Yikes, it's VERY cold out there. Please take care, Alex and all of you who must spend time outside!

Yikes, it's VERY cold out there. Please take care, Alex and all of you who must spend time outside!

sallie

yes, Barbaro has earned his place among the legends; that is the best line i have read in all of the articles I have read and he did it with his fight for survival.

Good morning from frigid Kentucky - it is below zero today!
I hope everyone has a peaceful day today as we begin a new, and hopefully healing, week. I'll be here with you at 10:30.

Good morning, Barbaro! Good moring, Alex! Good morning, fellow Fans!

I did not post yesterday morning - I did not have one single thought I needed to share. I have moments when I feel I've moved on and others when the sadness comes over me. i am not consumed by it but I just need to sit quietly at those times. And I know 10:30 this morning will definitely be one of those times.

We spent yesterday doing what we moved to this amazingly beautiful state to do - skiing. The mountain we ski at has become my refuge - I feel closer to nature there, my beloved Margot's ashes were scattered there - I found it very comforting to be there yesterday. --- And, by the way, the Big Bay One is a great horse on snow too! ;-)

Off to get ready for work, where I can watch the Hennegan's latest gifts. Thank you!

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

Alex,
Thanks for the new articles, good reading.
Try to stay warm bitter -3 w/c -24 in OH today.

Colts 29... Chicago 17
There is that #29 again. Big Boss Angel u predicted correctly.

10:30 Moment of silence as suggested by Dennis (great idea) I'll be lighting candles too.

Take care all

Missing ACN so badly this morning !

Everyone try to stay warm on this frigid day.
See you at 10:30.

Proud Fan Of Barbaro.

Good Monday Morning Alex, Barbaro and fellow fans

It's hard to believe that it's a week since Barbaro moved to his new home. I wish it hadn't been yet - perhaps 30 years from now would have been more appropriate. I still can't accept it - and don't know when I will.

For all the fans in the frigid areas - please bundle up and keep those horses warm too.

I'll remember our moment of silence today.

Janice
A Barbaro fan forever

thank you alex for continuing to post these beautifiul tributes to barbaro. i hope it facilitates your healing as well as ours.

stay warm all of you up north -- all we have is a little wind and rain here in south florida....

Good Morning to all. Alex, thankx for the great articles. I think the nominations list is fascinating. Lots to think about in the months to come. My prayer is that all of those youngsters have a safe and successful campaign in 2007. I just cant be witness to another horrifying break down. I still don't know if i will ever watch another race.

I will be with you all in spirit at 10:30 today. A busy schedule today keeps me from being at the computer today. But, alas, Barbaro is never more than a heart beat away.

Love to you all.

Janice,

I feel the same as you. I can't believe it's been a week. I've shed a tear every day and this morning its as bad as the past 7. What an impact this horse and his spirit had on all of us. I wanted so much to see him make an appearance at the Preakness this year for all to see. God bless him.

Stu and Janice, I'm feeling the same this morning. Missing him terribly and still can't believe he's gone. God bless him and all of those who took such good care of him during his life.

I am comforted knowing he was such a loved and well-cared for horse and that his legacy will be long-lasting and profound.

Thanks Alex and stay warm!

Good morning, everyone - and thanks, as always, to Alex for all the wonderful information he provides for us!
It's frigidly cold here in southern CT...and it's awfully cold in my heart, too. This has been a horrible week even though I find some measure of comfort in Barbaro's eternal peace and healing...those who grieve mourn for what WE have lost - our inspiring, courageous, intelligent, gorgeous horse buddy - but we know that HE is fine in God's eternal meadows.
I, too, am intrigued by the significance of the Colts' 29 points in the Super Bowl...it felt like Barbaro saying, "OK, no more scoring...you've won the game and my people will recognize my presence in the number of points scored"...a message?
I will be with everyone at 10:30 am EST...and after that as well to continue to "do right by Barbaro!"
I love you forever, Big Boss Horse - you are the CHAMPION OF MY HEART, and a dream, a gift and a prize I have been proud to share!
Nancy

My thoughts and prayers are with Barbaro at 10:30 this morning, and every minute of every day. He is always on my mind. Missing him terribly today, but grateful for all the love he gave us.

Alex & all of those that have to go out this bitter cold weather, PLEASE BE CAREFUL.
Thank you Alex for keeping us posted through the good and bad time. I'll always look forward to reading all your and FOB posts.

Barbaro may you run with the wind and please us be the right the path to help aall horses and others have the best life on this planet. You will always be in my heart brave warrior.

Anne

Good Morning FOB's:

Now that Barbaro is happy and healthy, our prayers are answered. Now my prayer is that this wonderful group of thousands of people that he brought together will carry on with his legacy especially in fighting to ban horse slaughter and to get safer track surfaces. Please let's do this for him! His legend will become even greater if we do. Thanks.

Run with the wind, Barbaro.

OK, I've just decided to stay home this morning until the 11:15 bus...I just have to be with people who "get it" for our 10:30 am observance because I struggled on all last week with those who are clueless...and didn't even have the decency to be sympathetic to me!
Love to all!

Hiya, FsOB! Yes, I second Nancy's sentiments about the frigid cold here in coastal CT. Nikita is looking out the window at the neighbours who take their tiny dogs down to the riverbank in the AM. Fortunately, the tiny ones are in sweaters today! "All creatures great & small." Now Kita is speaking to me in Husky-speak. This cold gets her frisky, once she wakes up from her perch on the sofa. I can't get on this site from work, but I'll send good thoughts out at 10:30 AM. If you could please send healing thoughts out for my Uncle Stephen this AM, I'd be most grateful. He was going to the OR in Louisvlle at 6:30 AM to have two cardiac valves replaced and a coronary artery bypass. Thank you and peace to each of you, Robyn

Good morning. It will be a sad one, but a lot of good has come from the sadness, so I'll try to focus on that. Thanks again, Alex, for your updates and site.

Morning to all of you.

Last night was the first time in my life that I ever cheered for the Colts. I felt obligated. 29 points is a sign for sure.

I spent a couple of hours yesterday e-mailing the local radio station here in Cleveland. Seems that a couple of radio hosts find it funny to make cruel jokes about Barbaro. I found it quite upsetting. I know we here are supposed to ignore these trolls, but I felt a little better venting.

I know I should put that energy towards contacting my State Senators and my Congressmen.
I will try and do this today. We need to, and with the help of FOB's, put an end to this horse slaughter.

Thank all of you for your tremendous posts. They have helped greatly.

I will be with you all at 10:30. Off to light a candle.

Good morning, Friends of Barbaro!
Good, morning, Alex! Stay warm!

Thank you for having a moment of silence at 10:30 this morning. That's all I have thought about this morning-Barbaro! Barbaro, I love you so!!! I hope you are in a wonderful place. I miss you soooooooo much!!!! God Bless all of you this morning when we think of our beloved Barbaro!

Good Morning,
Just read the article by Brooke Gunning and of course tears are running. I have to agree about seeing the rerun of his break down. I turn my head every time. There was so much more to Barbaro than that moment.
I will be back at 10:30 to join all of you in remembering a true champion and praying for all who gave him a fighting chance.
Debbie in Ohio

Good morning FOB's. I'm really glad the Colts won last night. I told my husband they would do it in honor of our favorite colt.

Have as good of a day as possible. I'll keep you all in my thoughts as 10:30 draws near. Love and miss you Big B!!!

MJ

Dear Alex -
I hope you will be able to stay as warm as possible today. I hope that for everyone.

At 10:30, my thoughts will focus on Barbaro. It won't be much different than the last nine months...as he has always been there.

In May, I had a feeling a miracle was in the making. It happened. And though we are grieving for an ending that we never wanted, he will always be alive in spirit to me. He has truly become a legend for all time.

My prayers and gratitude go out to the Jacksons, Dr. Richardson, the NBC Staff, Michael, Peter, Alex, Tim and the fine people at Kennett Florist. And to all of us who love Barbaro and always will. He taught many lessons which I will carry forward.

Pam

It's been a long, very sad week. Still automatically think of checking up on him every morning...hope he is somewhere enjoying himself...condolences to us all.

Ken Z.

Absolutely Beautiful.

Good Morning All

Missing Him So - Until 7:30 California Time

Did bring a smile - the Colts winning

Last Monday at 10:30 I was writing my story about Barbaro. The story came with an insistence that I write it as quickly as I could. I cried and argued with the voice that whispered the story in my ear, but I did as I was instructed. By the time I got online at 10:45 I found out,even as I was writing the story, it was happening. I believe with all my heart my story is true, it was given to me from High.

I will be with all at 10:30 this Mournday..

I re-dedicate my story to Barbaro all all us who love him and miss him.

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

Last Monday at 10:30 I was writing my story about Barbaro. The story came with an insistence that I write it as quickly as I could. I cried and argued with the voice that whispered the story in my ear, but I did as I was instructed. By the time I got online at 10:45 I found out,even as I was writing the story, it was happening. I believe with all my heart my story is true, it was given to me from High.

I will be with all at 10:30 this Mournday..

I re-dedicate my story to Barbaro all all us who love him and miss him.

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

Last week was the mourning and grieving week for us. And not to say that the sadness is still not with us, but let this week be our celebration week, for Barbaro's life and for the joy and hope he gave us all during his short life.

Please do not misunderstand my words to follow, as I am heartbroken over losing Barbaro, but if he did not make the ultimate sacrifice by letting Dr. Richardson know it was time, and if he got better and left NBC and was sent to some horse farm for the remainder of his days, rarely to be heard from again, he would not have left us with the enduring legacy that he has left for us.

Personally, as hearbroken as I am, I can now take comfort in his death, believing that he would have preferred this legacy and all the good that will come from it.

A prayer for our vigil this morning...

Dear God, we thank you for the precious gift of your child Barbaro, a glorious creature of your perfect creation. He was always yours, not ours to keep, and we offer our gratitude to you for sharing him with us for a short time. Have mercy on all who mourn, especially Mr. & Mrs. Jackson and Dr. Richardson, and comfort all Barbaro's fans who are grieving and missing him with aching hearts. Thank you for receiving him into your kingdom of light and peace and healing. In your infinite mercy, hold us all in your loving arms until we are united with our beautiful spirit horse in your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Harriette Brillianthawk,

Thank you for your story. Although it has me shedding lots of tears again - it makes me realize that my wanting him to stay here is pure selfishness. I hope you don't mind that I'm going to print the story and keep it with the rest of my Barbaro things.

Janice

A proud fan of Barbaro FOREVER

Good morning everyone, try to stay warm today it is -3 in Pittsburgh.

Good morning Sweet Barbaro, have a wonderful day in heaven.

Alex, thank you for all the articals. They are really nice to read about how much everyone loved Barbaro.

Try to stay warm everyone. You will feel really warm all over, if you contact you Rep. and Senators to stop the horse slaughter.

Good Morning FOB'S and our dear Bobby in Heaven. It is a frigid morning here in northern Ct. as my fellow Nutmeggers have already said......everyone keep warm. I was starting to feel a bit better yesterday, but this morning at 10:30 I'm sure I will be praying and weeping. Joining all in the vigil......

COLTS 29

Bobby you down right made me laugh out loud with that one!!!

I dont know about you guys, but I am starting to think tatoo!

Good morning Alex, Good morning everyone,

I have a stupid question (my forte it seems). Is there a formula for naming horses? I was looking over the 450 triple crown contenders and was wondering why you're not allowed to name a horse Joe or Willy or anything like that. I read here recently that a name was "rejected" by some committee. Could someone enlighten me?

Sorry you are all so cold, we are experiencing the wet, warm Pinapple Express out here. I'll send it your way.

See you all in 2 hours for the vigil. Miss you Bobby.

Again, Alex, thank you for all you are doing for everyone on this site. Bundle up and drink lots of warm liquids--coffee? tea? hot chocolate? (my choice!)

I will be out in the barn cleaning this morning at 7:30 CA time which I think coincides with the 10:30 time of our special vigil.

This is such a wonderful site.

To All FsOB,

As we hold our vigil this morning, let us renew our commitment to continue the fight to close the slaughterhouses and feel a new vigor to do so. Let's get this done and one day people will look back and say "the horses slaughterhouses were closed in part because of the devotion of the fans of Barbaro who took up this cause to honor his memory. I think we all know how this would please the Jacksons and most importantly, Barbaro looking down and watching us.

Janice
A forever fan of Barbaro

Good Morning Barbaro!

Good Morning FOB's...hope you have a wonderful day! I am going to be at http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=barba, lighting a candle for our baby B at 10:30 & remembering....

I still miss him so much it is hard to stand.

Consoling hugs to all.

Good Morning Barbaro....
Good Morning Family/Fans of Barbaro.

29...Must be a symbol...

Barbaro..we know you had another comfortable night...I saw your shining star in the heavens above.

I hope everyone is staying warm...Prayers to all of you and the animals of all kinds that are out in this cold.

I came across a gentleman this weekend who is a big horse person...he is going to help us...Try to fill you in later when I get caught up on the job...

Please remember the vigil at 10:30 a.m.

Please remember to light candles for Foggy and Barbaro...and DO NOT FORGET THIS IS THE HOUSE BARBARO BUILT..NO ONE CAN TEAR DOWN...WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER THE UNFINISHED TASKS COMPLETED FOR THE LOVE OF THE CHAMPION HORSE...BARBARO.

As always, thank you Alex...our love and prayers to you.

United we stand...We will win, and we will prevail.

We Believe in Miracles
We Believe in Barbaro
and We Believe In Each Other.

Have a Blessed Day..

Morning (energetic) skritches to the undefeated champion Big Boss Horse of Forever...

#####
Tonia at 12.57 pm:
Couldn't agree more. Here's something I posted from yesterday.

FsOB:
A word re the Big Boss Horse's legacy:
Yes, he'll be ranked with the great racehorse's of all time.. [cue Mike C]
But more to the point, fifty years on, when horse slaughter is a faded memory, when the Barbaro Laminitis Clinic has made huge strides towards a cure, when nobody can rememember what a dirt track was, your grandchildren -- or your fur kids's grandchildren -- are still going to know the guy's name...and his story.
It doesn't get much more powerful than that.
Cheers,
Friar Tuck
Posted by: Friar Tuck at February 4, 2007 8:54 PM
####
Equine Heaven:
Champing at the bit for that noon update re AHSPA, Slew's weight (heh heh) and any additional comments re Colts 29...

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

At 10:30 AM, after our moment to honor Barbaro's passing, I will donate my $29 for February as part of our $29 Movement against Laminitis.

Love to Barbaro, the Big Boss Horse always.

Good morning Barbaro! Bet it is nice and warm in Heaven!

Good morning to all, will be here at 10:30 a.m.

Ro & Brady

Leslie -
A good friend said that when you hear or read something and you get goosebumps, it's a sign or message of sorts. When I read your post, I did. Colts - 29. For those that believe in receiving messages from the beyond, I would say this is definitely one.
Pam

-15 degrees wind chill here. My new little retired greyhound brood from OK just looked at me this morning at 6 a.m. when everyone else dashed out in the cold for a first "turnout." I guess it'll be like this all day, but there will be heavy snow too...more like we used to have in the Syracuse area than we have had in the recent years. I say a little prayer for all the animals who have to be out in the weather. Begin breakfast for all the hounds and coffee for me, and at 10:30, we'll be remembering, remembering, remembering. How can it be only a week ago that we lost him? Sending out comfort and healing to The Barbaro Nation and all that cared for this amazing animal. Words feel hollow this morning...except to say that we will go forward, in Barbaro's name.
jonna in liverpool ny

OK I've read one too many digs on why Barbaro is so newsworthy when there's so much suffering in the world.

I finally realized yesterday - the reason this story grabbed me was the last several years I've been hearing about nothing but the greed, cruelty, intolerance and heartlessness of human beings. It's enough to make anyone switch off the radio, close the paper and turn off the TV.

Barbaro awakened a compassion in my fellow man that I thought had died.

So I'm sorry for all the suffering in the world. I hate war and I grieve for what we've done to the planet and to each other. I try to do my part when I can.

But aren't we entitled to a little hope when we see the more tender side of ourselves and our species? Or do we have to stay in this constant state of depression and despair to make the media happy?

Good Morning Dear Friends

It is cold here is upstate NY also. But as I looked at the brilliant moon in the earlt morning sky, I could not help but think, There isn't a man in the moon anymore, it's Barbaro's bright eyes twinking at all of us.
I cannot help but think of all the changes this past week has brought about. In many ways, I feel closer to all of you as we share in remembering our hero. And as we carry on in our determination to bring about changes in his name.
It was his time to leave us. I think it was pre-stined his transition took place when it did. Before this year's Derby. While he was still in the hearts & minds of so many.
For he truly was a king among us. Even people who had little interest in horses loved Barbaro. They loved his spirit. They loved his courage & dignity. They were in awe of his will to live. And now he is immortal. And we are left here on Earth to honor his memory.
At 10:30 we will all take a minute to reflect on how we have been allowed to share in Barbaro's life, both here & in heaven. God Bless all who cared for this beautiful horse. He will always be a champion.
Kathy NY

I will be thinking of Barbaro at 10:30 am this morning along with all the FOBs. I thought I was done with the tears until I read the article in Scotland's Sunday times. It got me going again. I don't know when I'll get over this.

I had another death in my family this week - I feel like Barbaro was a part of my family even though I didn't know him personally. My uncle died on Friday - also the result of a misstep. He fell down the stairs and had been in a coma for three weeks. His kidneys failed and there was no brain activity. It's been a very sad week.

I received a note from a friend of mine who knows how I've been following and praying for Barbaro which I want to share with all of you. She said this:

"I am so very sorry about Barbaro and the horrible heartache you feel. You did so much to aid the cause - and all your positive thoughtws and deep longing for him to be well.

I am so deeply sorry for this end which is so hard to take. We were so convinced..."

I'm glad we have this site and I hope, Alex, that you keep it open. It helps to know I'm not alone and I am happy to read that there are still articles written praising Barbaro.

Proud to be an FOB.

Dale

So sorry about the loss of your uncle.
Be well. You are in my prayers.

Good Morning, FOBs,

I will be participating in the Moment of Silence for our dear Barbaro at 7:30 am Pacific time.

He'll always be with us in our hearts.

Love,
Sue and Walter,
xoxoxo

Thanks for the articles Alex, and stay warm today! It is -20 degree wind chill in Illinois today, brrrrr.
I will be in silence here at 10:30 for our Barbaro. I miss you big guy.

Good morning, all!

Robyn, prayers for your uncle. It is indeed, very cold here today. I was saying my morning prayers around 6am and wondering why God hadn't listened to me in all my prayers about Barbaro all these months, then out of nowhere, there was a wind gust that rattled the windows. Everything was calm after that.

I feel now that those robins I saw were so surreal last Monday around noon that it was as if I'd had a glimpse of heaven itself. They were the fattest robins I ever saw. I felt at the time as if I must have been fast-forwarded into spring, even though I knew it was in the low 20s then, but the sun seemed unusually brilliant. It was after I stared at them in disbelief for awhile that I came onto the computer and saw Alex's post about Barbaro.

If that was truly a glimpse of heaven, then we know that all is truly abundant and plentiful. And what better sign than Colts 29! It didn't click with me until I was reading some of your posts from last night. I believe we have received many signs.

It's still hard, so at 10:30 today I will step outside and light a candle and join with all of you. Barbaro, I miss you so much. This was a difficult weekend, remembering what last weekend must have been like for you, your mom and dad, and Dr. R. I am glad he got away for the weekend. That good man needs to take care of himself. Other horses will need his skills, too.

Love to all FOBs.

####Smitty

AMEN. Barbaro's Journey took us away from the war, the greed & suffering, and all that was evil.
Not that these should be ignored, but Barbaro offered us a much needed ray of hope.

We must not forget that hope, and carry his torch to greater things.

I will be with all of you @ 10:30.

Here is to more HOPE!

Dale - I am so sorry about the loss of your uncle. I will keep you in my prayers.

Proud Fan of Barbaro

Linda R

All FOB - I can't believe Barbaro's been gone a week, he is still on my mind just like he has been for the last eight months, maybe that's why his loss has been so hard to take. I think Barbaro has left this world a better place, not just for the effect he had on his fans but also a better place for all horses.

Thanks Alex for all the news, hope you stay warm this morning.

Good morning FOBs.

Seems like yesterday was hard for a lot of us. Me included. I admit I went to bed before the Super Bowl was over. I have a long work day today and just couldn't get the into the spirit yesterday.

When I turned on the news this morning and saw the score I almost dropped my coffee cup.

Colts 29. Barbaro's sense of humor speaks from above :)

Be with you all at 10:30.

Good Morning folks,
Thank you Alex for your work on this site, hopefully you can stay warm today.

I will be joining in on the 10:30 moment of silence. Good idea to the person who suggested this, I think it helps us heal.

I am going to follow Mrs. Jackson's suggestion to work to pass the anti-slaughter legislation.

Colts 29-that's super cool.

Forgive me if this has already been mentioned over the weekend, but I have been unable to read or post in a few days.

Was hoping we could say some prayers for the horses which were put down this weekend and Thursday due to racing at Aqueduct. Jose Santos, the jockey for Funny Cide (one of my fav. horses) was seriously injured ad his horse was killed. Two more horses were killed on Saturday during racing as well. I have two horses (Way of an Eagle and Snuff Box) training and racing at Aqueduct now as well so will pray the track is not having problems.
Please add some prayers for Jose Santos as he battles his injuries....

Good morning Alex

Good morning FOB

Stay warm all.

See you at 10:30.

Bless you Barbaro, you are a legend.

Oh Barbaro, I miss and love you so. We all will be with you today. Our moment of silence will be full of love being sent to you.
############
Ok, sorry for this long post, but here goes,
Naming of Racehorses.
A. A name may be claimed on the Registration Application, on a Name Claiming Form or through Interactive RegistrationTM at registry.jockeyclub.com. Name selections should be listed in order of preference. Names will be assigned based upon availability and compliance with the naming rules as stated herein. Names may not be claimed or reserved by telephone. When a foreign language name is submitted, an English translation must be furnished to The Jockey Club. An explanation must accompany "coined" or "made-up" names that have no apparent meaning. Horses that were born in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada and currently reside in another country must be named by The Jockey Club through the Stud Book Authority of their country of residence.

B. If a valid attempt to name a foal is submitted to The Jockey Club by February 1 of the foal's two year old year and such a name is determined not eligible for use, no additional fee is required for a subsequent claim of name for that foal. If a valid attempt to name a foal is not submitted to The Jockey Club by February 1 of the foal's two year old year, a fee is required to claim a name for such a foal (see Fee Schedule).

C. A reserved name must be used within one year from the day it was reserved. Reserved names cannot be used until notification requesting the assignment of the name to a specific horse is received by the Registry Office. If the reserved name is not used within one year from its reservation, it will become available for any horse. A fee is required to reserve a name for a foal (see Fee Schedule).

D. A foal's name may be changed at any time prior to starting in its first race. Ordinarily, no name change will be permitted after a horse has started in its first race or has been used for breeding purposes. However, in the event a name must be changed after a horse has started in its first race, both the old and new names must be used until the horse has raced three times following the name change. The prescribed fee (see Fee Schedule) and the Certificate of Foal Registration must accompany any request to the Registry Office for a change of name.

E. Names of horses over ten years old may be eligible if they are not excluded under Rule 6(F) and have not been used during the preceding five years either in breeding or racing.
Names of geldings and horses that were never used for breeding or racing may be available five years from the date of their death as reported.

F. The following classes of names are not eligible for use:
1. Names consisting of more than 18 letters (spaces and punctuation marks count as letters);
2. Initials such as C.O.D., F.O.B., etc.;
3. Names ending in "filly," "colt," "stud," "mare," "stallion," or any similar horse-related term;
4. Names consisting entirely of numbers. Numbers above thirty may be used if they are spelled out.
5. Names ending with a numerical designation such as "2nd" or "3rd," whether or not such a designation is spelled out;
6. Names of persons unless written permission to use their name is on file with The Jockey Club;
7. Names of "famous" people no longer living unless approval is granted by the Board of Stewards of The Jockey Club;
8. Names of "notorious" people;
9. Names of racetracks or graded stakes races;
10. Recorded names such as assumed names or stable names;
11. Names clearly having commercial significance, such as trade names;
12. Copyrighted material, titles of books, plays, motion pictures, popular songs, etc., unless the applicant furnishes The Jockey Club with proof that the copyright has been abandoned or that such material has not been used within the last five years;
13. Names that are suggestive or have a vulgar or obscene meaning; names considered in poor taste; or names that may be offensive to religious, political or ethnic groups.
14. Names that are currently active either in the stud or on the turf, and names similar in spelling or pronunciation to such names, see 6(E);
15. Permanent names and names similar in spelling or pronunciation to permanent names. The list of criteria to establish a permanent name is as follows:
a. Horses in racing's Hall of Fame;
b. Horses that have been voted Horse of the Year;
c. Horses that have won an Eclipse Award;
d. Horses that have won a Sovereign Award (Canadian Champions);
e. Annual leading sire and broodmare sire by progeny earnings;
f. Cumulative money winners of $2 million or more;
g. Horses that have won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes, The Jockey Club Gold Cup, the Breeders' Cup Classic or the Breeders' Cup Turf; and
h. Horses included in the International List of Protected Names.

G. In addition to the provisions of this Rule 6, the Registrar of The Jockey Club reserves the right of approval on all name claiming requests.

Now, I don't know about naming a horse Joe, you kind of want to incorporate the sire and dam if you can, look at the flak Flower Alley got last year...everyone thought he was a filly, but named by the owners daughter. They still commented on his name.

Moment of silence today,
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our hero Bararo. Take another moment for LITF and all our Angels.

##3

You are in my prayers for your loss of your uncle...May God send you comfort.

I wrote an email to Brooke Gunning thanking her for the wonderful article on Barbaro.
I just got a reply back. She said it was a sad one to write, but she believes God has a plan for all of our lives, however it may play out.
I just wanted to share that. Maybe others want to let her know we appreciate her words.

Debbie in Ohio

Will be back at 10:30

###

Dale, love & prayers go out to you in the loss of your uncle ((((hugs))))

Very interesting score last night...Colts 29

Barbaro our sweet boy, we miss you so much. It's been a terrible week without you. Last Sunday the anxiety over you was almost unbearable. Now we are left with wonderful memories of what an amazing horse you were. You will never be forgotten. We have a special angel in heaven.

Hugs today to all my Barbaro family...will be with you at 10:30.

Horses continue to die and be injured and abused due to the continued evil perpetrated by men and women upon them, all in the name of greed and amusement, selfishness.

Hard to believe it's been a week. I will be thinking about Barbaro at 10:30 est. (Not hard to do because I am pretty much always thinking about him.)

The vet I adored and took my beloved pets to for over 24 years died in December. He was only 56 and it was a great loss to the little community I live in. Every pet I have had relaxed the second he came in the room. His name was David Thornton and he practiced in Point Place, Ohio. I will miss him forever, as I will miss Barbaro.

It's been a rough winter. God Bless Dr. Thornton and God Bless Barbaro!

Gayle Lorenzen, Toledo, Ohio

Good morning, FOBs. Lethally cold here in Pittsburgh. I saw my neighbor's cat outside early this morning and I called - do you know your cat is OUTSIDE? - and said to get him inside ASAP !

Brrr Barbaro can I borrow you warm blanket..It is only 3 degrees here in Northeastern Pa..I will be joining all the FOB at 10:30..Hugs and Kisses Barbaro I love you..
Stay warm today every one and Alex.

Jane in CT -- So many this week have posted of "signs" with unusual bird sightings... below is from the Celtic traditions. May you be comforted in knowing that Bobby's great heart is alive in us all.


BIRDS - Spirits of Prophecy


Birds play a prominent role in Celtic myth and legend. As symbols of freedom and transcendance, they represent the human soul in flight, liberated from earthly ties, able to soar in spiritual communication with the heavens. Returning to earth, they bring messages of prophecy and guidance, aiding mortals on their spiritual and earthly journeys. As spirits of the air, they provide a link between the soul and the spiritual forces of heaven.

##############
Thank you Susan W
(I hope you didn't have to type all that!)

Very interesting. There don't seem to be any rules about coming up with strange names, yet many TB names seem strange to me (I'm an outsider) but probably no stranger than some pedigree dog and cat names.

####Dale, my condolences on your uncle's passing.

###Deb G, thanks for mentioning that. Prayers also coming for your horses at Aqueduct.

See you all in one hour.

###
JANE IN CT - Robins here in January??? Wow!

###BIRDS
Yesterday evening I must of saw 100 geese flying in the air what a beautiful picture it was..I felt like crying.. Time to head off to work.

I thought of Barbaro this morning while driving to work on this bitter cold day with the sun shining in my face. I thought of Barbaro and the tears started rolling down my face. It wasn't supposed to be this way- our great champion was supposed to be with us, waiting for warmer grazing weather.

I enjoyed the article by Brooke Gunning and especially related to the following about Barbaro:

Greatness comes in different shapes. Sometimes it emerges in the high points of life, like a Derby win. But perhaps the triumph of persevering through the day-to-day grind of difficult circumstances produces a greater form.

Barbaro will be in my thoughts at 10:30 am EST but I think of him many times throughout the day so this will be one more time that I tell Barbaro I love him so much and will always miss him. What a brave boy he was- the bravest.

Love, Daphne

Yesterday people wrote about what they were doing different, what they had learned from Barbaro. People spoke of re-connecting with horses after many years....re-connecting with the passion of their lives. The Barbaro Effect is gaining momentum. Humbly reposting my own thoughts ...


Reclaiming passion is a mighty thing for a horse to inspire from a corner stall in New Bolton!

I too have rediscovered parts that had gone silent. I am "paying forward" the generosity of his heart by contributing of my time and energy for the world of animals. What Barbaro showed every morning he rose to the challenge in his stall is that being a victim is a choice, not a necessity.

This doesn't feel like a splash in the pan, this redemption we're experiencing. I feel this is a triumph of the human spirit set into motion by a bay colt with a heart big enough to get the job done. For this we honor him in our hearts and our actions.

Forever Fan of Barbaro

Believe in Miracles

Believe in Barbaro

Oh boy, another Troll. Bragg, hardly, but I would love to tell you that my Eagle has placed 4th in his two first races, which I consider pretty dang good - proud? YES!! Ah, ask for prayers from fellow FOBs and have some concern because your own horses are there makes me guilty LOL - good one. I hold no guilt, just the mature, logical and rational knowledge that accidents can happen - with my horses, any horse, people, work, anything. If you don't like horses or horse racing - why are you on this site? You surely MUST have something better to do??? I think I will add you (The Truth) to the pot of "Barbaros Troll Thumping Twister" stew...where is my fly spray?

Now, could you kindly pray for Jose Santos who lays in a hospital in serious condition? Or go find some other place to troll around in...

That is interesting about birds, we had a Cooper's Hawk in our backyard yesterday, the first I had seen in a long time. The fierceness of raptors also represents Bobby's fierceness.

I can't help but think about the fact that this time last Monday, they were preparing him for his final hour of life. The picture in my mind of him resting in his sling, eating his morning grass, not knowing what was coming... still tortures me. Such a young baby...such a will to live...not understanding why all his feet were suddenly so painful. Poor, sweet, innocent, soul...I cannot imagine what the Jacksons and Dr. R. were experiencing this time last week. God bless them. Such an unbelievably difficult decision...

Yes...A moment of silence for Barbaro at 10:30 ET. I HOPE THIS MESSAGE BOARD, AS WELL AS THE DISCUSSION AREA, WILL FALL SILENT DURING THAT BRIEF TIME, TO MAKE IT TRULY A MOMENT OF "SILENCE", FOR OUR BARBARO. After all, he drew his last breath at that moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My hair has suddenly begun to fall out this past week -- a clear sign of the after-effects of SHOCK. The same thing happened 7 yrs ago, after my fiance suddenly dropped dead right in front of me, from an apparent massive heart attack. (So it's back to the Rogaine for me!)

Thanks Smitty. They stopped racing at Aqueduct as I believe they had 3 accidents over the weekend. Can't help but wonder if the cold is playing a part in the falls. A few other jockeys were injured as well. Just came on quickly to ask for prayers for all of them and the horses as well......

Gayle, I'm sorry for the passing of your vet, Dr. Thornton. My vet had a near fatal accident about 17 years ago but was able to pull through. I know how I would feel if I ever lost him. I rely on him so much because of all the dogs I have.

The Truth, The truth is you shouldn't be here on this site. I do not own a horse at all and can tell you I agree with Deb G's response to you. Accidents happen. Anyway, what proved to be our Bobby's downfall wasn't the result of the accident. His leg healed. It was the laminitis that affected three of his legs. If you can't be sensitive to people's feelings, this isn't the place for you.

Proud to be an FOB.

Good morning Barbaro, there will never be another one like you.

Thanks Alex for all the updates.

I'll be thinking of Barbaro at 10:30a.m. today along with many other moments also..

For all those comtemplating purchasing the 132nd Kentucky Derby book - it's a must...Tears of happiness and sorrow (for what was lost...)

Ok, you guys were right about the game but I think there was some divine intervention last night by our sweet Bobby. His Colts won and 29 at that.....it was worth seeing the Bears lose.

It is -9 here today! Thanks for setting up the 10:30 vigil.

Patti
Schaumburg, ILLINOIS!

Loretta: Wow, hair falling out? I feel the pain too regarding Barbaro being gone, can't believe it still. Maybe this can help you:

Picture him at the Rainbow Bridge, running and kicking wildy free, all 4 feet perfectly carrying his shiny and healthy body while he plays with legends from the past.....he has been set free, but his soul will always be with us....

It's a little after 9:30 in NY and I have been thinking about what must have been going on at NBC a week ago at this time. My heart aches for Dr. R., looking in Barbaro's eyes, having to make that final decision . . .

Going the Distance — Barbaro reminded us that life is worth fighting for
Karen Gardner
February 04, 2007

A few weeks ago, I wrote that Barbaro may be the endurance athlete of our time, winning not only a string of top horse races, but healing from a catastrophic breakdown that would have been the end of most horses.

By now you all know how that story ended. At 10:30 Monday morning, an overdose of anesthesia ended the horse’s gallant struggle. For several days before that, it became obvious that his health was unraveling. Still, he kept his appetite up, and seemed determined to stick it out.

It wasn’t until his body gave out, that he “no longer had a good leg to stand on,” in the words of his doctor, that Barbaro’s demeanor told his owners and caretakers it was time to let go. The 2006 Kentucky Derby winner has moved on to pastures of a different sort.

Some have criticized the outpouring of affection for a horse that demonstrated the best athletics has to offer. They have said this effort would be better spent on praying for our soldiers in Iraq, or helping the homeless.

This kind of talk is ridiculous. Most people who rooted for Barbaro also root for our soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and other danger spots around the world. Love isn’t something that is finite. It’s been proven people who are compassionate toward animals are equally as compassionate toward people.

The waste of resources on an animal’s life is another criticism. Is it any less frivolous to spend money to save the life of a beloved animal than to spend large sums of money on fancy televisions, cable and satellite TV, tickets to major sporting events like today’s Super Bowl or luxury items that we want but don’t need?

We spend money on vehicles much larger than we need, on televisions much larger than we need, on houses much larger than we can fill. Every three or four months, I spend $100 on a new pair of running shoes because if I don’t, my knees start to hurt.

We do not invest in these to survive, we do it because they give us pleasure. And most of those who criticized Barbaro’s owners for trying to keep him alive would probably not be willing to give up their monthly cable subscription to help a homeless person get by.

Those of us who own pets know differently. We know they are family members. I know a man who runs the Antietam 10K each year with his dog. He doesn’t run at his pace, but at his dog’s. They usually come in last. And when the race is over, both are tired and happy.

In Barbaro’s case, it was about connections. Barbaro connected with his owners, with his caretakers, with his fans. He even connected with a group of soldiers who served in Afghanistan and presented him with a flag that had flown in a war zone. He was charismatic. He loved people, according to nearly everyone who came into contact with him. Like any human or animal who knows he’s talented, he demanded respect.

But also like any talented being, he had enough humility to know when to listen to the experts. That’s what he did when he spent the past eight months in a stall at the New Bolton Center of the University of Pennsylvania.

From cast changes to groomings to time in a sling, he did everything he was asked. He did it with enthusiasm. He was not a sullen, spoiled athlete sulking over a ruined career. He looked forward to the next stage of life, whatever that stage was to be.

I once read of a runner who had run the Marine Corps Marathon several times, and who was later injured in a car accident and left wheelchair bound. He returned to the marathon a couple of years ago as a participant in the wheelchair division.

That must have been a poignant time for him, to see all these healthy runners, and to know that he would never again be among them. Yet he accepted his fate and made the best of it. Barbaro was willing to do the same.

In the end, it wasn’t enough. A horse’s body is so much more delicate than a human’s. As Jane Smiley wrote earlier this week, the anatomical engineering is so close to the mark for horses. The effort wasn’t entirely in vain. When Dale Earnhardt Sr. died in 2001 doing what he loved, NASCAR took stock and took steps to make car racing safer. Drivers today could survive a crash like that Earnhardt had.

Research funds have been set up to help find a cure for laminitis, the hoof disease that took Barbaro’s life, and Secretariat’s before him. Veterinary scholarships have been set up in Barbaro’s name. New Bolton now has a fund in Barbaro’s name to improve the lot of horses like Barbaro.

Racetrack officials are trying to find ways to make the tracks safer for horses, especially the dirt tracks which can be as hard as cement. Many track representatives since Barbaro’s injury in the Preakness on May 20 have announced they are going to synthetic tracks. The Jacksons, Barbaro’s owners, are encouraging Barbaro’s supporters to campaign against the slaughter of horses for human consumption overseas. Some of the horses sent to slaughter are ex-racehorses who never made it on the track or who are no longer useful.

None of this makes it any less sad when recalling the image of that stricken horse as he stood on the track at Pimlico last May, dangling his right rear leg, waiting and trusting that he would be helped.

The hope was that he would some day run through pastures again, albeit with a hitch in his giddyup. That didn’t happen. But as Gretchen Jackson said on Larry King Live, “Hopefully he’s running with Secretariat.”

Barbaro reminded us that life is worth fighting for.

I've been quietly following this website for the last 8-9 months and admire everyone's dedication and commitment to Barbaro, his connections and to the welfare of the horse in general. I compete in the "horseshow" world and our industry's magazine is "The Chronicle of the Horse". Michael Matz was voted the Overall Horseman of the Year. It's a great article, following his career as an Olympic rider to his current role as race horse trainer. It's a secure site so I cannot provide the link to the article but I have a pdf of the article if there is someway to get it on the site?

All the best,

Sue

Dear FOB's. It has been a week today. Such sadness.

Please be aware we may be attacked by trolls again today. Please, all, just ignore them - email Alex. A troll wants a response so when they are ignored they get bored and go somewhere else.

As painful as it feels for the loss of Barbaro. I can't help but also feel God has a part in this. When his cast finally came off and his right hind leg was disfigured - knowing he would be unable to gallop or kick in an open field, perhaps God felt it best he be free of this enormous change from such a previous free running spirit. I can only look at it this way and it helps the torturous thought of his final minutes.

#######

-21 degrees in MN with a wind chill on top of that!

My boss is gone so I will join all of you in a moment of silence for our Barbaro and all his loved ones... God bless him and them.

SOME PEPLE DON'T GET IT:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/opinion/16625761.htm

Ro & Brady

The Truth: Why are you here on this site if you do not like horse racing? Why are you not calling the horse slaughter plants, the drug houses, the parents of abused children, illegal aliens and so on - those should all be banned too. Get help.

DO NOT FEED TROLLS.

The Truth: Did you know that racehorses are exercised every morning, starting at 5:30, then bathed every day following this, fed the best foods, given the best medical care, allowed to roam in buttercup and rolling grass fields, taken care of completely and treated very well by groomers, trainers, owners, etc...they are considered GOLD in America and other countries and treated as such.

Good Lord, I wish I was a racehorse....

Deb G.--You might not want to catch the proverbial (and annoying ) ball that The So Called Truth is tossing.

Just step to the side and let that stupid and pointless ball of baloney roll on by....

The Truth: LOL, you're so ignorant, so stupid..
I just fed you enough so you don't have to eat for days....

I am making stew today and I have new ingredients.....

DEAR FRIENDS -
PLEASE LET THERE BE NO ARGUING OR ILL FEELINGS AT THIS TIME. IT IS SO CLOSE TO THE "HOUR" THAT OUR DEAR BOY PASSED FROM THIS EARTH.

As so many have said before me...if someone upsets you, or if you feel they might be a "troll", just don't respond. Let us be peaceful as we approch the "countdown" on this very sad morning.

Respectfully requested, in Barbaro's name.

Yes,we must all say a prayer for Jose Santos
who was seriously injured,as well as Ramon Dominquez,who hurt his knee very badly.In our grief,we must remember to pray for track safety
issues,for jockeys,and our horsey friends.Maybe we should do something for Jose,who is still in intensive care I believe.?

Good Morning FOB's,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers this morning.

Hi Sweet Spirit Barbaro,
A score of 29 for the Colts. You have me wondering. We are at 6 freezing degrees this morning. Brrrrrrrrr. I will be with you this morning at 10:30. I love you. Thank you for the sunshine today.

Deb G.,
You go Girl! Ignore the trash.

The Truth,
Get off our site we have better thing to do than to deal with the stench of you on this hard day. TROLL! Leave Deb G. Alone.

SabrinaG: I hear ya. Just another ignorant soul looking for attention. I usually use my ignore button, but the fact that someone would ignore a request for prayers to bash on horseracing and a horse owner is pretty mindless....

Ok, I found my ignore button

I am leaving for the office but will be with you all at 7:30 California time honoring Barbaro.

Good Morning, FOB's!

###
To The "Truth" - first of all, have the decency and courage to sign your name. If you believe in these convictions, tell us exactly who you are...

then leave us alone to work thru our grief. Your vitriol is not appropriate at this site. I'd prefer to read about how you are working to help others - animal, plant environmental or human.

I will be on my way to the ranch during 10:30 - will turn off my chant CD and join in the moment of silence. I'll see how the boys are coping with the cold - at least the sun is out...

FOB's you are the greatest.

Healing, Love, Peace,
ONS,
Lyn Gilbert
SunRise Spirit Healing

Good Morning All: Will be with you at 10:30 am to remember and honor Barbaro.

Thanks to Alex for everthing you've done for us.

To: Kathy A. from Sylvania, OH. Saw your post yesterday. Please email me at CLindhuber@msn.com
Would love to talk with a FOB from my hometown of Sylvania.

Carol L.
Sylvania, OH

Renee: You always make me laugh! I went home last week and my mother (visiting me from MA) had filled a candy bowl in my house with peppermints! I nearly choked - is that a sign or what???

My 132nd Kentucky Derby book came 2 weeks ago. What a wonderful piece with beautiful quotes. A great ending regarding the spirit of Barbaro.

Will be with you at 10:30 Barbaro, as I have been all along and will continue to be.

The Truth.
THAT'S ENOUGH OUT OF YOU.

Good Morning All: Will be with you at 10:30 am to honor and remember Barbaro.

Thanks to Alex for all you've done for us.

Kathy A. from Sylvania, OH. Saw your post yesterday. Please email me directly at
CLindhuber@msn.com
Would love to talk with you about Barbaro & Sylvania.

Carol L.
Sylvania, OH

Renee - don't feed it.

ok, I won't respond, won't respond - abusing a horse? LOL - horses love to RUN. My two actually get overly excited in the morning and are literally all hyped up to go out and RUN - they LOVE IT!! Spoiled boys they are!

Have the trolls read the article I posted above, especially this....

Some have criticized the outpouring of affection for a horse that demonstrated the best athletics has to offer. They have said this effort would be better spent on praying for our soldiers in Iraq, or helping the homeless.

This kind of talk is ridiculous. Most people who rooted for Barbaro also root for our soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and other danger spots around the world. Love isn’t something that is finite. It’s been proven people who are compassionate toward animals are equally as compassionate toward people.

The waste of resources on an animal’s life is another criticism. Is it any less frivolous to spend money to save the life of a beloved animal than to spend large sums of money on fancy televisions, cable and satellite TV, tickets to major sporting events like today’s Super Bowl or luxury items that we want but don’t need?

Deb G.,
Sounds it to me,I would have died laughing. I got into bed the other night and found a lot of peppermint wrappers under my covers...explain that one. LOL

30 minutes.....

I ordered 2 Barbaro beanie babies from a Kentucky Derby store site.....can't wait until they come in!

OK chris.

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr>

Deb G, 'running' and 'racing' are two quite different things my dear.

Prayer for the Barbaro Nation

Weep not for me, gentle souls, weep and heal your human hearts.

I honor you with my prayer of comfort on this day of remembrance.

We stood together in life. We will stand together again.

In the blink of a doe, in the fresh eye of a foal, that will be me.

For now, know that I will always love you as you have loved me.

Find comfort in your animals, and find passion in your life.
I lived with passion every breath until the last.
Do not waste your passion looking back with questions.
I chose to be a runner and my passion is to feel the earth fly by beneath my feet again.
All is well and right with my life, all the days I shared with you.

I will always remember, I will always believe.

-- with love from Barbaro

Deb G.,
Now I know who ate the peppermints, and put the wrappers in my bed. The Beanie Barbaro. hehehe

Mary: That is SO TRUE. I am at Fort Bragg, NC - I have been deployed for our country. I fly as many weekends as possible up to NY to watch my horses train. I know what Heroes are in the military, in our world and right around us and Barbaro was a genuine pure Hero in all senses....

My hope is they erect a statue of Barbaro at Churchill Downs or better yet, New Bolton Center at the entrance.....he deserves this....Perhaps there might be an artist out there willing to do this work????

Renee: Are you kidding me??? Peppermint wrappers in your bed???? Is that possible?? Do you have kids who could have done this???

Please, no arguing on this solemn day. Please. If any debates are to be had, please do them elsewhere...especially as we now approach the moment of silence and respect for Barbaro and those who cared for him.

Smitty -
Eloquently said.

Good Morning Sweet Prince,

Good Morning ALL,

Will be here to join in prayer and will light a candle @ 10:30 for our boy.

Renee, yes grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Judy

Renee: I hope my Beanie B brings me peppermints!

DEB G: Thank you. I agree that his spirit still exists. My body is responding to the enormous shock that my system sustained last Monday. 7 yrs. ago when this happened, I went to a dermatologist, and when I told her about my fiance, she almost fell out of her chair, and told me that it most certainly was the shock of the incident that had triggered the premature and sudden loss of hair. She said that it takes the body several days or more to respond to great shock. My grief has been very deep since Monday, so I'm not surprised this has occurred. Prior to last week, I had a normal head of hair.

###3
The greatest leaders are those who lead not only with their words and ideas...The greatest leaders are those who lead primarily by their example.

I am going to say the Lord's Prayer at 10:30.

God Bless you Deb G and all our troops,for what you do for our country. Thank you!!

CANDLES FOR BARBARO - now at 2017


Barbaro Candles

Run Hoofs Run! Love you Barbaro!

Good Morning Alex,

Thanks for the special updates today. Brooke Gunning's tribute to the Big Guy was beautiful to read.

I ran out to the mailbox earlier - cooold!

I may watch the KD replay at 10:30 to remember Mr. B at his best on the race track. I will never forget his brilliance off the track these past 8 months especially the first pictures of him outside in the warm sum sharing quality time with his best buddy.

Dr. R (and NBC)thank you so much for everything that you have done these last 8 months.

Love ya Barbaro.
Edie

Deb,
I'm teasing you about the wrappers. You have to buy them for the Barbaro Beanie to eat, do you really think he is going to sahre his peppermints? I don't.`

Mary, my dear, racehorses ae bred to race, which is running at their full potential, which has been ongoing for centuries. I am quite aware of the difference between running and racing. When they "race", they also "run".

Barbaro, we near a time to say thanks for all that you have inspired and all that still needs to be done. Live now in our thoughts and take your rightful place in history.

I forgive you for allowing the Colts to beat my Bears.

Renee: You are welcome......
As long as the Beanie B does not have to "poop" as well, we'll be fine!

:-)

18 minutes.......

Good morning Sweet Angel Barbaro. Good morning FOBs. Trying to collect myself for the vigil.

##########
Smitty,
Noooo, I knew the rules, but also knew where to find them so I didn't have to type all that. Thank heavens I only trained them and didn't name them, cause I have enough problems coming up with screen names and passwords :).
DebG.
Funny thing, I saw some guy on the news holding up an Indianapolis newspaper saying "SUPER" and he had his hands over his face he was crying so much. I said, Gee, maybe I should go to their site and tell them who cares and no one will remember next year who even won without being reminded of it. Troll, take it over to their site,
that seems like a silly reason to be crying and football is a cruel sport, too, only difference is they can get millions of dollars and quit (Priest Holmes, KC) cause they got a little zinger in their neck one time.
Track probably froze up at Aqueduct, after our moment of silence for Big Boss Hoss, take another for Foggy, Angels, and for Mike Rea and Jose Santos to pray for their recovery.
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our hero, Barbaro.

I'm here for the vigil complete with Barbaro bracelet. This is a very hard time and I don't want to start crying before having to leave for work. I normally leave the house at 7:30am PST. I will wait just a bit today though.

However hard this is for us...let us remember during this moment, how excruciatingly painful this must be right now for Dr. R. and the morning crew at NBC, who are there right now. M/M Jackson, our hearts go out to you.

Thinking of the Jackson's and Dr. Dean for what they were going through last week at this time. Heartbreaking....Barbaro we love you sweet colt.

Loretta: Wow. I hope this heals with time for you. I too, have experienced grief from the loss of Barbaro beyond what I would have thought. I consider myself a strong person, but the magnitude of what Barbaro stood for and his fight til the end is what many are grieving over. He was so much hope and positive in a world of negative. He was an icon for humanity at its best and to see so many people pulling for him was such a great thing to watch. The daily updates from Alex and his unfailed efforts were honorable and amazing. The whole situation with Barbaro was just such a "feel good thing" that his loss is huge to so many...

Hang in there, and just know he is in a much better place running free and healed.....now, we can focus on what he has left behind for all of us to do - his presence brought all of us together and made so many aware of the horse slaughter situation and saved many horses and other issues as well....We can focus on this now and always carry his memory with us....

Hey everyone......

Nancy: Try to stay warm today. I turned on the news this morning and couldn't believe the blast you guys are getting in the mid-west and east. My dad and mom live in Ohio and I just got an email from her saying "good day to stay indoors, it is really cold and snowing out". Makes me feel really guilty over here on the west coast. We are going to have rain rain rain though and the horses have to run today...... I think a lot of them like it though, it is the jockeys that I feel for.....

Renee: Barbaro found my peppermint candy AGAIN!!!!! I am going broke trying to keep up with him.....

What the heck is this all about?
"Deb G., I knew it would be YOU who would respond, as you were bragging about your racehorses. The guilt-ridden are always the first to open their mouths in protest. You are GUILTY. End of story. Goodbye greedy selfish one. Tell it to someone who will fall for your babble".

Posted by: The Truth at February 5, 2007 2:25 PM

I read that whole thing...... I don't understand your post The Truth...... What did she do?

Alex, STAY WARM!!!!!!!

Dr. R...... I am soooooooooooo sorry that you have to go through this all over again..... I will be thinking of you at 7:30 my time......

Mr. and Mrs. J...... You guys have a killer baby brother.... Those eyes..... Wowowowowowowow!!!!!

Yeah the Colts with a score of 29!!! That has been trippen me out all last night when I figured it out and again this morning........

CANDLES!!!!!!!!! I have all of mine ready to light.... I am lighting a rasberry one for Barbaro today........... He has been getting vanilla but today he will get a special candle........... :-)

Isn't today the UP-DATE on the Celestrial Derby??????????? :-)

Edgar..... Man I feel for you everytime I am around jockeys........ Man....... Barbaro loved you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!!! Don't ever forget that!!!!!!!

BARBARO........ You are the BEST!!!! You will forever be my strength from now on. You gave me something that no-one ever has and that is a positive attitude. I love you so much and I think of you always.... My Barbaro collection is starting to pile up and it will be huge pretty soon.......... My angel Barbaro........ Thank you for being here and touching all of us......

I'll wait to hear from you on the email address: How is it coming along? Are Sea Biscuit and Secretariat almost done with it?
I'll post it as soon as you give it to me.... I am going to the doctor today but you can talk to me there OK?

Until I hear from you guys, I will continue to give everyone your present address:

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

Well it is almost 7:30 PST...... Are you guys still going outside???????? I am going to at 7:30 for awhile................

Love to all and my Angel Barba..............

thinking of Barbaro now and always

MARY: Go get some help along with The Truth. I I I do NOT NOT NOT injure horses....reality check here....simple minded is what your comments are showing...this entire sight is about horse racing. If you do not like the fact I have racehorses, or any of us have horses, then GET OFF THIS SITE...

Thinking of Barbaro.....

Good Morning in Heaven, Precious Barbaro. My thoughts and prayers have been with you and Dr. R and the Jacksons all week. I miss you so much, Sweet Boy. Not a minute passes that I do not think of you and your soulful big brown eyes. My heart is in pieces but at peace. Roam free, Sweet Barbaro. Run... Barbaro ... Run! You are always alive in my heart!

DEB G: I see that you are being "baited" by some on this mb right now. Please maintain your calm, and rise above this -- FOR BARBARO. I know that you will.

Edit to previous post:
I said football is a cruel sport, too....Take out the too. I do not consider Horse Racing cruel, those athletes love to run and are very very well taken care of. And when was it banned? during WW2? Like everything else?
Alex can verify, it's those of us who work or worked at the track that froze getting up early in the morning, or almost passed out from the heat tending lovingly to our horses.
SusanW

It's almost time, Gang.

For our sweet Barbaro.

((((hugs)))) to the Jackson's,Dr. Dean, NBC staff

Deb G.,
Look...Mary and The Truth. Be careful.Just remember Barbaro, he will bring you peace and control.

DebG- Please don't get upset now. Those of us that have been together since the beginning know of your deep love for horses. We know you and that you care for these beautiful creatures.

I'm here. My thoughts have been on Barbaro all morning. Praying already....

Love to all,
Lisa

Good morning all F.O.B.s
Good morning beautiful Barbaro,
As we come up on the 1 week anniversary of our boy's release to a better place, we are here for each other as we have been the last week.
Let us all remember the legacy of Barbaro and determine in our hearts and mind that his death will not be in vain.
God bless you all
Pat

Thinking of Alex...(((hugs)))

Fellow FOB's ... IGNORE THE TRUTH! These moments are for Barbaro and only Barbaro! REFOCUS!!

Don't fall for troll baiting.

CANDLE ALERT!

B is just above 2,000 with many going out.

Ro & Brady

You are with me and I am with you, sweet Barbaro. I know you are at peace and that gives me some comfort, but I will always miss you and love you.

Well I am going to light my candles and go outside gang............

My ANGEL Barbaro........ I will see you in a few minutes...... :-)

I will be lighting candles while praying and remembering.

It is almost 10:30 - I am going to the Candles now.....

Nina: In response to your question to the truth. I posted a comment asking for all to pray for Jose Santos, the jockey injured last week at Aqueduct, along with the horses killed and the other jockeys injured as well. I mentioned that my horses are at Aqueduct so was a bit concerned. With that, came the Truth bashing. Oh well

Susan in Saragota - Thank you for being the "voice" of Barbaro with your "Prayer for the Barbaro Nation" ............. Barbaro's words ring, for me, loud and true. I will try to implement his request.

Sherry - Arizona

Miss you so much angel..

He will always be remembered,we will never forget this beautiful horse

God Bless BARBARO！

Here with all of you at 10:30 AM. Barbaro lives forever now.

One moment in time... as we fall silent @ 10:30 let us not be silent in finding a cure for laminitis.

Big Boss Angel your courage will never be forgotten. Magic 29

Barbaro, Sweet Prince, run with the wind, run free and strong. I love you.

Judy

Ashely: Thanks. Hard to ignore ignorance at times...

My candle at work is lit!!! A few soldiers from next door came over here and are going to pray too! Heroes honoring a Hero! Amazing...

As we spend this time in rememberance of Barbaro, please try not to cry now. Still your thoughts and your mind, and listen with your heart. Barbaro is there. Some of you will hear him.

I love you always.

Love, Light and Protection for The Spirit of The Horse

########
Edie,

Thanks for the great idea! Prayers, candles and the Kentucky Derby in a few minutes.

P.S. I'm not the Mary who is arguing with people here.

To my fellow FOBs,

I'll be here at 10:30 as well. I think its great that we can all come together at the same time to comfort one another. Its weird...in a way it feels like it has been longer than just a week and in other ways it feels like it was just yesterday. Grief is funny like that....

Almost time... God bless everyone and our dear Barbaro. I think he'll be standing there proudly with all of our other equine heroes at the gates of Heaven and smiling down on all of us.

We love you Barbaro.

I'm so sorry Dr. Richardson, we know you loved him deeply.

Micahel Matz- remember the good times.

Edgar- thank you

Roy and Gretchen Jackson- your horse has touched the lives of so many. Thank you for loving him.

Good morning, FOBs.

It is so heartening and encouraging to come here and read all the positive thoughts of Bobby's true fans (trolls not withstanding, of course!)

I hope you all have a great day - concentrate now on fulfilling Barbaro's legacy. I know it has reawakened and re-energized my zeal in fighting animal cruelty and just being a better overall person, realizing how short life is.

OK, almost 10:30, time for reflection.

Thanks to all of you. Thanks to Alex. God bless our big Boss Horse in the Sky.

Vaya con Dios, Barbaro.

Kisses for my boy, love you Big B!

I love you angel. You are in my heart forever, as well as those who took care of you.

Love XXOO
Brenda

Thinking of you, Champ.
laura

Sweet Angel........Run like the wind to your heart's content.

Ro & Brady

In loving memory of sweet spirit Barbaro.

My dearest Barbaro,
Here we all are, exactly one week to the hour that you left us.
I am here with my FOB family to remember you and all that you were.
I am here to feel my grief one last time. After this time, I release my grief.
I will no longer live in the shadow of your death, but shine in the glory of your memory to move forward to fulfill your work that has yet to be done.
In loving memory of you our sweet prince, Barbaro.
May God keep you and love you and watch you run free and healthy.
With all my love to you and all FOB’s.
Verna

Beloved Barbaro…

It is now 10:30am eastern time.
A moment of silence for you and for Team Barbaro…
(here come the tears)…

A little tribute to you:
Weep no more, my lady
Oh, weep no more, today
We will sing one song for the old Kentucky home
For the old Kentucky home far away.

We all miss you terribly…

The time of your death has come and gone dear Barbaro. Run Barbaro, Run. Always Comfortable Now.

maggie

DEAR BARBARO,

I celebrate your great and beautiful life, and those of the wonderful people always around you. You did everything for them, and they did everything for you.

You are loved, dear Champion, now and forever.

Dearest Barbaro,
I miss you so much and love you dearly. Rest in Peace and Fly Free Dear Friend.

It's 10:30 am and I have just lit a candle for Barbaro. I'm sure we are all thinking of him right now.

I love and missyou sweet prince

Remembering Barbaro today and always

Thinking of All of You:

Please find that one small thing today to help you feel just a bit better.

We will always love our Dear Sweet Barbaro.

Bless You!!

Debber

In your memory,10:30AM rest in peace, you are so missed. Love You Mel

God Bless You, Precious Barbaro. I shall light a candle now. Your candles will go out long before your Legend ever does!

GOD BLESS BIG BOY! May Gods light comfort you and keep you. Love alweays

Miss You sweet boy. May you rest in peace

Big Boss.Love you.

I love you Barbaro!!!! God bless you big guy!

Our Sweet Barbaro - we love you and miss you today and always.

Vaya con Dios, Barbaro.

God bless Barbaro. I miss you so much, beautiful boy. I know you are running around up there with all your dear friends. Please tell Dad, Papa, Nana, Max, Captain Flash and all that have gone hello. If they would have known you here on earth, they too would love you (they knew I guess).

Prayers and love and God's belssings to all here and to my sweet Barbaro. I miss you so much, big boy.
Love,
Lisa

Off to work. Thank you FOBs for being here during this difficult time.

TIGER TIGER


Tiger tiger in the night

Candles lit, oh what a sight

A horse, a cat, we care not how

Our love for them is bigger now

We tuck them in, we sing their song

We sing to them the whole night long


The ones who've left us shake their heads

They wonder why we cry in bed

You silly ones, they seem to say

Our lives were great, you made our day!

Now dry your eyes and come with me

I'll sing to you of mysteries:

There is a place, you know it too

It's tucked right here inside of you!

It's where you'll find me every night

Your heart, a growing beam of light

So sleep in comfort love and grace

And wake up with a smiling face

For love is good and love is right

Says tiger tiger in the night

Peace, Forever Fan of Barbaro

Our sweet Barbaro,
We will all love & miss you forever. Hope it is warm in horse heaven!! 0 degrees here in NE Ohio!!

To: The Jacksons, Dr. Richardson, Dr. Anderson, Michael Matz, Edgar Prado, NBC staff, fellow FOBs and anyone and everyone around the world involved with Barbaro

GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOR A SEVERE LOSS - Barbaro will always be remembered for his strength, courage and spirit as well as the lessons he all taught us about love, humanity, caring and trusting. May you all feel the comfort knowing he is running free with 4 perfect legs and a spirit which will remain in all of us forever..

Barbaro RIP Buddy - you are greatly missed and will never be forgotten!

God bless you, Barbaro. Be at peace. I will always love and remember you.

In Memory and to Give Thanks for Barbaro...
jan

I just lit a candle for our "Precious" Barbaro...may you Rest In Peace, BJ. I love and miss you, B. Run with the wind, and may your greatness shine on.

Thinking of you as always Champ...

Pat G
Proud Member
Fans of Barbaro

God Speed, Barbaro. May you fly with the Angels.

God Bless you, dear Barbaro. I just lit a candle for you. I will never forget you.

Hail to the hero Barbaro!

Jo Ann from Nashville

Bobby please listen for us....we will be calling you in the morning. We are having a vigil. Kind of a circle of broken hearts thinking of you at 10:30.Bobby please listen for us....we will be calling you in the morning. We are having a vigil. Kind of a circle of broken hearts thinking of you at 10:30.

Run with the angels, dear Barbaro.

And it's BARBARO, a sublime performance!
Thank you, Bobby. XXOOOXXX

DEAR BARBARO,
Thinking of you 24/7...still. Thank you for fighting the good fight "B". You will be missed more than you know. You remain OUR undefeated Champ and will forever remind us of "All that is Good in Life."
God Bless you Barbaro. God Speed.
....................................
Inspired by Barbaro
Debra, WI

Blue skies, green fields and endless happiness for you dear Barbaro. I will miss you forever.

God bless all who took such great care of you and love you. Give them comfort and peace.

Alex

Please remove post from "God" time stamp 3:30

I just lite a candle for our boy, Barbaro.. Run with the wind...

You will always be remembered for the inspiration you gave us all

I love you forever, sweet cold Barbaro.

Just lit a candle for Barbaro....rest in peace you magnificent creature of God...Run like the wind.........You will forever be in all of our hearts..

I love you, Barbaro. God Speed.

This is so hard - it's like reliving it all over again - I will always honor you Barbaro - and will fight for all that the things in your memory

I love you forever, sweet colt Barbaro.

FOR BARBARO by Henry Van Dyke circa 1901

TIME IS

TOO SLOW FOR THOSE WHO WAIT
TOO SWIFT FOR THOSE WHO FEAR
TOO SHORT FOR THOSE WHO REJOICE
BUT FOR THOSE WHO LOVE, TIME IS
ETERNITY

(this was in Barbara D Livingstons book and I posted it before, it is still appropriate now as well.) I Love all you guys/gals FOBs

please try to think pleasant thoughts today,
try to feel good about our Big Ole Boy in no pain, with straight beautiful legs, mane flowing in the wind,sun on his back,racing the moon. i love you bigun

Barbaro, run like the wind...Love you, miss you, we'll never forget you.
Susan

Dearest Barbaro,

I just watched your KD victory twice. Truly Amazing!

RIP Champion.

Love ya,
Edie

### Deb G.,

Please email me (dbbandrsn@yahoo.com). It is regarding horse slaughter and carrying on Bobby's work. Thanks.

Just as I paused to remember, Josh Groban's "You are Loved" came on the radio. What beautiful words. I finally got my sign from Barbaro. Bless you dear one.

I will love You Forever and Uphold Your Memory, Barbaro Champion of Our Hearts Forever.

Now, Onward. Let's focus all this energy, attention, emotion, etc... towards passing the anti-slaughter act, improving horse racing conditions for horses and jockeys, giving to the Thoroughbred Retirement Fund, etc... Whatever floats yer boat, but let's USE this momentum that Barbaro created!!!

I made a terrible typo earlier.

I love you sweet colt, Barbaro.

Rest in peace dear brave Barbaro,
nothing can stop you now.

Grateful...

Rest In Peace Barbaro. Thank you for being you.

Love you Barbaro. I can see you rolling in the grass and running with your new pals.
XOXOXOXOXO.....................................

You are truly missed.
God Bless Barbaro

Love and Kisses Barbaro!

Sweet Prince,

I love you and miss you so very much. I have been doing a lot of talking to you this weekend. Last week was one of the hardest I have been through in a long time, if ever. I guess the old saying when it rains it pours...

We must continue the fight in your HONOR!!!

FOB FOREVER!

BLB!!!

Karen - TN

What did Mrs. Jackson say!!!!!!!!!!

During Barbaro's plight, the Jacksons have been outspoken on horse slaughter in the United States.

"I'm sincere in my desire to see this ended," Gretchen Jackson said. "I didn't realize the grotesqueness of the whole thing. I intend to be more responsible."

An anti-slaughter bill is pending before Congress. If approved, it would shut down the three foreign-owned plants in the United States that slaughter horses and ship the meat overseas.

About 88,000 horses, mules and other equines were slaughtered in 2005, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department.

Precious Barbaro ... What a Beautiful Difference One Life Has Made!

God Bless You!

Candle lit for precious Barbaro. Godspeed dear one.

There was a beautiful red sunrise this morning.

God bless Barbaro and all who cared for him and all who love him. We miss you, beautiful Barbaro.

Rest in Peace, handsome boy

I WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE IN BARBARO

Barbaro warrior horse forever!

Hay FOBs..just lit a candle for sweet Barbaro. Just miss him so much but know he is running with all of them over the Bridge. Thanks to all are here on this site and again Alex thank you. Keep us up on all the news of our Barbaro work. Carol

10:30 in the Barbaro Nation..

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

The Lord bless us and keep us
The Lord shine his countenance upon us
And give us Peace.

Harriette Brillianthawk

ALEX-
PLEASE REMOVE the post from "God" -- Timestamp: 3:30 PM.

I hope you are running free in a beautiful meadow right now dear Barbaro. I will remember you and love you forever! Give a nuzzle to Big Red for me.

Love, Gayle

Barbaro--forever in my heart. Run free in heaven,dear one. Say hi to Secretariat and Ruffian for me.

###
Gayle--welcome, fellow Toledoan! I knew who Dr. Thornton was also, although I take the furkids to a different vet. My condolences. We have a neighbor on this site--Carol L from Sylvania. Check in, girl, we need to find you!

All FOBs--apparently I was still slightly discombobulated because the score didn't even make an impression until you all pointed it out today. Holy studmuffins! If that wasn't a sign, I don't know what was........hay,.....it's me.....Barbaro.......

Joining you all in celebrating his life. We are family now. We will stay together to end horse slaughter and find a cure for laminitis (as a start).

Peace,
Buckeyes for Barbaro
Kathy from Toledo and the cats

Dearest, Sweet Prince, I miss you.

The world is so much richer having had you, but it was such a short time we were blessed...

Rock on...

Donna R. On: With ya. God at 3:30 is Mary and The Truth - multiple personality....

Ignore...............

MISS YOU BARBARO. YOU ARE RUNNING HAPPY AND PAIN FREE. MISS YOU VERY MUCH.

At 10:30 I stood outdoors with a lilac candle lighted. The wind was blowing but the candle never went out.

Our love for Barbaro will never die either. He is transformed, and we will be transformed in carrying on his work.

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, for sharing him with us. Thank you, Alex, for allowing us to hold hands here. Thank you, Barbaro, for being a champion in every respect.

Susan in Saratoga: I could actually hear the announcer saying what you wrote following Barbaros Derby victory! I will never forget those words that day!

To All:

Here with you too; still hard to grasp.
Candles lit and prayer said -
As mentioned in another post - I agree, Barbaro has sent us a sign that he is with us
Colts won - "29" points

Marcia in Ohio

What Is There Not To Love...A Horse..A Magnificent, Beauty Of A Horse...A Burning Flame Of Hope, Courage, Love, And Faith.

BARBARO...RUN, SWEET PRINCE, RUN...

I looked above the mountains into the bright blue New Mexico sky, and he was there. I know he was. I prayed for him and told him we would continue on with our fight to protect all horses.

Because of Barbaro, we all came together. Let's finish his work. Let's not let him down.

Love to you forever, Big. B. XXXOOO

I love you all so much :) you are my friends and my family. I trult believe thatwe will stay together to fight for barbaro's causes. Gid bless you all!!!

Today after work I'm going to go out with friends and make the most of the day. This is a day to enjoy LIFE!

Kathy from Toledo:

Please contact me at gaylelorenzen@sbcglobal.net

2900 candles...

Has anyone heard anything about how Dr. R is doing? I can't imagine his pain!

Barbaro,

Always with us, never fogotten. Fly with the eagles our sweet boy.

Love,
Daphne and Pee

Barbaro must have heard us -
In the frigid cold here in Ohio - the sun just came out.
Marcia S

Godspeed, Big Ole Boy, Godspeed, Love-me

Jane in CT: Neat story about the candle. I can't help but feel Barbaro's fate was already called on that day at the Preakness, but before he would cross to the Rainbow Bridge, God had a plan and Barbaro was that plan - to allow him to gather as many people around the world as possible to help horses everywhere. He saw the slaughterhouses, the poor racetracks and wanted a GRAND way to get this noticed. Barbaro was the noble warrior he knew could carry this out - a legend both on the track, off the track and after life. He knew Barbaro had the strength and courage to allow further study in laminitis and bone fractures, to allow slaughterhouses to be shut down, horses to be saved, thousands of people from around the world to share in a positive fight not only for Barbaro, but for causes beyond what any of us even knew existed. Barbaro's fate was called that day at the track, having him with us for nearly 9 months more was OUR GIFT - our grief is here, but our pain will subside and our strength will cause us to fight and acknoweldge so many causes in honor of Barbaro - our gift, our strength, our own pure wills to carry on his legacy.....God Bless Barbaro!

Thinking of Barbaro with tears. I had to work through the 10:30 moment but logged in as soon as I could and relived it through the posts. This is a tough moment.

Ruth,
It was posted here he went away with his family
this weekend. I hope he is OK. I think about him often.

I can't believe how hard that was. I miss Barbaro so much. After prayers and candles I watched the Kentucky Derby 4 times. I never get tired of it. Love the sublime performance ..and yes Gary S. we were looking at a superstar!

I use to post as Mary but since some Mary is discrediting the name...

My heart is warmed with all the candles that have been lit today in Barbaro's memory. Thanks to the Jackson's desire to care for him, Dr. Richardson's excellent care & that of all who have come to love him, his legacy will live on. God speed Barbaro. You will forever be a champion.
Kathy NY

Has anyone else's comments shifted to the left?

Ro & Brady

More morning (energetic) skritches to the undefeated champion Big Boss Horse of Forever...

#####
REPOST

FsOB:
Once again, with feeling...

A word re the Big Boss Horse's legacy:
Yes, he'll be ranked with the great racehorse's of all time.. [cue Mike C]
But more to the point, fifty years on, when horse slaughter is a faded memory, when the Barbaro Laminitis Clinic has made huge strides towards a cure, when nobody can rememember what a dirt track was, your grandchildren -- or your fur kids's grandchildren -- are still going to know the guy's name...and his story.
It doesn't get much more powerful than that.
####
Equine Heaven:
Champing at the bit for that noon update re AHSPA, Slew's weight (heh heh) and any additional comments re Colts 29...

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

Deb G, me neither. The whole 3 years and nine months were a sublime performance.


Sweet horse, thank you and Godspeed to you and your people. We have stood together in respect of your life this past week. Now, we ask you to guide us to the paddock, to the saddle up, and let your strength run with yours as we focus our energy on the tasks that have come to light because of you.


The wind is blowing fiercely in Saratoga today. May this mighty wind strengthen the House that Barbaro built, opening the doors as we get busy, fueled by the fierceness and passion he showed us in all his magnificence.

Deb G.........

That is out of line.... Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh!!!!! Sorry just ignore it. It isn't worth your feathers getting ruffled....... Your better than that.....

I am going to post a prayer for today.... :-)
I just came back in the house and the sun was just coming over the horizen. Man it was BEAUTIFUL..... Soooooooooooo many colors...... I felt soooooooooooo peacful and Barbaro was really strong in my presence.......
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have
kept the faith." (II Timothy 4:7)

Today's Word

While he was imprisoned in Rome prior to his execution, the Apostle
Paul wrote to his young protégé, Timothy. Paul knew that his death
was near, but he had lived his life with such passion and dedication
to Jesus Christ that he had no regrets. Paul did not store up
treasure here on earth, but fixed his eyes on heaven. He had given
his all to further the cause of the Gospel, and he had used every
ounce of talent and potential that God had given him. Since he had
used his gifts to the fullest, he had no regrets. In fact, Paul was
fulfilling his God-given destiny right up until his death.

We encourage and challenge you to live like Paul. Live a life of no
regret. Find your purpose. Pursue it. Give it everything you've got.
When you do that, God will lead you, guide you, and prosper
everything you put your hand to. He'll pour out His favor and
blessings, and you, too, will fulfill your divine destiny.

A Prayer for Today

God, When I take my last breath, I want to come to You with no
regrets. There is a purpose for my life, Lord. Help me to discover
it, embrace it, and fulfill it for Your glory. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

My ANGEL Barbaro..... 4-EVER........ Thank you for coming into my life..... I need for you to stay now........

Karen Gardner
Going the Distance Barbaro reminded us that life is worth fighting for

The jockeys voiced their frustration after two multiple-horse spills at the New York track in a span three days resulted in the deaths of three horses and landed three riders – Jose Santos, Ramon Dominguez, and Norberto Arroyo Jr. – in the hospital. Santos and Dominguez were involved in the same spill Feb. 1, while Arroyo was injured Feb. 3.

More tragedies for horses. perhaps we need to go to the European way of racing and training as they have way less deaths in horse racing. Japan also has a better record than we do. Check out the statistics, I know I was shocked. Perhaps this is Barbaro's legacy........to protect all of his kind and put the spotlight on racing .

More morning (energetic) skritches to the undefeated champion Big Boss Horse of Forever...

#####
REPOST

FsOB:
Once again, with feeling...

A word re the Big Boss Horse's legacy:
Yes, he'll be ranked with the great racehorse's of all time.. [cue Mike C]
But more to the point, fifty years on, when horse slaughter is a faded memory, when the Barbaro Laminitis Clinic has made huge strides towards a cure, when nobody can rememember what a dirt track was, your grandchildren -- or your fur kids's grandchildren -- are still going to know the guy's name...and his story.
It doesn't get much more powerful than that.
####
Equine Heaven:
Champing at the bit for that noon update re AHSPA, Slew's weight (heh heh) and any additional comments re Colts 29...

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

#### Rosemarie - yes, mine shifted to the left as well...

Prayers for Robyn Hoffman's uncle Stephen in surgery, that he recover painfree and healthy.

Prayers to Dale for the sad loss of your uncle on Friday. There is never enough time when it comes on so sudden. Take care.

Prayers for all the creatures great and small

QUOTE FROM MRS. JACKSON:

GRIEF IS THE PRICE YOU PAY FOR LOVE.

BARBARO, YOUR NAME IS "LOVE".

########
Ro,
What do you mean, shifted to the left?

Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our Hero, Barbaro.

FOBs,

Prayers sent and candle lit for Bobby.

Sally in Louisiana

Rosemarie,
I'm here on the left with you to.

God Bless You Barbaro

Forever In Our Hearts

Renee ... Thank you. I must have missed that post. I am glad Dr R went away with his family. He needs the time to heal. Although just like all of us ... Barbaro will probably never be more than a "horse whisper" away from his heart.

I could not believe it when I read this morning's paper ... The "Colts" win by 29 points! I could see in small print underneath the headline, "Hay ... It's ME ... BARBARO!

#### Rosemarie - LOL, mine are back in the middle...

Susan W.... all fixed now! :)

Renee hope you are centered again.

Ro & Brady

Jo at TB friends

Jo is making a differents, we need to make a differents in 2007. Stop the sloughter of the horses!

###
I'm getting sea sick.....!!! (left, center,left center....)
jan

#########
Oh, you mean the comments? that has happened to me before, I had to reboot.

Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our HERO, Barbaro.

Renee: Are you missing your peppermint candy????????? I am missing one bag AGAIN!!!! Ouch Barbaro.... my Angel....... Man pretty soon, I will just get a tatoo of a horse NIP!!!!!!!

Buddy your candles are lit and going and will be aaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllll day!!!!!!!

With LOTS of love Nina.................

The Colts 29 man I STILL can't get over that one..........

Deborah: More than happy to help you out! Thanks for all you are doing.....

:-)

RENEE-
I'm so glad to know that Dr. R. went away with his family. I didn't know that. I hope the "weekend" retreat included TODAY, so that he did not have to be at NBC and relive what transpired there last week. I hope he takes a week or more off -- however long NBC can manage w/o him. He needs physical and emotional rest, to be sure.

Do you remember who posted about him going away? Was it a news article someone had read?

Rosemarie,
I just found my center. Lets blame it on Barbaro with love.

WHOA: Ok folks that is NOT ME posting under Deb G. imposter Mary or the Truth playing games...

###

Ruth Stacey

I read a post yesterday that said Dr. R and family went out of town for the weekend to regroup. He's worked non-stop for 8 months. I hope he will find peace as well.

###

Susan in Saratoga

Thank you earlier for the Celtic thoughts about birds. My mom used to tell me about Baltimore orioles nesting in our front trees. I hadn't seen any for years until the day of her funeral. I was standing in the driveway and a bird swooped quite low towards me. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a Baltimore oriole. I saw one again maybe a week after that. It was in the road, and turned quite deliberately toward me and looked at me before it flew off.

###

Nancy in CT

Yes, robins! Last Monday morning I was exhausted from all my worry on Sunday over Barbaro. Around 11 a.m. (I had not read Alex's board yet), I sat in a big chair in the living room and dozed off. When I awoke, I couldn't believe my eyes. There in the front yard was a whole flock of robins, really fat healthy ones. Suddenly it looked like it was spring. The temps were in the low 20s. I have NEVER seen robins in my yard in the winter, not even in Nov/Dec when it was kind of warmish. I kept blinking my eyes like, this cannot be happening. I took it as a good sign. I went into my office and went to this site and that's when I read Alex's post about Barbaro being euthanized. It wasn't until I began to deal with the shock that I realized, and remembered, what birds represent.

Now I am thinking that because it was such a surreal scene, it was almost a glimpse of heaven itself, that everything there is beautiful and filled with abundance and just the way it should be, robins looking for worms, perhaps horses grazing...

I've had too many occurrences such as these not to believe that they have a special meaning. I had them with my mother and with my cat. Deepak Chopra has written eloquently about "coincidences." In fact, there are no such things.

Now, if any football sports writer wants to start ragging on Barbaro, I suggest we gently remind him that the players wore horseshoes on their helmets, horseshoes are worn by horses, colts are horses, Barbaro was a colt, and he was born and reborn on the 29th. And that maybe with his new healed hoofs, he could give them a swift kick or two since he might have played a part in their victory.

Just kidding :)

And for anyone questioning the cost of care for Barbaro, here's the bottom line:

He earned $2.3 million racing. Whatever the cost of his care was, it couldn't have remotely come close to that. He even took care of his own cost.

What a champion!

Now, I am forced to go to work, deadlines and junk. I am so honored to be here with all of you. Let's spend the day in as good a way possible as we can.

Deb. G................. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm why is this strife going on today in here.... :-(

Man this day is all about Barbaro...... I don't understand.... someone please help me to understand......... ??????????????????????

Father, We give Barbaro back to you with thanks for his time here with us. Long may he run....
Susan in NC

Deb G posting at 4:04 p.m is not me! IMPOSTER!

Mary, The Truth and God at 3:30, GO AWAY....you are making a food of yourself...

29 MUST BE A SIGN....A MAGIC NUMBER.

COLTS 29.

AND BARBARO 29...
BARBARO AND GOD IS SENDING US A SIGN...

We have to go on...for Barbaro, his brothers and sisters, the fallen angels...Barbaro will be with us...spirit dwells within...

We have rescues, fund raising, love for each other and compassion.

We love all animals...large and small.

Bring yourselves together FOB'S, PUT ON YOUR ARMOUR AND CARRY YOUR SHIELD...A FIGHT TO THE FINISH...MY FRIENDS...

Rest in Peace, beloved Barbaro. I know you are "running in spirit" with us. I miss you so much, but am so thankful you are pain free.
My heart is with you, and with all those hurting right now.
Mary

Alex fixed it. I emailed him when the updates jumped down the page and we all shifted left.

Spirit Horse,
I'm not sure where the info came from or who. Sorry.

Nina,
I came home Saturday after a day out. There were wrappers all over the house with hooof prints in the carpeting, there was a bowl of oats on the counter that said Thank you with hay in it.hehehe

Nina: that post to Lin was not me. Mary/The Truth.

She is upset because I asked for prayers of the jockeys and horses who fell at Aqueduct. When I mentioned I had horses of my own there and was concerned - it started because I have racehorses...

Kathy in Toledo -

Hello from another Buckeye for Barbaro in
Avon Lake, Ohio

Marcia S.

####

Jane in CT, thanks for your post. I am a fan of Deepak Chopra's, too. Coincidence is one of those words you sometimes wink at... have a good day, and hope you meet your deadlines effortlessly, with 7 lengths to spare!

##########
Oh Europe is great, all of those horses breaking their necks in steeplechase racing, much more humane way to go. and Japan? they just slaughtered OUR KENTUCKY DERBY winner Ferdinand instead of calling the U.S. where plane fare would have been raised and a home at the Horse Park would have been waiting for him.
Try again,
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our Hero, Barbaro.

Barbaros candles... over 3000!!!
Dr.R.. 150 :( Along with Edgar, Group "Prado"
Lets get some candles lit for them as well.
We shall never forget.
Moving on to his work.
Love to you all.
Verna

I am having an awful time trying to understand this laminitis stuff. The more I read about it the more confused I get. Sometimes it's described as an "inflammation". So my question is, is it caused by an organism? It appears not, because then, couldn't it be cured by antibiotics. Then it is said that it is caused by an uneven distribution of weight (no parallel to that in other animals, or is there?). Then other people talk about the cause of it being diet, too much this or that. All very confusing to me. Then the description of the horse's foot uses terms with which I am totally unfamiliar, (and I don't know whether I want to familiarize myself too much, what the disease does to the horse's foot sounds so gruesome).

Just a question: Do wild horses get laminitis as often as domestic horses do? (Maybe that is a question that cannot be answered, but I was just wondering).

#######
Susan W.,

Thank you for all the info on horse names.

Is anyone going to the first Barbaro Stakes this year at Pimlico?

SusanW: LOL

Candles for Dr Richardson now at 160.


Dr Dean Richardson Candles

Marcia and Kathy ... I, too, am a Buckeye for Barbaro. I am in Cleveland (brutally cold here!)

####

please do not forget to light for Foggy.

Mary S...so uplifted Foggy too in prayer...

#########
Ok, Nina, no strife today. And apologies to the Japan Racing Assn. I know they have vowed never to let that happen again.
Barbaro would not want this.

Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our HERO, Barbaro.

Anita MA:
The short answer to whether wild horses get laminitis more than domestic horses is probably not. I don't think there are a lot of studies done on that, but you might want to google Laminitis in Wild Horses, or something like that.

Laminitis is not an easy thing to pinpoint. Vets can't say "This virus is the direct cause of laminitis." It can be one thing, or a combination of things, including diet, lifestyle, breeds that are more predisposed, etc...
I hope that helps and you are somehow able to answer your questions...

God bless all at NBC, especially Drs. Richardson and Sweeney; the Jacksons; Michael Matz, Peter Brette; Kathy Anderson; Barbaro's crew and ALEX!!!

#####
Laurie H..
I don't have a tattoo, but you have got me thinking.....

#### Mary - I was thinking of going to the Barbaro Stakes, just to see Barbaro (I was so sure he would be there, just parading around proudly), and if he couldn't make it, just to honor him. I wondered how much it would cost me, so I could start saving money and vacation time. Still thinking about it.

Thinking of you, dear Bobby! At 9:30 Central time I stopped everything I was doing and said a prayer for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers and always will be. I hope someday to visit the museum and final resting place created for you and your fellow race horses in the North east. You are among the greatest horses now, running free, we who are left here will carry on your work. I love you Bobby. We will make your sport as safe as possible for your brothers and those who follow. We will work to make sure no abuse of any animal will be tolerated. We will call for poly track on every race course, we will support the anti slaughter bill. We will never forget the horse that brought us all together to fight the good fight. His name will be legend, he will be talked about 100 years from now. Barbaro, I believe in you and I believe in miracles!

#Mary S., I have been lighting candles for the Fog every day I am here. He was magnificent, I only wished I could have seen him in person, but I have watched his races on video and I was just awed.

He too will always be remembered.

Judy

On this day, words still fail me and the tears come too easily and the pain and emptiness are still too fresh. My Dad died a couple of days before Xmas, so when I think of him I think of Barbaro and when I think of Barbaro I think of my Dad. I suppose time will heal this deep, deep sadness.

Our sweet, sweet Barbaro has left us a great legacy - making the world a better place for all creatures great and small.

His also left me a personal legacy. 8 months ago he led my husband & I to Ryerss Farm for Aged Equine where we volunteer as much time as we can. Neither of us had any contact with horses before. We are also grateful for all the personal memories Sabina shared with us about "Big B" as she called him.

The final legacy he left me, is my beginning riding lessons a couple months ago, a long time dream which at 58 years old I thought could never happen. My instructor is an amazing teacher and I thank her for being there every time I ride. (and Barbaro too)

I keep a picture of him in my riding helmet for he has changed my life forever and for that, I owe him so much!

Below is a poem I believe some posted here months ago. I try to remember the most important line, which is the last, "love the ones who are here".

With a heavy heart,
Jeannette in West Chester, PA

DON'T CRY FOR THE HORSES

Don't cry for the horses,
that life has set free,
A million white horses,
forever to be.

Don't cry for the horses,
Now in God's Hands,
As they dance and they prance
To a Heavenly Band.

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

Their spirits unbound,
On silver wings they fly.
A million white horses
against the blue sky.

Look up into Heaven,
you'll see them above.
The horses we lost,
the horses we loved.

Manes and tails flowing
they gallop thru time,
They were never yours
they were never mine.

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

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

(Written by Brenda Riley-Seymour)

Thank you Alex - again, never ceasing to amaze.
Apologies for posting back to a troll - just get frustrated with some words at times....

Amen, Alex, thank you. Disheartening to read those nasty comments.

###########
Mary,
A question!
Pimlico is having a Barbaro Stakes? When they cancelled the Pimlico Special? Is it a Grade 1?
The reason I'm asking is because that track is in financial trouble and in danger of losing the Preakness due to their hard lined stance against slot machines (though why anyone would play slots at a track is beyond me).
I don't want anything less than a Grade 1 stakes named after our Big Boss Hoss.
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our Hero, Barbaro.

Thank you Alex!

Let the horses run and race, as the true athletes that they are.

THANK YOU ALEX!!!!!!!

How are you today?

Ro & Brady

Thank you, Alex. YOU ARE AWESOME!!

Thank you for allowing us to share our love for Barbaro on this magnificent site!

Thank you Alex.

## Spirit Horse --
"I'm so glad to know that Dr. R. went away with his family. I didn't know that. I hope the "weekend" retreat included TODAY, so that he did not have to be at NBC and relive what transpired there last week. I hope he takes a week or more off -- however long NBC can manage w/o him. He needs physical and emotional rest, to be sure.
Do you remember who posted about him going away? Was it a news article someone had read?
Posted by: Spirit Horse, aka Loretta A at February 5, 2007 4:05 PM"

I was the one who posted about Dr. R going away. No, it wasn't in a news article, but was passed on to me by another Fan of Barbaro. We had been exploring the idea last Tuesday/Wednesday of trying to gather funds for a getaway for him, and she had talked to folks at NBC for some info, and the news of him taking the weekend away was given to her then.

Buckeyes for Barbaro:

I want to do volunteer work for a horse rescue organization in lower Michigan or northwestern Ohio. I haven't had too much luck researching this on the Internet. If any of you have any suggestions I would appreciate it.

I also would like to organize a group of people in this area to work on lobbying our local politicians for the anti-slaughter legislation. I have worked in law firms for 30 years which could help. Anyone interested please contace me at: gaylelorenzen@sbcglobal.net

Gayle

####
RUTH, et al.-
I found the post from Lissa in PA @ Timestamp 6:18PM, yesterday. Here it is:

"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."

That certainly confirms how extremely difficult this loss is for him, which we already knew. God Bless You, Dr. R.

Thank you, Lissa, for that info.

YEAH, ALEX!!!!
And again, Thanks to Tim Woolley.
That's a relief.
Thanks,
Susan
Believe in our Hero, Barbaro. Believe in the Fog. All of our Angels.

Thank you Alex Thank You Alex!!!!

ALEX ROCKS...AS ALWAYS!

Barbaro, always and forever in my heart. Your star will shine eternaly

Alex,

You're so right about how to handle the "trolls".

Ye Gads! We wouldn't want Alex on the unemployment lines, now, would we? He might have to sell his computer, and THEN where would we be? :)

Thanks Alex, for all you do, and for just being you!

Thanks, Alex, for maintaining a sense of propriety and respectfulness on this site. Thank you for allowing us to be your guests.

#### Lissa in PA - LOL, sell his computer!!! perish the thought!

Alex...

BRAVO for your comments. I come from a long line of horse people.. Be it racing, farming, pleasure.. I so agree with what you have said and asked for..

Please people, don't feed the "trolls" just do as Alex has asked, post the timestamp or email him.. When you respond to them you give them what they want.

Thank you alex for having this site, It has and will continue to mean a lot to me..

because of this site, many many horses have been rescued and saved. Awareness is out there now for track safety, etc.. The ball is rolling we just need to support what is already in place

As Mrs Jackson said .. Please continue to fight for the issues, to do so will help US heal.

Anita MA,
Wild horses do not get laminitis from what I have read. It seems to be because they are constantly on the move and eating a sparse diet. Their hoofs have more strength and a better structure. You might say laminitis is a man-made disease. I post on TWF so if you want to discuss, I'll be there. I think this is a very interesting topic.

So glad Dr. R got away with his family. That's what I had hoped he could do.

Godspeed, Barbaro. We love you dearly.

I received over the weekend, and I am sure others too...from HSUS...ON THE HORSE SLAUGHTER BILL.

AS we know, Ferdinand, 1986 Kentucky Derby winner was slaughtered in Japan, his meat was advertised slogans enticed "Eat an American Champion".

What do you all think we call a National Call In Day for Valentine's Day...to senators, and rep.

May we ask Shelley A and Debra what they think and their advice.....

I met an horseman over the weekend..he loves horses and have many contacts here in Baytown..this was God sent.

Anyway, he told me the lies the killer buyers tell at the auctions...they tell the owners we will take real care of your horse.

Fred, also said he use to love to go to the auctions and said there were beautiful horses going through...but now he cannot stomach any of this and never have...he has follow Barbaro just like us and willing to contact any and all.

I am making up alot of flyers for him, and he has promised to contact as many as possible.

Fred also mentioned the transport of horses across the border...MEXICO AND OTHER PLACES.

We have an opportunity, Barbaro has sent us a message loud and clear...Mrs. Jackson, has sent us a message.

We need Willie Nelson, Bo Derek, Eddie Kilroy, Sheryl Crow, and everyone to get on board.

Yes, we will find a cure for laminitis, also..this dreaded disease is a curse...it took Barbaro away from us...and we shall take this curse away from other beloved horses.

Please be kind and remember our fellow friend...THIS IS THE HOUSE THAT BARBARO BUILT...AND WILL STAND.

AND ALEX, IS A DREAM IN OUR HEARTS...AND A GENTLEMAN TO ALL OF US...THANK YOU.

Thak you to Tim and Alex.

Thank you to Tim and Alex.

I just got home from work and business that I had to take care of. My cat just HAS to eat, so I had to get her her special formula oral care cat food and 30 pounds of cat litter, plus go to the vet and get her appt to see him/her for her yearly appt. She sees the doc more than I do!!

I am so glad Dr R got away. He needed that, whether it was because he worked for 8 straight months without a day off or because of Barbaro. I worked for 7 months with only about 2 days off and it's kinda harrowing.

I was in the vet's office when 10:30 eastern came and went. Kinda ironic I think.

Dont feed the trolls, they have no heart and probably never will. If somebody seems to say something that is out of whack, blame it on the trolls, it is probably them.

Spirit Horse ... Thank you for sharing that post about Dr. R with us. Bless his heart! My prayers and MY heart are with him!

ALEX-
THANK YOU!

AnitaMA: here is an article for you: It states that racehorses and wild horses have a low incidence of laminitis.

http://www.xcodesign.com/aaep/displayArticles.cfm?ID=257

########
Susan W.;

The Maryland Jockey Club announced yesterday (12/20/06) that it has changed the name of the Sir Barton Stakes to the Barbaro Stakes. The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds is one of eight added-money races on the Preakness undercard at Pimlico Race Course.

It was done so that we could have good memories the day of the Preakness. This year it will be very hard, but I also think on that day I may be mad I wasn't there. I bet all of his connections will be there to honor him.

#########
Joan,
Let's not forget EXCELLER, 1986 Horse of the Year.
Slaughtered in Sweden. The description of his death haunts me to this day.
Seems like being a Champion in 1986 led to bad ends for Ferdinand and Exceller. Or as the fund says "A champion in all respects, he deserved a kinder fate". As do all horses.
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our Hero, Barbaro.

Thank you Alex!

The Maryland Jockey Club announced yesterday (12/20/06) that it has changed the name of the Sir Barton Stakes to the Barbaro Stakes.

OMG. Congratulations to the Jackson's and Barbaro!

Candles and prayers at 10:30 this morning for Barbaro, Pine Island, Foggy, plus another for all horses injured while racing or suffering maltreatment. Prayers also for all who strive to heal them.

Barbaro's gallant struggle to live taught us that there remains hope in a world where man's inhumanity to both man and animal alike never seems to end.

Peace and love and forgiveness to all today...

Just a week since our dear Barbaro passed on. Still the sadness comes and goes but I am trying to be positive. I just want to let all of you know who want to send brochures about the anti horse slaughter you can get some from the Animal Welfare Institute Po box 3650 Washington DC 20027. tel 7038364300 www. awionline.org. They are perfect for sending to senators or anyone else. BABARO WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS FOR EVER.

Thank you Alex!

I agree there needs to be changes to racing. aka Barbaro's legacy but anyone who has ever owned a horse knows how much they love to run even if you are on their back and running was not your intention :)

My mare and I have won many ribbons in the show ring but those beautiful spring or fall days galloping care free together through wide open pastures will be the memories I will cherish forever.

Barbaro, I love you and in a way feel your presence. I am so proud to be a part of this site and to consider myself a FOB. Fly high, majestic one, and continue to inspire us all.

#########
Anita,

I did a goggle search and the Preakness tickets, while not cheap (about $170) are so much less than the Kentucky Derby (couple thousand, unless you are out with the drunks in the infield). Plus, I bet hotels are easier since the metro area is bigger.

#####
Susan W.,
Yes I read all about Maryland's race track probelms. I do believe this will be a stakes race but I have never read what grade..does anyone know??
I also read Delaware Park was thinking about a race for him.

Update 0007: Today is a very special day for all in Equine Heaven...Barbaro, himself, would like to take the time to thank you all, in his own special words;

"I realize today will be an extremely difficult time for a lot of people, and I would like to thank you for the special moment of silence at 10:30am. It was at this time last week that I was greeted by the most angelic vision, not one living creature could imagine, it was magnificently spectacular. Please, continue to pursue your united causes, and Be My Voice. I am grateful for the decision of all those on earth for allowing me to venture above, and continue what I was born to do...not so much win races...but to inspire."

On lighter note, the equine community would like to let you all in on a little secret...And Super Bowl spokesman Swaps asked the question, "Did you think it was sheer coincidence that the Colts won the Super Bowl and the score in which they won it by? This was our special sign to all the fans of Barbaro, to let you know we are with you, and we hear you." The Super Bowl party that was held in Heaven yesterday, (they watch other sporting events to), had everyone routing for the Colts...Pro-Line would have been virtually useless...

Seattle Slew was the party coordinator, and contacted some of the ex Budweiser Clydesdales and Juan Valdez's donkey for the beverages, while he, of course, was in charge of the food. Seattle Slew was commented as saying minutes before the game, "Nachos, nachos,...oh my goodness, where's my nachos and salsa,...who left the fridge open?...where's the pretzels and popcorn?...who drank all my Haytorade?...can we please make room for the chips and dip, come on guys." After being calmed down by Seabiscuit and Lost in the Fog, Slew settled in to watch the game with the rest of the gang, while War Admiral quietly asked Secretariat, "Where's the starting gate?"

Info on the 2007 Celestial Derby:

News about the event has taveled extremely fast and Barbaro was contacted by Mister Ed, asking if he could call all the races. His original proposal to Barbaro included him singing the call of the races, to the tune of his TV show, however, Barbaro thought that maybe just talking through the races would be easier for people to comprehend. As well, it has come to Barbaro's attention that due to the enormous amount of entries for this venue, he will have to conduct Speed Week, which will consist of qualifying races for the Triple Halo...more to come on that!

Next Posting-Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007

Good morning, sewwt Barbaro. I'm sending you much love along with all FOB's.

I hope everyone is keeping warm (it was 11 deg. in Sterling, VA. this morning). Let's continue the good fight for our brave Boy.

Peace and love to all FOB's.

##### Jeanette in West Chester- Thank you for posting that poem. So lovely. My condolences on the loss of your dad. My stepfather passed in November, and my stepmother on Boxing Day. Then with Barbaro's death, I feel awash in sadness and grief. I know it's right and good to grieve at this time (better than holding it all in), but it hurts like hell sometimes, doesn't it?
Mary

A MOTTO FOR US AS WE "SOLDIER ON"....

"DO RIGHT BY BARBARO"...part of a quote from none other than Mr. Jackson!

What do you think?

Equine Heaven: Colts won with 29 points. Wow, that is powerful.....

Dear Barbaro, I celebrate your life with a very heavy heart. All the beautiful words that are spoked of you make me smile, with tears in the corners of my eyes, but know that you are happy with God and all of your new friends. We will all meet again in the Heaven of God, knowing one another and loving one another.

Until then my wonderful,handsome Barbaro, I bid you Gods Speed, may you amaze them in heaven as you did on earth.

Have a wondeful heavenly life.

I write and edit an animal newsletter, and will be including this editorial on Barbaro in my next issue. Here it is:

The past few weeks have been tough for those of us who loved a very special racehorse named Barbaro. I was one of those fans you’ve been reading about in the news – during Barbaro’s eight-month fight to recover from a broken leg at the Preakness, I checked for updates on him daily, and followed every report with hope. My dream, like the dream of many others, was that Barbaro, who was only three years old, would heal and go on to live a happy, peaceful, and long life in green pastures.

People are debating in the media whether or not it makes “sense” that so many people cared about Barbaro. After all, there is so much pain and suffering in the world, why care about the loss of one horse, a horse you never even knew?

I would ask a different question: does it ever make sense not to care when any animal, whether it’s a champion racehorse or a newborn kitten, is injured and fighting for its life?

We are all inspired, every day, by courage or greatness. An Olympic athlete who wins a gold medal inspires us to exercise a little harder. A person who rises from poverty to achieve great things makes us believe a little more in what we can accomplish. A cyclist who conquers cancer makes us feel braver in the face of illness.

We are also touched by innocence. Why? Maybe because we were all innocent once, and time tends to take that away from us.

Barbaro was both a great, courageous champion and an innocent young horse. We wanted to see him conquer what turned out to be insurmountable odds, and live. Perhaps if Barbaro had walked triumphantly out of the hospital one day, whole again, something in each of us would have felt whole again, too.

We wanted a miracle, a happy ending. And we were heartbroken for Barbaro when he – and we – didn’t get one.

Yes, we cared. And that makes perfect sense to me.

#### Deb G. - Thanks ever so much for the link on laminitis. It is the best article I've read up to now. All the others were much to complex for me. I've saved that one to mull over. Again, thanks.

Is Seattle Slew also famous for a good appetite, too?

###

Did you notice...we have John McCain on board...

There is something in the air called the Barbaro Effect and the Barbomaniacs.....We are just crazy about a horse named Barbaro...and we will continue on for the legacy,,,bigger and greater...

I just loved the Equine Heaven post.!!!!

###

Dear Deb G:

This Canadian salutes you. You gave a first class butt kicking to a troll.

Regards to all folk at Fort Bragg.

Praise the Lord and Pass the Carrots,

Lillian Petroff

###
Please forgive me if you already read this. I am reposting from yesterday because this means something to me.

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 FOB "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.

#####

DO RIGHT BY BARBARO"...part of a quote from none other than Mr. Jackson!

What do you think?

Posted by: Nancy in CT at February 5, 2007 5:01 PM

Love it!

####

Faye

Very well said!

and Michael Matz won more than 1,700,000 in prize money during his show career.

29 - 17 sweet

Last week Wyeth lost a lawsuit to an Arkansas woman. A Philadelphia court ruled in her favor and awarded her $1.5 million in damages. There are many more pending lawsuits against Wyeth. Obviously, they are appealing.
As long as they stay in business, they will continue to use pregnant mares and collect their urine to make Premarin. Wyeth is a pipeline to the slaughter industry. Thousands of mares and foals are slaughtered every year because of this practice.
I am currently working with women's golf organizations to communicate to their members about Wyeth, the dangers of Premarin and the inhumane treatment of the mares. This process will reach thousands of women and we are asking them to write letters of protest to Wyeth.
I am asking every person who reads this board to take ten minutes and write to Wyeth. Ten minutes to do Barbaro's work! Please!
Below is a letter to Wyeth from a FOB!
January 31, 2007

Robert Essner

Wyeth

5 Giralda Farms

Madison, NJ 07940

Dear Mr. Essner:

Enclosed are two articles that may be of interest to you. They are of great importance to us, as this has been shared globally with thousands of people who are very interested.

Who are these people you might ask that are not only interested, but actively involved?

Mr. Essner, we are a very large, diverse group of people across the world; we represent many countries: among us are long-time horse owners, as well as those who learned about horses for the first time by following an amazing racehorse, Barbaro. The wonderful spirit of this horse taught us valuable lessons in life; how to fight for what you believe in, never give up, maintain your resolve, and continue to pursue right and worthy causes.

Sir, you have to end this cruelty against the horses you are using to make your products: Premarin, Prempro and Premphase. You claim these horses are being managed well, kept healthy, and are available for adoption when they need to be discarded. We are well aware this is not the situation you describe. These horses are not thriving, but only surviving the cruelty you inflict on them, by being tethered to the ceiling with a cup under their tails, 24 hours a day for several long months while pregnant, with little water and no comfort. They are confined in narrow chutes(not qualified to be called stalls), measuring 4' x 8' keeping them from moving beyond a step or two. They are not able to turn around, and not able to lie down properly due to the long line they are attached to.

We are also well aware you do not partner with local horse rescues to assist with their adoptions; therefore, many of the mares and foals no longer in your programs are slaughtered. This is a â pipeline for the foreign-owned slaughter plants to continue.

There are two options: You can choose to discontinue the manufacture of these cruelly derived products mentioned above, and regain the support and loyalty of your customer base, or you can do “business as usual.� If you choose the latter option, you will continue to lose customers of all your products, as this information is being distributed world-wide.

Please seriously consider these options, and make the right choice.

Sincerely,

Fan of Barbaro

#### MJ - thanks for the Preakness info. Seriously thinking about it. Just to get the feeling of a Triple Crown race would be a thrill, I think, even if with the "drunks in the infield" LOL

Here is my letter Wyeth:

Robert Essner
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
CEO Wyeth
5 Giralda Farms Madison,
NJ 07940

My name is Daryl Smoliak. I am a golf professional! I am also actively pursuing an end to the horse slaughtering industry in this country! I am using my twenty-two years of experience in the golf industry as a vehicle to educate people on horse slaughter and the alternatives. Part of this educational process is to explain where horses intended for slaughter come from. The categories are broken down and made very clear. One of the categories: PMU farms. We provide documentation on the inhumane treatment of these mares at your farms and how they and their foals often end up on slaughter trucks.
As we navigate through the political system in 2007 to end horse slaughtering, we will be educating the public on the interior functions of the entire slaughtering industry. Included in the educational process will be where the horses intended for slaughter come from. We have prepared a booklet as part of our educational materials that identify all sources. Included in that handout will be the names of companies, such as yours, that contribute to the inhumane treatment of mares and the slaughter of these mares once they no longer can be used, as well as the by-products of Premarin , their foals! Our new national plan, which includes showing elected officials how we will care for the saved horses once a slaughtering ban is in effect, details the fundraising efforts already underway. Using golf tournaments as a foundation for the fundraising we will reach thousands of people this year. Each participant will receive the aforementioned booklet, which has your company name and a description of what the mares and foals are subjected to in order for your products to be made. Let me give you an example. I recently put together a small tournament fundraiser to assist a rescue ranch that takes in foals. In my recruiting process I explained orally and in print how your company makes Premarin. Of the first eight ladies I gave the information to all of them signed up to participate in the tournament. These ladies were shocked at the information and began recruiting other women for the tournament. These women who were unaware of this entire issue are now educating others who are in the dark. I will be running fundraiser golf tournaments nationwide during 2007 as part of our overall campaign not only to end the horse slaughtering industry but to also begin pursuing legislation for horse protection on both state and federal levels.
Any company who participates in the continued inhumane treatment of horses will be targeted. Millions of Americans learned of the horse slaughtering industry in 2006 as a result of an attachment to Barbaro. These people will emote that connection to further the educational process. As Barbaro continues to heal, millions of people check on his progress. Certain websites that update his health on a daily basis also include information on horse slaughtering and strategies to end that industry. Companies who choose to continue their current practice of using “Premarin mares” will have their name prominently noted in all materials distributed nationwide and on the Barbaro website. And to assure that people understand who Wyeth is, the following are highlighted as products you manufacture: Advil, Centrum, Alavert, Robitussin, Chapstick, Caltrate, Premarin, Prempro and Premphrase.
It is my goal to see that the horse slaughtering industry ends in 2007. Elected officials are told the 90,000 horses slaughtered each year are old, unwanted or infirmed. The vast majority of horses slaughtered do not fit this profile. In fact, the USDA says over 90% of the horses slaughtered are in good to excellent condition. The breakdown of the 90,000 slaughtered will show our elected officials how your company contributes to that figure. A contribution, that when eliminated, makes for a more workable figure that fits into our plan of care and welfare for America’s horses.
I will be sending you details and results of each of our events as they take place. Hopefully, this will show you that I, and the nationwide group I am involved with, are prepared to do what is necessary to put an end to the inhumane treatment Premarin mares suffer at the “hands” of your company, and for the purpose of greed!
Sincerely,
Daryl Smoliak
Golf Professional

Please everyone go to this web site, read this letter and send this person your thoughts. Ahem. WARNING; not a nice letter

http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2007/02/02-05-07tdc/02-05-07dops-column-01.asp

Great thanks Equine Heaven for update 0007. We're all over the "be my voice" part. Thanks also for sourcing the Colts 29, etc. thing.
Cheers,
Friar Tuck

DEBG; Yes, and it took him 25 years to do it. thats about $68,000 a year. It goes to show he did NOT do it for the money! He truly loved the horses.

Mary C.

Thanks and I am very sorry for your losses. It sure does hurt like Hell! I guess if we let time heal, the good memories will be there to fill our hearts with happiness instead of sadness. But, until then, we have each other.

Alex, thanks for everything. It would have been a long and sad "road" without you.

Jeannette in West Chester, PA

Nancy in CT,
"DO RIGHT BY BARBARO" I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Equine Heaven for the update!

Missing you so much Barbaro...

DARYL-
Thank you for that info and letter. What is Essner's official title w/Wyeth? ...President? Exec. Dir...? ...PR?

Go Daryl ! I wrote a letter to Wyeth, too.

Lynda,

That Chris Mueller is and idiot! Don't waste your time!

Ro & Brady

#####
DARYL-
I see you listed his title in a subsequent post.
Got it.

Thank you, Alex!

When I read posts from troublemakers and find myself having a hard time 'keeping my own mouth shut,' I try to remind myself what I always told my children about being teased or ridiculed: If they know they can't get a 'rise' out of you, they'll soon move on. Of course, always easier said than done!

Anita MA,

I'll do my best to answer your laminitis questions, at least as far as my knowledge will let me :) This will be long, so I appologize, bear with me. Hopefully this will help everyone who isn't exposed to "horse" stuff on a regular basis.

Two answer the "easy" questions, there is no parallel to this in other animals that I am aware of. It is also not caused by an organism/bacteria/etc. (except in the sense that ONE possible cause of laminitis is VERY VERY high fever for a prolonged period, which can be the result of a virus/infection -- often pontamc fever).

Vets can not even give a diffinitive answer as to WHY laminitis happens. We do konw certain things appear to trigger it. Too much/too rich grain or feed and increased weight bearing due to injury seem to be the primary triggers.
The grain thing is not usually an issue if the horse is gradually introduced to increased amounts of grain/rich green grass/etc. Typically feed induced laminitis occurs when a horse breaks into a feed bin and consumes MASSIVE amounts of grain or a stalled horse is thrown out for unlimited turnout on a rich, green, thick pasture. Very rarely will you see a horse that's in an established feeding routine or pasture situation develop laminitis, at least not for this reason (ponies are a totally different story!).

Injury induced laminitis (as in Barbaro's case) happens because a horse is carrying too much of his weight on one leg. This type is particurally frustrating as there isn't much that can be done to prevent it. With any injured horse, you do everything you can to keep them comfortable enough to bear their weight evenly and normally and basically hope for the best.

Both of the above cause inflammation around one of the bones in the hoof. This inflamation is very painful and can cause the hoof structure to seperate from the bone and the bone to literally rotate through the bottom of the foot. The more severe the rotation, the less likely it is that you will be able to save the horse. Ultimately, they have to get the bone into proper alignment (or at least fairly close to it) for the horse to have any chance of a meaningful recovery. This is where Dr. Morrison and his cast came in with Barabaro. Many people have been quick to blame him, but without doing what he did, Barbaro would never have healed and been allowed to live a normal life.

Because the foot is no longer attached to the bone, parts of it often have to be removed to relieve the pain and encourage the new growth to reattach properly. Sometimes it will grow in properly, sometimes it won't. Getting rid of the inflammation and pain is the easy part. The horse's long term prognosis depends on how well the hoof wall grows back and attaches to the inner structures of the foot.

Also, a horse that has had laminitis is infinitely more likely to get it again because the structures in the foot are already weakened/compromised. My old gelding had a bad case of laminitis before I bought him (no where near as bad as barbaro's, but bad nonetheless). He healed up fine but continued to have very minor attacks for the 10 years I owned him.

To answer your other question, I would suspect that laminitis rarely if ever occurs in the wild. Wild horses don't have access to grain and would be slowly introduced to green grass (as it's growing) so they wouldn't be overloading their system all at once with it. If they receive an injury that causes uneven weight bearing, they will likely die of that injury (be it killed by another animal, starvation, bleeding, etc.) long before laminitis has a chance to set in. In addition, wild horses generally have sturdier, tougher feet and therefore wouldn't be as suseptible to problems as our domesticated horses are.

No matter what way you spin it, what the cause is, etc., laminitis is an AWFUL disease. As a horse owner, it is what I fear the most for my animals. The biggest good I can forsee coming from Barbaro's tragedy is the increased awareness and funding for laminitis research. Hopefully we'll reach a point where we can prevent and treat laminitis successfully.

Sorry for the novel, hope that answers some questions for you and puts it in a way a "non-horse person" can understand :)

Lynda P: Michael Matz is am amazing man with a huge heart for horses and he loved Barbaro very much. As his trainer, I am SURE he misses him deeply. At times I feel that I cannot possibly imagine how he feels about all of his efforts suddenly "gone" instantaneously, but then I sit back and realize, all of his efforts gave us the greatest racehorse in a very long time and that HE SHOULD BE PROUD OF.....To me now, there is no "what ifs", because Barbaro gaves us more than we could possibly have hoped for and more than he could possibly have hoped for - the what ifs should be "Wow, what a horse!"....he did what he was here to do....

Alex--bless you and well done. We are not here to end racing, but to make it safer for all concerned--human and horse. Thank you for the links to these wonderful articles. The one lady nailed it exactly, Gunderson, I think her name was?

###
Gayle-I'll email you tonight from home.

Hi Ruth, fellow Buckeye. There are quite of few of us posting here, we should figure out a day/time/place to meet. When it's WARMER. This below zero stuff is nonsense.

LOVED the posting from equine heaven. Now there's a different kind of competition--a munch fest featuring Slew and Barbaro....oh my......

Harriette--loved your inspired words. Thank you.

Peace,
Buckeyes for Barbaro
Kathy from Toledo and the cats

Missing Barbaro very much. I can't believe we had to let him go.

Alex - thank you for maintaining the integrity of this thread.

When my doctor told me to take Premarin I said NO! He said it was a "no brainer", and I said NO!

Menopause is not a disease! It's a part of the lifecycle of women. It can be improved by lifestyle changes. I survived it just fine without Premarin, and just a few years later, the pregnant mares urine drugs were proven to increase the risk of breast cancer.

Nobody needs to put these mares and foals through this just to save women from hot flashes. Wyeth, shame on you for coming up with such a stupid idea! Put your energy towards a CURE for cancer instead!

Dear Mr. David Simoliak,

Please contact me at katws@hotmail.com about a golf tournament to benefit the prevention of horse slaughtering.

Sincerely,
Kathy S.
Villa Rica, GA

DARYL-
No more ROBITUSSIN and CHAPSTICK for ME!! From now on, I'll be checking products' boxes to see if Wyeth's name is there.

Good morning, Starshine.

Last night, this morning at 4:00 am and 5:17 am and 9:15 and 9:30 CT...tears. My Felix came to me and brought some solace and a measure of peace.

I can't be around much today for business reasons and because I need to not cry today. But I am thinking of you so much, and I will always love you.

Peace and love, Barbaro Nation.

OMG, I forgot the most important did Barbaro did for me - he got me off Prempro!

Frankly, I hate Wyeth. At Ryerss there are 4 draft horses that came from Wyeth (there 6, but we lost 2 this summer, sadly). Their blood was used to make anti-black widow and anti-snake venom. They were not treated very well - go figure!

Jeannette in West Chester, PA

JenM,
Thank you for all the good information on laminitis.

Nore more Wyeth for me!

Alex,your site is such a safe haven for me to go to in this ovewhelming time of loss-I held my Barbaro Beanie close and said so many prayers this AM at 10:30, still can't believe it. Yet i have sign him, running free it the fields, and across the sky, free from pain,his mane blowing in the wind. Such a gift that we were all able to share Barbaro for the short time we had, but he will live on forever...
Prayers and thoughts to the Jacksons, Dr R, Michael, Edgar and Peter as well as the NBC'ers!
God bless you all!
Ellen in Flemington

thank you Alex: such a pity that on a day like this, you have to monitor such childish behavior. Actually, destructive behavior. We need to be here for each other. The world is a tough enough place, without fools making it tougher...

Again, Alex, thank you for being there for The Nation...I hope you are OK today. I love your descriptions of the environs in and around Fair Hill. I cherished your desciptions of grooming and caring for B. during the holidays. What would we have done without Tim and you all these long months?

Just out to pick up some canned food to entice the little Oklahoma brood bitch to eat more, she is a skinny little thing.The wind and snow are unbearably biting, and I hope everything that draws breath can find shelter from this storm...

Do you guys blanket your horses in weather like this when you turn them out? I have always been amazed at the density of the winter coats many horses grow. But those of you who have racers/show horses groom that coat away year round, right? So, blankets/coats?

The Irish Wolfhounds I had for many years would get very dense coats in winter...but the racing greyhounds have a single coat of fur, period...and the little brood who just came from OK looked at me like I was mad as a hare this morning at 6 when I asked her to go out...so she got a coat. The rest just run out, do their stuff and run back in...but that's what they're trained to do at the tracks...

I am so glad that Dr. R and family got away. I send up prayers for all who cared for Barbaro in the months after his injury...they have all just had to suck it up and keep doing what they do. Other animals need them just as much as did B. It takes a very special soul to be able to do what they did all that time; loving, but maintaining a kind of emotional distance.

Be well all, so many times I feel invisible on this forum, I hope my messages of comfort to you all are heard and are not just a figment of my computer screen....Deb: carry on and forget the Trolls who may return under another guise. They are to be pitied, not acknowledged.

Stay warm: j

#### JenM in OK - Thank you so much for your "novel". I did get it that laminitis was BAD, BAD, BAD (almost akin to CANCER for humans, and similar in the fact that it could be caused by so many things). I've decided that that is where I can really help, by contributing monetarily to laminitis research. Such a terrible condition, be it chronic or acute.

Greetings and Blessings to you all, from a newcomer.
During the silence I visualized the farewells and hope the Jacksons and Dr. R. stayed with him for awhile afterwards.

Here is a sweet prayer I found in a book:

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, your creatures. We pray especially for all that are suffering in any way; for the overworked and underfed, the hunted, lost or hungry; for all in captivity or ill-treated, and for those who must be put to death.

We entreat for them Your mercy and pity; and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion, gentle hands and kindly words.

Make us all to be true friends to animals. AMEN

Blessings to all as you go about your lives.

###Equine Heaven, thanks for your uplifting post. Mr. Ed, now who would have thought... Looking forward to the continuation.... Idea, what about Laurie H's tuck-ins and your stories in a collection? Thanks again for being the "voice."

Donna and Jeannette!!!

I salute you both! Sometimes we know more than the doctors, imagine that!

I went through my change and only took herbs.I Had to protect the most gorgeous creature God ever created.

###

welcome Rosalind

I was horrified when I learned about how these drugs for menopausal women are obtained. Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting.

I do know there are natural remedies that work well to ease symtoms.

Myself, I don't take anything - natural or manmade - for hot flashes. I like to think of them as "power surges" - but woe to the person who is unfortunate to be standing close by when an episode strikes.

DEBG; Yup! Michael is amazing and I hope that there are more trainers like him in the future for horse racing. I can't even imagine how he would feel about loosing Barbaro. If I was the horse's trainer I would feel absolutely hopeless and feel about 2 inches tall. It's hard to keep going when you feel like that. You want to crawl under a bed and never come out again. I hope he doesn't feel that way though. He did give us the best horse in a very long time and I sure hope he gets a chance to get another one. He sooo deserves it.

ROSEMARIE; You are probably right. Nothing we can write will make him change his mind.

ALEX.... I really want to fly off the handle when I see those posts but I do my best to refrain from saying anything. Reasoning with them doesn't seem to work.......

The Up-Date on the Derby..... GREAT!!!!!!!! :-)

Renee..... Man I am going to have to put a lot of stuff away today before I go to the doctor because I just know Barba is going to come down here and WA LA!!!! He was here last night and did my dishes and went through some stuff that he knew I would not need to save me the time...... Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh how sweet... Thanks Barbaro.... NOW you can paint my wall above the fireplace OK??????? :-)

Alex, thank you for your comments, hopefully all will respect this site, it would be a shame to loose it.

PS. Ice in water buckets...have u ever heard of putting a piece of sytrofoam on top, idea it keeps the lop layer from freezing and the horse just pushes in down 2 drink.... also heated buckets are nice... Although as cold as it is in the upper 1/2 of US, not sure if anything will help.

Try to say warm.

BRAVO, Daryl !

Sherry

Good Morning FOB's - Good Morning Angel Barbaro :)

###
Equine Heaven - Your posts are too cute. Everyday we should start the day with a smile. Thanks for starting my day with one. I hope someone is keeping these - it should have it's own thread. Love it. Thanks

Thanks for the Karen Gardner article, Alex.

She makes a valid point. Whilst we live in a decadent and materialistic society, some of us get criticized for placing moralities into the mix.

I get so confused and worried by this inbalance.

Candles for Roy and Gretchen Jackson -- now at 56.
With gratitude and comfort to Barbaro's family.


Candles for the Jacksons

EVERYONE
Michael Blowen from Old Friends wrote this relaly good article on the Death of Barbaro. Please read. Sylvia from Old Friends emailed me this on Saturday and I just found it.

http://www.bridleandbit.com/artman/publish/article_16426.shtml

Has anyone heard how Dr. R, the J's, Michael M, Edgar, etc. are doing?

Equine Heaven.....

I hope no one missed the comment

"Haytorade" RLOL

Maybe it could be marketed with the proceeds going to one of Big Boss Angel's causes.

Can't wait until the next update, still awaiting that e-mail address, guess they took time off for the Super Bowl..

DONNA-
Before I even knew about PMU, I told my doctor a few yrs. ago that I was not interested in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)drugs, b/c of recent fears that they were linked to breast cancer. I always felt, even as a young woman, that I would never resort to such means because, like you, I knew it was a NORMAL BIOLOGICAL PROCESS. BOTH of my grandmothers lived into their 90s without these drugs, and they seemed to do just fine.

Yes, I get "hot flashes" and "night sweats", but my solution is to turn on a fan to cool off for a few seconds. If I'm particularly uncomfortable, I fan myself with the freezer door open or stand under the a/c vent. It only takes a moment to get comfortable again. No big deal. There are also over-the-counter (OTC) herbal products that can help.

I'm sure there are women with more severe symptoms than mine, so I am not judging others who feel they need the HRT drugs. Each woman must come to her own conclusion.

Renee - what sort of herbs did you take? I'm in menopause now and my doctor said take "black cohash" (Probably spelled that wrong!) but I can't seem to find it. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Linda R

##Welcome Rosalind

Alex, thank you again for posting your morning at Fairhill and of course all the articles of tributes to Barbaro.

Your morning descriptions throughout this past week have been the one constant that has helped me get through this time. I enjoy hearing about all the horses training and your antics with them. I wish I could be there helping out somehow and being a part of it all, but will have to live with reading about it. Take care and keep warm.

Judy

####
Better choices besides prempro... some people do really well with Cranial Sacral Therapy, a form of body work. Good luck!

Renee - if you wish to respond off this site, my email is gr8loon@yahoo.com.

Thanks!

Linda R

Has anyone heard how Dr. R is doing? Did he get away with his family? I hope he is doing okay (as best as can be expected under the circumstances). I can't help but be concerned about him and all of those who worked so closely with him. If anyone knows how Dr. R and/or NBC are doing, please post.

Thank you FOB!

THANK YOU ALEX FOR THIS WONDERFUL SITE

Brenda S. in Florida

I also went through change of life, and took nothing but vitamins, Calcium-Mag, B12, C, E.
Some of replacement only hurt your body.

Sometimes is it mind over matter, hang tough!!!!

Hi Linda,
I found Dong Quai did the trick for me. It is a chinese herb. I got mine at the Vitamin Shoppe.

Barbaro Nation,

Taking a short am break.

Did the minute of reflection for our Big Feller and his loved ones at 10:30 EST.

The Colts winning the game now that was something, the Colts once from MD, the sorrow that coach has been through. But then reading
the post this am, what was wrong with me that I did not get the score ahhh the score 29 points by the Colts. PS People Magazine has a great photo of our Boy, two pages!

CaNDLES FOR MICHAEL MATZ -- now at 61.
To thank a genuine hero and horseman, and to support him now, we light candles in his honor. Thank you Michael, for taking good care of the Boss Horse.


Candles for Michael Matz

Thanks Renee - I'll check it out.

Linda R

You could get rid of annoying husbands. Sometimes that relieves symptoms better than any product. LOL

SUSAN; candles are now at 65 :O)

LINDA R-
Just go to Wal-Mart's pharmacy section, or ANY drugstore, and ask the clerks where the menopausal products are located. You'll see scores of products to choose from. Some have a nice complement of vitamins, along with the herbal ingredients. There's a very good one, recommended by gynecologists, which I can't remember right now. I think its name begins with the letter "P", and the box has a flower on a white background. Maybe someone else can think of the name.

My granddaughter and I saw a beautiful cardinal this morning (5th) as we looked out our back kitchen window. It seemed to wait for us to look and then flew off very fast - other people to see!

I was surprised to see it with the weather so cold down here.

Sally in Louisiana

#### Sally in Louisiana - oh, I love cardinals. Haven't seen any up here (Mass) yet though I've been told they do winter up here. Very, very, very cold here today, a high in the teens, how's that. Last summer I was priviledged to see a nest/family of cardinals in my shrubbery!

Linda P, thank you, now Michael's candles are at 76.


Candles for Michael Matz

I did nothing unusual for menopause. I do some sort of mild aerobic exercise (e.g., walking) 7 days a week, and some kind of strength training 7 nights a week, all at home. I eat no trans fats or oils other than olive or canola oil, unless it is a birthday, Christmas, etc. And virtually no sugar -- an occasional Cliff bar, except, again, on special occasions. Also avoid additives, food colorings. No alcohol. I do all of this for other health reasons -- minimizing migraines and keeping my heart in shape. But I did not have hot flashes or other symptoms...basically did not even notice the perimenopausal phase, and took nothing for it, not even anything herbal.

# jonna,

Please don't feel invisible on this site. I know that we have all felt that way at one time or another, but with the sheer volume of posts somtetimes it is overwhelming to read them all. Also, I have found that if you ask a question or for information, eventually someone who knows the answer responds. Stay with us, dear.

Equine Heaven,

My mind's eye sees everything that you describe and I can feel their personalities and commraderie. Thank you.

Alex,

Thanks for putting up with us and keeping us on track (pun intended). We will strive not to respond to trolls and insults.

A week today, seems like forever. As it all settles in the feelings are like a roller coaster, so very happy he is at peace, healthy, happy and whole but he hole in my heart is still there. And some how I still seem to want to fight the survival battle again. I have distracted myself by googling horse information and have found another 29 connection. Man O War was born on March 29, 1917 and Barbaro was born on April 29, 2003. Man O War was my horse, Journey To Joy's 6th Great Grandfather and War Admiral was his 4th Great Grandfather. Just so many great spirits!

Hope everyone is doing alright. Paul, how are you?

We will continue Barbaro's legacy and I am so proud to be a Fan of Barbaro.

Karen M. Dallas, Texas

#######
LindaP.

Mike was reading that letter to me last Tuesday on the phone, and I was going to say some of it on here, but decided to wait til he published it.
I also told him I would bring up the idea of Family raising the money for a Run-In Shed at Old Friends (cost $1500) which would have a plaque on it saying "In Memory of Barbaro" so everyone could see it that visited, but was going to wait til our grief abated a bit.

So, I'm saying it now, what does everyone think about donating a Run-In Shed (where horses go for protection from wind, rain ) in Barbaro's memory, so he will be protecting other horses.
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our Hero, Barbaro.

JEN M-
So well-stated. Just yesterday, I read quite a bit about Laminitis in WIKIPEDIA, which included a discussion of Barbaro's condition. There was also observations about the wild "feral" horses, and how they are not found to develop laminitis for the very reasons you stated -- particular b/c they are "barefoot" and so have tougher hooves. There's even a "movement" among some horse owners to gradually wean their horses off of "shoes" and allow them to go barefoot. There are "boots" that the horses can used during the transition from shoes to being barefoot.

Lynda - that is a great article from Michal Blowen!

#### SusanW - run-in shed great idea. Where is Old Friends located, please give the address to which one can send a check. Thanks.

Does anyone know about the fate of War Emblem, Bob Baffert's former Derby/Preakness winner? Last I heard of him he had been sold to Japan which concerned me greatly when I read about what happened to Ferdinand. I was thrilled when I read that when the Chapmans placed Smarty Jones at stud they would only consider offers that would keep him in the US forever.

Gayle

Thanks Spirit Horse - I'll check there too...

Marilyn/CA - bravo to you for being so health conscious - since I was also recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes I've been altering my eating habits, but I haven't made it to your level yet. Working diligently on it tho. Thanks for your thoughts.

Linda R

SUSANW; Sylvia told me about the run in shed last thursday that she said was sponsored, and also all the donations that they were getting in memory of Barbaro. Sylvia was writing a letter to the Jacksons to let them know.

######## Jonna!!!!!! I wrote a post back, but lost it. Yes, we always blanketed our horses at the track, and we would always get one or two in the middle of the winter come in that were farmed out and I was always amazed at the coats (which had to be shaved off. Used to say, oh here comes another fuzzball.
########
and welcome Rosalind.
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our hero, Barbaro.

MARILYN/CA: Wow that is awsome. Man without all that what DO you eat? I would like to know. I need to be heart conscience but I know I am not. Can you tell me what you eat? If you don't wanna say on here my email is sunshineforever31@yahoo.com

Thank you very uch!!!

#### SusanW - Why do you have to shave off the "fuzzballs" coats?

Gayle Lorenzen: I had spoken with Michael Blowen months ago regarding War Emblem and he has taken a personal avenue in assuring that War Emblem does not go to a slaughterhouse. He is being protected and Americans here are looking out for him. If he cannot ever produce foals, he will be sent back to the U.S. for an honorable life here....

Thanks, Alex. A few thoughts about horseracing, and other animal and human sports:

as Gretchen Jackson said, these amazing equine creatures were BORN to race. They love it. And her hope for Barbaro's yearling brother is that he would grow and reach his potential and race the way he was born to. And we KNOW that the Jacksons "revere" animals, so their compassion turns them toward the thrill of them reaching the pinnacle of their gift.

As one of the tribute articles indicated, the results from the NASCAR crash killing Dale Earnhardt, Sr. made racing safer and today drivers can survive such crashes.

Just because Michael Jordan sustained injuries and operations and recuperations as a result of basketball, should they ban basketball -- or any other sport that causes injury (P. Manning reignited a thumb injury in the Super Bowl !! ban the sport??)?

Risk is a factor in life. I hate what happened to Barbaro. I wish you could hit the Back button on that day in Pimlico. But sadly that's not life. The risk and thrill that exists, the way things are, is so that the truly different can push through and become superstars . . . or legends.

I am thrilled that one of the results of Barbaro's life IS a safer racing track. That's how it should be -- amending things to get it better, not stop it because of the risk and heartbreak.

On this day of missing and honoring Barbaro, I have come to understand that he would have wanted to have done nothing else than what he did in his life. THEN he was amazing enough to do the NEXT thing well, fight a fight than few have and survive. And though he passed away, defeated by his mortal body, he still won that race because he pushed past what any other horse has ever done in recovery like this.

Barbaro set a new world record . . . even in this.

jonna, on days like today the posts fly by so fast and there are so many. If you have a question sometimes you have to ask it a few times.
there is so much to read through.

Any News on Barbaro's Derby Saddlecloth I heard it was stolen after he won the Kentucky Derby?

LINDA R-
I thought of the name -- PROMENSIL -- it's quite effective. Now, none of these products give overnight relief, but you should notice a difference after a couple of weeks. Read what the box says. I don't take anything anymore b/c frankly, I'm too lazy...I'd rather just fan myself. But early on I did use Promensil quite a few times and found that it was effective. I tried some other brands, too, like one from Sam's Club, b/c it had vitamins included, but the other brands I tried were not as effective as Promensil. There are also creams you can find -- usually at health food stores. You'll see -- there's a ton of OTC products out there. Many have Black Cohosh, although I recently heard a news report that it doesn't seem as effective as once thought. It's not harmful, as far as I know, just doesn't give the necessary relief.

good afternoon, y'all.

Alex, everyone in northern climes, stay warm!

*****
Sarah, would you please email me?

PERRY; Stolen? I hadn't heard anything about that.

#####
Lynda (and Linda R -- you go, girl!!)
I feel like I have plenty of food choices. I eat all fruits and vegetables, pasta, rice, whole grain bread and cereals, lowfat dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), skinless chicken, lean red meats, fish, nuts, all-fruit jams. I really don't feel deprived. I almost always eat at home anyway, so I know how the food is prepared. I'm HIGHLY motivated, because my husband has a lot of chronic but not life-threatening health problems and I want to be around to take care of him.

#######
Linda P,,I hope she knew it was coming from us? I told Mike I would do it.

All checks for the Run-In Shed should be made out to:
Old Friends
Barbaro's Run-In Shed from TWR
1841 Paynes Depot Rd.
Georgetown, KY 40324

Put a note in there saying what it is for too, so Sylvia can tally up the donations.
I will post this on the message board too.
Someone, and I am assuming it is someone from here? Has already donated one saying Believe in Miracles. Believe in Barbaro. But they need more run in sheds than they have
Sylvia said think of what we want on the plaque..
We can do that on the MB.
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our Hero, Barbaro

Thanks Deb G. for answering my question about
War Emblem. That's a huge relief!

Gayle

#### My second (and final) letter to TJ Simers, because frankly, he probably wasn't worth the time or effort:

Mr. Simers:

It’s always a good feeling when my assumptions are validated, and I knew I could count on you! When I read your original crass and tasteless column on “the dead horse” last week, I knew immediately knew that you were a guy with all the maturity of a third-grade bully, sitting in the back of the room spouting insults and crude remarks to get a “rise” out of the teacher and make the little girls cry. Now that you’ve wrapped up your fourth column of “beating a dead horse”, you’ve proven my second impression that you’re a talent less hack. How convenient that Barbaro was euthanized so that you wouldn’t have to actually “think” or use an ounce of creativity writing your columns for a week—which I would imagine is par for the course.

It never ceases to amaze me how individuals like you assume that those of us who care for animals do so at the expense of caring for people—soldiers in Iraq, the homeless, AIDS victims, etc. It is a ridiculous assumption. You, however, have shown just how uncaring and inconsiderate you are with regards to Barbaro’s human connections. Roy and Gretchen Jackson, Michael Matz, Edgar Prado, Dr. Dean Richardson and the fans of Barbaro—including many sports writers--deserve better than your disgusting commentary. Gotta agree with Gary Stevens on this one—you are truly a despicable person—and the sad thing is you obviously revel in it. What a waste. . .

SUSANW; Yes, she knew it was coming from us

MARILYN; I thought pasta turned into sugar when it hit your system?

Hello Everyone

Thanks, Alex, for everything

And for this:

************************************************

This is a horse racing web-site sponsored by a racehorse trainer. Thus while we are happy to debate how to improve racing and hope to help push new things forward, we do not advocate banning horse racing (we would then need to find another job) and cannot tolerate that notion on this site

**************************************************

Sorry that it ever became necessary for you to say that. Just illustrates that some people have NO respect whatsoever. Hope you are doing well.

Robyn.... prayers for your uncle. My thoughts are with you and your family

Dale..so sorry for your uncle's passing. Praying for peace to your heart and your family

This morning at 10:30AM, I was outside, clear sky, sun bright, the mountains absolutely beautiful covered in snow. I could see an eagle in the distance. Perfect surroundings for reflection. Among the most poignant things I read this past few days were the thoughts of one person who wrote on Monday that it will be awful for Dr. Dean and the staff to have to encounter Barbaro's empty stall. That really hit me. My DB, too. We read it together. The other, and perhaps most poignant thought for me was Dr. Kathy's description of her visit to Barbaro one day, when she took her children to see him. They found him standing, silouetted by sunshine, gazing out his window at the pasture outside, and other horses. That vision imprinted upon my thoughts and will stay with me forever.

My surroundings this morning, as do Alex' visions of mornings at Fair Hill, reminded me that this big, beautiful world and all the wondrous things in it are all part of a plan that is bigger than any of us. Not to say that "helps" me to "accept" Barbaro's loss, it just isn't up to me to "accept" the loss of this magnificent horse, it just "is". Like all of this life, it just "is". A big, grand plan, and it might not all make sense at times, but it is grand.

So I do feel more at peace today, with that realization. My thoughts and prayers continue for the Jacksons, for Dr. Dean and his incredible staff, for Dr. Kathy, for Michael, Peter, Edgar, Eduardo and everyone who cared for Barbaro, and for Tim and especially for Alex.

I'm grateful to have this network of amazing people, too. I'm especially grateful and pleased when I see the words "hay its me bArbaro" in posts, as though you all are perpetuating the thoughts that came to me at times that were more hopeful and happier. I'm very appreciative and touched by that. And as I wrote last night, the thought came to me, first on Friday, when that Kentucky quarter came out of NOWHERE, when later that evening I noticed that the quarter that was given to me in change for a purchase was from Indiana (with the Indy car - read RACE car:)) and then the Colts' stellar win with 29 points. Coincidence? maybe, but I don't think so

Love to all. Glad you are all here today, except for Linnie, and I'm worried about her. Peace to all
Cheryl

Gayle Lorenzen: You are very welcome. Topic came up last summer so I wrote to him. He is working on it and stated he would never allow any harm to this horse....

Anita,
it is for aesthetics and rules....and showing conformity and conditioning...I just said yikes, get the shaver. I never questioned, and usually it was just from farmed out horses. The horses we blanketed and were stalled never grew that winter coat.
Sorry I didn't answer , I was on the phone. Not much of a multi-tasker.
Love to family,
Susan W.
Believe in our hero , Barbaro.

FOBs, you are a real comfort to me today. I am really having a hard time today. I am sad, struggling to get through work as I dragged myself in - I think I have a GI bug -and it is lethally cold and I am paranoid about my water pipes freezing and busrting at home. I wish I was there and I could be with Elly Mae, my German Shepard.

"hay its me bArbaro"

Cheryl Jones, it makes my heart not so heavy when I read that. Thank you.

Spirit Horse - thanks for taking the time to remember the name and get me the info. I will go and check that out - sounds promising.

Marilyn/CA - thanks for sharing your "menu" with us. I've been trying to be diligent in eating healthier - it's a chore at times! LOL! I admire you've been able to do it. I'd like to discuss further but this probably isn't the place. Could you please email me at gr8loon@yahoo.com? Thanks!

I have to say that I don't think there will EVER be a more astoundly beautiful horse than Barbaro. He was pure perfection-I loved his long flowing tail trimmed just right and hanging down his hind legs. And that tuff of hair between his ears. And we all know about those eyes! And his laugh! How commical he could be with that mouth when he laughted(I'm assuming that's what he was doing) And his fasination with other critters. Well, I'm preaching to the choir! Rest well sweet one. We all love you so much. CharlieW in FL

Hello Barbaro fans!

We just got over a weekend blizzard here in Michigan and it's cold. It was 6 degrees when I left for work this morning.

Alex, thanks again for this website and for the 10:30 a.m. observance for Barbaro.

A beloved Barbaro fan now and forever!

Alex, thank you for kicking the trolls out :)

To say that 9 degrees is chilly is the epitome of British understatement! LOL

####
jonna

We're all invisible here at one time or another. But every contribution is important. Sometimes we're too busy, or there are too many posts, or whatever...life happens. Stay with us!

Equine Heaven puts a big smile on my face. Thank you!

BREAKING NEWS...

I just got a call from Sen. Lieberman's aide, David McIntosh, and he told me the senator has signed on as a co-sponsor to the anti-slaughter bill!!!! He thanked me for "keeping on top of them"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, Judy in CT, how about giving Sen. Dodd a wink and a nudge ;)

I feel that this happened today in honor of Barbaro!

http://www.tbfriends.com/

A very good read today by Joe on over breeding.

Just thinking about our Precious Barbaro. For whatever reason, one of the images that still sets off the tears is his eating his breakfast of Lael grass just before he leaves this earth. What a guy ... what an appetite ... up until the very end! What is it Barbaro was quoted as saying, "If I can't eat it ... I don't want it!"

I miss you so, Barbaro! I hope you have all of the grass, apples, pears, carrots with the green tops and spearmints that you want in Heaven.

Barbaro ... What a Beautiful Difference One Life Has Made!

########
DEBG.
May have to reboot, having a slow time, but are all of War Emblems certificates to come home sold out (meaning plane fare is covered)?
Kim Zito is checking on our horses overseas constantly.
I know Alysheba is covered. Just not getting around on here.

Linnie just sent out an email, Cheryl.
Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our Hero, Barbaro.

GOD SAW YOU GETTING TIRED, AND CURE WAS NOT TO BE.
SO HE PUT HIS ARMS AROUND YOU, AND WHISPERED "COME WITH ME".
WITH TEARFUL EYES WE WATCHED YOU PASS AWAY.
ALTHOUGH WE LOVED YOU DEARLY, WE COULD NOT MAKE YOU STAY.
A GOLDEN HEART STOPPED BEATING AND NOW YOU ARE AT REST.
GOD BROKE OUR HEARTS TO PROVE TO US, HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST.

REMEMBER WHEN IT GETS DARK ENOUGH YOU CAN SEE THE STARS
AND ONE OF THEM WILL BE BARBARO!

WE ALL BELIEVE IN THE MIRACLE OF BARBARO!

DENNIS
GREENSBURG, PA

Equine Heaven - I love these posts. They bring a smile to my face on these dark days.

Someone - I think it was Deb G. - mentioned something about a statue of Barbaro. I think that's a wonderful idea, especially it if was at NBC. Wouldn't that be a wonderful tribute to our Bobby, Dr. R. and the staff?

I have a lot of work to get done today but am having a hard time staying away. I'm so glad we have this site. Thank you everyone for the comfort to be found here.

Proud to be an FOB!!!

Dawn--articulate letter--thanks
Chris--did you leave your faucets dripping? that helps them not to freeze

I forgot one thing - this is for the horse racing people here. I was reading the list of horses who were nominated for the Triple Crown races this year. I never knew there was a nomination process. I always wondered how a horse got in these races. How does the nomination work? How does a horse qualify for this? Since these horses can't have competed as a three year old yet, how can they know which are the top horses? Also, Man in Havana was missing. Isn't he Barbaro's half brother?

daryl, thank you for the letter to wyeth. i will also write to them and send an anti horse slaughter brochure i have from the animal welfare institute 7038364300 tel. it sounds like you can reach a lot of people. best hilary

SEABISCUIT: BIG QUESTION-
I cannot seem to find out HOW Seabiscuit died. Even Wikipedia doesn't say. The following excerpt is from Wikipedia:

"On April 10, Seabiscuit's retirement from racing was officially announced. When he was retired to the Ridgewood Ranch near Willits, California, Seabiscuit, the horse nobody wanted, was horse racing's all-time leading money winner. Put out to stud, Seabiscuit sired 108 foals, including two moderately successful racehorses, "Sea Swallow" and "Sea Sovereign." Over 5,000 visitors made the trek to Ridgewood Ranch to see Seabiscuit in the seven years he spent there before his death. His burial site is to this day a secret, known only to the immediate Howard family."

WOW! His burial place is a SECRET!! I didn't realize that. With the thousands of visitors he drew (something we all would have wanted to do too if Barbaro had made it), no wonder the Howard family decided to keep his final resting place a secret! They probably figured some nut would try to steal his body, which they probably would have, just like the attempt made to steal Elvis' body from the cemetery before it was moved to Graceland.

Maybe that's why the Jacksons wanted Barbaro's body cremated, so they wouldn't have to live under the constant fear that Barbaro's body would be stolen. Another poster recently commented that perhaps someone might try to get DNA from Barbaro's body. These fears are not unwarranted, given the medical advancements coupled with the audacity some people have these days.

So...anyone know how SEABISCUIT died?

Margie - That was truly a funny remark about husbands. I think people here missed it.

Regarding War Emblem, who is Michael Blowen? I don't know the details, but it sounds as if War Emblem is out of the country for breeding and that scares me. I don't know how much control you can ever have over what becomes of an animal when it's out of US jurisdiction.

And just a note: I am disappointed because it sounds as if with all the recent track injuries, not one owner has stepped up to the plate like the Jacksons to try to save their horses. I learned from Barbaro that when a break pierces the skin its pretty hopeless, and that's why Barbaro had a chance, because his break didn't. Hard to believe that all these animals had hopeless injuries. I just hope people don't come away thinking that if Barbaro couldn't be saved, no sense trying to save their horses.

Sam I Am, I did but I am still paranoid. I have an old fixer upper and plumbing issues in the past.

I need my Xanax! :)

VERY COMFORTING, DENNIS -- VERY COMFORTING INDEED.

My Dearest Friends of Barbaro,

I received this letter from my Senator, Evan Bayh, D, IN, a co-sponsor of S.1915. Count him among the list of good guys and remember him on Election Day, 2010. Here is what he had to say in response to my letter on the issue of horse slaughter:
**************************************************

Dear Mrs. Asher :

Thank you for contacting me regarding horse slaughter in the United States . I am grateful for your thoughts and always welcome the advice of those I am honored to represent.

Congress recently acted in a strong, bipartisan way to end the practice of horse slaughter. You may know that slaughterhouses are required to undergo mandatory inspections. In an amendment to the Agricultural Appropriations Act that passed with my support, Congress prohibited the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from paying the inspectors in an attempt to shut down the slaughterhouses.

As you may know, USDA recently instituted a new fee-for-service program that will allow the inspections to continue. In January, I signed a bipartisan letter from Congressmen John Sweeny to USDA Secretary Mike Johanns objecting to this decision. In light of USDA's decision, you may be pleased to know I am a co-sponsor the bipartisan American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 1915). This Act would prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption. This legislation is currently before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. While I am not a member of this Committee, I will be monitoring this issue closely.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope the information I have provided is helpful. My website, http://bayh.senate.gov , can provide additional details about legislation and state projects, and you can also sign up to receive my monthly e-newsletter, The Bayh Bulletin , by clicking on the link at the top of my homepage. I value your input and hope you will continue to keep me informed of the issues important to you.

Office of Senator Evan Bayh
(202) 224-5623
Russell 463
Washington, D.C. 20510
**************************************************

Well. . . . What do you think?! Awesome, eh!!

Love,

A MUST for FOB's.....

Due to increased interest in the Feb. 3 issue of The Blood-Horse with Barbaro on the cover, Blood-Horse Publications has printed additional copies of the magazine that are being offered on a single copy basis.

Single copies of the Feb. 3 Blood-Horse are available for $4.95. They can be ordered by calling 800-276-6768 or through Exclusively Equine.

"The interest in Barbaro goes far beyond our normal readership, so we felt it necessary to make additional copies of this special issue available to everyone at a low cost," said Marla Bickel, circulation director for Blood-Horse Publications.

Just thinking about our Precious Barbaro. For whatever reason, one of the images that still sets off the tears is his eating his breakfast of Lael grass just before he leaves this earth. What a guy ... what an appetite ... up until the very end! What is it Barbaro was quoted as saying, "If I can't eat it ... I don't want it!"

I miss you so, Barbaro! I hope you have all of the grass, apples, pears, carrots with the green tops and spearmints that you want in Heaven.

Barbaro ... What a Beautiful Difference One Life Has Made!

Posted by: Ruth Stacey at February 5, 2007 7:09 PM

***********************************************
Ruth, it is heartbreaking to think about Barbaro eating his grass just before. The morning of having to put my beloved cocker to sleep almost 9 years ago, she ate her breakfast as usual, it was hard for me to comprehend that she was very ill. I had all the trust in the world in my vet and he assured me at the time we were doing the best thing for her. If I had chose not to euthanize her then, the next few weeks would have been very difficult and painful for her and I didn't want to put her through that. Her quality of life was more important than having her with me for a few extra weeks for my own selfish reasons.

I miss Barbaro too - so so much. But I do find comfort that he is whole again and running free and yes - eating all he wants!

God bless.....

--monday february 5,2007

on this day
i will pause at ten thirty and through out the day
may all my actions be directed to the great gratitude
i feel to Alex
and the creation of this site
...to NBC and to all the beautiful care and love
BARBARO--bless those nurses..
RECEIVED.
..to the tender and noble Jacksons and barbaro's training famiily
to sabina l. pierce
, for her photo journalism
that got his journey in a form
for us to see and feel,
...and to the many here
that send me love too..
in their thoughtfulness
as i indeed negotiate myself through these bitter waters..
i found a prayer that i thought speaks about the place i am in and i
send out to FOB..
sixth prayer for Peace--
that basically says our actions are what count....our deeds
--'not the coat we wear..
that truth is above everything,
but higher still is truthful living.
know that we attain the divine when we love unconditionally..
and only victory endures in consequences
of which no one is defeated,---
paraphrased from SACRED JOURNEY ,readings,poet,
kristen keegan,2006

in this altered space we all negotiate.
as Barbaro runs his special rolling prance,
in space with no walls and no constrictions.
..free..
..i consider something L.Bernstein,
the great american composer
shared with artists=
;;''truth is beauty
and beauty is truth
and that is all ye need know.''.'
john kearts

in the light
in which Barbaro
has taught me to consider the above
with an open and totally , vulnerable heart
in which there is nothing to loose
only to gain
,
in the light
martita
''--

#######
Kate S.

Michael Blowen is founder of Old Friends Equine. Check out the website www.OldFriendsEquine.org.
The memorial to Precisionist picture always makes me cry.

Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our Hero, Barbaro.
(I could tell you how kind and thoughtful he is, but that would be ruining a surprise for someone who posts on here)

Cheryl,
As I lit virtual candles earlier this morning, I decided to spell Bobby's name bArbaro even though not everyone would understand that. It is great comfort to me and I am sure to thousands of others. Thank you again for reminding us of the gentle, child-like spirit of this legendary race horse. He runs in the Lord's meadows now.
Susan

dennis at 7.09 that is beautiful. i just can't keep away from this site. should be working. this is a hard time where i still want to feel close to Barbaro and that wonderful feeling he created within all of us. BARBARO IS IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER

KATE-
I'm not sure, not being a "horse" person, but I think it's been said that not all owners have the financial wealth that the Jacksons do. For ex., I read that the owners of Funny Cide, were a group of school buddies that got together to buy themselves a racehorse. I didn't read the whole book yet, but I'll betcha if that type of injury had happened, they probably wouldn't have been able to incur the enormous expenses that the Jacksons were able to do. Especially with the outcome so uncertain.

######

Spirit Horse I believe Seabiscuit died of a heart attack at 14.

HOUSE HR503 COSPONSORS

Primary Sources: Seabiscuit's Obituary

America's favorite underdog died young, succumbing to a heart attack at age 14. Read Pulitzer Prize-winning sportswriter Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith's remembrance of Seabiscuit, followed by a wire service article reporting on the great horse's demise.

Views of Sport
By Red Smith

A Horse You Had to Like
If this bureau had a prayer for use around horse parks, it would go something like this: Lead us not among bleeding-hearts to whom horses are cute or sweet or adorable, and deliver us from horse lovers. Amen.

In this case issue is not taken on the rhetorical grounds adopted by James Thurber when he observed that to him the expression "dog lover" meant one dog that was in love with another dog. Rather, the idea here is to merely get on record with the opinion that horses are animals which a guy can like and admire and have fun betting on or just watching. This is no great knock on love, which is for blondes.

With that established, let's talk about the death of Seabiscuit the other night. It isn't mawkish to say there was a racehorse, a horse that gave race fans as much pleasure as any that ever lived, and one that will be remembered as long and as warmly. If someone asked you to list horses which had, apart from speed or endurance, some quality that fixed the imagination and captured the regard of more people than ever saw them run, you've had to mention Man o' War and Equipoise and Exterminator, and Whirlaway, and Seabiscuit. And the honest son of Hard Tack wouldn't be last.

It wasn't primarily his rags-to-riches history which won Seabiscuit his following, although reaching success from humble beginnings never dims a public figure's popularity. It wasn't the fact that he won more money than any other horse up to his time, although that hurt neither his reputation nor his owner. He wasn't a particularly handsome horse, nor especially big or graceful, and he was never altogether sound. Up till now, his get have not made him famous as his sire.

The quality he had was expressed one day by a man in the press box who said, "Look at his record. He's the Canzoneri of horses."

From Agawam to Agua Caliente
Look at his record and you see what the man meant. Just as Tony Canzoneri barnstormed through the fight clubs of the land taking on every one they tossed at his head, so Seabiscuit made the rounds of most of the mile tracks between the oceans, and left track records at more than a few. Hialeah Park this record reads, Bowie, Havre de Grace, Jamaica, Rockingham, Narragansett, Suffolk, Saratoga, Aqueduct, Agawam, Empire City, Pimlico, Belmont, Detroit, River Downs, Bay Meadows, Santa Anita, Tanforan, Laurel, Agua Caliente, Arlington, Del Mar, Hollywood.

He didn't always win, of course. Indeed, he was whipped seventeen times hand running in allowance purses and maiden races and claimers before he won one, and that one was worth $750. Those were the days when he went unclaimed for $2,500.

It has often been written how his first owner, Ogden Phipps [sic], tossed him away from $8,500 in a private sale to Charles S. Howard. Actually, Phipps did all right with him. Seabiscuit ran forty-seven times and won nine races for his breeder: His winnings and sale price brought Phipps $26,965. No one could have guessed he would earn $419, 265 racing for Howard.

In these days when a Shetland pony won't break out of a walk for less than $50,000, earnings are an incomplete measure of a horse's class. Seabiscuit's record of $437,730 has been surpassed by several horses. But he had to work for most of his. He often came out of a race with $25 or $50 in third or fourth money, and he had to make three runs at the Santa Anita Handicap, losing twice by a nose, before he grabbed his biggest prize of $86,650.

The Guys Around Him
With the news story of his death was a photograph of Seabiscuit with Red Pollard, his regular jockey. It brought to mind several names that were associated with the horse. There was his owner, who was known as "Lucky Charley" Howard when his stable, led by Seabiscuit was polishing off stakes like mad, making him first among money-winning owners. They haven't started running benefits for Howard yet -- he was nineteenth among owners with purses of $182,885 last year -- but you don't see those red and white silks out front as often as you did, and they don't call him "Lucky Charley" any more.

There was Pollard, who certainly wasn't ever called lucky. The little redhead rode to fame on Seabiscuit but he missed the ones he wanted most. He'd been second, beaten a nose by Rosemont, in the Santa Anita Handicap of 1937 and he was getting ready for a second shot the following year when he got busted up in a spill. Had to sit back and look on while his horse lost the same race by the same margin, this time to Stagehand.

He was just about recovered from the injury when he came East to ride Seabiscuit in New England. A gypsy horseman, a friend, asked him to work a two-year-old for him. The colt bolted and smashed Pollard's left leg. He was still laid up when Seabiscuit ran the most memorable race of all, the match with War Admiral.

Seabiscuit broke down in his next start, and Pollard went to the farm with him, put in a year helping to bring him around. They came back together in 1940, and together they finally won the $100,000 handicap. One hasn't heard much of Red since, although he was still running a fair share of winners last year.

Then there's Tom Smith, who trained Seabiscuit. He's changed jobs and things haven't been entirely smooth for him. Just got back this year from that suspension in that ephedrine case.

The Race Georgie Swiped
And then there was Georgie Woolf, who rode Seabiscuit in the match with War Admiral, the best horse race these eyes have ever seen. That was the race where Sam Riddle, War Admiral's owner, dictated virtually all the conditions, including a walk-up start because his horse didn't like gates.

Ed Christmas was talking about Woolf recently, recalling how he used an old trick of quarter-horse racing to steal the start from Charley Kurtsinger, who didn't have his experience of racing out on the Western plains. As they walked up to the line, Georgie kept Seabiscuit's head turned in toward War Admiral, determined that if he didn't get away alone, he'd leave no room for War Admiral to dart past him. If ever a rider swiped a race, Woolf swiped that one at the start, leaping away ahead of a horse that was habitually first out of the gate.

Georgie Woolf? He's dead too.

-- New York Herald Tribune, Tuesday, May 20, 1947

Seabiscuit Dies of Heart Attack At C. S. Howard Ranch on Coast

UKIAH, Calif., May 18 -- Seabiscuit, one-time leading winner of the American turf, died of a heart attack last midnight, owner Charles S. Howard announced today.

Howard said that the famed racer, who earned a grand total of $437,730 between 1935 and 1940, when he was retired to stud at Howard's Ridgewood Farms near here, had been normal at 6 P. M. last night.

Sergeant Joy, groom who slept in the stable where the 14-year-old horse was quartered, said he was awakened about midnight by sounds of stirring in Seabiscuit's box stall. He found the horse struggling and immediately called Dr. John W. Britton, the farm's veterinarian. Seabiscuit died ten minutes after the doctor's arrival.

He was retired after winning the $100,000 Santa Anita Handicap of 1940 and was believed to have sired at least 100 horses since that time.

One of Seabiscuit's greatest triumphs was his defeat of War Admiral in a special match race at Pimlico in 1938.

Howard purchased the horse as a 3-year-old for $8,000 and he appeared in eighty-nine races while wearing the Howard colors. He finished first thirty-three times, placed fifteen and ran third thirteen.

He will be buried in front of the ranch-house at Ridgewood.

The "Biscuit" first raced for the Wheatley Stable in the East, owned jointly by the late former Secretary of the Treasury Ogden Mills and his sister. In forty-seven races for the Wheatley owners he won only nine starts. He was an outcast -- not worth the price of his hay in a first-class barn.

In 1936 Howard was visiting the East and saw Seabiscuit for the first time. His record was unimpressive and he had suspicious knees.

The horse that was destined to win nearly half a million dollars was purchased for a mere $8,000. He was placed in the hands of Silent Tom Smith, one of the outstanding trainers of the nation, and from that time on his star was ascending.

-- New York Times, May 19, 1947

Linda, Thank you for your words of comfort. I would never have wanted to see Barbaro's spirit become as devastated as his body! And that it what would have ultimately happened. I can't even imagine those bright beautiful soulful brown eyes becoming hollow and dull.

I, too, had a precious 17-year old Miniature Schnauzer euthanized. I selfishly kept him too long. He could have passed with a lot more dignity had I only "looked" at what I was "seeing." But I just couldn't let him go!

God Bless Dr. R and the Jacksons for "listening" to Barbaro and doing the right thing at the right time!

Eat Barbaro Eat! Run Barbaro Run!

Barbaro ... What a Beautiful Difference One Life Has Made!

Thank you, Martita, for your lovely verses.

S-311 SENATE LEGISLATION

RUTH-
That remains the image that disturbs me the most, which I said early this morning and in days past. It just rips my heart out. I read in an article that the grass was another way to calm him. I wish the reporter hadn't asked Dr. R. that question at the press conference, so that we wouldn't be able to "see" it.

ANNA...I just sent email to you.

Can anyone tell me if the anti slaughter bill only address the fact that they can't be slaughtered for human consumption in the US - I'm thinking they will get around it by saying it is for areas outside the US or that it is for pet food. We need to get it stopped period.

##

thank you Martita..BEAUTIFUL ALWAYS....

Cheryl G - would you be able to blue link something for us for The House legislation too, please.

can someone fill me in as to the meaning of spelling Barbaro's name bArbaro please?

I received my issue of Blood Horse today. Beautiful Barbaro on the cover. Tears came flowing. God bless Barbaro.

I heard someone was taking donations to sell at auction to benefit the Barbaro fund. Is this true, and if so, I would appreciate the contact information and any particulars.

Please e-mail me at randeeb@gmail.com

Thank you.

I have had many inquiries regarding this.

Good Afternoon Everyone....
 
Anti Slaughter Update.....Where We Stand
 
House of Representatives:
We have 99 co-sponsors and the bill has been referred to two committees.  HR503 is currently in the Energy & Commerce Committee and in the Agricultural Committee.  We have more supporters in the Energy & Commerce Committee than the Agricultural Committee.....pretty much the same as it was last year.
 
Senate:
We now have 14 co-sponsors for S311 and it is in the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee.
 
It has been suggested that, along with contacting our own representatives (one congressman and two senators), we also contact the leadership of these committees and urge them to get their respective bills out of committee and to a vote.
 
We will be providing blue links to the current House co-sponsor list, the Senate co-sponsor list and to all the three above mentioned committees .
 
Now that we have all joined together for a moment of silence at 10:30 this morning in memory of Barbaro,  it's time to show this wonderful champion just what we can do in his honor!!!  We won't let him down!!

Shelley and Debra

Dennis,

Nicely said.

RENEE-
Thank you for taking the time to find and post that. Heart attack...at least he went quick. They said he was young -- 14 yrs. old; I only wish Barbaro had had such a long time on earth.

That's interesting: "He (Seabiscuit) will be buried in front of the ranch-house at Ridgewood." I guess Wikipedia was wrong...unless the Howard family changed their minds and decided to keep it a secret after that article ran.

I'm surprised there wasn't a paragraph placed at the end of the movie, like so many films do, before they roll the final credits, telling the viewers how he lived out his final years.

Spirit Horse ... You and I think so much alike! I just cannot get that image out of my mind of that poor baby eating his grass and not knowing what lies ahead! I have not watched the press conference yet. I still cannot bring myself to do it. Maybe one of these days when I feel less "fragile!" I just want you to know how much comfort your posts have brought me. I usually see them at work (when I can "sneak a peek"), so I copy them and print them out for "quality reading time" when I am home and alone! Thank you for that comfort! I was so worried about you, in particular, when the news broke because we share so many of the same sensitivities and emotions. Please don't ever stop sharing and caring! Thank you, God, for Spirit Horse!

Barbaro ... What a Beautiful Difference One Life Has Made!

Spirit Horse,
I questioned his life after also. I wonder if it is in the book?

###

yA'ALL....WHAT DEBRA HAS SENT US...IS SO PROMISING...BARBARO EFFECT IS IN MOTION...SPEED IT UP...

I AM EXCITED!!! RUN, BARBARO, RUN...CHASE THOSE FILLIES.

###
Jeanette, thank you for that poem Don't Cry For the Horses. It made me feel a bit better. Can't seem to stop crying. Every time I see a picture of beautiful Barbaro I start crying again.

###
Daryl, you rock. I also sent Wyeth a letter and told them I would boycott all their products. You can also go to Wyeth website and see their products listed.

There are a lot of hormone replacement therapy drugs that are synthetics (in fact most are) so if a woman really needs the drugs there are alternatives. That is another reason it is so infuriating that Wyeth has kept making Premarin. IT is totally unnecessary.

I sent Chris Mueller an email telling him what I think of his editorial efforts. I think that young man needs to change majors. Why is it that young people (especially) think its cool to be so heartless? i.e. the trolls we get here, the people who post on DeadSpin website and add nasty statements about Barbaro on Wikipedia!!!

####
Thank you Alex for removing these folks! Thank you all FOB's for being here, and sharing my grief with me.

I'M HAVING KIND OF A ROUGH DAY TODAY MR. BARBARO. HOPE YOU ARE WITH US ALL TODAY GIVING US THE STRENGTH WE NEED TO GO ON FOR YOU. WE MISS YOU SO, SO MUCH.

I'M WORKING ON THE MY ANTI-SLAUGHTER BILL, I'M DOING THIS FOR YOU AND ALL YOUR BUDDIES, WITH TEARS STILL COMING DOWN.

LOVE & PRAYERS,
CHERYL G

MARIE FROM ATL-\
Thank you re Seabiscuit.

I just cannot get that image out of my mind of that poor baby eating his grass and not knowing what lies ahead!

Ruth,
Don't think like that.They kept the same routine as they did everyday for him. It would be better that way than to confuse the poor horse. At least Mrs. Jackson was devoted. Can you imagine how she felt? She never forgot him, God Bless that woman.

Barbaro - Simply the best; better than all the rest. The miracle lives on forever in our hearts. Run Barbaro Run. Love you my sweet handsome prince.

YES- CHIRS - WHAT DO U WANT ME TO BLUE LINK?
DID U POST OR EMAIL ME AT - LUVBABARO@AOL.COM

Alex,

Is Hawty Creek still running tomorrow, weather permitting??

Cheryl G - I found the blue link you posted - thanks!

###
Kathy in Colorado...when Barbaro posts notes to us here on this site (via Cheryl) he always types his name as: bArbaro. We have come to recognize his writing style this way.

Rosemary,

Glad you liked the poem. I'm having a miserable hot flash as I'm typing this. At this point I prefer to take nothing.

I was taking Prempro which uses PMU same as Premarin. I am going to try to avoid anything Wyeth makes and if it means I suffer, so be it.

Jeannette in PA

"All that we love deeply becomes a part of us" Hellen Keller

Renee ... I know you are right. But that particular image just tears my heart out. I don't know why. I wasn't inferring that it should have been done any other way. It must have hurt Mrs. Jackson terribly that morning. I cannot even imagine what she and Mr. Jackson and Dr. R went through emotionally! I'm just sharing my personal feelings. Maybe today just isn't a good day!

Still a sad day for me and all FOB.
We just have to continue on with our work in his name. God Bless you all.
Love and Kisses Barbaro!

An excerpt from Joe's blog at TB Friends:

Of course killers still phone with their list of needy horses. Feed lots remain full, especially with young horses. Livestock auctions are held in every major area. Much work still to do. A lady phones to say she would like three mares, because she just bought a stallion. I tell her sorry, but no. I tell the lady she should see the many young horses at feed lots who are sentenced to slaughter. A major thoroughbred breeding farm also phones. They too want an off the race track filly. Her name is Champagne Girl, and her value as a broodmare is high. The ranch offers decent money for Champagne Girl. I tell them no way, and naturally their reaction is grouchy.

Why on earth would a breeding farm contact a rescue ranch for broodmares? The term rescue ranch should be a big clue.

I wish public trips to killer pens were still allowed. Those who breed their mares could then see all the young faces.

Ruth,
Never hide your feelings. I can understand how you are feeling very well. Just remember he was always kept safe and sound and he had the best of care and everything he could want. He was given what he loved best. Is that a better way to look at it? What he LOVED the BEST. He was Peaceful.

"I just cannot get that image out of my mind of that poor baby eating his grass and not knowing what lies ahead!"

"Ruth,
Don't think like that.They kept the same routine as they did everyday for him. It would be better that way than to confuse the poor horse. At least Mrs. Jackson was devoted. Can you imagine how she felt? She never forgot him, God Bless that woman.

Posted by: Renee Antaya at February 5, 2007 7:56 PM"

Renee,
Thank you for saying that. I, too, am thinking about this the same way you are. I don't know how to say what I've been thinking about this without it sounding harsh, but here goes.

Wasn't it better for Barbaro to not know what was about to happen, and instead to only know the love that surrounded him, and to be enjoying one of the things he loved most; rather than to have known what was coming? After all, isn't the anticipation of something frightening and negative one of the things that's so gruesome about what other horses have suffered in the slaughterhouses? One of the reasons for the practice of humane euthanasia is to take away the fear, and allow the departing friend some peace and dignity in their final moments. I also felt a little heart pang when I heard them say he'd had his grass that morning, but after thinking about it, I've come to peace with the idea that he didn't feel or know any of the fear of what was about to happen, and I'm sure it made his passing much more peaceful.

Lissa in PA

JenM in OK - Thank you so much for making things clearer for me. I am one of those people who had a gnawing pain in my heart about Dr. Morrison treating Barbaro with the cast. I had wished so much that the cast had never been applied. I need to know that it was necessary for Barbaro's survival. I don't want to feel that if the cast hadn't been put on, Barbaro would be fine. I have to remember that Dr. Morrison did say that after seeing Barbaro, that the outlook was pretty grim. Thank you for giving me peace of mind regarding Dr. Morrison. I love Barbaro and miss him so much.

#####
RUTH-
Thank you for your lovely thoughts.

BTW, If you don't want to see the press conference, you might consider just listening to the audio. I don't know where to find it now (but I know it's still around), which is what I did. I can't see the videos, b/c I'm on "dial-up", and they load (buffer) so slowly that they never fully come up. So last Monday, I listened to the press conference live on wjz.com, which had video avaialble, but as I say, the video never comes up for me.

I'm not sure where to find it now, but maybe someone here can give you a link to the AUDIO only.

Renee ... Thank you, thank you, thank you! The next time that troubling image comes into my mind, your words will echo in my heart and it will be replaced with more comforting thoughts. What would I do without you, Spirit Horse and so many others whose words bring me comfort every day!

Thank you for sharing and caring! A special thanks to Alex for providing us with this wonderful place in which we can find comfort and heal.

Barbaro ... I miss you so! Soar with the Angels, Precious One!

Michael Blowen is yet another extraordinary example of people who care about horses. Here is his site below and then another link of a letter he wrote regarding Barbaro. He personally sent me an email months ago completely reassuring me that he is in personal contact with the folks who have War Emblem and his safety is absolutely being monitored and assured. Check Mr. Blowen's link of Ferdinand. Due to the fate of this wonderful horse, Mr. Blowen took it upon himself to make sure this does not happen again....

http://www.oldfriendsequine.com/about-us.shtml

http://www.bridleandbit.com/artman/publish/article_16426.shtml

Spirit Horse ... Thank you, once again, for sharing. I will watch it someday when I am less fragile.

Lisa in PA,
It's interesting to read your post about the lael grass and your reaction. I smiled, it bothered Ruth. Your post was nice to read and I agree. Everynone reacts differently though, and that is OK. We all learn from each other here.We are learning about human nature from people we never knew, who are now friends.That's sweet!

Ruth,
You just made me cry. You are so sweet. Remember the positive, and remember this "Barbaro was in charge"

##Ruth, I too felt my heart was breaking unitl I read Harriette Brillianthawk's story that she dedicated to us (re-posted above 12.53). The first time I couldn't read it through my tears but since then I've read it several times and each time it brings me more peace and acceptance. I like to think that what she described was the way it would've been like. He was at peace and with the one's he trusted and loved.

Don't be afraid to let your feelings be known, this has been such a difficult road to take. I've been very very sad today, but I know I'm not alone if I don't want to be, thanks to everyone here.

Take care, Ruth. We're here together to help.

Judy

Thank you MJ for the scoop on the 2/3 issue of Blood Horse. I just ordered one.

I know it is hard to think of Barbaro's last minutes and eating his lael grass. I lost my dog about a year and a half ago. It was and still is so painful. I loved him so much. We had to euthanise him. Something I always prayed I would not have to do. But after 3 years of heart problems he developed a whole in the heart wall and was going down quickly. I was waiting for husband to come to join me at the vet's. My dog and I were outside on the grass where we had decided to let him pass away instead of inside. The point of my story is that my husband brought a piece of chocolate and it was the last thing my dog ate. I never gave my dog chocolate but he loved the smell and would always want some. It made me feel good that the last thing he had was something he really enjoyed. BARBARO IS IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER

###Debra
Thank you for the so-sponsor update. Folks....looks like we have our work cut out for us. Not only are we to communicated with our Rep & Senators...the bar has been raised and it's time to let the 2 Committee Leadership know what is expected....to bring the Bills to the floor.
Does anyone have handy the leadership names and contact numbers?

There is no right way to greive. I just have to do what is right for me and you have to do what is right for you. One way is no better than the other way. It still hurts so bad.

Love and Kisses Barbaro!

Hi...

Got info from yahoonews that Bloodhorse is making available single issues of Feb edition for purchase...here is info... act quickly for supplies are limited!!!
*********************

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPECIAL OFFER: Subscribe to The Blood-Horse and save over 70%
Note from the Publisher: Single Copies Available of Barbaro Issue
by Blood-Horse Staff
Date Posted: February 5, 2007
Last Updated: February 5, 2007

Photo:
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Due to increased interest in the Feb. 3 issue of The Blood-Horse with Barbaro on the cover, Blood-Horse Publications has printed additional copies of the magazine that are being offered on a single copy basis.

Single copies of the Feb. 3 Blood-Horse are available for $4.95. They can be ordered by calling 800-582-5604 or through Exclusively Equine.

"The interest in Barbaro goes far beyond our normal readership, so we felt it necessary to make additional copies of this special issue available to everyone at a low cost," said Marla Bickel, circulation director for Blood-Horse Publications.

Copyright © 2007 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

###

Renee -- "Everynone reacts differently though, and that is OK. We all learn from each other here.We are learning about human nature from people we never knew, who are now friends." Well said. And Ruth I have learned very quickly is one of those sweet souls who feels things very deeply.

Ruth -- Hugs to you.

Hilary -- Your story of your dog's passing brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful gesture, to be able to give your loved pet something he'd desired, but never been able to have before.

I'm glad to be part of this family.

I posted a couple months ago I would conduct golf tournament fundraisers around the country. Many events are being established right now and will take place in spring and summer. Anyone interested in helping raise funds for a horse rescue through one of these events can contact me at my e-mail address! The funds raised will be split between the rescue (80%) and The Barbaro Fund (20%). A properly organized event will raise a minimum of $10,000.00 for the one day tournament!
For your comfort, I will not benefit financially from any of these events. I will not handle any money! For details on this and for starting the process please contact me at my e-mail address!
I wish to let everyone know I will never rest until the slaughter industry is shut down. Last week, through our sadness, the Az. FOBs, forged ahead with activities. We met with a horse organization and Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County. He is on our side. He is writing a letter of support which I will personally deliver to the offices of every member of congress in D.C.
The Jacksons gave us Barbaro! Together, all FOBs will give them a gift in return: the end of horse slaughtering in America!
Daryl!
shanamrdiv@yahoo.com

I want to thank Sherry, Rosemary, Barbara & Michelle. Together we cried and supported each other. Together, we continue to work!

LISSA-
That was not harsh at all. You speak the truth. I'm sure no one here would have wanted Barbaro to know what was about to happen to him. What makes the "scene" so sad for many of us, though, is that WE, unfortunately, know what was about to happen to him. And it breaks our hearts to think that Barbaro thought that it was just another beautiful morning, albeit a more uncomfortable one, and that he was happy...especially seeing his family gathered 'round him...but was oblivious to the fact that they were about to end his life. Yes...it was peaceful for Barbaro, but painful for us.

The morning I put my little black kitty down (her name was Bug), I spoon fed her chicken broth. I just wanted her to know that her mom loved her & that I'd take care of all her needs right up to and including the end. It was a heartbreaking comfort, but she understood....

Judy in Ontario, thank you, now I'm crying ,too..

Love to all,
Harriette

##
THANKS LINNIE, JUST ORDERED MY BLOOD HORSE, CANT WAIT TO GET IT!! I KNOW IT WILL CHEER ME UP.

CHERYL J- YOUR STORY WAS BEAUTIFUL- I REMEMBER SO MANY DAYS STANDING LOOKING AT THOSE GORGEOUS MOUNTAINS. WHEN MY BROTHER LEFT COLORADO FOR CA, I SHOULD HAVE MOVED INTO HIS HOUSE-- OR I CAN JUST MOVE IN WITH YOU!! :>) THANKS FOR THE VISUAL.

LOVE YA ALL,
CHERYL

HILARY-
So beautiful.

CAUTION TO ALL READERS WHOSE DOGS ARE NOT DYING: CHOCOLATE IS LETHAL TO CANINES. IT CONTAINS A CHEMICAL (I can't remember the chemical's name) which is deadly to dogs. I have learned that many dog owners do NOT know this. In Hilary's case, it made no difference, obviously.

Thank you, Hilary, for that beautiful story.

Lissa in PA
Ruth is very special!

Spirit Horse,
Barbaro was better off not knowing. He was saved by those who love him from excrutiating pain and suffering. Dr.R. said his eyes were hollow and he was a different horse. Barbaro told them he had had enough and was tired. Like Michael M. said...how many times are you going to get back up after bing punched. Not exact quotes but close. We are all on the same wavelength.

###
Cathy Potter...this is what I got from HSUS...

1. Call your U.S. Senators...202-224-3121. ask them to support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.
2. Call your representative 202-224-3121. and ask to support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.

3. Visit HSUS website...www.fund.org to take action on legislative issues.

4. Don't forget to register to vote, www.fec.gov/votegis/pd/nvra.pdf.

5. Find out how your legislators voted...

Plus Debra, Shelley, Cheryl, Daryl, and Many Others have lists more important...just some additive from HSUS...

HSUS had a bumper sticker I liked that I am making copies on my flyers, plus attaching the letter to Sen. Hutchison, and Sen. Cornyn.

THIS IS THE HOUSE BARBARO BUILT...

And for Barbaro, his sisters, brothers, and the fallen Angels...we will WIN.

####
Reposting ShelleyA/Debra, WI:

House of Representatives:
We have 99 co-sponsors and the bill has been referred to two committees. HR503 is currently in the Energy & Commerce Committee and in the Agricultural Committee. We have more supporters in the Energy & Commerce Committee than the Agricultural Committee.....pretty much the same as it was last year.

Senate:
We now have 14 co-sponsors for S311 and it is in the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee.

It has been suggested that, along with contacting our own representatives (one congressman and two senators), we also contact the leadership of these committees and urge them to get their respective bills out of committee and to a vote.

Let's show this wonderful champion just what we can do in his honor!!! We won't let him down!!

Shelley and Debra

####
FYI: Not sure whether Sens. Lieberman and Bayh are included in the 14 co-sponsors mentioned above.

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

Judy in CT - my heart cries with you. I'm so sorry about your kitty.

Linda R

Bobby- Its been a week since you left this world for greener pastures. I envy you.
Your character still moves us, and always will. Please look down on the good Dr and your Jackson family. Take care of them. I sense they are all still hurting deeply. I know I am.

I like your sense of humor Bobby- Colts 29.

Quite often there are emails going around asking a list of questions. One is always "what's your favorite number". I always thought the question was silly. Not anymore. Mine is 29. (I can only hope Kevin Harvick will not be in a 29 car for long! NASCAR fans will understand.)

Have a good week FOB.

Candy in MN

Judy IN CT,
I am very sorry about your little Bug. I love the name.I hope you are OK?

Deb G.

Wow, Michael Blowen's letter was really powerful. Thanks for giving that info on him.

Cathy Potter -

I tried to catch you yesterday on the board - I'm wondering where you are in La Quinta because I haven't seen any stables or homes with barns around (You did say you adopted a rescue horse, didn't you? or am I just totally out of it)

I'm near 50th & Washington.

Regarding our beatiful B...it's just not the same without him. And I don't think it ever will be. Still wish we could go back to that horrible day and press the stop button, so it all couldn't happen.

Friar Tuck,
Senator Lieberman is on our side and Dodd too. Yipppe.

YES CHOCOLATE IS LETHAL TO DOGS. I am so sorry I never intended for anyone to think that it is good.

Check about chocolate and dogs and weight.

Linda R>

hahahahahahaha!!!! This is expensive BUT it really really works.... Go to a nutrional doctor and get what they call a Meyers Cocktail once a week. It is a IV that is 60cc's of tons of different vitamens.. Espessially calcium and magnizum... I am off to get one now. I get one once a week because I am an athete and have to keep my bones strong not to mention my mind half way sane......

SEA BISCUIT is NOT dead :-) None of them are........... :-)

I love you Barba....... please watch my house for me while I am at the doc......... aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh yeah you know where the peppermint candy is........ Please leave me one piece OK? Oh yeah... and you can do some vacuming while your here as well......Thanks Champ..........

Love to All!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nina,
Are you using the peppermints as appetizers after your Meyers Cocktail. You had us believing it was bArbaro. hehe

Linda R~ Thank you. She was the last of my little family. I had her, her mom (Mama) and brother (Charlie) for almost 17 years. I had to listen to Bug & Mama about their 'time' and it was a loving thing to do for them. Charlie crossed the Bridge when I was out and he had been fine. That was even more devastating because I wasn't there. Ah, pets, they have the ability to capture your heart & break it all at the same time....

A tough day for all of us.

It helps me to transition the slogan to, "Run hoof run." I am sure Barbaro has made plenty of fleet-footed friends already and is running just as fast as he wants to now, on all fours.

Hello everyone,

The one week anniversary of Barbaro’s passing has for me, and I know all of you, brought about more sadness. This morning I was in a meeting, feigning interest in what was being discussed. I owe that to my colleagues, to at least make a good-faith effort to be enthusiastic of the subject at hand. I was giving the appropriate “body language” that I was “listening”, I was speaking when I should, answering questions, posing questions, etc. Totally giving the appearance that I was involved. When, in fact, I kept looking at the clock on the wall, with a huge hole in my heart. At 10:30, I “zoned out” totally, and mentally escaped and let my heart give tribute to one so dear.

My heart, so full of sadness, is also equally filled with resolve. A resolve to carry on and do all I can to help change things for other horses.

Take the sadness that you all feel, the frustration, the emptiness and use that as a force to make phone calls to your state’s representatives, to write letters to the media bringing more public awareness of the slaughter issue, to get friends, co-workers, neighbors involved in contacting your states reps as well.

Take every opportunity to make Barbaro’s dream come true.

It is time now to once again partake in everyday work items, yet another meeting, but I did want to reach out to our family. I needed to see what was up at Fair Hill this morning (it’s cold here too Alex and, yes, it is a pain when water buckets freeze. Also, go to a sports store and get those hand warmer thingys you put in gloves to keep them warm in-between handling the reins)

I just needed to see this beloved site just to check in as no one else understands, except my own family and close friends. But at work, no, and I’m sure a lot of you face this. We’re all in this together. Thanks for being around when we all need a virtual hug, a reassurance that our grief is indeed real, and strength to do what we need to do make things better for all horses.

####

Judy in CT I am so sorry about your kitty.

Renee~ Bug died the week before Christmas 2003, Mama died 9 months prior. Charlie died in May 1999. He was only 12. He had cardiomyopathy from the time he was 3. Took him to Tufts for diagnosis & gave him human heart meds 3x/day for 9 years. He was quite the little soldier!!! My girls were healthier during their lives but cancer got both of them in their senior years. I miss them everyday, but they visit me in my dreams, including the night Barbaro crossed the Bridge. I know it was their way of telling me he was ok.

Sweet Prince,

It's been a week now since you left to go run with Ruffian, Go For Wand, Foggy, St. Liam, Pine Island and all the other horse angels. I keep thinking tomorrow will be easier, but it's not. I miss you and love you so very much. You will FOREVER BE IN MY HEART!!

Hay Barbaro, give my buddy Josh a ride, he went to heaven on Sat morning too. Let him know every thing is gonna be ok. He, like you, was taken away to soon, only 30. I can't wait to see you both guys again. RIP JOSH, I LOVE YOU!

To all the FOB'S, may god watch over you and yours and keep you safe. You never know what the day will bring. God Bless You All.

BLB!!!

FOB FOREVER!!

Karen - TN

((((Alex))))-Thank you for taking out the garbage.

I have two siberian huskies..they were bred to PULL and PULL and PULL. I can't take them for walks because they pull SO HARD. No amount of training...collars etc will change that fact. Thorougbreds are the same. To deny them their heritage would be so wrong.

#####

LORETTA, I hope God blesses and comforts you in your sensitivity and compassion for Barbaro.

Just so you know you're not alone, I felt the exact way you do and still do if I look at it a certain way. But I'm accepting the fact that they would do everything to keep him comfortable and content. Knowing Barbaro as we do, that meant feeding him.. They protected and cared for him to the very end and allowed him his peace and comfort and dignity. Dr. Richardson was NOT going to allow that wretched miserable disease to take over and torment Barbaro. In ending his pain, his loving owners and doctor took the pain upon themselves, and we now share it too.

Wishing you, and all of us, peace.

Karen~ I'm so sorry about Josh.

WONDERFUL article by Kathy Gardner.

######

I apologize. I too have responded to trolls, mostly with emotion.

Nina - haha... If I wasn't deathly afraid of needles, I'd probably take a look at your meyers cocktail! I'm doing everything I can to keep my diabetes as type 2 also!

Judy in CT - I know how you feel. I have a very old kitty at home now, Jean Claw. He's still not in pain, but vet says soon the cancer will progress. Then I'll have to make the same decision. Don't know how soon is "soon" but... "Grief is the price we pay for love" - Gretchen Jackson

Skyler - (((HUGS)))

Linda R

KAREN Bardner sorry

Barbaro -

I miss you so much! We were so lucky to have had you for as long as we did. You were sensational!

EL PASO, TEXAS

Judy,

Thanks, we are all still in shock...he was such a wonderful loving guy.

Good night all, may god be with you in all that you do.

Karen - TN

RENEE WROTE: "Spirit Horse, Barbaro was better off not knowing. He was saved by those who love him from excrutiating pain and suffering. Dr.R. said his eyes were hollow and he was a different horse. Barbaro told them he had had enough and was tired. Like Michael M. said...how many times are you going to get back up after being punched...".

Yes, Renee...I totally agree. I'm aware of those comments by Dr. R. and Matz. That's why I said above that, "...no one here would have wanted Barbaro to know what was about to happen to him."

I was only making an observation as to WHY his final moments were sad for some of us (like me and Ruth) to contemplate. But I was not, in any way, suggesting that what was done should not have been done, or that I didn't understand the rationale behind it. I know that what was done was out of love, compassion, and empathy for Barbaro. I was just "analyzing" out loud...why his last moments are hard to think about.

###
Renee,
Yup. Inn't it great? Has Dodd signed on as co-sponsor yet? When I last spoke to his office they hadn't finished the paperwork...

####
Ruth Stacey, etc.
One of the amazing things about the BBH was how well he took care of himself -- and cooperated and communicated with his caretakers/humans. So once he decided that he was going elsewhere, it was more a question of honoring his wishes and treating him with the dignity and respect that he'd earned.

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

Up to date info at www.equine-heaven.com

Renee

We don't all express ourselves as eloquently as you, but we all love Barbaro.

Linda R~ Jean Claw (love that name....) will tell you when it's time. You'll know. In the meantime, love him to pieces & enjoy every second you have.
I still mourn my trio... they adopted me. Well, Mama did. Bug & Charlie were less than a week old, so they didn't have much choice. Shortly after Bug died, a big lunk wandered into my life. A huge gray Maine Coon that I named Mickey. He's a knucklehead, but brings so much joy... He's a diet-controlled diabetic so he too, needs special care, but that's ok. It's a fair trade :-)

Spirit Horse,
I agree with you.

####
Equine Heaven:
(Out of this) World class!!

Cheers,
FT

###
Judy in Ct...sorry about your love, your kitty...you are in our prayers.

and Karen...you are too.

Elsa,
Silly girl I just say what I feel. No eloquence used. Thank you though. Elso yes we do all love Barbaro.

Elsa

thanks equine heaven--you made my day!!
great web site!

Thank you Christine, I love your words:
"In ending his pain, his loving owners and doctor took the pain upon themselves, and we now share it too."

I miss you Barbaro.

FOB
Meg from CA

Equine Heaven - AWESOME! What a great way to picture our beloved equine angels! Thanks so much for that! :o)

Barbaro is what is important.

Christine,
Your words are heart touching.

Spirit Horse: Read Laura Hillenbrand's book on Seabiscuit. It's subtitled, An American Legend. The story of what became of that great little horse and all who were part of his life is fully detailed in the last chapter...It is a wonderful book. Hillenbrand is a regular contributor to EQUUS magazine and all the other major horse magazines in the states. Hillenbrand wrote that owner Charles Howard that when the horse died of an apparent heat attack at 14, he had Seabiscuit buried under an oak tree at an undisclosed location on the farm...

Jane Smiley's HORSE HEAVEN may be one of my all-time favorite novels...

Goodnight Barbaro...

I will watch for your shining star, and your beautiful light...

Goodnight You Fans/Family of Barbaro...the Barbaro Effect moves on..you can see the love..

Thank you, Mr. Alex..and you deserve every praise..

I read on the chat and discussion...horses are getting through a port and going to MEXICO...This is worse...

I feel Barbaro's presence...and I feel him saying to all of us: Please finish these unfinished tasks of mine and I will always be with you in spirit and love.

After all, he is eating Renee and Nina's peppermints.

Please remember all the spoken and unspoken requests...Remember the horses that cannot speak for themselves... we are their VOICE...

I want to thank all of you..you are a wonderful, loving, caring family and I feel the beat of our heartbeats going on.

I miss Cora, Mary S..and many, many others...please join this team of Barbaro and let us answer Barbaro's prayer...SAVE HORSES, HELP RESCUES...HELP ONE ANOTHER.

Remember all animals large or small...Remember our innocent children.

God Bless Each Of You...
And thank you.

jonna,
How would you rate the book compaired to the movie? I will starting the book shortley.I saw the movie.

Hi All
It’s been a hard week. Every time I try to get on here & post. I start reading & then can’t get my own words out. All of us at the shop have cried alone and with many of you. Our hearts are heavy. But we know that Barbaro is in a better place. As his mom said to me last Monday,” he is grazing the greenest pastures of all”. God Bless & keep him till we meet again, in heaven.
Alex,
Thank you, for keeping all here informed & teaching us so more about horses. With out this website I don’t know how we could have kept up.
Tim,
Thank you for letting this all happen. I known we forget you some times.
Dr Richardson,
Thank you for all your love & medical gifts you gave to the boss horse.
Dr Sweeney,
Thank you for the kindness you always show all of us. So many people in your position would not have been as gracious as you.
NBC Staff
Thank you for everything. The friendships we have found through Barbaro will last forever.
Libby & Her Kids (donor & research animals)
Thank you, for giving the gift of life to so many. You will never be forgotten. Libby I know you will see all your kids on the other side some day. They will lick you all over for the love you gave them.
FOB’s,
Thank you, for every thing. This has been the most amazing experience. It started as business and grew into friendships, and love. I have so many thank you cards; I need to write but can’t find enough time in a day. You guys are unbelievable. I have saved every card, note & message you sent to us, so years from now I can look back & smile. To think of all the love that Barbaro brought out in people. It will never be matched. Again thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Mr. & Mrs. Jackson,
Thank you for sharing Barbaro with all of us. You both have to be the most genuine & loving owners in the whole world. The love you gave Barbaro will shine on through all the good work to come. Thank you for the friendship we will have forever.
Barbaro,
Thank you, big boy. Your Sprit to fight & to be a champion will live on forever. I thank you for bringing this new family together. We will continue on to do great things in your name. And never forget the love you brought out in others. In your name we will research & find a cure for laminitis. And save horses from slaughter. The Barbaro bill will become the Barbaro law. We will all work to make it happen. It was the greatest honor & pleasure to have met you. And I will remember you forever, and ever.
Love,
Alie

OK. SO that was a really well-written paragraph. Thank God all you know that it's just been one of those days....It should read:

Hillenbrand wrote that when Seabiscuit died of an apparent heart attack at 14, owner Charles Howard had him buried under an oak tree at an undisclosed location on the farm...

OK: Now I feel better. (sigh.)

Laura Hillenbrand's story is worth reading also.

Christine, Your words touched my heart. I know Barbaro's pain has ended, but mine has just begun. It all began last Monday and it hasn't stopped. Each day I think about him, weep for him, and can't concentrate. I love you, Barbaro, so much and miss you terribly!!!

Judy in CT - Thank you. He was named after the famous skier Jean Claude Killy. His full name is Jean Claw Kitty! I've seen how everyone here says I will know when he's ready, I just hope I'm "smart" enough to tell... I guess we just have to trust our instincts. Thanks for listening to me!

Linda R

Thanks for posting that beautiful article. Barbaro was life-affirming and we are all the better for having had his example, and that of the Jacksons, for the last 9 months.

###Thank you Alie...now I am crying....Beautiful words from the heart...always...we love all of you...

And yes...thank you TIM....

I just lost the name of whoever posted to me, so hopefully you know who you are :)

I'm glad my explaination was of some help to you, especially in understanding why what Dr. Morrison did with the cast was necessary. It has pained me to see so many people upset and critical with Dr. Morrison and that cast. The unfortunate reality was that it HAD to be done. Most laminitis horses that are as bad as he was don't make it that far, but my vet friends tell me that moving the bone back into alignment (via a cast like Barbaro had) is usually the turning point in recovery for a laminitic horse with bone rotation, and often it doesn't turn the way we want.
I have several equine vet friends that were really pulling for Barbaro and believed at every turn that he could pull it off, but every one of them said when he put that cast on that it would be the true test of whether he could really recover. When it started causing discomfort, most of them unfortunately felt it was just a matter of time :( It stinks, but they all also agreed that it was his only hope of regrowing the foot in a way that would support him and allow a decent quality of life in the long-term.

####

Hi Judy, I sent you an e-mail today. A hard day for all who love Barbaro.

####

Marie in Atl, I live in Norcross, GA. No horses around here anymore! Do you know the closest area to me that I could find horses? Thanks!

Equine Heaven you do bring a smile to my face...and that is not an easy thing to do since last Monday.

My heart goes out to all of us, grieving in our own way. I wrote this poem in July, but am reposting it because now he is truly "running in spirit with us".

A Poem for Barbaro with Love

Bathed in the balm of love
Ascending and transcendent
Rare and magnificent creature
Blessing to the world
Adored and revered
Running in spirit with us
One heart, four hooves, uniting many.

Barbaro is running free
always in our hearts.

Mary

Renee:
Hillenbrand makes the race between War Admiral and the Biscuit absolutely thrilling...in print! And so much more went on in Seabiscuit's life after that race... like they used to work him like a cow pony to keep him from getting bored, and Howard used to saddle him up and ride up into the hills as they both aged...I think you will like the book very much. Those were such hard years, and Pollard, Smith and Howard so complicated...it really is a chronicle of the times...

###
Thank you Alie for all you've done to help all of us. Every time I spoke to you on the phone you were so understanding and helpful. We'll never forget any of you - you're part of Barbaro's history now.

When I read that Smarty Jones was going to Three Chimneys I decided I would someday take a trip there to tour the farm and see Smarty. Now for sure I am going this spring. I already emailed them and will be making my reservation soon. Unfortunately Dynaformer is not part of the tour. I would have loved to see him too and would have blown him a kiss for giving us Barbaro! I have had a picture of Funny Cide on my desk at work ever since his year for winning the Derby/Preakness. This picture is a hoot. It was in the Washington Post after he won the Derby. He has his lips puckered out and is giving his groom a big old smack on the lips. I printed it off the Internet on photo paper and framed it. His lips practically cover all of his groom's face. Looking at it always makes me laugh and I have been looking at it a lot since last Monday!

Gayle

THANK YOU ALIE (MORE TEARS) YOUR POST WAS SO NICE TO READ.
LOVE & PRAYERS,
CHERYL G

PLEASE DONATE TO THE LAMINITIS FUND

Good night Barbaro, sweet prince. Rest easy in the arms of the angels tonight.

P.S. No sneaking peppermints from Renee tonite.

I love you Barbaro.

Good night all.

Judy

JenM
I really want to thank you for your explanations about Dr. Morrison's cast. I have always felt that Dr. Morrison would not have been brought in if he were not extremely well qualified to treat Barbaro, and what you say confirms this in my mind.

JenM in Ok,
It is about time credit was given to Dr. Morrison. I have done so and still think of that poor man. I knew what he did was right and he deserves credit for the good he did for our Beloved Barbaro. Thank you Dr.Morrison.

Judy,
He is going to be raiding your stash tonight. Good night.

Loving and missing you dear Barbaro.

It is comforting to know your memory and your legacy will be felt for the rest of my life.

Alie~ thank YOU for all you have done for us through this amazing journey. You & Rachel became a direct link to Barbaro and all of your reports and treat recommendations were appreciated beyond words. Bless you, dear friend.

Renee, Spirit Horse, Lissa in PA ... I had to leave my computer for awhile. Just read your posts. Thank you for taking the time to help this gentle soul cope with her feelings. I love you all!

For those of you who are saddened about Barbaro's last meal of Lael grass and not knowing what was ahead of him, I offer another perspective...I believe he DID know because he clearly "told" Dr. Richardson and the Jacksons that he was in too much pain despite the medication....and in keeping to their original promise to him, they listened and acted! During the press conference Dr. Richardson said that they were all with him, petting him and talking to him - praising him and expressing their love, I would imagine - while he enjoyed his grass.

Dr. Richardson also mentioned that Barbaro's eyes were "dark" that morning for the first time, and this reminded me of the last time I saw my dear cousin alive. I had been quite involved in his care, seeing him every other day during the last month of his life. When I visited him for what would be the last time, he was staring at the "ceiling" of his hospital room and, although he was conscious, he didn't respond to either my voice or my words. I watched in wonderment for the longest time as his eyes were fixed beyond me...and my confusion turned to a kind of awe as I began to contemplate just what it was he was seeing...whatever it was, it was obviously glorious, not frightening! I had this same experience one other time with a friend who died an hour after I visited him...so just give a thought that Barbaro quite possibly was well aware of what lay in store for him..AND HE HAD NO FEAR BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING TO FEAR!

I have the utmost respect for Dr. Richardson and Mr. & Mrs. Jackson for honoring their promise to Barbaro!!!!!

"DO RIGHT BY BARBARO!"

Love to all,
Nancy

Ruth,
I told you from the start I am here for you. You are special and don't forget it. >>>

Nancy in CT,
They sure did right.

Barbaro ... Don't leave your spearmint wrappers in Renee's bed tonight! Sleep well, Precious Boy!

God Bless You All!

Barbaro,
They will be under Ruths pillow. Yummy!

Barbaro Nation,

Taking a short break. Chocolate is also highly toxic to felines. One of my kitties kept getting sick...discovered she would go lick clean the bowl a family member left after their chocolate ice cream. We were lucky as she is fine.

I wonder if Barbaro had a kitty mate with his pal Messaging?

Renee ... You are TOO MUCH!!! What a positive note to go home on!! You make my heart smile! I hope I do the same for you!

I love the book idea Alex..thanks!

Ruth you sure do.

Alex,
I think it is a wonderful idea. The Best of Luck.

Great idea Alex! I just ordered the book you recommended, looking forward to reading it.

ATTENTION, CT FANS OF BARBARO...I've just checked the sponsor list for the House of Representatives and only Reps. DeLauro (thanks, Rosa!), Larson & Shays are currently on board. If you live in the districts of our other representatives, please contact them and urge their support for HR503.
Thanks!
Nancy

PAT G-
I hope you're still there...
I have dogs who pull hard too. There are special harnesses that you can get that prevent these types of breeds from pulling you so hard to the point that you can't comfortably walk them.

I have AMERICAN ESKIMO dogs, plus an AmStaff. The Eskimos -- although a medium-sized breed -- not the large breed, which Siberians are, PULL VERY HARD.

When I first got Eskies, I originally used collars, and they would pull me out the door like we were at the start of the IDITIROD DOG SLED RACE!! I'm surprised I didn't get whip lash!! So I decided, at some point early on, to switch to harnesses for them. Immediately, it became SO MUCH EASIER for me to walk them, and so much easier on THEM, not to be pulled by their necks, that I didn't know why I hadn't thought of that from the beginning.

HOWEVER, with your breed, which is MUCH larger, I have read that sometimes a harness will make dogs bred to pull...pull even harder. So the solution is one of the harnesses that PREVENT the dog from pulling so hard, which actually works quite well, is comfortable for the dog, and is not harmful in any way; nor can they pull out of it, as is the case with some regular harnesses. Example:

In 2005, while I was in Memphis as an evacuee from Katrina, I had to walk my THREE dogs, day and night, around the motel grounds for 3 months -- my two Eskies, plus a 90-lb. AmStaff (short for American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, aka "Pit Bull"). So I put a coupler on the harnesses of the 2 Eskies (who weigh 23 lbs. and 33 lbs.), and a regular leash and harness on the AmStaff. The result: the AmStaff was pulling me so hard that I could hardly hold on to her with my right hand... and at the same time, I was being pulled pretty hard by the two Eskies on my left hand. Needless to say, these walks -- several times a day -- were becoming very difficult. One day, the AmStaff suddenly "backed out" of her harness when she got spooked by traffic from a busy street!! I almost had cardiac arrest!! At home, the 3 of them had had a fenced backyard.

As fate would have it, during the evacuation they became due for their shots, so I took them to the Memphis Humane Society, which was offering free shots for the Katrina evacuees. While there, a worker showed me an "EASY WALK"(trademark name) harness -- which was thick enough and strong enough for my 90-lb. AmStaff.

I WAS ASTONISHED AND AMAZED THAT MY AMSTAFF IMMEDIATELY STOPPED PULLING!! I wanted to purchase it from them, but they insisted that I take it for free. What a blessing! My dog is totally comfortable in it, and I am able to walk her without feeling that we're in the "Chariot Race" scene from "Ben Hur"!!

So, I would like to encourage you and others to look into the "EASY WALK" harness. If your local pet store doesn't carry it, or only stocks lightweight versions, you can probably order it from a mail or online catalog. I had never seen one like the Memphis Humane Society gave me, but it turned out to be a LIFESAVER. Not just b/c the walks became a joy, but an additional PLUS, is that the dog cannot "back out" of it, like my AmStaff did with the regular harness.

One week to the day and we are all tired and still emotional over our Boy.Thank you all for being here.I hope your evening is peaceful. We will all be together tomorrow. Sleep well all, and if you can't he is jumping over your pillow.

Hi Sweet Spirit Barbaro,
Go to other houses and steal peppermints, I have to get you more. Make sure you are warm and don't nip anyone who gets in your way. You have the most gentle and beautiful soul. I hope all your dreams are good and all your treats are yummy. I love you so very much.Good night my Friend.

Hello all !

Just read a couple posts real quick !

ALI -thanks for your post- I know how much this hurts me and each of you were all the more closer to Bobby, I can only imagine your sadness ! Thanks to all of you at Kennett Florist for becoming such a big part of our lives with Barbaro !

I think Gayle posted about going to Three Chimneys- FYI -they are having an open house during Derby week on May 2nd for a couple hours that day !! No reservation needed!

Thanks to the Hennegan Bros for a sneek peak at the documentary - I can't wait to watch the whole thing- Kudos to you for doing this!

Even though I have always felt the greatness in Barbaro, I have yearned to be in his presence. I never saw him in person, so to be able to watch him on film would be the next best thing!

Barbaro will always be in my heart- my children and every generation thereafter will know about Barbaro because I made him important in my life. I checked updates daily, I talked about all the time - I spent so much time on the computer because I just could not get enough of Barbaro !

There will be books and movies Funds and Foundations and races named after Barbaro and hopefully a memorial museum -that would be wonderful !

Because of the Jackson's gracious gift of sharing Barbaro and Alex's dedication to this site, and all the concerned FOB -
Barbaro will not be forgotten !
Everyone will have their own story to share with someone, a child, a neice, nephew or grandchild.

I miss knowing that my handsome Barbaro is here -but I am realizing as long as he is in my heart - he goes where I go- I will do things in is honor and he will live on !!!

To Micheal, Edgar ,Eduardo DR.R, Dr. Anderson and everyone that raised Bobby, took care of Bobby or had a part in his life I send my sympathies!

Hugs to all!

Deb G

I would definitely go in on the shelter for Old Friends. Michael is a wonderful and interesting person and I loved visiting there last year. Could you please post on the Message Board (if you haven't) because I think the idea will get lost here (so many posts in no particular order).

Dear Joan Roya,

"The house that Barbaro built"....I love that.

Dear Alex,

Thank you for your strength and your caring during this very sad time. You are our rock Alex.

Thank you MJ & Therese for the scoop on the 2/3 issue of Blood Horse with Barbaro on the cover. I just ordered one.

Leaving work now - everyone have a nice night and sweet dreams.
Tomorrow is a new day!!

Love and Kisses Barbaro!

I don"t think animals ever really leave us after they die. my dog TIPPY died of diabetes few yrs. ago I know he has been in my house many times he used to jump on my bed, that scared me at first icould feel him walk across my legs after ui got anther dog he didn't jump on my bed any more i bet BARBARO been in his stall a couple of tims after all that was his home for a long time. I love you BARBARO BE HAPPY

Hi, FOB's!

Alex, I have ordered the book. I'm glad the site will make a little money from me and I'll learn more about the racing world. Thanks for the recommendation.

###
Also want to let some know that I have been asked to design healing workshops that will be used in monthly retreats at the boys' owner's family ranch. The first retreat is slated for July 14th-15th. I'm in a frenzy of writing down ideas of how we'll take care of up to 30 people over a 2-day period, but I also will use that forum to promote equine welfare issues - anti-slaughter, track safety, general health and safety of not only horses but all beings. Joanna and I want to hold them twice a month and if I have to travel to teach my portion to other groups, I'll do it.

I also feel that will be the perfect forum to publish my children's stories.

Have not read any posts yet today so will spend the next couple of hours catching up.

It is so darn cold...didn't stay up at the ranch long.

Alex, any word as to where Barbaro is going to be buried?

I was able to observe a moment of silence on the way up to the ranch today. It was very peaceful for me.

Alex, thank you again for keeping the site up. I think it has actually accelerated people's grieving and finding comfort with each other. That is such a compassionate gift. You do take care of us.

Healing, Love, Peace,
ONS,
Lyn Gilbert

Thanks Nancy in Ct,that was so well said.I too believe that Barbaro was totally aware of the end of his journey(and the start of a new journey).
Barbaro was courageous,and now we need to begin our new journey.I do not think he would want us to be too bogged down by grief.That was not how he lived his life,so we should follow his lead.
I am in Florida,but will contact my Nutmeg State schoolmates,and make sure they all know about horse-slaughter ,and how to help.
Thanks for your kind thoughts. :)

Sweet Spirit Barbaro,

What can I say that has'nt been said already...
You are the best...miss you tons!!!

I'm sure you still have'nt gotten used to the never ending buckets of your favorite baby carrots that always find their way to you each morning, well big guy, your in heaven :)
Sweet dreams~
###
Alex, thanks for posting the excellent articles/commentary today. May you get some added jingle in your pocket with your recommendation gig on Amazon!! Have a nice evening!

###
Kate Sorenson
Sorry I missed your post. Weekends are busy so I'm not always current with posts. Yesterday was work on the Barbaro Bill. I live in the cove about half way up. Cloud my horse/son is
living at Miracle Horse Rescue in Pahrump, Nevada. I go over every other week or so to volunteer and be with him. Stephanie has been gracious enough to let him stay indefinitely. Saturday I made an offer on a horse property in Yucca Valley. I just got back a counter and it remains to be seen whether this property will fly but even if it doesn't something else will come along and then I will bring Cloud home. That being said...I love going to MHR, have developed some lifelong friendships and enjoy being with all the horses.

JenM in OK thank you so much for the explanation of laminitis. I really appreciate that you took the time to explain. Most of all the reason that Dr. Morrison was called in to place the cast on Barbaro. I have often felt that placing that case on was the catalyst to the series of events that took place after he placed the cast on because that was when everything began unraveling. One minute they were deciding where to send him because he was doing so well, the cast went on and the rest is the horrible history we are left with. I guess, all in all, it was just a serious of unfortunate events so to speak. At any rate that makes me feel better that they really had to try to correct the foot. I sort of thought they jumped the gun on the procedure, feeling a little too secure because he was doing so well & he "wanted" to get well so badly.

Thank you again.

Alex - thank you for the book recommendation. I appreciate your input and, of course, all that you do for us on a daily basis.

Someone said Throughbred Times was coming out next week with a comemrative Issue. Does anyone have any details?

Also, wouldn't it make sense for Bloodhorse and Thoroughbred Times to make a donation to the Barbaro Fund since they will be making a bit of money?? Does anyone know how to contact them and make the suggestion in a very professional way? I don't believe they will make a lot of money, but I hate the thought of people making money off the Jacksons.

Don't worry, Alex, I'm sure many here would be happy to order a book of interest from your site, after all you have done for us in keeping this site active and updating us on news for months.

Loretta!

I would be very interested to know how you were able to Leave the hurricane area with your pets.

I was absolutley heartbroken for all of the people that were forced to leave them. I am so happy that the government has made some changes in policy in this regard.

Yes, those collars work really good. I think another one is called "gentle leader" I was told that they are actually patterned after a horse halter because when the nose turns, so does the animal. Those type of dog leads actually give you as much control over a dog as a rider has on a horse.

Cesar Millan also offers another style on his website that keeps the dogs head up, with out harming the dogs neck.

You sound like you have quite a happy and enthusiastic pack!

Leslie in MN

Saratoga News FLASH: Saratoga Harness track RACE FIXING (doping) investigation just announced. Grand Jury is investigating the use of a blood doping drug stolen from hospital. Equine vet just quoted saying he hopes investigation is thorough. Said use of certain drugs prevents horse from feeling pain in feet, leading to potential catastrophic injuries to horse, driver or rider. Wants to see playing field level for all.

FOR EVERYONE ...

It has come to my attention that several disparaging comments have been made about a particular website with regard to a degrading item that was placed for "sale" there. Some of you have openly "slammed" this website, and I understand your upset. However, I am also very angry right now because something that might have been a very good thing for Barbaro's legacy just received a very black mark because of tunnel vision and narrow-mindedness and not being able to step back and look at the BIG PICTURE.

Because this is something that is very personal and passionate to me, I will repost here what I just posted on the Forum/Discussion Board under the thread "Shame on Cafe Press" ...

All I ask is that you read and judge for yourselves. Some people and myself were in the process of developing something very positive in Barbaro's memory ... with ALL OF THE PROFITS/PROCEEDS GOING TO LAMINITIS RESEARCH ... but it seems as if we are being thwarted for some reason because of the 'vehicle' we choose to use for this because we don't have the money to fund this on our own. But if any of you do, please step forward.

Here is my very angry post on the discussion boards which I don't defend or justify ... I am really appalled, however, at the lack of foresight and insight shown by some who don't see the big picture here and how it can benefit Barbaro's legacy, and for this, I can cry:

4962.38 in reply to 4962.11

THIS IS TO ALL ...

I am really 'amazed and confused' at the tunnel vision and narrow-minded comments expressed here. Please give me a moment to explain as I mean to harm toward anyone.

I know absolutely nothing about Cafe Press except what I have just learned in the past couple of days, which is very little, but enough to have a general understanding of how this works ... please bear with me.

For anyone wanting to print an item ... Tshirt, hat, etc., you can go to Cafe Press and set up your own "store" for your own purpose, and it costs nothing to do this. If you have a Tshirt or other item that you want to "offer" for a reason, you give Cafe Press your design, logo, text, etc. and they will print your item with no initial outlay from 'you'. When someone orders a Tshirt, etc. from Cafe Press, the person who initiated the design/logo, etc. doesn't have to put out a great sum of money, which they might not have, in order to "sell" something.

If an item is sold for $15.95, let's say, ... the buyer sends the money to Cafe Press and they take out their VERY SMALL PROFIT, and the remainder is sent to the person who set up the STORE, THE DESIGN, THE LOGO, ETC. Cafe Press DOES NOT MONITOR OR DETERMINE WHAT SOMEONE ELSE DOES, NOR SHOULD THEY! THEY HAVE A BUSINESS TO RUN AND IT'S NOT THEIR PLACE TO JUDGE OR DENY OR REFUTE. This is where we all need to grow up and smell the coffee, here.

So, there will be some people who have a very specific reason for opening up their own "store" on Cafe Press ... some will do it for reasons that we don't like while others will do it for very altruistic reasons that will benefit many. Some people don't have the money to open up their own store and put out an initial outlay of a great sum of money to do this. DO YOU?

So, do you know what every single store you shop in does? Do you know what items they carry that YOU MIGHT NOT AGREE WITH? Do you boycott every single thing that you don't agree with OR do you make your own choices as to what is worthy of support. Cafe Press has NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY OF THIS! DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT?

YES I AM ANGRY AND UPSET BECAUSE everyone looks at the small picture and not the big one. Cafe Press is a vehicle for some of us to do some good in Barbaro's Memory and Honor. I don't give a damn what they do with anyone else. They are only taking $3.00 from a $16 order and the rest is being sent to the "designer, etc. of the product. In this case, that would be a profit of $13.00 for every product sold which ALL OF THE PROFITS would go to laminitis research.

Unless you can come up with a better way and have the money to fund the cost for Tshirts, silk-screening, ink, printing, shipping and postage expenses so that we can do this on OUR OWN ... just take a step back and look at the BIG PICTURE here ... FOR BARBARO!

CAN YOU DO THAT?

However, if someone wants to 'fund' all of this, by all means step forward and we will do this on our own ... I cannot. Can you?

####

Hi Sue H. I used to live in the Norcross area years ago.

I don't know of any places in the Atlanta area where you can rent a horse to ride for a few hours. I'll see if any of my friends know of any.

If you are interested in taking some lessons, I could recommend sveral nice places not too far from you.

Alex,

Since I already buy a lot of my books through Amazon.com, I'll be more than happy to buy books of interest that you recommend. After everything you've done and all the hard work you've put in, it's the least I can do. Brillant!

#####
NANCY IN CT-
Thank you for your lovely post. I'm sure your sense of what Dr. R and the Jacksons did that morning -- such as, "...petting him and talking to him - praising him and expressing their love...", is probably very accurate.

However, with all due respect, I listened to Dr. R's press conference several times, as well as read the whole transcript, and unless I missed something, he did not specifically say that, nor did he elaborate on exactly what they did with regard to comforting him.

When a reporter asked him if he said anything to Barbaro, Dr. R. choked up and said something like, "Sure...(choking up) anybody would have." And that's all he said about that.

As I mentioned above, your notion of what happened... is probably what did happen. I just want to caution, that in our attempt to illustrate the peaceful scene that most assuredly took place around Barbaro, that we be careful not to put words in Dr. R's mouth that were not said during the press conference.

Additionally, when a reporter asked how he was put down, Dr. R. described the "steps", i.e., that Barbaro was in his sling, that he had eaten his grass, that the catheters were already in, that he was made as comfortable as possible (with pain medication), that a tranquilizer was given, then an overdose of anesthesia.

At no time did he speak of petting him, or praising him, or any such words. That is not to say that that did not take place; it's just that Dr. R. did not say that.

As far as Barbaro being "well aware of what was in store for him", I do think that he sensed, in whatever way horses "sense", that his "family" was there to help him. However, I don't think that he actually KNEW that they were going to end his life, even though he was "indicating" that he was very uncomfortable. I think he was trusting them to make him feel better, but didn't know that that meant endng his life.

In any case, I do appreciate your efforts to bring comfort and peace to all who are grieving. I just don't want to embellish Dr. R's comments with statements that, to my knowledge, he didn't make.

Google news story counts, today:

Barbaro: 6,411
Superbowl: 2,392

Nancy in CT,

Thanks so much for your post about Barbaro's passing. It's very comforting. Well, all the posts today are a comfort.

Yesterday I watched (again) last week's interview with Larry King and the Jacksons. There was a moment when Gretchen Jackson brightened, as she spoke about Barbaro's peaceful last moments with so much love and comfort surrounding him. The word she used to describe it was "special."

What a tender thought that is. Oh, but how her beautiful boy is missed.

Love to all, and thanks, always, to Alex.

######

Yes Marie, that would be great! Thanks!

Loretta, I read Nancy in Ct's post and you missed a key phrase - she said "I would imagine". To me that means that is how she envisioned it, she's not saying that is what happened.

So many great posts today.

I agree that what Dr. Morrison did was right. Without trying to align the bones correctly Barbaro didn't have a chance of living the life he would have wanted.

As for his last moments...my 12 year old beloved Doberman had a sore leg in December of 2003. We took him in thinking it was arthritis or he pulled a muscle. Turned out to be a very aggressive form of bone cancer. The vet said it was a matter of time before the pain would be excruiating - could be a week could be six weeks, but the pain would come. The vet said we would know when it was time - Shadow would tell us.

For one week it seemed like the vet was wrong. Shadow had some pain pills and he seemed like he was doing fine. Then on a Sunday night (another Sunday night) he couldn't get comfortable. He would try one position, then another to no avail. I got down on the floor with him and held him. That night he crawled up on my husband's pillow and just looked at him with pleading eyes that seemed to say "why do I feel this way Daddy, make it stop". The next day my husband put him at peace. I was at work when he did it. He said he was there the whole time....that he held Shad in his arms and caressed his ears with his lips telling him what a good boy he was....then Shad drifted off and went to heaven. My husband said the vet and vet techs who had cared for Shad for all those years had tears in their eyes too. Then they left my husband alone for awhile to say his private goodbyes.

I think Barbaro experienced a peaceful passing too. Grass he loved, the people he loved and who loved him. He told them Sunday night and Monday morning - no more - make it stop. And it is because they loved him and because they had promised him no pain if they could avoid it, that the step was taken.

I personally am not sad about the grass and the caresses....I salute all involved with with letting Barbaro run free!!!

Nancy in PA

I was thinking about something....we had an abnormally warm Fall and early Winter this year. On December 15th I was walking around outside decorating in flip flops!!!

I like to think that God new Barbaro's time was near so he kept the weather mild so Barbaro could go outside once more. Seems like since he's gone the freeze has come.

Should never be any doubt that God does love animals!

Nancy in PA

Lindsay Asher --

Hi, I'm so glad to know someone else from Indiana. I'm just west of Indy. I had a similar letter from Senator Bayh last year but last year he was a co-sponsor. I don't know why he isn't this year...maybe still getting geared up for this session. He is a good guy and we need to keep asking that he co-sponsor. Same with Senator Lugar. Are you going to the 4/29 get together?

#####

Sue H.

You can email me at whithamg@bellsouth.net.
Be careful horses are like a drug. It's easy to get addicted :)

###
Spirit Horse, yes I remember the same from the news conference, too. Dr. R described the scene last Monday morning, the medical steps, and what led to the decision. He left out any description of the personal actions of the people in the stall during that time. I felt he was respecting privacy for what is ultimately a very private moment.

I do have different experiences on whether animals "know."

Linda R.
It's called Progesterone Cream. You can wean off the Premarin. Good book on this topic by Dr. Lee.
Moureen

###
LINDA - yes, you are so right - "I would imagine" is a key phrase...and the scene is probably very familiar for anyone who has been present when a beloved pet was euthanized.
Thanks!

Alex --

How smart of you ! And how that benefits US with your recommendations.

Will purchase the books you recommend. Thanks Alex for continuing our education and support.

You BET Alex.... I will buy all of them as I will spread the word and have my family do the same..... My dad loves horses and he gets a lot of stuff for me. I will tell him to use this site and you as a reference from now on... My folks do a huge amount of shopping....

I will be getting all of these books eventually. I am starting a Barbaro/horse/library........

Love to all.......... :-)

Barba: Thanks for cleaning the house while I was gone. I am really wiped out from the Vitimin Cocktail IV......... Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh and this injury from the fall on the ice Friday now I have the heat thing that my doctor told me to go and get. I am going to take some pain meds and RELAX!!!!! Soooooooooooo glad you did the housework for today............. Thanks a bunch..... The peppermint candy is in the car too and it is in the hallway closet...........;-)

########

SPIRIT HORSE....SPIRIT HORSE.....SPIRIT HORSE...

Seabiscuit died at age 14 of a heart attack. Go to ask.com I asked how did racehorse Seabiscuit die? A story comes up, I chose the first choice at top. Lynne-Barbaro's Forever Friend in CA

###
BRENDA RYDER - thanks so much for contacting your CT friends re HR503! I think we have about 8-10 acknowledged Nutmeggers here, but I have no idea which district(s) they live in, so your help is much appreciated!
Nancy

Alex

I read The Homerun Horse and really enjoyed it. I think a lot of people on this site would like to read about what goes on behind the scenes. Very informative.

ATTENTION ATTENTION

Hopefully I got someones attention!

Can we just go to the blue link above to order the book Alex recommended? I want to be sure he gets the money he is supposed to.

cindy a

Nancy, I also had a dobermann die from cancer.
Osteosarcoma in her leg. Very sad I know. This has brought back painful memories for me and my dog dying. She was only 6 years old. Barbaro was a fighter and so was Chelsea (my Doberman) I imagine her healthy and pain free with other dogs that have gone before her. I now have another Doberman she is my heart... Miss you Big B.

Sorry guys, I don't know how to blue link but these are the 14 current co-sponsors in the house.

S.311
Title: A bill to amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Landrieu, Mary L. [LA] (introduced 1/17/2007) Cosponsors (14)
Related Bills: H.R.503
Latest Major Action: 1/17/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COSPONSORS(14), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]: (Sort: by date)
Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA] - 1/17/2007
Sen Byrd, Robert C. [WV] - 1/17/2007
Sen Carper, Thomas R. [DE] - 1/17/2007
Sen Collins, Susan M. [ME] - 1/17/2007
Sen Ensign, John [NV] - 1/17/2007
Sen Graham, Lindsey [SC] - 1/17/2007
Sen Kerry, John F. [MA] - 1/17/2007
Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. [NJ] - 1/24/2007
Sen Levin, Carl [MI] - 1/17/2007
Sen McCain, John [AZ] - 1/24/2007
Sen Menendez, Robert [NJ] - 1/17/2007 Sen Mikulski, Barbara A. [MD] - 1/24/2007
Sen Reed, Jack [RI] - 1/17/2007
Sen Snowe, Olympia J. [ME] - 1/17/2007

Sorry....I meant the Senate.

We have 99 co-sponsors in the House.

####

GREG, your apology was touching, considering how you feel about Barbaro, but your anger emotion was justifiable. It's just not the best way to deal with those idiotic trolls. We are decent people, trying to get through this.

MEG, thank you. I wish you, and all of us who have cherished and honored Barbaro, peace and consolation.

RENEE, you have been a great comfort. Thank you. You were always one of his top cheerleaders!

AMIE, it is so hard. I hope you will find comfort and healing. We will see Barbaro again one day, in perfect shape and form. Sometimes he'll beat Secretariat, sometimes Secretariat will beat him....

NANCY, thank you. I hadn't thought of it from the perspective of Barbaro knowing...Yes! they kept their promise. They have high moral standards. I too have seen what you did before your cousin passed and yes, it was awe inspiring.

LORETTA, I hope to God I didn't offend you. You are well aware of everything about this and I'd never talk down to you. You have been right here all along. I fully understand your heartbreak, as everyone here does. I'm wishing you peace and comfort.

We love Barbaro. Good night, Sweet Boy.

Hi Shelley! How is Mr. Boxcar? Ready for his race tomorrow I hope. I will be thinking of him tomorrow........

####
Hi, jonna. I hear you! And thanks for rescuing a dog from Oklahoma.
####
martita, I need to see those encouraging poems. Thank you for them.
####
Thanks for the message, Alie, KF. We're not done with you all!
####
Barbaro, I miss you sweetheart. The model of you is still on my mantle, with a candle burning. I love you so much. Did you know that I've spent the winter months willing the weatherman here in Oklahoma to MOVE out of the way so I could see if the weather was nice in Pennsylavania? I wanted you to have a nice day outside.

I'll be quiet, and hope for a sign, but no matter what, my love for you is real.

###
Belinda,
I HOPE he's ready! They canceled racing today because of the weather but I won't know about tomorrow until the morning. It's all about the wind.

Renee: Barba left me a few peppermint candys cause he knew I was going to be too out of it to go to the store for a couple of days.... These IV's are really awesom but they wear me out because of the enormus amount of magnizium and calcium that are in them... They also have ALL of the other vitamins..... Right after I get one, (they take about 45 minutes to plunge into my veins) I feel really really dizzy and like I am on the clouds........ Then I am super calm and take a nap and then, whe I wake up, BAM I am full of natural energy......

I am soooooooooooooooooooo glad that Barba did the housework today... He knew that I needed to come home to a clean and nice house.

Nancy.... What you said is beautiful... I believe that even if Dr. R and the Jacksons didn't say whatever whatever, they certainally would not mind one bit for your post. It is soothing and relaxing......

As for Barba.... I think he did know he was going to a better place. I know that look, I have seen it in a person that fathered my kids in ICU. He KNEW he was dying....... He said he was dying...... He had no doubt......I think Barba is thankful and whatever happened and how it happened I truly believe that it was soley Barbaros idea and desires.........

God Bless You alllllllllllllllllll..... Oregon is running out of peppermint candy..... I may have to fly to one of your guys states to get some more..........

Be back in a while..... ;-)

(((((AMIE, it is so hard. I hope you will find comfort and healing. We will see Barbaro again one day, in perfect shape and form. Sometimes he'll beat Secretariat, sometimes Secretariat will beat him....)))))

I don't think there are any losers in heaven. The first leg of the tripple halo will probaly result in a tie......... I am not sure but I don't think that there is any one horse that is faster or better than another one there...... They are all PERFECT IN EVERY WAY!!!!!!!!! Boy they are going to have to do those re-plays over and over and over again.....

The Colts 29, geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh I still am trippen on that and it has been almost 24 hours...... ;-)

FYI Re Horse Slaughter, here's part of a letter I just received today from Diane Feinstein.

"I have also cosponsored the "Virgie S. Arden American Horse
Slaughter Prevention Act" (S. 311), which would effectively end horse
slaughter for human consumption in the United States. This bill has been
referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Committee, of which I am not a member. Please know that I will work
with my colleagues to ensure passage of this bill.

Again, thank you for writing to me about this issue."

It helps to know what committee to bug about this issue.

But I am also concerned, as someone pointed out earlier today, the bill seems to read that it is against slaughter for Human Consumption. I would rather it be for any reason - pet food, whatever else their evil minds might come up with to get around a new law.

Alex - as always, thank you for all the information. Just ordered the book from Amazon and will anxiously await its arrival. From your (and two others) review - it really does sound like a wonderful book -- loads of information. Thank you so very much for all you do and have done for us here -- the daily updates, the information links - you allow us to stay informed about everything related to our wonderful Barbaro (and, yes, I do mean to use the present tense here) - he will live through the work that is done in his behalf. Thanks again for everything.
Judy G - Silver Spring, MD

Thanks Alex for your recommendation on the book. I just bought one from Amazon. I'm looking forward to reading it! I'm glad to contribute and to learn more about TB's.

Lisa in California

Hello Alex,

What encouraging poststoday. Nancy and Christine, your posts were eloquent and heartfelt. Barbaro had a wonderful life and a peaceful death (or farewell for a time). I hope we can all be so lucky.

Barbaro made a difference, and we "got it", but still grieve. Dr. Richardson, I hope you are enjoying your time with your family; a much deserved reprieve. I even hope you are thinking of playing golf. Barbaro would want you to be happy.

Take care all FOB...

Cathy Potter -

Glad you saw my note. I hope you get your property soon, so you don't have to go all the way to Nevada. But the rescue place sounds wonderful, so you probably enjoy it anyway.

You're so lucky to have a horse. Have always wanted one, but you do need property. And the energy & $ to really take care of them. It is such a huge commitment - my cats have kept me busy, too busy sometimes. It is amazing how demanding they can become.

Anyway, I don't want to go on and on here. My email is ksorenson@dc.rr.com if you have a chance.

Good Night Alex and I will go to Amazon to check out the book you suggested for "green horns"!! Have a great night...be back with you tomorrow.

Bobbycakes...I love you CHAMPION...you will always be my favorite!

Goodnight family!

I am so far behind on everything ... I just can't seem to keep up with "The World According to Barbaro" ... my life these days is "being barraged by Barbaro, and he's running away with it and me! LOL
##############3

First of all I am so 'ashamed of myself' for not realizing that The Colts scored 29 POINTS IN THEIR INCREDIBLE WIN YESTERDAY! And I watched the entire game and was rooting for the Barbaro Colts all the way! But I never even 'figured' the 29 points that they scored in their win. Coincidence? NO! Random accident? NO! It was a clear, clear sign that Barbaro and THOSE COLTS were definitely in charge of it all, including the "end of the story." GOOOOOOOOOOOOO COLTS!!!
######################3

Equine Heaven ... I can't believe, after all this time, that I finally availed myself of the very first of your posts. People have been applauding and acclaiming your words all this time and I had yet to read even one of your posts, but I was "in the right place at the right time" today and I read my very first one! MAGNIFICENT! BRAVO OR BRAVA! WONDERFUL! THANK YOU FOR GRACING US WITH YOUR TALENTS!
#####################

TO EVERYONE ELSE ... WHAT CAN I SAY ... ONE WEEK TODAY AND IT FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY AND YET A THOUSAND YEARS AGO ALL AT THE SAME TIME ... I still grieve, I am still in denial, I am still angry, I am still sad and I will forever love my dearest Barbaro.

His image surrounds me everywhere in my "room" ... he is above me, to the left of me, to the right of me ... everywhere I look there is a remembrance of Barbaro in my midst, and I wouldn't have it any other way ... of course my "other" beloved Secretariat is all around me, also, but I know that Bobby completely acquieses and agrees to all of it.
##################33

To all who have written beautiful comments, essays, poems, tributes, etc. ... thank you for soothing the savage beast of my soul that still asks "Why?" Thank you ...
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OF COURSE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE "LET'S LICK LAMINITIS" ... stay tuned for more details!! Donate, donate, donate $29 on the 29th ... but for February, let's do it one day earlier, on the 28th ... just because!!!!

I have read that book, the one Alex recommends. It is very good.

Alex, thank you for the many updates. You make it so easy to filter through the many tributes and articles on Barbaro. I always look here before I go anywhere else to find everything I need to know about Barbaro.

I so enjoy your reflections from the saddle each morning. Your descriptions of Fair Hill are most comforting and I am learning so much about what it takes to prepare a horse for racing by tagging along with you and Hawty Creek each morning. Thank you for sharing.

I have been in tears all afternoon. In the mail came a postcard of Barbaro with a handwritten note from Mrs. Jackson thanking me for the basket of flowers I sent her. She commented on how cheerful the flowers are in the middle of winter. She is cheering me up in her time of sorrow. She is just an amazing woman. I am so very glad that Barbaro introduced us. She has made a lasting impression on the way I want to live my life. Not only am I proud to be a Fan of Barbaro, but I am also so proud to be a Fan of Gretchen Jackson. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mrs. Jackson for your kind and reassuring words to me. They are indeed a great comfort.

The MO Horse Hero Valentine's Project closed with a total of $5,260 in donations. There is a January 24th update on HSMO and Mama, Willie and Liberty are going to be Barn Buddy ambassadors for the MO horse heroes. Freedom, Dudley Do Right,Crashina and Spanky have been adopted and are in forever homes. Buckwheat and Bazonka Donk are not ready for adoption yet. Say prayers for them.

Thank you Fans of Barbaro for sponsoring the MO Horse Heroes so generously. I hope you will join me at Easter and Mother's Day for continued support. We will honor Gretchen Jackson as Barbaro's "mom" at that time. The Kentucky Derby will serve as a backdrop.

It's time to honor Barbaro by getting the anti- slaughter bill to the floor to be voted on. Call your reps. As Mr. Jackson said, "We owe this to Barbaro."

Equine Heaven
FABULOUS!!!

####

Equine Heaven,

How have I missed your posts before today?!

Thank you for the heart-warming visuals! You paint an amazing picture with your words!!

I will be searching for your posts from now on.

########
Susan in Sarasota,

How do you get the google news counts #'s?

Alex, I will be buying the book. How do we know you will be getting credit for it?

Dear Alex - Any book you recommend will be of great interest, and I'm sure we all want to help the site and related good causes in any way that we can. I am off to your link to Amazon now!

PS - On the earlier mention of dog collars, etc. I use the Gentle Leader with my very strong and stubborn Lab. It works extremely well and I only wish I had known of it with earlier dogs. A trainer told me that she thinks of it as "power steering" for dogs, and I concur with that description. Don't know if it would work well with Huskies, etc., but it is worth looking into and discussing with others who know the sled dog breeds.

Hi Folks:

Just wanted to let you know that I'm still around. Not walking, running or jumping like I used to but I'm hanging on. The Big Dudette is hanging in there too although she has some bads days to.

Thanks for all the prayers and candles.

P.S. I miss all of you but especially Bobby and my kitty friends out there.

BDude
FOB

Great news just in.....

Senator Leiberman has signed on as a co-sponsor of S311.
AWFB......

####
Shelley and Debra and all FOB's,

Senator Dianne Feinstein from California is in! Even though she is not listed as an S.311 co-sponsor as yet, here is an e-mail I received from her dated today, 2/5/07:

"Thank you for writing to me to express your opposition to the
practice of horse slaughter for human consumption. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.

Like you, I believe this practice is wrong, and was pleased when
Californians passed a state initiative prohibiting it in 1998. As you may know, I was a cosponsor of an amendment which aimed to stop this practice by withholding funds for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspections under the Federal Meat Inspection Act. I, along with several colleagues, sent a letter to the USDA urging the agency to stop these inspections and effectively end this practice.

Unfortunately, the USDA has ruled that horse slaughterhouses may continue operation under a fee-based inspection process to abide by the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

I have also cosponsored the "Virgie S. Arden American Horse
Slaughter Prevention Act" (S. 311), which would effectively end horse slaughter for human consumption in the United States. This bill has been referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, of which I am not a member. Please know that I will work with my colleagues to ensure passage of this bill.

Again, thank you for writing to me about this issue. I hope you
will continue to keep in touch on matters of importance to you. If you have any additional comments or questions, please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator"

Carol
San Diego

Good evening, Barbaro Nation!

I was on the road most of the day and it's been a long, discouraging cold day indeed. Circumstances did not allow me to dwell on our beloved Barbaro much today (after 11:00) but I wanted very much to be here and celebrate Barbaro's life with the people who understand best. I am heartened and invigorated by today's posts.

You can kick and punch FOBs but you can't keep them down.

I saw a mature bald eagle today, sitting majestically near the top of a tree. The wind was bitter and snow was whipping around, but Eagle seemed impervious to it all. Like our Bobby, Eagle was not about to be deterred from his goals.

#
Linda and anyone getting their armed pulled off by a strong dog,

The gentle leader works really well with my husky, it made all the difference between a miserable time walking to an enjoyable trip. You still have to do some training, I always bring along tiny bits of hot dog in a plastic bag for rewards.

Carol

Thanks for the great news about Senator Feinstein. I have a feeling we'll be seeing many more come on board in the near future!!!

###Hey BDude...glad to hear you're hanging in there and BDudette too! Lots of prayers and candles from Gina and Smokey 'n me.

Alex thank you for recommending that book..it sounds very interesting! as were the articles and links that you posted...you and this site are such a comfort!

Hey Barbaro sweetie..did you have a fun day? Lots of gallops, lots of grass, lots of gazing at the pretty fillies? Ok now it's time to tuck you in...that cloud over there looks comfy...don't have to fluff it up for you...have sweet dreams of running on your perfect legs...and may the angels sing you to sleep..Hugs and smoochies, babycakes!

Good evening Barbaro & dear FOB's,
It's mighty cold out tonight & I know Our Boy is comfy & warm in the sunshine of Heaven in the day, & playfully racing through the stars in the night as he smiles down on us. I miss you & love you so, Precious Barbaro!

I know I'll never get to read all the posts. Work really gets in the way, doesn't it? I sure hope someone puts them together in a book so we can one day read them at our leisure, over & over again.

I read so many warm & beautiful posts that continue to start the rivers of tears flowing. Bless you all dear FOB's! I think of my FOB family all during the day & evening hours, hoping our joined efforts & love will bring comfort & move mountains.

I'll say good night for now, dear ones.

Nitey nite beloved Barbaro, you are always in my heart

###
HAY, BDUDE & DUDETTE....I'm still hanging in there too, because my mom would totally flip if I got any notions about crossing the Rainbow Bridge right now...but I am 19, after all! How old are you kitkats?
Princess Maizie Lee, Queen of Me-Now-Now-Now

###
ROSEMARY - any news about CC?

Does anyone know if there are any photos of The Kielbasa Queen available for viewing?

She is in my virtual stable, and sounds like a pretty nice horse. I would love to see what she looks like.

Alex,
Book recommendation sounds good to me, (Amazon), you deserve it and the site deserves something to defray costs.
(But, I can say this easily, since I always buy books and such from Amazon, anyway, this makes it more special) :)

Love to Family,
Susan
Believe in our Hero Barbaro. Believe in the Fog and all our Angels.

###
Alex
I LOVE this idea of book recommendations!
Brilliant!
jan

Hello proud fans of Barbaro...

I still miss him so...I thought I could get through Harriette Brillianthawk's story without crying... but not a chance...what a beautiful story...I hope Dr. R. has seen her story....

My prayers remain with Barbaro and his family...

Claire in WA state

Good evening, all.

##
Alie - (9:35) Such beautiful words from the best treat providers a horse could ask for!

##
Equine Heaven - love the (somewhat familiar?) writing style. Do I detect a closet NASCAR fan in the reference to Speed Weeks?

I can highly recommend The Home Run Horse - I read it last month and it is one of the best.

Hey, Big Bay One - I've got a jar full of spearmint drops with your name on it - on the sidebaord in the dining room. Help yourself!

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

Alex- I think it's awesome that you'll make recommendations- not just for the financial benefit, but because so many of us are just budding followers of racing- and as you know from some of the dorky questions I've asked you, we may not always be able to sort the chaff from the wheat.
To have your trained eye assist in that is terrific!

Precious Barbaro: How I miss you, beautiful boy. But I know that you are so very happy running and playing in our Father's green pasture. I will love you and carry you in my heart and memory forever. Because of you, I can help with saving the maganificent creations from my Father by the name of "HORSE"...I look forward to seeing you so "see you later, Barbaro"
Father, thank you for the "Miracle of Barbaro"

Lost in the Fog: Your candle is lit and my love continue to fill it's glow. How happy are you to have our Precious Barbaro to play with? I miss you guys so much.

Father, thank you for "The Fog"

Barbaro Family:

Just a short note.....I watched the superbowl game last night for the first time in about 15 years or more. I don't follow football but last night I was just drawn to it. Now I know why:
Colts 29!!!! I'm still in awe about all this. God bless you and yours. Prayers to all in need and the "furry ones", too.

"Please Pray for the Horses"

"No Horse Left Behind"

Alex
I hope you will create a sidebar category for all of your Amazon book recommendations so that we can have access to them in the future, too. Thanks!

All --

Apologies if someone listed this before, but I just was checking out the Blood-Horse website, and noticed this listing for this week's Talkin' Horses:

"Three Chimneys Stallion Manager
Sandy Hatfield

As stallion manager at Three Chimneys Farm, Sandy Hatfield rides herd over an all-star roster that includes Albert the Great, Dynaformer, Flower Alley, Good Reward, Medallist, Point Given, Rahy, Sky Mesa, Smarty Jones, War Chant, and Yes It's True.

The farm Web site describes Sandy's job as "one part stallion care, one part breeding supervisor, one part ambassador and press agent for the Three Chimneys stallions, and one part ambassador for the horse business to the thousands of visitors hosted at Three Chimneys Farm each year. . . .

Join Sandy this Thursday @ noon"

Here's a chance for any of us who are fans of Barbaro's dad to ask our questions! Of course, I'll have to take my lunch break Thursday @noon!

Alex - Bring on the recommendations! That sounds like a perfect book for a lot of us. Also, I've read Glenye's articles on DRF.com and admire her writing style.

Thanks!

FOR ALL FLORIDA FANS OF BARBARO AND POINTS NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WEST .... PLEASE READ!

THIS SATURDAY IS GULFSTREAM FOB DAY ... FEBRUARY 10th!

WE ARE MEETING AT GULFSTREAM PARK AT NOONISH FOR A DAY OF RACING, COMMEMORATING BARBARO AND A LITTLE FUND RAISING ON THE SIDE FOR "LET'S LICK LAMINITIS!".

SO IF YOU WANT TO JOIN IN, YOU NEED TO EMAIL ME DIRECTLY AT : Secretariat116@aol.com but put something specific in subject line or I won't open the email.

I will also post this on the forum/discussion boards.

LET'S RACE TO A CURE FOR LAMINITIS FOR BARBARO ... LET'S MEET AT GULFSTREAM THIS SATURDAY TO HAVE FUN, SHED SOME TEARS AND LICK LAMINITIS!!!

After spending eight months of checking for ACN, I have been kind of lost the last week, but it's time to remember that many horses still need our help. Our wonderful Barbaro has brought so much of this to the attention of people who have never and never will attend a horse race. Pretty amazing for just one horse, isn't it?

For those who would like a copy of the Blood Horse of FEB 3 with the beautiful picture of Bobby on the cover. The nice folks at the BH are offering copies for $4.95. You can order them at the BH site or call 1-800-582-5604. If you haven't seen the issue go and take a look. You will want to have one or ten or 100 copies. Just kidding. Also if you preorder the book on Barbaro coming out later you get a copy of the mag for free. The book is written by Sean Clancy and should be just wonderful. For details go to www.bloodhorse.com

Thinking of you Barbaro-I miss you soooo much.

Linnie,
Just a gentle reminder - your wording in post at 11:17 where you describe certain individuals "tunnel vision and narrow minded comments" and then in the next sentence you say "...I mean no harm to anyone." I don't think you can have it both ways, when one criticizes one can cause harm. I would suggest sticking to what it is you want to achieve and leaving the judgement out.

Thanks for you effort to work towards ending laminitis.

I received a card in the mail today from a dear friend who was here a week ago when I say on this board the news that none of us wanted to see.

She held me while I cried and told her about all the good things that had come from Barbaro's heroic 8 months.

The card itself was beautiful, but her words were better...and they refer to all of you.

Kelly wrote:
"I know how very sad you are about Barbaro. I am so sure that he brought much joy to you and brought many wonderful long-distance people into your life."

Amen to that.

She is praying for us.

Marydel in Colorado

We Need to KEEP FIGHTING. A sad Day for the Horses:

**************************

Slaughterhouse Resumes Killing Horses After Court Upholds Ban on Sale of Horsemeat for Human Consumption

Belgian-Owned Dallas Crown Ignored HSUS Offer to Take Custody of Horses Stuck in Pipeline and Place them at Horse Sanctuaries

WASHINGTON (Feb. 5, 2007) – Despite an offer by The Humane Society of the United States to take custody of approximately 100 horses caught for up to two weeks in the slaughter pipeline after a federal court ruling upheld a Texas state law banning the sale of horsemeat for human consumption, Kaufman-based Dallas Crown, Inc. resumed slaughtering the animals this afternoon. A trailer from Cosco Container Lines Americas, Inc. was seen parked outside the plant, but it is unclear whether the horsemeat will be shipped overseas for human consumption, which is illegal in Texas.

The HSUS wrote to Cosco late Friday and informed the company that shipping horsemeat for human consumption is illegal in the state Texas. The HSUS also received a letter of confirmation today from Delta Air Lines that it has ceased the shipment of horse meat; American Airlines and Continental Airlines also have said they stopped their involvement in the horse slaughter industry.

Eyewitnesses at Dallas Crown said the horses were packed in the holding pen to overcapacity and had concerns they may have had little to no access to hay and water. In a letter sent on Jan. 31 to Michiel de Beukelaar’s, president of Belgian-owned Dallas Crown, Inc., HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle wrote, “[W]e are prepared to take custody of, provide care and transport and assume all legal responsibility immediately for the horses owned or in the custody of Dallas Crown.” The slaughter plant did not respond.

“Dallas Crown’s decision to allow these animals to languish for days while the company maneuvered to slaughter them is consistent with their absolute disregard for animal welfare. Unfortunately, this is what happens to so many horses -- tens of thousands a year routinely endure long-distance transport and holding prior to slaughter,” Pacelle said. “We’re hopeful that with Texas law on our side and a strong movement in Congress to ban horse slaughter nationwide and stop the export of American horses for slaughter, this grisly industry is in its last throes.”

Legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses nationwide was introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate earlier this month by Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.), and Reps. Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.) Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.), John Spratt (D-S.C.), and Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) introduced a companion bill, H.R. 503.

The measure received tremendous bipartisan support in the 109th Congress, winning a vote of 263 to 146 in the House. It stalled in the Senate in late 2006, however, and was not brought up for a vote before Congress adjourned, even though a similar effort had been overwhelmingly approved by the Senate in 2005.

-30-

The Humane Society of the United State s is the nation's largest animal protection organization with nearly 10 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country.

The Humane Society of the United States

2100 L Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20037

www.humanesociety.org

Promoting the Protection of All Animals

HEY ALL!

On the discussion board, in the General Folder, there is a thread entitled "Artwork Gift for Dr. R." Please read when you have a chance. Thanks

Dearest Alie,

Thank you for your lovely post. It brought tears of joy to my eyes...again. Thank you for all you did for Barbaro and all who loved him. I couldn't believe that in the midst of all we kept you doing you found time to respond to an e-mail I left on your site.

I always waited for yours and Rachel's reports from New Bolton...the "inside scoop," all the great little details. Have been concerned that we didn't hear from you, that you might be feeling overcome with pent-up exhaustion, as well as grief. I can well understand how reading the posts, as beautiful as most of them are, would make it hard to find your own words. I'm glad you finally were able to find them.

Someday I'll make it to Kennett Square and Fair Hill to touch base. I will certainly look up you and Rachel at Kennett Florist.

Much love and appreciation,
Marydel in Colorado

Goodnight Sweet Barbaro. YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER

Wow...what a lot of posts! I will have to stay up all night to catch up!

Linda S., what is a Gentle Leader? I really need something that works with my lab; he really is in charge during our walks.

FOBs, today was a tough day for a lot of us, I'm sure. Each day brings a new resolve for me to DO SOMETHING to help the plight of our American horses.

Alex, thanks for the recommendation. I will be sure to buy these books to help support this site. I would also love to make a donation for TWR to help offset expenses, I think I will just send you a check if that works?

Goodnight to all.

Mary L,

The Costco mentioned in you post above-- is this the same Costco, the big warehouse retailer? If so it could be in relation to dog food.......?

JUST A TEST FOR SHELLEY

Always and forever in my heart. I miss you sweet boy. I love you Barbaro.

The miracle of Barbaro continues...

sorry if this has been posted.
you might want a Kleenex, but it's really neat:

####
LESLIE IN MN-

This more than you want to know, but here goes:

First of all, I think a lot of people -- either b/c they had never lived through something like that before -- or else did not really take the warnings seriously -- just did not understand that it was possible for a hurricane to be so bad that they would not be able to return in a day or so to retrieve their beloved pets. So they left enough food and water for a couple of days... thinking that that would be sufficient. I would NEVER EVER TAKE THAT CHANCE!!

But many people, particularly those in the poor sections of New Orleans, did not have personal vehicles, so they evacuated to the Super Dome, and had to leave their pets at home, b/c animals were not allowed in official evacuation shelters.

After the flooding, many people were forced out of their homes by gunpoint by the police (illegally as some organizations have complained, and are suing the city...like the National Rifle Assoc.), without being allowed to take their pets. One woman, who was airlifted, but was not allowed to take her dog, watched in horror as her beloved pet drowned before her eyes!

But there was no reason for anyone to discount the warnings. Hurricane Katrina was on a DEADLY course headed STRAIGHT FOR NEW ORLEANS. It was coming in as a CATEGORY FIVE (the HIGHEST category). ALL signs indicated that it could well turn out to be the "worst case scenario" -- "the big one". (In fact, it actually wound up NOT being the "big one", b/c it lessened a bit before making landfall, and took a slight turn eastward, thus hitting Slidell -- where I live -- HEAD ON! So New Orleans proper did NOT get a "direct hit".) Experts say that the "big one" has yet to hit us.

But everyone who lives in New Orleans proper knows, or should know, b/c it is said every year on local TV channels, that New Orleans is a "bowl" which is below sea level. Unlike Florida, where the water comes in and goes out again, the water comes into New Orleans...but cannot flow out; it has to be pumped out.

But the problem really was not the storm this time, b/c after it passed, New Orleans was dry, and people were initially walking around. It was the levees, which broke later, and flooded the city and its residences while some people slept, that made it impossible for people to return in time to retrieve their pets before they perished from HEAT, THIRST, AND STARVATION!! A SLOW, AGONIZINGLY PAINFUL, HORRIBLE DEATH.

But before the storm even got close, Pres. Bush went on TV and declared us a "disaster area". So there was plenty of warning. But as said above, those who went to shelters, were not allowed to bring their pets, and those who boarded busses at the Convention Center after the storm, were not allowed to board with their pets. They had to leave them behind.

There was a horribly sad story...one of thousands...that a little boy was screaming and crying...and begging the authorities to let him take his little white poodle -- "Snowball" -- on the bus with him, but was denied. The boy was beside himself with grief. And poor little Snowball couldn't understand what was happening. As the bus pulled away, the boy cried out,"Snowball!! I love you!!" I don't believe they were ever reunited. This story made national headlines.

AS A RESULT OF THE THOUSANDS OF PET CHILDREN LEFT BEHIND TO DIE HORRIBLE, PAINFUL DEATHS, LAWS HAVE BEEN PASSED THAT WILL NOW ENABLE EVACUEES WITHOUT PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION, TO BRING THEIR PETS WITH THEM ON BUSSES AND TO SHELTERS!!!! They will not be able to live w/their pets in the human shelters, but the pets will have their own separate shelter, on the same grounds where their human owners are located.

I grew up in New Orleans. As a little child, I remember my father carrying me out of our home in the middle of the night to seek higher ground in the French Quarter. Back in the 50s, weather forecasts were not what they are today, so we did not know much about an approaching storm many times, until it was right on top of us. So I knew to take these things seriously.

However, there are many New Orleanians, who said before Katrina...like many who said 41 yrs. ago before Hurricane Betsy...that they were going to "ride it out". So there's always been a "laid back" attitude among many here, who feel like they made it through other storms, so they'll make it through one more.

Before Katrina...Betsy had been the "standard" by which all hurricanes are measured. Just like for the MS Gulf Coast, Hurricane Camille, in 1969, had been the "standard". But thouands of people have lost their lives thinking like that. Each hurricane is different. But many just don't heed the warnings. They like to break out the beer and have hurricane "parties". People want to stay to protect their property. But if you're dead...how in the hell are you going to protect your property?? I've always had the opposite mindset, "Better safe than sorry."

So I always evacuate before the storm is upon us. I had my eye on Katrina as soon as it left Florida. On the Friday before the Monday that it hit here, I watched its path. It crossed the southern part of FL. and got into the Gulf of Mexico. The reports said that it would take a sharp right turn northward and hit FL again, then on into GA. But I had a sinking feeling it would not do that. My mother called me at that point and asked me what I thought. I remember distinctly telling her that I thought it would continue heading west and turn due north when it got south of us. I had a bad feeling from the "get-go". So I began to pack that Friday night.

It took me TWO DAYS to pack. I loaded my Explorer with all my family pics, including cans of movie film. I was wishing at that point that everything had been scanned into my computer, or on disks. So I stuffed photos and cans of movie film into bins in the Explorer that I never knew existed!

The dog crates were in the back of the SUV, but I couldn't fit all three, b/c I had just adopted a baby from Guatemala, so her infant carrier was in the back seat that previously would have been space for one of the crates. So my father asked me if 2 dogs could fit in one crate. They could. My small Eskie (23 lbs.) could fit in w/the larger Eskie (33 lbs.) The AmStaff's crate was the biggest. I also had to pack in such a way that the air from the back A/C vents could reach the dogs in their crates. This was in AUGUST. And it was hot as hell.

I booked a room in Memphis, which is the farthest I've ever had to book a room for an evacuation, but it was the closest I could get. Usually I try for Jackson, MS, but it was a blessing in disguise, b/c Jackson got hit hard. I pulled out of town early evening on Sunday, arriving in Memphis around 3am Monday, due to the bumper-to-bumper traffic once I hit Jackson. Katrina hit Greater N.O. and the Gulf Coast, later that morning.

The dogs and I watched the disaster unfold from our motel room in Memphis. The baby was in a rickety crib that the motel mgr. had somehow managed to find while I was enroute.

And there I lived, for the next three months, in a basic, Trucker-type motel.

SO, I WOULD NEVER NOT EVACUATE AHEAD OF TIME, OR EVER LEAVE MY DOGS BEHIND. I was floored when a motel evacuee looked at me walking my three dogs and said, "Good for you -- you brought your dogs with you!) I told her, "OF COURSE!!

oh, crickey! sorry!

Joel Pett did that cartoon.

Hi To All Of The Fans Of Barbaro - BarbaroManiacs

Things seem to be happening in the name of our Hero. I think we all know that this Handsome Dude was an inspiration to so many and his Angels are working hard to get things done in his name. I have been trying to do my little part as I can in trying to make sure that all of our people in Washington hear from the middle of the Country and perhaps we can get this Anti-Horse slaughter bill through in our Boss Hoss's Memory.

Alex -- Thank you for your input and for keeping the forum open for all of Big B's Fans, for helping to keep this forum cleaned up and the trolls unable to spit out their hatred to the world.

This past week has been very tough I know for many of Barbaro's Angels on Earth but I know all that is being done is making him very happy.

God Bless the Memory Of Barbaro and God Bless all of his Heroes that are working hard to continue the work that he inspired.

Hiya, FsOB! To Lou Ann in PA, Jane in CT, Dora in AL, and Cheryl Jones: I thank each of you for your kind wishes for my Uncle Stephen's recovery. His surgery in Louisville took ~ six hours this AM. I'll wait to call him until tomorrow or Weds. (My past experience with surgeries tells me the day following surgery is the worst!)
To Dale: I am so truly sorry that your uncle passed away within the past few days.
To Jane in CT: Great work with Sen. Lieberman. I sent an e-mail to my new 2nd District Congressman Joe Courtney (whom I know from his fine work in the CT General Assembly) a couple of weeks ago. So far, no reply. I promise to write him a formal letter this coming weekend when I am feeling more like my usual self.
To Gayle in OH: Sorry to learn of Dr. Thornton's death. A great veterinarian is a true gift to a community's well-being.
To Susan in Saratoga: A wonderul prayer to the FsOB earlier today. Please stay warm!
Ditto to Martina in NYC!
To Alie at Kennett Square Florist: You and your colleagues have been incredible players in the quest to save our sweet prince and make his life comfortable. I always marvelled at your ability to keep the Sublime One supplied with his green-topped carrots, Studmuffins, pears, and apples. Likewise, your "care and feeding" of his dedicated caregiving team at UPENN's NBC was incomparable. It was never about "filling orders", it was always a labour of love. Kudos!
To Loretta: Please take care of yourself, OK? What you are experiencing (alopecia) is similar to that which happened to Princess Caroline of Monaco and Hanover following the sudden deaths of her mother and her second husband.
May Jose Santos and his fellow jockeys recover fully and quickly.
Has anyone heard from Mike Rea's sister lately? I've been worried that Bobbey's passing may have been extremely stressful for Mike.
Wishing you all peace and healing, RMH

Ed in Nebraska

Thanks. Someone just mentioned yesterday that they needed some help in Nebraska!!! And here you are!

Good night, beautiful boy. There will be buttercups and apples waiting for you tomorrow.

Martita, you are a spiritual blessing to us all. How can we ever thank you?

Alie, you and Rachel and KF allowed the FOBs to give something special to Barbaro, which was whatever he wanted (carrots, apples, pears, mints, flowers to show him and his family how much we loved him, treats and breakfasts and you name it for the best equine hospital in the world). I honestly think this past week would have been even harder -- and that's hard to imagine -- if we hadn't been able to give Barbaro some joy. Thank you for msking that possible.

Dennis, thank you.

Alex, thank you for bringing us into Barbaro's world and letting us know how he was, day after day. You understood perfectly how desperate we were for news of him. Thank you so much.

Loretta,

I didn't know you lived in New Orleans. Did you go back there? Was your house ok? Very sad time.

cindy a

I fostered a greyhound from Slidell for 11 mos until her owner was able to take her.

ShelleyA --

The Big Boss Guy Was My Hero And I Will Do What Ever It Takes To Help Out In The Middle Of This Great Country. Keep Up The Great Work Everyone.

Dear FOB,

Hennegan Brothers here. New clip of Barbaro the morning of the Kentucky Derby heading out to track with Peter Brette aboard and Michael on his pony

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

We hope you have enjoyed our tribute to the great Barbaro this week. We are hopeful our film will be an even bigger tribute to his legacy.

Please periodically check our website and our YouTube clips for more. We are very busy trying to get this movie together for all of you to enjoy.

Thanks for your continued support.

Regards,

The Hennegan Brothers
www.henneganbrothers.com

Thank you, Bonnie ... but I know what I said and I know what I meant ...

Thanks again for "keeping me in line" ... but feel free to email me anytime with your thoughts and comments.

My sweet colt~ one week ago... how did it happen? And how could one week be so long and how could it feel like one minute at the same time? You have no perception of time now, you just buck & roll & run, don't you? The floodgates opened again today over losing you; don't think I will ever be able to think of you without bittersweet nostalgia and 'what might have beens'. I love you, bambino cavallo, tu sei molto bello!!! Sleep tight, keep sending your heavenly messages and run, Barbaro, run! I love you, precious angel. A domani.

It is less than 10 degrees here, and I am so worried about all of the animals outside. At least I know that Barbaro is warm. I miss him so much and can't believe one week has passed since he passed on. Love you forever, Barbaro. We miss you down here!!

FOR ALEX ... JUST A SUGGESTION ...

I am familiar with how Amazon works with websites and I am delighted to see you link up with them and I will support it in every way possible.

Can you link up with Amazon on all of the Barbaro books that will be coming out soon? I haven't ordered mine yet and would love to do that through your site.

Is this possible?

Thanks so much for everything ...

#####
FYI-
NO TRAINING necessary with the EASY WALK dog harness; the secret is in the design. Just put it on dog, and begin the rest of your life walking the dog with ease!

CT Contingent~ I too have been in touch with Sen Leiberman & Sen Dodd's offices. I am in John Larson's district and contacted him as well. Good to see they're all on board. I think it would be a good idea for others around the country to contact Sen Dodd's office as he is beginning his campaign for President. He would like to hear concerns & suggestions from people all over America. (this approach was suggested to me by an insider in his office....).

Good night to all. I hope you all are able to rest a bit better tonight.

Hello Barbaro,

Did you run your races today or did you graze in lush green pastures while standing beside all of your friends? However you spent your time Honey, I know you were happy...

Today your Fans offered a moment of silence for you. Out of love for you. Our overwhelming love for you...

A moment in time to pray for you, pray to you and reflect on your life and accomplishments. Your bravery, dignity, humor and grace. You rose to every occassion put before you and came out a Winner every time...

Honey, your Fans aren't letting any grass grow under their feet. They have already been posting anti-slaughter information, track safety issues and horse rescue stories. You are a driving-force for your Fans.

They also continue to offer comfort to each other.

You are our reason...
Success will be our result.

It's been a rough day Honey. Your Fans need comfort tonight. The air is still cold... Let's grab your warm blanket and cuddle you up. We'll pull it high on your neck to unite you with all of your Fans needing alittle extra warmth and love tonight. Yes Honey, they will feel comforted knowing you are with them...

Dream sweet dreams of loved ones and the tender times you share. Your healing is complete and strength now carries you through your days.

You know I love you Barbaro. You know. Please close your eyes and start on your dream's journey... Shhhhhh..Good night. XXOOxxo

########

Hello Hope,

The air is still bitterly cold and we'll need your warmer blanket tonight to keep both you and your foal warm. Let's pull it high on your neck and tuck it under.

Your Dream Angels have a surprise! After awhile, when their friend has had some sleep, they will come back for you and take you to breath-taking beauty and mountains of love! Do you know who their friend is?! It's your friend, Barbaro!!

Hope, your dreams will be magical! Feelings of love will swirl around you filling your heart with hope and security... But first, you must close your eyes. Your Dream Angels are with Barbaro right now, but they will be back...

Good night Hope. Sweet dreams are all yours tonight. I love you. xxoo Give Barbaro a kiss...if you can catch him!

CINDY A-
Yes, I learned while in Memphis that my home was ok; some exterior damage, like roof...but minor...roof did not fail, but still need to get new one. Been working on that as recently as last week, but these roofers/contractors just don't show up...especially when they know there's no man in the household.

Lots of trees down though. Most of my fence destroyed. I rigged up a temporary heavy-duty wire fence so dogs would have yard again.

It's very depressing. Biggest problem for me is lack of work. I'm trying to figure out where to go from here b/c the future looks bleak. Am exploring returning to Memphis.

Alex, have ordered the book and look forward to delving into it with great anticipation.

Some of the most lovely video tributes to Barbaro @ You.tube and dailymotion.com were created by people in France. As a longtime Francophile, I am amazed to hear that the French consume horse meat.

Have begun assembling my Barbaro memory album for personal use. Have been trying for some time to find a lovely photo of Dr. Dean, Barbaro and a kitty on a fence. For some reason this is one of the few photos of Barbaro that I did not print out at the time. I remember Dr. Dean recently mentioning how much Barbaro loved other animals and I thought it would be such a nice memory to have. Have checked sabinalouisepierce and other sites to no avail. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Nancy in CT, thanks for info the CT reps. I did not think to look beyond our two senators who are both, thankfully, on board.

How sickening to read about the horse slaughter. As you say, there is a lot of work to be done and the issue of "for human consumption" does seem a possible loophole...

Elisabeth in CT

I love the new Hennegan Brothers clip. Do you hear all the people saying Barbaro's name as he walks by? Just think of how nervous Michael and Peter must have been that morning. What did they have to be nervous about, they had a horse named Barbaro!

Loretta,

That tragedy was so horrible there. You really have to see it to believe it.

I live in West Feliciana Parish. My husband is from N.O. all of his relatives are dead but we go down from time to time. I went to Loyola so I have alot of fond memories. we mostly go down to go to The Fairgrounds during racing season, I haven't been this yr yet. I'm not sure I'll go after all this stuff with Barbaro. I'm really an emotional wreak still.

You take care and best of luck to you,

cindy a

Elisabeth in CT --

"Have been trying for some time to find a lovely photo of Dr. Dean, Barbaro and a kitty on a fence. For some reason this is one of the few photos of Barbaro that I did not print out at the time. I remember Dr. Dean recently mentioning how much Barbaro loved other animals and I thought it would be such a nice memory to have. Have checked sabinalouisepierce and other sites to no avail. Any suggestions would be much appreciated."

I posted this on the forum the other day under a thread titled "Barbaro and Heaven and Faith". It's in post #27. If you can't find it, repost here and I'll start a new thread with it in for you or maybe you could leave your email and I'll send it direct.

Lissa

that word was supposed to be wreck :-)

I just made my contribution to Laminitis research and feel so good about it! And I especially appreciate JenM posting her explanation of it! Thanks, Jen!

Hennegan Bros.

You saved the best for last! Made me cry! I miss you so much Barbaro!!!

Ashley,

Re: the Hennegan Brothers latest clip: Peter and Michael may have been nervous, but notice Barbaro didn't look the least nervous. He was more like "Are you all lookin' at me? Take a good look now, 'cause when those gates open I'll be just a blur streaking past all of you!" Sublime, indeed!

HENNEGAN BROTHERS - you guys are just awesome, but no surprise since you're Alex's buddies! I don't know if the timing of your arrival in our lives was intentional, but I've read (and hope YOU'VE read) comments from so many of us that feel some small measure of comfort from your offerings during this horrible week.

Thank you, and I wish you every success with this film!
Nancy

Good night FOBs. I love you all.

Thank you to Tim and Alex.

Dr. Phil has a place where you can write in.

My suggestion was for him to do a story on BARBARO and the awareness we learned through him, American's Dirty Little Secret, horse slaughterhouses for human consumpation.

In your own words, please write to him and suggest he bring awareness of American's Dirty Little Secret.

Please do it for BARBARO

DR PHIL

Of course, thank you to the Hennegan Brothers!

Sorry - am blonde! :)

Hello Ed in Nebraska!

We are so grateful for your help in our endeavor. We have three FOB's in Nebraska, you make four, unless there are some "lurkers" out there. Ours is a tough state, politically, in this cause. If you can get as many people as you know to call our reps, and they in turn can get other people, perhaps we can turn things around here. Letters to the Lincoln Journal Star, Omaha WH, and other out-state publications are appreciated.

Go Huskers and Go Fans of Barbaro. We'll get this law passed. Please e-mail me at ruffian@cox.net. Dawn and Linda R have worked very hard as well in our state and it's a pleasure to see yet another FOB here. We need more numbers in Neb to make our voices heard.

Socorro, It is so good to see you post! Thank you!

Here is the link, sorry

DR PHIL

Hi everyone - In response to the question about more info on the Gentle Leader for dogs, here is a link:
http://www.premier.com/pages.cfm?id=29

I picked this link randomly and not as a specific endorsement. If you Google the product you will see that there are many places to purchase it, including the "big box" pet stores. The most important thing is, it must be fitted properly to work properly. Dogs take some time to adjust to it. Basically, it works on the same principle as a horse bridle. It has made a real difference for me and "Gracie" the strong and stubborn Lab.

Peace and love to all FOBs...

ANIMALS GOING TO HEAVEN

SOC, IT'S GREAT TO SEE YOU BACK TOO. LUV U

CHERYL G

####
CHRISTINE-
No, I was not offended at all.

Chris,

Thank you, I am here because of BARBARO and the horse slaughter bill.

I hope you have my e-mail, if not, let me know.

Bless all who loved Barbaro. Sleep well. All is well.

Socorro, please send it to:
rheingau64@yahoo.com

We are here for the Big Boss and each other.

So great to see you posting.

All,

As I sat in church yesterday and heard the comforting words of the 23rd Psalm, I could not help but think of our sweet Barbaro. I believe that God often uses the unlikeliest sources to reveals His wonders to the world.

Some would (and do) say that Barbaro was only a horse, but I think our brave boy was put on this earth to remind us of a very special truth. The parable of Barbaro is a parable about the power of love.

THE PARABLE OF BARBARO

On a fine spring day, sweet Barbaro was born. Even before his first breath, he faced a challenge for he was a strapping colt and his mother a small mare. Two pairs of helping hands helped Barbaro enter this world. And from that moment, Barbaro trusted in the power of love. He had faith that there would always be helping hands to guide him.

Young Barbaro faced challenges. The beautiful long legs on which he would become the forever undefeated Barbaro were a tad too long. While still a baby he pulled a tendon. Other colts might fuss and fume, but Barbaro patiently waited while another pair of helping hands put a split on his injured leg. And when he was asked to stay in his stall and allow the leg to heal, our sweet Barbaro did so without complaint secure in the knowledge that he was loved.

Barbaro never knew a single moment without love. He was lead to green pastures where he found still waters (and buttercups) to help him grow strong and beautiful. He was trained with love and care by Michael and Peter and hand fed treats by his Eduardo. He even had dear Messenger to be his special friend.

And Barbaro returned that love by doing everything he was ever asked to do. When he was asked to run a race he ran it with his heart and his soul, and he brought joy to millions. When Mom and Dad Jackson asked their special boy to win the roses he did it with joy (even though those silly roses made his nose stuffy.)

On that tragic day when dear Barbaro was injured, love appeared yet again. His dear Edgar could have abandoned him to instant death, but instead risk his own life to save Barbaro. His small helping hands supported the mighty Barbaro's weight until more helping hands could ease his pain. And again, Barbaro never wavered in his belief that someone loved him, that someone would help. Where other horses might rear and try to bolt, sweet Barbaro stood as still as a statue.

That's what captured the heart of America and the world. He believed in love, so we believed in love. We could not bear the thought of letting him down. He trusted in us to help. We prayed for him and sent him treats. We followed his ups and his downs. We stayed with him.

And Barbaro's trust was justified. We saw love personified in the care of Dr. Richardson and countless others. And when our boy walked through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, he did fear no evil for Dr. Richardson, Mom and Dad Jackson, and the Barbaro Nation walked with him.

And our sweet boy continues to teach us about the power of love. Love does not die. It endures all things. Our love for Barbaro and his for us continues to bring forth miracles. Countless horses will be saved from slaughter and maltreatment in his name. And we will defeat laminitis for him.

I believe our sweet boy is in the loving hands of God now, along with all of the other fur babies who have taught us the power of love.

########

Beautiful Lore. Barbaro did know he was loved.

Thank you, Lore. In this lifetime, his old soul was put on the earth as a horse. He has taught so many so much.

Just catching up on posts from today...I wasn't able to get on the computer till now, but was with everyone in spirit...good night.

Good night, sweet Barbaro. I don't know why, but I feel closer to you at night; maybe it has something to do with Laurie's tuck-ins, or just looking out at the night sky, so beautiful, just like you. I heard a precious lullaby recently, and it reminded me of you so much...

I see the moon
and the moon sees me.
The moon sees the somebody
I'd like to see.
God Bless the moon
and God Bless me
God Bless the somebody I'd like to see!

Love you always and forever. XOXOXOXO

#####
IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN "EASY WALK" (also a "Gentle Leader" brand), AND "GENTLE LEADER":

"GENTLE LEADER" HAS A STRAP OVER THE MUZZLE; I don't care for that; "EASY WALK" DOES NOT. ALSO, "EASY WALK" NEEDS NO SPECIAL TRAINING OR ADJUSTMENT TIME FOR DOG. IT WORKS IMMEDIATELY AS SOON AS YOU PUT IT ON DOG.

I use "Easy Walk" b/c I only want my dog to not pull me; I have no need for a strap over her muzzle. That is why I never bought the "Gentle Leader". I'm sure you can try both in the store, or maybe return one if you order both. If you don't really need directional control, then you would probably be satisfied with the "ease" of the "Easy Walk" harness.

I pasted the following definitions from www.doggy-gifts.com/And_More/Gentle_Leader_Easy_Walk_Harness_2

There are pictures on the website.

FREE SHIPPING on all US orders
The Gentle Leader® Headcollar features two soft nylon straps - the collar portion fits high at the top of the neck, and the nose loop fits loosely and comfortably across the base of the muzzle. Each strap has a distinct and important effect. The Gentle Leader is available in 11 colors (red, hot pink, deep purple, ice blue, royal blue, green, blaze orange, fawn, black, brown and silver). Choose the correct sizing Gentle Leader for your dog. Sizes include Petite for under 5 lbs., Small for 5-25 lbs., Medium for 25-60 lbs., Large for 60-130 lbs., and Extra Large for over 130 lbs.

Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness
FREE SHIPPING on all US orders
The Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness redirects the pressure through the front leash attachment. And, the patent pending martingale closure tightens slightly across the chest and shoulder blades when your dog attempts to pull forward. The Premier Pet Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness includes a quick snap buckle on both the shoulder and belly straps to make it easier to get the harness on and off your dog. The complementary color of the belly strap makes it easier to identify each strap, while keeping the overall look pleasantly color-coordinated. You can quickly see which strap goes over the shoulders, and which goes under the belly. The Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness is available in 6 colors (red, deep purple, royal blue, green, fawn, and black. Each color has a complimentary color on the belly strap.) Choose the correct sizing Gentle Leader for your dog. Sizes include Petite - girth adjusts from 12"-16", Small - girth adjusts from 15"- 20", Medium - girth adjusts from 20"-28", Medium/Large - girth adjusts from 22.5"-34", Large - girth adjusts from 26"- 36", and Extra Large - girth adjusts from 34"-46".

Thank you Hennegan brothers for #7. I never tire of looking at Barbaro's magnificence. Thank you so much for these clips...they are very precious to all of us.

I've already showed my husband the clip for your movie. He said it looks "great" and is really looking forward to seeing it too. Rest assured, I'm telling everyone I know to go see it when it comes out!

A week has already passed and the tears still run down my cheeks thinking about Barbaro and what might have been. I feel so bad for all his connections and what they must be going through. I've sent them my condolences in the mail. I'm glad for this message board, because there isn't many folks I know that care to talk about the sorrow and grieving that has come to us that love Barbaro and all he's done in his short life.

With all the tributes, fundraising for research, action by Congress for horses welfare, etc., I feel Barbaro is adding to his accomplishments and in a way bringing us a Triple Crown, though not one seen on the track, but one for the future welfare of horses, and one that's forever in our hearts. We must continue to remember him and all he's done. Web sites like this one and so many others out there will keep his memory alive. We can see to that.

Jerry of Grand Blanc, Mich.
PS: thanks Chris B. and Nancy of CT for welcoming me to FOB

I have posted here occasionally, but read it through out the day. I just want to say thank you to everybody associated with the love and care given to this beautiful horse and to you Alex for making this website available. I have never had any real interest in horses (being a center city Philly resident) other than occasionally riding while on vacation. I first became interested in the triple crown race when Smarty Jones ran and was crushed when he lost at Belmont. The interest continued with Afleet Alex (and the work with Alex's Lemonade Stand) and then, of course with Barbaro (the third horse with a "local" connection.) But more than that, there was something about him that drew me. When people say he was only a horse, my only response would be is Tiger Woods "only a golfer", or is Roger Federer "only a tennis player" or Peyton Manning (or Joe Montana) "only a football player?" He and they were much more, they were and are perfect athletes. The sad thing is that the humans mentioned were able to reach their potential, but Barbaro reached even further. He reached our hearts.

Good Night Barbaro - I love you.

Good Night to all FOBs.

####

Would someone please tell me where I will find the link to the 7th clip by the Hennegan brothers? I know I'm just missing it somewhere...

Thank you!

Barbaro, tears flowed for you today at 10:30am. Still missing you terribly and hoping you could hear all of us today. Long may you run brave boy and we will continue your fight.

## Horrible to read about the SH starting slaughter again and especially about the 100 or so horses that were caught in the pipeline. These foreign owned slaughter houses are so cruel, no response when the HSUS offered to take and care for all these horses that languished with little or no food or water for a week or two. This certainly is animal cruelty and they continue to get away with it.

I rescued 2 dogs this weekend that had no hope. A year old boxer and a little 8 week old puppy. It helped ease my sadness to save these 2 lives and they are so greatful.

Barb m in Florida

Hennegan Brothers
What a treat! The latest video is a real gem and just perfect for today!
Sublime performance ...indeed!
Thank you so very much! You have given us all quite a gift this past week. And in doing so, I hope you realize how much your work has helped to ease our pain from the loss of Barbaro! Many, many Thanks!
jan

Hay BDude, Big Dudette, and my lovely Princess Maizie!

Purrs and headbutts and kisses from Felix and Lizzie, the rumblekiddeeensinasoots

PS--I'll keep fighting if you will.
Love, Felix

Dear The Hennegan Brothers,

Thank you so much for sharing clip #7. I loved it. Barbaro is so alert and someone said his name and he was looking around for whoever said it.

Can't wait to see the entire film!

Yvonne in Las Vegas

#######
Lauir H..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOzQoeojShs

so sorry I spelled your name wrong..Laurie

Lore,

What you wrote is absolutely beautiful and heart warming!! You captured the essence of Barbaro so well. Thank you for writing.

Thank you, Loretta. I had my big German Shepard girl, Elly Mae, in puppy class a few years ago and I told the instuctor no to any lead that went over her muzzle. So many people, especially those with small kids, see that and not knowing better think you have a mean dog - the perception thing.

Lissa- I know. Barbaro was just like, "yeah, I know my name, I know I'm great, I'm gonna win!" Michael and Peter seem a bit anxious.

Hennegan Brothers

Thank you for another great clip. Bobby was very photogenic. Loved seeing him move in this last clip. What a walk he had.... and you've really captured a lot of different aspects of his personality. What a present your clips have been this week. It's really helped. Can't wait for the movie. Can't wait for the documentary either. Go get some sleep so you can work on them!

Goodnight FOB

Goodnight Hennegans

Goodnight Bobby.

Lore,

The Parable of Barbaro is beautiful and has me weeping. Hennegans thank you for sharing your footage of Barbaro with us the Barbaro Nation. I have been reading old Barbaro UPdates...amazing the interview way back when with Dr. R and the first surgery.

Barbaro Nation
Also some nice video of Barbaro before the 132 Derby... theres photos and video...:
http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2006/derby_coverage/derby_entrants/barbaro/

Thank you Hennegan brothers!!! I CANNOT WAIT to see the documentary!

Hi Jerry Peterson - tears still flow for our Bobby here, too.

Hello to all posters, new and old.

For Bobby's sake.

Hi Jerry..welcome

####

MJ,

Thank you sooo much! I am on my way there!
Thank you!!!

####

Lore,

Absolutely beautiful words you posted. What a gift you have. What a gift... we received.
Thank you.

Hennegan brothers,

Congratulations on getting in to the Memphis Film Festival...very cool indeed!

Good evening to my fellow FOBs,

Just wanted to share what my awesome hubby did for me tonight! He has been very sympathetic throughout the past week (he was a fan of our Bobby, but didn't follow him as closely as I have). Tonight he surprised me with an early Valentine's gift - a Barbaro fund hat from Horsehats!!! He said he ordered it last Monday and thought it would be a good remembrance for me. Also, he liked that it was going to such a great cause.

Of course I tried it on and started crying. Still can't believe that Barbaro is gone, but I do have faith that he is up there cavorting with our other equine angels!

Just wanted to share... Seems like Barbaro really brings out the best in all of us....

Alex - thanks again for all you do for this site! I'm still hoping to see some of the Fair Hill horses at either Laurel of Pimlico. Sorry that I missed The Kielbasa Queen this weekend. I'm sure she'll do much better her next time out!

Big hugs to everyone! Talk to you tomorrow!

Dear Hennegan Brothers,
Thank you for the wonderful clip 7 - a fitting tribute to Barbaro on this one week anniversary. I hope you are doing well tonight...

Dear Alex,
Thank you for being you - your transparency and your kindness toward us.

Dear FOBs,
Proud to be a member of this group.

Dear Barbaro,
Birthday carrots with Fog yesterday? And a good long run today. We miss you - especially seeing the trust you put in us humans. We won't let you down.

Good night all on this cold, clear, star-filled evening in Pennsylvania - not too far away.

Each night I find myself looking for the "tuck-in"and LaurieH you never disapoint, thank you. You bring tears to my eyes as does Cheryl Jones posts. You are both so talented, I wonder if you have published works?

I am having a hard time finding the equine heaven post tonight, can anyone direct me?

This morning after our moment of silence in honor of Barbaro, I did 2 things that made me feel better about Barbaro's passing. I sent my representative Daryl's booklet to try to convince him to vote for HR503. He did not vote for it in the last session. I talked to his aide and tried to let him know that I really wanted to change his mind. I am not an eloquent writer nor a persuasive speaker, but I am a believer in Barbaro. I was afraid to try, but I heard a clip from a movie last night of a father talking to his son. He said that a real loser is someone who never tries. If you try and fail, you are not a loser. That gave me confidence to try. We'll see what happens.

I also called our local race track and asked them if they would establish the Ferdinand fee. The person I talked to had never heard of it, but did a search and read up on it before he called me back. He said he would talk to the horsemen to see if it was something they would like to do. He thanked me and said that the track liked to support this kind of activity. I told him I was asking in Barbaro's honor. He said he just couldn't believe the widespread attention that Barbaro generated. I asked to let me know what was decided. We'll see what happens there as well.

BARB M IN FL-
God Bless You for rescuing those beautiful souls! Yes..I know they are grateful.

I bought my female Eskie, and she has an "attitude" -- she has NO idea how bad her life might've turned out had she not gotten me as her "mom". I've read that many Eskies wind up in shelters b/c they're headstrong, demanding dogs, and often people don't take the time to learn about them. They just see this cute, round, fluffy ball when they're puppies, but then are ready to dump them off at the shelter as soon as the dog grows up and gives them problems.

On the other hand, my AmStaff, whom I rescued from the street, just hours after someone in the neighborhood called Animal Control to have her picked up, is SO GRATEFUL! Animal Control told me that if they had gotten to her first, she would have been euthanized immediately, b/c she's a pit bull.

She was only about 6 or 8 mos. old when I got her, and the moment I brought her home (albeit in the garage first, b/c I didn't know her yet or how she would get along with my 2 Eskies), and gave her food and water... before she took one bite of food or drank one drop of water -- and I knew she was hungry and thirsty -- she looked up at me with those big brown eyes, and gave me a big lick! What a difference between HER attitude and that of my little Eskie!!

###

Patty in Sherman Oaks,

The Equine Heaven post was earlier today. Have you tried going to the EDIT section and then FIND to search for Equine Heaven?

I can look in the meantime....

And, Patty, thank you for you kind words. You always put a smile on my face.

Thank you Hennegan Bros. for Clip #7!

I was out of town this weekend, sure I missed lots of good links.

Bobby
Still missing you so much, good night magnificent horse!

####

Patty in Sherman Oaks,

Equine Heaven - here,

Posted by: Equine Heaven at February 5, 2007 4:57 PM

Barbaro:

You are addictive!

Good night Everyone. Sleep peacefully knowing that our Bobby is watching over us.

Lissa,
Found the picture. Thank you so much! Every time I think I have shed the last tear for the day...read some of the entries while there. How blessed I feel to believe with every fiber of my being that Barbaro is with the Lord in Heaven.
Elisabeth in CT

Patti,

The equine heaven post is timestamped 4:57 PM. I think it was in yesterday's post that it would be at 12 noon every day whch would make it a time stamp of around 5:00 PM. I look for it as well as Laurie's tuck ins every day. What a gift they both have.

I haven't had time to read the posts today - yet - but wanted to share Joe at TB Friends' words today. For those of you who are not familiar, TB (for "thoroughbred") Friends is a rescue ranch in Woodland, CA, a truly honest and humble down home, sincere operation with no profit motive, little sustaining funds but for the money Joe earns on other ranches, the salary his wife, Cathy, makes in her day job, and donations in services and funds from caring people - for about 110 rescued TBs from the track and off the slaughterhouse-bound trucks, from the killer pens and yearling overstock sales. He keeps a low profile so he can maintain contacts in the world where these horses are abandoned, and eschews recognition for his good deeds. Below is his post for today, which gives us all hope, and I know that many Barbaro friends learned of him here and continue to contribute to him in various, many unknown ways... so I wanted everyone to see how this is working. A group was even formed with the help of Barbaro's friends to help in any way possible, and they are now helping to fund the raising of a "mare motel" which was recently donated to Joe.

Below is part of Joe's encouraging post from today.

---------------

It is Monday, a new week, with more horses coming from the race track. Below on the right is a picture of just how crowded we are. 114 horses, and fences bulge. Over the weekend we said goodbye to Sting Ray and Paula. Star Of Miami has also been adopted, and he leaves soon. A recent arrival from the race track found a new home yesterday, but the hunter jumper trainer says please, do not write about this. Never before has there been this much action in January and February. Hopefully a sign of good things to come. We hear all the time how the horse market is depressed. The little cell phone rings and callers beg us to take their horses. But I truly believe a corner has been turned. Once again there seems to be excitement about horses. Dr. Ramos left us last year, and he has turned into a fantastic lesson horse. The owners of Dr. Ramos have been offered big bucks from another lesson barn. It turns out Wallet Lifter can jump a little. Wallet Lifter came to us from the race track two years ago with a puffy tendon. And he was recently resold for major dollars. So too was Sky Ride. Also Tiz Yours. Horses moving up the performance ladder. 2007 will be different. A buzz in the air...

Of course killers still phone with their list of needy horses. Feed lots remain full, especially with young horses. Livestock auctions are held in every major area. Much work still to do. A lady phones to say she would like three mares, because she just bought a stallion. I tell her sorry, but no. I tell the lady she should see the many young horses at feed lots who are sentenced to slaughter. A major thoroughbred breeding farm also phones. They too want an off the race track filly. Her name is Champagne Girl, and her value as a broodmare is high. The ranch offers decent money for Champagne Girl. I tell them no way, and naturally their reaction is grouchy.

Why on earth would a breeding farm contact a rescue ranch for broodmares? The term rescue ranch should be a big clue.

I wish public trips to killer pens were still allowed. Those who breed their mares could then see all the young faces.

14 yearlings from feed lots have new homes this year, and we continue to thank Gary Duncan and Brian Gill for providing the shipping. And also a BIG thank you to our readers, who opened their doors and hearts to young horses. Once again, 2007 will be different. It already is...

----------------

What I love about today's post is the recognition that more and more people are turning to these abandoned horses to enrich the lives of their new owners and to provide a different, new life path for these horses, many of whom have nothing but minor injuries - if that - but just couldn't make it at the track - and the yearlings were saved in great numbers and adopted out amazingly quickly after Joe sent out the information that a large number were destined for the slaughterhouse. Many of these horses are incredibly talented - who said the track was the limit of achievement? - and only need the opportunity and a little love with training to soar. And his point about breeding - !!! Could it be more clear...

He mentions Dr. Ramos - when I went to GGF's memorial for Lost in the Fog, I saw him run. And I also saw Fu Man Slew at that time, who also showed up at Joe's place. It sends a real message when a name is appearing in lights one weekend and showing up at the rescue ranch the next... It diminishes any romantic illusions at the track.

Anyone wishing to follow Joe's daily posting may do so by going to

http://www.tbfriends.com/index.php

I check it every day - it changes every day, and the past days' pages are not archived - just as I do TWR. My last donation to Joe said it was in honor of Barbaro, who led me to TB Friends. I find all these rescues, both TB Friends and all the others, sustaining and inspiring, and I again thank Barbaro for leading me through this world and opening my eyes. I, for one, will never be the same.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2007/02/05/saddled_with_a_nagging_feeling/

read more than just the first paragraph- it's an interesting view.

Hennegan Brothers thank you again!

Barbaro really loved the attention. He deserved it!

I love you Barbaro, Good Night

LORE-
THERE ARE NO WORDS...it's CAPTIVATING... INSPIRED...just like Barbaro. I'm a basketcase all over again, just when I thought I had a moment of distraction talking about dog harnesses... tears come out of "left field" and hit me smack dab in my heart...

DO send that to the Jacksons and to Dr. R.
But before you mail it, see if "Messager" is spelled "Messaging"...or maybe you wanted to put Messenger. It's late...I'm tired. FOBs, correct me if I'm wrong on that. Just wouldn't want it to get printed out wrong, Lore.

Thank you for that gift.

Alex sweet friend...it looks like another cold day for Tuesday. Please stay warm and may Hawty Creek have a safe and good race.
Thankyou always for all that you do for us.
Jenny

####
LORE-
My eyes are glazing over from lack of sleep. I spelled "Messager" in my post, but meant to replicate your spelling "Messenger", but still think his pal was spelled "Messaging". This is clear as mud -- right? LOL

To the Hennegan brothers:

I hope you will let us know if there are any other film festivals upcoming which we could encourage to show your film... you know us - we can get behind this, in a BIG way!

And I am so grateful you, of all people, can pursue a film about Barbaro specifically... you were there.

Thank you again for sharing these tidbits with us in the meantime.

Thank you LaurieH and Patty in Dallas. I just read the equine heaven post and the tears are still rolling down my face. Another talented FOB!
I am glad that I could put a smile on your face LaurieH, you are truly talented.

I am watching Wildfire as I write to all of you. A show about horses.

#
Yes, "Messaging" is the name of Barbaro's training buddy that Michael Matz rides.

###
BarbM
Congratulations on your 2 new additions. They don't know it yet, but they hit the jackpot with you as their Mom. I am soooo happy for you. BTW....Boxer is my dream dog. Maybe someday.....

Nancy in CT

CC's update (1/24/2007)
" He is available for adoption. The injury to right rear (tendon shealth rupture) will probably prevent him from being ridden. He did accept the saddle and cinching. CC and Stan get along well and play together. "

Jennifer from HSMO says emails will be sent in a few days to those who registered for emails with HSMO. Updates will be given and pictures will be included, two of the horses are being ridden. This is such good news!!

All,

Thank you so much for your kind words. And, Spirit Horse, thank you for catching my error. I will send the parable to the Jacksons and to Dr. Richardson. They have given us so much--I pray it provides them with some small measure of comfort.

Reading the words of love and wisdom on this board never fails to comfort me. Barbaro's legacy of love continues . . . .

Good night, dear friends.

Sweet dreams, dear Barbaro . . . .

Lore
Thank you for your beautiful post. It was so touching, and so true. He always knew love.

Horses were slaughtered today at the slaughter plant in Texas for a few hours before protesters outside halted it. Support H.R.503/S.311 (The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act) which was reintroduced into Congress today by goingto this site
and filling out the form and having the pre-written letter sent to your Senators and Reps. Do it now please !!!

Hennegan Bros, THANK YOU more tears, of course, but it is wonderful

Lore, beautiful piece. Thank you

chris beyer (I'm blonde too :)) thank you for your kind words, Susan too

Belinda, I lost my heart dog Buck, a 200# great dane, to osteosarcoma. I miss him so much. I'm so sorry for your loss. I've had two dobies, one black and tan, Bogart, and one blue, TC, both boys and both big baby boy sweethearts. One day, I'll adopt another, maybe a red girl or a fawn boy or girl. The rescue organization here is abundant with fawns. Most of them are deaf. Seems like a good reason to adopt one to me, doncha think?? :)

So many have written such great posts today. It's been a long day, sorry not to acknowledge them Ed in Nebraska, Paul, Joe, all you guys, new ones too, sorry to have omitted your names, it's great to have you. There is so much strength in numbers, and the warmth and support is so contagious.

Skyler, love you so much. CherylG, SURE you can come live with me. Wouldn't that be a blast? Do you think CO is ready for TWO of us??? Watch OUT!!

Rest well, everyone. Love and peace to all. My sweet bArbaro, I miss you and love you sooooooooooooooo much

Cheryl

Hi Everyone new and old: For those that have just jumped on board here is Barba's address (it is temperary and will be changing for awhile)...

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

OK I just heard from Sea Biscuit and Secreteriat and they told me they took the day off from up-dating their Celestrial computer system up there. They wanted to spend the day with all of us on Earth in our vigil with Barbaro. From what I understand, they will be working on it tomorrow. I am not sure if they will be finished with it tomorrow but I do know that they are going to work on it. I will keep you posted. I do have a toll free phone number for Barbaro that Seattle Slew gave me today. He is in charge of the phones. He will be setting up a home phone (when Barbaro finally does get settled) and a cell phone. Actually, they are building their own tower up there so the signal will be really good. Anyway here is the toll-free number for Barbaro at this time....

1-777-431-0129 As soon as Slew contacts me, I will know more about how to contact Barba.......

God Bless you all.....

Alex: yeah a direct link to your books on Amazon would rock...
Dr. R. You are so very special and you always will be.
Mr and Mrs J. Baby brother is really cute. I cannot get over those EYES.... :-)
Edgar. All of the horses love you and are honered to have you on their back.

Renee: I may get up in the middle of the night to to out and see if my peppermint candy is still in the car........
My apples dissapeard but that is OK cause Barbaro cleaned my house today, he knew I wasn't feeling very well......

Nancy..... Say whatever you want to, it is comforting to me and I am sure everyone else as well... Who cares if a word or two are not the same...... It is the "thought" that counts......

I am waiting for the third up-date on the Tripple Halo in the first leg of the Celestrial Derby..........

God Bless and Love to all................

Sweet Dreams my Angel........... I feel totally safe now that you are my angel and you always will be....... :-)

See you all tomrrow in this house that Barbaro built....... :-)

Oops I mean 1-777-429-0129

Sorry about that... I am really tired...... Yaaaawwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!

Love you ALL!!!!!!!!! Barbaro..... I'll hold you in my arms when I go to sleep as always... Please let me have some of the covers tonight OK? I am leaving the heaters off cause my electric bill is skyrocketing...... :-)

### Laurie
I looked and looked through the posts tonight until I found your goodnight tuck-in. I have looked forward to them for so long, and they are even more comforting now than before. I pray that Barbaro and Hope and all our dear ones are warm and safe and tucked-in tonight. I hope you take care of yourself, too, because you are so very special and dear to us.
Kathy

Good night, Angel.

Thanks for sending some of your pure white "track dust" to me again today!

Joe,

Thank you so much for providing that link to the ASPCA! It was so easy to send off that letter.

Everyone, if you haven't yet done so, ">you must click on this link and just fill in the fields and click 'send.' It uses your address that you provide and automatically sends to your state senators/reps. You don't even have to write anything, the letter is already written, but there is a place where you can add your own words if you want. Please, do it for Barbaro, if not for yourself!