Ouch Barbaro that is two nips...... aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh the Colts are going to cover the spread aye???????????

With Love Nina............

Sue McMullen: Thank you for that wonderful piece. What a great summary of the roller coaster ride of the last 8 months.

Hennegans: Thanks so much for another great clip. It is wonderful seeing Big B in his Fair Hills world. What a beautiful peaceful place to train. What a beautiful boy.

Thanks for everyone's comments and postings. They help.

Lisa in Colorado

Good morning, FOBs. It is lethally cold here in Pittsburgh.

Sorry I was not able to post yesterday.

This weather takes it all out of you.

Prince is playing at half time tonight - I can't wait. A small piece of joy in a sad world.I still miss Bobby so much. :(

Kathy,
that is the zip + 5 :).

I don't bookmark on YouTube, Just type in Hennegan Brothers in Search and all of their videos come up.
Love to Family,
SusanW
Hail to our hero, Barbaro.

I think Barbaro wants the Colts to win since he was a colt.

Hi Marie - (from previous post) - I know what you mean about being down. Been down all week too. Still can't believe everything that has happened. We all feel this way. This is a helpful place for us. Write back. Would anyone have any idea how Dr. Richardson is holding up. I think of him several times every day.

Susanw,

Thanks for asking. Just down and wondering if I should leave well enough alone or go forward with things in life.

Barbaro's death has me questioning everything.

Matt

###Nina
thanks for posting the new address, do u know if heaven forwards mail from the old one cuz I jumed the gun and mailed one yesterday.....

The other day I asked for an e-mail, I hate snail mail..... I know heaven's server would be overwhelmed with e-mails; but if Big Boss Angel could share his, it would be greatly appreciated.

Try to keep smiling....

Alex - Thanks for the updates from Fair Hill! It figures...I was going to run over to Laurel this morning, but had a change in plans. Blah! Could have seen The Kielbasa Queen and Tim! I hope that some of the other horses make it back to Laurel before the end of the season in April.

I hope all of my fellow FOBs are doing ok today.

Good morning sweet angel,we all miss you so much. The only thing that makes it better for us is to know you're not suffering anymore.....we wait for a response from Equine Heaven.

A post on the discussion board says today is The Fog's birthday. Please light some candles for the awesome spirit of The Fog.

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

Thank you Fog - I love you always.

Love, Light and Protection for The Spirit of The Horse

Michelle:

Yeah they do forward the mail..... RE: the email Sea Biscuit and Secretariat are working on up-dating the system up there. They are almost finised. I heard from Barba today and he told me that right now the processer is at 186 miles per second. He said that they are trying to make it a little bit faster. He will be nippin me all day and I'll ask him when the email will be available.... He said though that the snail mail gets there in less than a second now. That is why they are tying to make it faster with an email........ I'll let you know as soon as I find out from Bararo OK????

With Love to all....................

CANDLE ALERT!!!!!

Barbaro is under 2,000 and Foggy under 300. Lets keep the light up!

Ro & Brady

Good Morning Barbaro - Good Morning to my FOB's. I know everyone is still having a hard time. I know things must be getting a little lighter, but everytime I read any articles or see clips I cry. I guess I might always do that. I watched our Horseracing Channel yesterday - something I have never done, didn't even know we had one until I started looking for the horse racing on ESPN or wherever. I look at racing differentyly now, I look at the horses differently too. I have a long way to go in my education about horses & the racing world, but I will learn a little at a time. I have made it a priority to learn about all I can for Barbaro & all horses who need us.

I miss you my sweet B - so very much. I will go light another candle for you & will keep you in my thoughts & heart all day.

You guys have a great day & enjoy the Super Bowl -I have to root for the Bears since my husband is from Chicago - he is so excited!

Michelle: Oh yeah... you don't need to put any postage on snail mail either....... And I have a quote that someone put on here last week but I changed the last word.......

And Now, I'm glad I didn't know, The way it all would end, The way it all would go, Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, But I'd of had to miss the RACE!

With love to EVERYONE on this board and beyond............ :-) Barbaro loves us all.............

We each came to this site for many different reasons. There are horseracing fans, horse people, animal lovers, those who follow spirit. We came to learn, to admire, to challenge, to love - each brought a gift. Barbaro called each and every one of us - and he called us for our highest good, and for his highest good. Many times we faltered - moved away from purpose - but somehow we always seemed to get back on track - his track. There is much for us to do now. I believe Barbaro came to raise our awareness for The Spirit of The Horse. Whatever area draws or speaks to your attention - follow that - Horse slaughter, horse rescue, track safety, laminitis research, or the betterment of the horseracing industry for the horse. Raising awareness of the horse spirit is the bottomline in all of these areas - and that is what Barbaro brought to each of us - awareness of The Spirit of The Horse. I believe in whatever way you choose to honor that spirit - you honor Barbaro.

I love you always.

Love, Light and Protection for The Spirit of The Horse

Ro & Brady

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#####

Thanks Weese.

This may sound strange. I don't want to go back to who I was before this ride with Barbaro and all of you. I want to be better. Get involved again and not turn my back because things might get a little hard. I think what I am afraid of is after time I'll slip back to who I was before all of this.

Okay I think it's time to go to the barn and feed my beautiful horse all the carrots she wants.

Sundays are always hard for some reason.

Dear FOBs,

I have been lurking for months and dearly love and appreciate this site. Alex, you are one in a million -- thank you.

Re: the anti-horse slaughter campaign...I worked for Congress for 11 years and now run the gov relations shop for a non-profit, so I know the ins and outs of passing legislation well. It is important to do what we are all doing to recruit cosponsors for H.R. 503 (the House bill) and S. 311 (the Senate bill). It is also important to contact the chairman and ranking minority member of the House Agriculture Committee, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Senate Commerce Committee, which are the committees to which these bills have been referred. If the leaders of a committee are not interested in passing a bill, then it's not likely to happen, so we need to get to the committees' leaders. (If you are feeling really ambitious, it cannot hurt to contact the rest of the committees' members too!) We also need to make sure that Speaker Pelosi, Rep. Hoyer (the House Majority Leader), Rep. Boehner (the House Minority Leader), Sen. Reid (Senate Majority Leader), Sen. McConnell (Senate Minority Leader - from KY), and Sen. Durbin (Senate Majority Whip - from IL) hear from us. Finally, we need to continue thanking and supporting the sponsors and cosponsors of H.R. 503 and S. 311.

Another suggestion...if Congress hasn't moved this bill by April 29th, how about a massive call-in/write-in effort on that day?

I am glad to know you are all here and that you love Barbaro as much as I do.

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, Dr. R and the whole New Bolten Team -- THANK YOU for all you did for Barbaro and for letting us be a part of it.

I also want to thank the Hennegan Brothers -- with all of us behind you, the "First Saturday in May" is bound to be a huge success!

Yeh Ashley....I have vivid memories from last Sunday....all the old faces came rallying back to the site and we just sat and prayed so hard that day. It was a struggle to remain positve. The silence coming from New Bolton and the Jacksons was DEAFening. Last Sunday the universe began to shift and it was becoming apparent that perhaps our world was about to change abrutly. Driving into work on Monday morning at 745am Central, I could already feel what was happening. I know that I can tell you all honestly that I knew...I knew..... and I bet most of you did too. I was already in tears as I drove into work. I stuck my Neil Diamond CD into my player before heading in the door at work and listened to "ANTHEM"

"Dear Father
We Dream
We Dream
We Dream
While we May

Who are we To need?
We need,
We Need.
While we wait.....while we Wait......"

That was my moment with Barbaro before he passed. IT was my goodbye and my heart was broken apart but I knew he was going to be free of what my dreams and my needs were, and was now going to fulfill his own destiny.

"While I waited" for the news to be confirmed, I tried desperatly to find meaning in all of this. It has been difficult, but many of us are starting to find that meaning, maybe in small pieces, but Barbaro's legacy of hope and love is now begining to take shape.

I can hear it in your crackling voices, and see it behind your bloodshot eyes........There he is.

His Destiny about to unfold.

Leslie in MN

Thank you so much to the Hennegan brothers and to Alex and Tim! :)

###Nina

That is such a relief,cuz I included some mints in my mail.

I'll send my thanks Sea Biscuit and Secretariat especially for working on a Sunday. Tell them to make sure it has an extra large capacity cuz their fans wouldn't want to crash the site like we did the candle.

Well off to lite some candles.

take care

Good Morning Barbaro...

Last night I saw a twinkling star, and thought Barbaro are you winking at us...telling us you are having a splendid time....I cannot imagine...

Good Morning Fans/Family of Barbaro....the House that Barbaro Built...LET US KEEP THIS HOUSE STANDING FOREVER.

I received in the mail some literature from HSUS about the anti-horse slaughter bill that I am going to use in my flyers.

PLEASE LET US NOT LET BARBARO OR MRS. JACKSON OR THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF BARBARO DOWN...WE HAVE UNFINISHED TASK TO DO.

Mary S...good seeing you..I missed your prayers.

This is the Lord's day...and we are thankful.

Alex...always in our hearts.

Barbaro enjoy your day..I will watch for your star tonight...love always...

Have a Blessed Day.

Good "Late" Morning,

Alex, Sue's commentary is terrific. This website has been a sanctuary for the last several months. Thank you for making it all possible.

Thank you Hannegan Bros. I have seen the clips you provided but haven't thanked you until now. They are priceless! I do hope the move makes it to the Tribecca Film Festival.

Love ya Big Guy,
Edie

###Nina PS

Luved the way you changed the last word.
worth reposting.

And Now, I'm glad I didn't know, The way it all would end, The way it all would go, Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, But I'd of had to miss the RACE!

Race for the cure for laminitis
Race for the end of horse slaughter
Race for safer tracks...

the list could go on and on Barbaro's legacy

Leslie in MN you described exactly how I felt last Sunday and Monday. Sunday my friends and I went to the movies. I know they were trying to make me feel better but we went to the movie "The Queen". I had no idea what it was about. I guess I should have asked. The movie centers arounds the events of Princess Diana's death. I lost it in the movie theater. I knew Barbaro's fight was over.

welcome aboard, Kristine,
and thank you for the insight!

###

I stop by office to get on board...to see how all of you are doing...My prayers are with all of you.

Tomorrow, hopefully I can share some the news HSUS. sent.

Barbaro's and Foggy's candles are very low...PLEASE LIGHT UP AND KEEP THESE FLAMES ETERNAL BURNING....

To the Hennegan Brothers; Thanks so much for the video clips. I look forward to them everyday. All of these are things we have never seen before and they are a treat. I really loved the one with Michael and his little boy. That was so cute.

DENNIS,
What a wonderful idea for us all to pause and remember Barbaro tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. It will be a chance for all FOBs to collectively start to come to terms with his loss, a way to start the closure somehow. Did you see the reference (in one of the articles Alex posted) to a letter Laura Hillenbrand wrote after Barbaro crossed? To paraphrase her, greatness is ephemeral; to find it is so rare, and to lose it is wrenching. While Barbaro was here, he shared his greatness with us, his indomitable courage, at once strengthening us and allowing us to share in his miracle of guts and spirit. Through him, we became better than we were before, able to endure the fight because he himself was enduring a much tougher struggle. Now it is our turn to struggle to move on in some meaningful way, but with Barbaro with us always, not left behind consigned to history. That's the question before us now: how do we go forward when such greatness (and what a sense of humor, too) has been ripped from us? Barbaro, please help us to get through this and finish the tasks you set before us.

Love you, beautiful boy.

Candles for Barbaro

Candles for The Fog

thanks Hennegan Bros--the outakes are wonderful and heartwarming--can't wait to see the film.
Looking forward to the next clip.

thanks Alex for your update anf thoughtfullness today and always

nina--thanks for monitoring the emails from Barbaro--looking forward to hearing from him

Miss you beautiful Barbaro!!
love
linda

Mary S
You are so right. And here we reside in the House That Barbaro Built dealing with the loss of our leader. Grief is a tough nut. It takes hold of your heart and won't let go. For me...Bobby drew me to Horse Rescue. Many of you know I adopted Cloud the first Save at MHR. I love him dearly. Bobby drew me to end slaughter and I realize that I did nothing last week to honor him. Yesterday I was working in the yard listening to Dan Fogelberg in my MP3. This song grabbed me and made me realize it's time to carry on, time to get back to work for Bobby... to pass the Barbaro Bill. Please my FOB family, join me in dedicating ourselves to making this happen.
These are the lyrics that have inspired me to move on.

An only child alone and wild
A cabinet maker’s son
His hands were meant for different work
And his heart was known to none

He left his home and went his lone
And solitary way
And he gave to me a gift I know
I never can repay

A quiet man of music
Denied a simpler fate
He tried to be a soldier once
But his music wouldn’t wait

He earned his love through discipline
A thundering, velvet hand
His gentle means of sculpting souls
Took me years to understand

The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument
And his song is in my soul

My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I’m just a living legacy
To the leader of the band

My brothers’ lives were different
For they heard another call
One went to Chicago
And the other to St Paul

And I’m in Colorado
When I’m not in some hotel
Living out this life I’ve chose
And come to know so well

I thank you for the music
And your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom
When it came my time to go

I thank you for the kindness
And the times when you got tough
And, pap, I don’t think
I said, "I love you" near enough

The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument
And his song is in my soul

My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I’m just a living legacy
To the leader of the band

I am the living legacy
To the leader of the band.

Alex,
Thank your for the continued updates on Barbaro's tributes and horseracing in general. The Scott Simon/NPR piece was one of my favorites. I stopped listening to NPR a few years ago so if you had not posted it I would not have found it. I am wondering if you will post your personal thoughts about Barbaro and the time you spent with him? If you have already and I have missed it please forgive me. Reading about your visits with Barbaro late last year were great. The last thing I did on Christmas night was sit and read this webstite and your visit with Barbaro. It was a peaceful ending to a busy and wonderful day with family, in-laws etc. Thanks again for everything.

Repost- Cafe Press has updated Barbaro merchandise including bumper stickers, magnets, hats mugs, etc All in memory of Barbaro printed with "Heart of a Champion, Champion of Our Hearts".

Website:
http://www.cafepress.com/barbaro

jan

Good morning, Starshine.

Good morning, everyone. Still very cold and bright here in St.Louis. The sun has no warmth.

I keep thinking "a week ago...." . Tomorrow will be....we all know. I laid in bed for a bit after the alarm this morning thinking of all there is to do, for the horses and in my own personal life. As has happened too much recently, I felt overwhelmed and didn't want to get out of bed.

But I made myself get up and made a schedule and I'm going to start getting things done. For Bobby, for all the other horses. Three breakdowns already this week at Aqueduct, three horses euthanized and at least one jockey seriously injured.

Good Morning All,

THanks Alex for everything you have done each and every day!!

The newest clip from the Hennegan brothers is just wonderful. Our boy was something really special...Enjoy your heavenly day sweet Barbaro!!!

Have a great Sunday everyone and GO BEARS!!!!

I will be with all of you tomorrow at 1030 am EST as we take some time to be with Barbaro and reflect on all that he gave us. I believe Barbrao taught us awareness - remember his legacy, for The Spirit of The Horse.

I love you always.

Love, Light and Protection for The Spirit of The Horse

I stil get up every morning and go in to check on Barbaro. Then I remember. I check in anyway because I know all you who loved him understand and we will share our grief together and help each other be strong. I think of Barbaro looking out of his window at the other horses free and running. Now he is free and running and as Mrs. Jackson said out of that darn stall. God Bless Barbaro, the Jacksons and all you people who loved him so much. We will honor his memory. There isnt a doubt in my mind that he would have wom the Triple Crown but he had a different destiny.

Thanksfor the link to cafepress.com/barbaro. I can even get a Barbaro shirt for my dog now.

Theres some kind of cool stuff here. I'm new to this, when I buy something does this stuff go to that fund for what Barbaro died of or something else?

Alex,

I'm glad to hear about Carnival World's new career. And I do remember seeing the clip of her (and you!) on TV a couple of months back. Have you thought about contacting that reporter to let them know about Carnival's new career? It'd make a great follow-up story, and might help to focus some attention on how much more good these retired thoroughbreds do when they're given the chance, instead of being sent to slaughter.

Also loved the update from earlier noting the Hennegans are planning a Barbaro documentary. WONDERFUL!! Hmmm, how soon can I reserve my copy on Amazon?? :)

Lissa in PA

I'm curious about Cafepress, too. I like some of their things, but they had a VERY offensive bumper sticker among the Barbaro items and I quickly left the website. I'd like to buy rememberances where at least some of the profits go to beneficial purposes.

####
Craig
Unfortunately no, I do not believe that there are any donations from the sale of the merchandise bought at Cafe Press to the Barbaro fund.
I do like the wide variety of merchandise that they offer....
jan

###
Wendy
I didn't run across the offensive bumper sticker. YIKES! Did you do a general "Barbaro" search at Cafe Press? I believe Cafe Press is a place for many vendors. So there will always be the risk of people who have sick humor offering merchandise. I know of the one link I provided I like their products. But I do stay away from looking further within that website.
jan

Good Morning, or should I say Good Afternoon to all FOB's

Just lit candles for Barbaro, Fog and Dr. R.

Thanks to Alex for this site. Couldn't make it through this terrible time without reading all the posts from FOB's. Thought I was doing better, but now I'm not so sure. Tomorrow will be a very hard day. Especially at 10:30 am.

Alex, please if you're able, let us know how Dr. Richardson and the Jackson's are doing.

Love to Barbaro.

Carol L.
Sylvania, OH

Jan - Yes, I think I did do a general Barbaro search within the cafepress website. My daughter and I were just horrified.

Hi all.

A friend of mine bought me the t-shirt and tote bag from Jo-Ellen's collection on Cafepress for Christmas and I love them! It means so much more now too!

I recommend her things if anyone wants to get them. I might order the magnet for my fridge.

To all FOBs,

I found this quote when my Dad passed away and it has really comforted me. I thought it was perfect for all of us now as well (I'm sorry if this has been posted before):

"I still miss those I loved who are no longer with me, but I find I am grateful for having loved them. The gratitude has finally conquered the loss."
Rita Mae Brown

does anyone know how Dr. Riichardson is doing?I think of hin alot Barbaro died way too young he should not have been racing his legs were too fragile yet.Idon"t think he will ever be out of my mind or heart

does anyone know how Dr. Riichardson is doing?I think of hin alot Barbaro died way too young he should not have been racing his legs were too fragile yet.Idon"t think he will ever be out of my mind or heart

ALEX:

Speaking of Messaging........How is he?

If the Henenegan Brothers complete that separate documentary on Barbaro and one can eventually buy a copy, I for one would do so. Perhaps some of proceeds could benefit retired horses returned fm Japan (e.g. War Emblem), those saved fm slaughter etc., and maybe for continued acquisition of lands for their continued quality of life.

Anne,
I think some people do "see" what you mean, I do. Horseracing is a gamble all the way around. I do believe there are people like the Jacksons who absolutely love their horses though. And I am told that it looks like a lot of money is being made but my father owned racehorses and believe me not much money was made. It costs bundles to buy a horse, train, feed, vet,shoe, etc. But the tracks must be making money or they wouldn't be there.

Horseracing is a deep seated tradition where people don't seem to change too readily. We are, however, on a website of a horseracing trainer so I imagine that it is not the the most receptive forum for lobbying to end horseracing. For me it would never work to race my horse, I would rather do dressage like that dancing horse on the discussion board!

Anne, I invite you to lobby for changes in racing. I would really like them to make a rule where a horse couldn't be started until four yrs. old as they do in other countries. This cuts down on injuries. But, after Barbaro's death I feel myself turning away from racing more and more. I hope people here don't critisize me for this but I just love them too much to see the high rate of injuries in racing.

Bless all the beasts, especially Barbaro in his transition.

Thanks Chrissy for that beautiful quote!

Good afternoon, all...

I too will be pausing at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow. For the first time in a long time, I felt uncomfortable sitting in church this morning. I felt like God knew I was questioning Him, and maybe a bit angry with Him. For all the good that Barbaro brought to the important issues he represents, why he had to die is something I can't figure out. If anyone should have made it, he should have. Guess I have seen too many miracle movies. And yes, I know that we don't know God's plan. I haven't lost my faith, but it's shaken.

Maybe when Michael Matz asked for "a miracle," that was the miracle of getting through July when the laminitis struck. Maybe there just wasn't another miracle coming. Or maybe it was just one long miracle that he did so well for 8 months.

Anyway, I too, think the weather was warm here in and near Pa. for as long as Barbaro could get out and graze, and now it's just cold, cold, cold. Symbolic, like that number 29 on the Hennegans' ticket from Aqueduct.

Well, I have to work today but I've got to think that Big B would want the Colts to win. They used to be in Baltimore before they moved to Indianapolis.

Hennegans, thank you so much. Alex, you are a godsend to us. BTW, there are lots of audio clips on NPR about Barbaro since last Monday. Just be sure you've got your Kleenex.

I wish everyone could know the love for Barbaro that I & so many have found. We are better for travelling the 8 mo journey with him. I know I am a better person for it. He taught me many lessons - who knew a horse I never knew anything about until the day of the Preakness would change my life. I saw Barbaro get injured & from that moment I checked on him almost daily, lit candles & sent him messages. He became a family member I loved. I am lost now that there are no updates to receive... so in the absence of that I stay on this website with my new family to mourn & receive updates on tributes & stories. I am educating myself on horses & horseracing so I can try, in some small way, to make a difference in Barbaro's name so his death will count for as much as possible. We couldn't save him, which is a tragedy & loss for the world, but maybe someday we can save another horse, then another & Barbaro will be the catalyst behind those miracles. We all have work to do. Gretchen Jackson asked that we work on the causes/issues that are so important to the horses & racing. I think now, we all will because Barbaro made it known to the world what this work needed to be done. Maybe that was the real race he was running - his ultimate goal. He finished his race, he won after all.

Thank you, Sue McMullen, simply beautiful!! And excellent and well deserved tribute and thanks to Alex and Tim!

My dearest Barbaro, I know that you are indeed "home" up there in Heaven, honey, and running free with the angels, but oh Barbaro your presence here on earth is deeply mourned.
Barbaro, I suspect you already may have sent your own "messages" to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson; your friend and best of the best, Dr. Dean Richardson, Edgar, Michael, Peter, Alex, Tim, Eduardo,Ricardo, all your caregivers at NBC, Mike Rea, your friends at Kennett Florist,and that would be so very like you.
Thank you, Barbaro, for letting me know that you are indeed "home", grazing in the sun, but I can't help but still miss you.
My heart beats for your heart, Barbaro, now and forever! I love you honey!
Run with the angels, Barbaro!

Alex, thank you again for everything with all my heart. . .

with love, Lou Ann in Pennsylvania

Re: The memorial stone bench, apple tree, and . . . . for Dr. Richardson and Barbaro at NBC -- Susan in CO, please do count me in! I did send you my e-mail, please keep me posted as I'm not always able to get to the forum and keep up with all the messages here at the site. Thank you!

Haven't seen any posts yet, not even checked the new video clip, I'm saving it like dessert for later.

#######Trying to catch up with posts from the last day or so, am way behind. I was overcome by the post by Shelley in CA at February 3, 2007 7:05 AM

IMO - Everybody should read this, with excerpts from reports firsthand from messages at TWF by Ara re The Boys and Girls from New York, now at their forever home - thanks to Barbaro.

############ I did not know until I read in this post, about the terrible accident involving Jose Santos and For a Prayer at Aqueduct. The horse did not make it. HOW IS JOSE SANTOS DOING, please, anyone? I've been staying away from TV racing this week and had no idea.

The story of the Boys and Girls from New York is cause for pause. Not to mention the lives already saved by FOBs via Miracle Horse Rescue and two more about to be born at MHR. Unless something has changed, Rosie is due any minute with a foal to be named Bobby's Lil Angel.

btw - you guys into signs and birthdates - did you know that the birthdate of Misty, the aged Oregon auction lifelong broodmare who's having her last baby (to be named Bobby's Spirit) at MHR in a couple of months - is April 29th?

LIVING PROOF OF THE LIVING TRUTH

Hope Peace Love Music & RESPECT - CJ the craziest catlady (Blackie's Mother & Pleasure's Aunt) in Hammond IN, f/k/a CJ of T Bar J (Elgin IL)

Another beautiful day missing its heart here in Northern California...

Harry Aleo's BRITE 'N HAPPY will be racing at GGF at 11:45 am PST, another claiming race in which I pray she will not be claimed and comes home safe to Harry. She is usually the winner! so why others don't try to claim her is beyond me unless there is an understanding among horsemen that certain horses are only run to keep the cards filled, not to lose the horse (what a terrible wording, in more ways than one).

Anyone can watch the streaming video or race replay for free at Calracing.com. The streaming video is better than many of the other tracks...

May we all have a good Sunday. I am hoping Budweiser inserts a little mention of our Barbaro... does a corporation have that flexibility on their biggest advertising day? In any case, their ads usually bring me to tears.

Wonderful article by Sue McMullen, whose writings are like poetry to me, always. It is just one of the many aspects of this Barbaro journey I cherish and would miss...

Nice article in The Blood-horse about Barbaro

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37404

Sorry if it's already been posted.

cindy a

Haven't seen any posts yet, not even checked the new video clip, I'm saving it like dessert for later.

#######Trying to catch up with posts from the last day or so, am way behind. I was overcome by the post by Shelley in CA at February 3, 2007 7:05 AM

IMO - Everybody should read this, with excerpts from reports firsthand from messages at TWF by Ara re The Boys and Girls from New York, now at their forever home - thanks to Barbaro.

############ I did not know until I read in this post, about the terrible accident involving Jose Santos and For a Prayer at Aqueduct. The horse did not make it. HOW IS JOSE SANTOS DOING, please, anyone? I've been staying away from TV racing this week and had no idea.

The story of the Boys and Girls from New York is cause for pause. Not to mention the lives already saved by FOBs via Miracle Horse Rescue and two more about to be born at MHR. Unless something has changed, Rosie is due any minute with a foal to be named Bobby's Lil Angel.

btw - you guys into signs and birthdates - did you know that the birthdate of Misty, the aged Oregon auction lifelong broodmare who's having her last baby (to be named Bobby's Spirit) at MHR in a couple of months - is April 29th?

LIVING PROOF OF THE LIVING TRUTH

Hope Peace Love Music & RESPECT - CJ the craziest catlady (Blackie's Mother & Pleasure's Aunt) in Hammond IN, f/k/a CJ of T Bar J (Elgin IL)

Dennis -- A moment of silence at 10:30 tomorrow for Barbaro. What a beautiful idea. I'll be looking for a quiet spot at work to be alone with my thoughts of him for a few moments.

Marge Dowler (and others) who've been worried about Dr. R -- I had an email from another FOB yesterday, who'd inquired at NBC. Dr. R and his family have gone out of town for the weekend to find some peace to deal with the emotional rollercoaster of this past week, and hopefully he has been unbothered by reporters, etc., and is finding some solace.

All -- As I said above, I'll be observing the moment of silence tomorrow morning for Barbaro. I've been continuing to light candles for Barbaro, and I think tomorrow it would be nice if we made an extra effort to light those candles again. Someone last Monday posted something to the effect that we wanted to "light his way to Heaven", and I think it would be nice if tomorrow we could light that path again, to let him know we're still here fighting for his brothers left behind here on Earth. What do you all think?

Lissa in PA

Good morning, all! Dennis, I had already planned to take my 15 minute break from work at 10:25 EST tomorrow - will go outside in the freezing cold and find a place to light a candle for our Big Boss Horse!

Alex, thanks as always for all you do for us - I've always enjoyed Sue's articles...and the Hennagan Brothers have provided such wonderful clips for us to view - can't wait to see the film in all its glory!

The Fog's birthday today - oh, no, something else to cry about...

Just a warning, and I'm not trying to be negative but just realistic: as awful as I feel this morning, I'm reflecting that Barbaro was still alive at this time last week - struggling, but alive. Do not be taken by surprise (and don't beat up on yourselves) if you find that you feel even worse after 10:30 am EST tomorrow...the realization at that moment that he is truly gone may be more overwhelming than you expect...but we will survive, we will "soldier on" in his name!

An interesting religious tradition: when my cousin died in 1990, he was buried by a close friend who was a priest in the Orthodox Church of America. Fr. Bill invited me to a special ceremony on the 40th day after my cousin's death...the Orthodox Church considers the 40th day the moment when our beloved's soul has completely been loosed from the bonds of earth...because they believe that it takes 40 days for those left to mourn to be able to release the soul of the departed. Believe? Don't believe? I just thought it was interesting to offer this here..."our" significant 40th day will be March 9th.

Barbaro, my sweet spirit horse, I mourn your death, I celebrate your brief life, and I rejoice in your "right and perfect healing" in God's kingdom. If you're through playing hoofball with my heart, you could send it back to me so I can function just a little bit better! I know you and all your horse angel friends MUST be rooting for the COLTS today...who else would self-respecting horses cheer for? I'll see you soon...please bring Chipper and Irish and CC and Hebegebe and Glenn with you when you meet me just across the Rainbow Bridge. I love you, Big Boss Horse!
You are my dream, my prize, my gift and forever the CHAMPION OF MY HEART!
Nancy and your kitkat friends Maizie and Seamus

As I was at the card store trying to pick the appropriate condolence card for each person involved, I came across the following and it gave me peace:

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and savor each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate the joy of everyday. The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meanig and that laughter is life's sweetest creation.

Ro & Brady

I love the obituary for Barbaro in Time magazine, written by WIlliam Nack, author of "Secretariat":

"All superior racehorses have their Secretariat moment, that brief stitch in time when they reveal the true measure of their talent, and for BARBARO that instant arose as the horses came charging to the turn for home in the 2006 Kentucky Derby. Lying dangerously close to a fiery pace, the colt rushed to the lead and--following one of the fastest final quarter miles in Derby history--won the Roses by nearly seven lengths, the longest Derby victory margin in 60 years. I had witnessed every Derby but one since 1972, and Barbaro struck me--for his sheer athleticism, his explosive speed, his unbridled joy for running--as the finest 3-year-old I had seen since Spectacular Bid in 1979. Vast ability aside, he had all the extras: a classic pedigree, a gentlemanly demeanor and a body that could be by da Vinci. Two weeks later, he shattered his right hind leg in the Preakness. Barbaro may have hobbled off the racetrack with his promise unfulfilled, but in his eight-month struggle to survive, he became the most enriching story in sports, the warm center of a high-wire drama that featured two owners who spared no expense trying to save him; a team of caregivers at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center who nursed him through surgeries and bouts of deadly laminitis; and thousands of fans around the country who sent cards, flowers, candy and prayers for his recovery. Barbaro himself endured the ordeal with fortitude and poise, with patience and even sweetness. Alas, facing yet another painful siege of laminitis last week, Barbaro was put to sleep by lethal injection, but not before he came to represent the noblest qualities of his breed--as the humans around him came to represent the best of theirs."

RIP Big B - Run fast and run free - Thanks for the memories, the hopes, the dreams, the passion, the love I feel for you...You are so very special...

Does anyone know how to reach the woman who runs believeinbarbaro.com? I have been trying to reach her but she will not respond to my notes.

I have two e-mail addresses for her, one of which is info@believeinbarbaro.com, the other which appears to be her name (starts with chiellini...).

Thanks in advance for any help anyone might offer.

PRAYER VIGIL TODAY 3:00 EST

For about 15 minutes or so if we could focus the intent of our prayers to the Jacksons who brought Barbaro to us, to Michael Matz, a fine human being on so many levels, to Dr. Dean Richardson who gave so much of himself to give us an extra 8 months with our boy, to Edgar, who lost his mother right before the Derby as well as Barbaro, to Alex who gifts us on a daily basis, and to Peter who was lucky enough to ride on the back of greatness.

We ask for healing, grace and peace for all of these fine people. In whatever way you want to pray. We can circle the globe with prayer. In the name of Barbaro who will be watching us.

Thank you to the person who asked about the time zone. Forgot to put on earlier post.

Greetings Barbaro Nation,

That nasty Simer's did it again. Another sicko column related to Barbaro in the Sunday sports page.
He tries to say the editor had taken out the hateful and threatening remarks of peoples' letters that were displayed in yesterdays paper. I would like to know how many letters thay got in total?

Ohhh and he says Gary Stevens also called him and left him a voice mail reminding him that they had once golfed together and told him he was a despicable man. Go Mr. Stevens!

Feel bad sharing but maybe letters to the LA Times from around the nation to the editor would enlighten those folks.

Wow it is Sunday think how our Prince had his last Sunday last week and would be leaving us but not our hearts. I Love You (((Barbaro)))

They've already announce that racing will be canceled at Philadelphia Park tomorrow due to the extreme cold weather. Don't know yet about Tuesday....that's when Hawty Creek and Boxcar are both schedule to run. Hawty in the 5th and Boxcar in the 8th.

I will also be joining everyone tomorrow morning at 10:30 for a moment of silence. One of the woman at work put her cat down at exactly the same time that we lost Barbaro. She was grieving terribly all week but I assured her that her kitty crossed the Rainbow Bridge in excellent company.

To anybody watching horse racing on TVG. The Garbage Mans trainer Greg has a horse, Sunny Brick, running in the 3rd at the Fairgrounds today. I hope he finishes in the money and safe and sound. When I went to his stable to see The Garbage Man I also saw this horse there....he is quite the nipper! And he is a gelding.
cindy a

Thank you Alex for providing this forum to keep us informed and space to express our thoughts and feelings about this magnificent horse.
Thank you to Sue McMullen for her eloquent and heartfelt article on Barbaro since his death - one of the best I have seen so far.
Thank you to all the Fans of Barbaro for your tributes and understanding of how much he meant to all of us.

His Spirit is running free.

Mary

LISSA - thanks for the info about Dr. Richardson. I had mentioned to someone in an email that I wished he could have a vacation SOON, so a weekend away is a reasonably good substitute. Thanks for giving us that news!
Nancy

#####

Lyn Gilbert: Regarding the number 29.....my birthday is August 29.

Jeanette Cavalier

"Please Pray for the Horses"

"No Horse Left Behind"

To Leslie,Shelly,Sandy, and Barb thanks for your comments. I know someday peace and understanding will come. Keep trying to find the positives throughout the last nine months. I guess acceptance is one of them. Had the courage to watch the Derby again. It helped.

Good afternoon all... late posting today. Finally got some sleep but dreamed of Barbaro all night still. It is bitterly cold here in CT and the snow that melted yesterday is now ice. BRRR! I still believe God kept November & December abnormally warm so Barbaro could go out & graze...

"A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." ~Maya Angelou

I miss you, sweet colt.

Good Morning Handsome Sweetheart:) It is Sunday and tomorrow will be a whole week since you left us for Heaven.

I think of you 1,000,000 times a day, and though I know you are happy there with all your new friends, running, playing, frolicking and yes, Bobby, GOBBLING Buttercups and Clover, it is hard for me 'cause I miss you so much!

I love you forever, will never forget you and will do everything I can to help make track surfaces safer, STOP slaughter of your relatives, and help those who work in your industry!

I am never taking my bracelets off! They remind me of what you stood for, they remind me, (not that I need reminding) you are a winner, and they remind me to Live the Moment! You are my HERO:)for now and for always!

Tomorrow morning at 7:30 my time, I will light a candle for you my darling man:)

Lynne-Your Friend Forever in CA

Afternoon (energetic) skritches to the Big Boss
Horse of Forever.

####
Equine Heaven:
Can hardly wait for B's Monday message re AHSPA
(and Slew's weight...)

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

I have never done this before. This is a test message to say I will join in the prayer vigil at 3PM EST today.

###
>>A friend of mine bought me the t-shirt and tote bag from Jo-Ellen's collection on Cafepress for Christmas and I love them! It means so much more now too!

I recommend her things if anyone wants to get them. I might order the magnet for my fridge.

Posted by: Chrissy at February 4, 2007 5:49 PM

Thanks for the info Chrissy. I had that link saved to my Barbaro folder in my Bookmarks. I though Jo-Ellen's collection looked worthy! I'm wanting to add to my Barbaro collection for some reason. So I have been searching through all of my previous Bookmarks.
jan

shelley, I got the email you sent me. I loved the pics! What a beauty........

I am sorry to have come across this community of caring people only last Monday. I wish I could have been part of your circle all through the eight months. All I knew to do was go to the UPENN site.

Anyway, it is nice to become acquainted with you all and share in the grief and gratitude.

Heartfelt hugs to all the friends and family of Barbaro.


Forever Fan of Barbaro

Believe

OH....Everytime I hear that Mrs. Jackson has made contact to relay a message to us I cry.
A class act.....
jan

###

Rosalind,

So happy to welcome you "home". Good to see fellow FOB's unite!

Haven't seen any posts yet, not even checked the new video clip, I'm saving it like dessert for later.

#######Trying to catch up with posts from the last day or so, am way behind. I was overcome by the post by Shelley in CA at February 3, 2007 7:05 AM

IMO - Everybody should read this, with excerpts from reports firsthand from messages at TWF by Ara re The Boys and Girls from New York, now at their forever home - thanks to Barbaro.

############ I did not know until I read in this post, about the terrible accident involving Jose Santos and For a Prayer at Aqueduct. The horse did not make it. HOW IS JOSE SANTOS DOING, please, anyone? I've been staying away from TV racing this week and had no idea.

The story of the Boys and Girls from New York is cause for pause. Not to mention the lives already saved by FOBs via Miracle Horse Rescue and two more about to be born at MHR. Unless something has changed, Rosie is due any minute with a foal to be named Bobby's Lil Angel.

btw - you guys into signs and birthdates - did you know that the birthdate of Misty, the aged Oregon auction lifelong broodmare who's having her last baby (to be named Bobby's Spirit) at MHR in a couple of months - is April 29th?

LIVING PROOF OF THE LIVING TRUTH

Hope Peace Love Music & RESPECT - CJ the craziest catlady (Blackie's Mother & Pleasure's Aunt) in Hammond IN, f/k/a CJ of T Bar J (Elgin IL)

###

Rosalind

Welcome, we are many hearts united here, in grief and celebration for what Barbaro meant to us.

###

C. Jaffe

April 29th sounds perfect to me!

Barbara Livingston,

Thank you so much for not on the awe inspiring shots of Barbaro, but of all the others. I especially love your galleries of the old pensioners and pictures Demaloots Girl and Strategic Mission. You're a wonderful photographer.

Welcome, Rosalind. I, too, just started posting on this site, last weekend when I really felt the need for comfort from people who understood how worried I was at that point. Everyone here is very welcoming. As someone said to me after my first post, "please stay with us for the ride".

Lissa in PA

###

Barbara Livingston...

I have copied and emailed your request to Susan Chiellini. I hope you hear from her soon.

Your photos are fabulous. Where can I purchase one of Barbaro?

Please email me @
tyedyed14@yahoo.com

Thanks..
Therese

Alex, as always, thank you for the wonderful artilces and news on Barbaro.

Sue, what a beautifully written article about Barbaro. My heart still weeps for our boy.

Barbaro, you will never be forgotten. We will always walk beside you.

Love,
Daphne and Pee

Dear Bobby - it's been almost a week and still the tears flow, I miss you beautiful boy. I miss hearing you had a good night, I miss watching you graze, I miss you as much as I would if you had been phyiscally present in my life daily. Through Alex I felt like I got to groom you, feel your muscles quiver beneath my hand, feel the velvet of your nose. I almost felt like I had looked into those big brown eyes. Each morning I would wake up and go to the computer for an update from Alex. Each afternoon I would check again, and the last thing before going to sleep at night I would check on my beautiful Barbaro. Each positive report filled my heart to over flowing, I would walk around with a silly smile on my face, sharing the good news with my husband and children. My grandson referred to you as "my boy". In July when the laminitis developed and I cryed, he would hug me and say "Don't worry Gramma, your boy will be alright." You seemed a part of my life, and now there is a empty place, that I will have to fill. I am trying not to shed tears on your candle sweet boy, and I know in time the tears will lessen. My resolve to carry on your legacy will not diminish, I have already sent emails on the anti slaughter bill, and I will do anything I can to help horses and animals that need us. I will do all that, but I will still miss you, I will never forget the miracle that was you. I love you Bobby.

###
Rosalind
You won't find a more caring and compassionate group of gals and guys as the FOB's ...they are beyond compare!!
Welcome to the board....it has been a "roller-coaster" ride these past 8 months...many have left their hearts at the top of the ride!... "Bobby" will never be anything ..... but our UNDEFEATED CHAMPION!
And Alex never failed to bring us the latest news.....(((Alex)))

Hello Champ! No amount of rationalizing can help me reconcile myself to the fact that you are no longer on this earth with us. I don't miss you less - I miss you more each day, especially because you were and are still my hero, the one I look to for strength when things don't seem so good. I do still look to you for that strength, I just have to raise my sights a little higher.

You are the miracle, Barbaro, and I do believe in you.

Hello Fellow FOB: I am getting so much comfort from those outtakes, as I know you all are. Being outside and experiencing the sun, the air, the wind, the birds and having wonderful people to care for him and guide him and having his body work so well - that was his life. I'm so grateful to Alex and the Hennegan Bros. for hosting this for us so we can see him in that way.

I am not looking forward to tomorrow, but I am going to take part in the 10:30 silence.

B. - I promise not to forget the lessons. A cure for laministis WILL be found in our lifetime.

Love to you all, my dear friends. Sandy

Good Afternoon Barba! Well you nipped me twice so far, I guess that means the Colts are going to cover the spread of the SB... Still waiting on the other nips......

Barbaro... I am having a hard time today.. I am really confused. My fiance' whom acts like he really loves me I need some answers. I need to know why he won't drop everything, cancel everything to see me. He has things going on and I don't seem to be part of his plan for awhile. I dunno..... Am I being selfish Barbaro? Please give me some answers cause I can't do this anymore. I want to smile again and be happy again..... I feel regected and I feel like no-one cares but you and all of you guys on this board........ Well my family of course.

If he had a tragety, I would drop EVERYTHING to make room to see him..... Please tell me am I or am I not being selfish....... I need to know... The sooner I know, the sooner I can make some decisions....

I tust you big buddy....... I'll wait to hear from you soon K?

Love you and waiting for the next nips RE: the game today......... :-)

############
############
FRIAR TUCK, FRIAR TUCK, FRIAR TUCK!!!!

I have been watching for you all morning, and you posted just under my 'love note' to Bobby. I tried clicking on your name (in blue) but come up with internet page cannot be displayed? I am trying very hard to reach you, could you please leave me a note on this page and let me know how?
If you go to the Forum, I am 'murphsmo2', you can reach me securely there. Thank you so much if you will reply .......Lynne-Barbaro's Forever Friend in CA

Brenda -

Your post:
"...
God works in mysterious ways my friends.
Barbaro will be doing great things for horses
for decades to come.And we are all a part of it.
His mission was much bigger than winning a Derby.
But to get the attention,he had to be a super athelete.
..."

Posted by: BrendaRyder at February 4, 2007 2:49 PM

I couldn't have said it better myself. Amen!

Dear Hennegan Brothers,

Another pricelss gem that you've shared with us. Such a peaceful day at Fair Hill, with Barbaro and Messaging enjoying a gorgeous day. I just love seeing the clips of Barbaro enjoying his every day life at Barbaro- it's truly heartwarming (and makes me feel less down) to see how happy he seemed.

Can't wait to see a "First Saturday in May" and terrific idea about making a documentary about Barbaro; you've made many many people happy! This is truly something to look forward to!

Take care,
Daphne and Pee

###
(((((NINA)))))

Nina why do you need him to drop everything for you?

Alex: It is so kind of Mrs. Jackson to be thanking others - Not only is Barbaro truly and deeply loved, but she and her husband are truly and deeply appreciated and respected.

Lisa in Colorado

Belinda... He doesn't want to see me until next Saturday........

why?

a week

Thanks, CJ, for posting the baby's due date.

Thanks, Alex, for everything.

It has been almost a week, and only just a little bit easier. I will join you all tomorrow at 10:30AM E.S.T.

In the name of Barbaro.

Cause he has other things going on... I guess.............. I don't really know..... This has been a really bad week in many ways and he feels that right now is not a good time to see me...... I really can't get into details but there are many.......

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

Barbaro OUCH now that was 4 nips!!!!! OVER on the points today for the Super Bowl you guys............... :-) So far two of my picks have been answered.....

1. The Colts will cover the spread.
2. The points will go over 48 and a half.....

Stay tuned.... he will send me more nips......
:-)

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh my peppermint candy is gone AGAIN..... Barbaro...... Please I have to feed the horses at the track...... They love it too you know......... Can you please tell me where you hid it this time???????? Ouch Barbaro....... now that was 6 nips..... OVER on the field goals..............