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

It is rainy and cold in Maine this morning, perfect weather for a return to work after a week's vacation!

I have not seen the replay of the Florida Derby but look forward to watching it at work. It sounds as if Chelokee was impressive again and just ran out of track. I trust in Michael and his team to make the right decisions for his future.

My task this week is to get Maine's one legislator who has not co-sponsored to do so. No reason he shouldn't!

Off for more coffee. Alex, thank you and take care!

Marg
I get it!
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

First Saturday in May 2007

The 133rd Running of the Kentucky Derby

The twin spires of Churchill Downs still silhouette the Louisville skyline

The crowd will be large

The festivities week long

They will come from all walks of life

Rock stars and country music legends

Athletes and movie stars

Sheikhs from foreign lands and red neck country boys

The Queen of England and ladies of the evening

Bourbon will flow and spirits will be high in more ways than one

A mint julep in a silver cup

Hats of every color and size

From the most elegant designers to baseball caps

Designer dresses and cut off jeans

Armani suits and tank tops

Handmade Italian leather shoes and flip flops

Nothing quite matches the Ky Derby

A great day at the races

The infield crowd will be wild and drunk and loud and fun and none of them will see a horse!

Robyn, do you remember the infield ?

Everything will be the same and everything will be different

Martita, what about the heart of the matter.

Where will our hearts be ?

Be sure not to miss it

For we who have been called WILL see

When the horses take the final turn

Look ahead!

The Bay is back!

He has searched the crowd and sees his mom in the charcoal suit and black hat

He pulls out, fluid motion, four hooves, none touching the ground

Flying without wings

Fierce grace, muscles rippling, coat gleaming

The pink saddle cloth #8

The blue and green silks of Lael stables

DO you see?

Mike C we await the call

We are in that time of here and there, this world and the other side

We hear again it’s all Barbaro

We witness the Zen of of horseracing

Edgar astride the ride of his life

The horse of his life

They cross the finish line jubilantly

The wide smile of the man from Peru

We are, without realizing, on our feet

Screaming

This is our moment

Forever in time

The Race

Welcome to the Light.

This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine,

Good morning Alex, Marg and everyone

It's bright and sunny here, though there is a cold wind. I always think spring is here once we get to this week - the Masters at Augusta, then the University Boat Race and the Grand National in the next couple of weeks. All my heralds of spring seem to be of the sporting variety.

It's good that Invasor is well. Our Sir Percy has a few cuts after his race - the Classic. His trainer says he was struck into at least 3 times and that the race was rough at the start. He thinks 14 runners may have been too many. Still, Sir Percy ran pretty well considering everything, and will I think be at the Lambourn open Day on Friday along with Fondmort.

Hope everyone has a good weeek.

Rosie is such a prankster! Pulling a low alert for NOTHING!!! I knew I'd be safe to get some sleep and not miss anything. I'm onto her. However, her prank did get some more picks to be entered and the pool is now up to $1290!! Only 2 more picks to get it up to $1300. You can get to the pool here.

Here are today's contenders:

4/2
1:00am Barbarolvr
3:29am BarbaroRules
3:37am Marky423

I hope everyone has a great day. I'm going to be making my calls. We still have work to do to end slaughter for good.

Finally I get to spend an entire week at home!

####
Liz, I too use sporting events to signify spring! The Masters is always one of them. Which reminds me, I've got to get into that pool today at work!

Good morning Alex, I sure hope your leg is doing better. Thanks for all you do.

Good morning FOB's.

Harriette, Excellent! Your best work to date. Sends shivers down my spine.

Moring Fans of Barbaro....

Rosie is lying down.... I have NO CLUE what that means.....

#Alex... You up-dates ROCK......

Everyone else..... Hope you Monday is productive and good........

#Cheryal... Butters got a turkey dinner last night... I am going to a organic store today and getting her something. I'll be around the house till about 10 my time this morning so if you have any ideas please let me know.....

Blessings Nina............

We all need to start spreading flyers and stuff so that we can get these horses rescued that are not going to be slaughted Thank God.....

Cheers

I'll make an on-line one and if you guys like it you can download it and use it...

### Morning, Cal..thank you!!! are you ready for the BIG GAME tonight!!!

Hey I have never seen Rosie on her side like this..... Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm could it be???????????????????

Cheers

Harriette...thank you so much...I sooo wish we could go back to that moment and I could wave a magic wand but that was not his destiny....how could I change it ??? ALL the lovely souls that have been saved because of him !! It is selfish of me to even think it...Surrounded by light forever illuminated...he was purity and grace personified....now here we all are in this moment sharing HIS LIGHT...trying so hard to be worthy...
TODAY..is another day !! Barbaro I will try harder Sweet Boy but you are a tough act to follow....

Barbaro Nation ...keep phoning and faxing those senators and congressmen ....WE NEED THOSE BILLS PASSED!!! It's not over yet!!! We don't want them rising like a pariah from the ashes.....HUGS to ALL!!! Do it for OUR BOY....

Harriette,

I think I'm ready. I've reserved the best seat on the couch, (that's if my 85 Lb. Basset Hound isn't sitting there) and I have all my junk food ready.

Should be a good game.

GO BUCKEYES!!!!!

Morning all. God bless Barbaro. Thanks Alex

Chelokee on Kentucky Derby bubble after third-place finish

After a third-place finish in the Florida Derby on Saturday, the chances of Chelokee, right, making the Kentucky Derby field are in doubt.

By Tom Pedulla, USA TODAY
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. — If Thoroughbred trainer Michael Matz chose to curse his racing luck, no one would blame him. He had the misfortune to watch Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro take a horrible misstep in the early strides of last year's Preakness Stakes and suffer a catastrophic injury to his right hind leg.

Matz has the good fortune this year to work with another promising 3-year-old in Chelokee. But he had the bad luck Saturday of watching as jockey Ramon Dominguez was forced to check the son of Cherokee Run inside just as he was primed to run down eventual winner Scat Daddy in the $1 million Florida Derby.

"Things happen for a reason," the trainer said wistfully after Dominguez told Matz the best horse did not win.

He will never forget Barbaro or the fact the colt was taken away so swiftly. And he might long lament the Florida Derby outcome, for Chelokee's third-place finish accounts for all $100,000 of his graded stakes earnings. If history is an indication, that will leave him approximately $50,000 shy of qualifying for the Kentucky Derby's 20-horse field.

"I don't think third will be good enough to qualify on the graded earnings," Matz said, adding, "We know we're right on the bubble."

Another trainer would be sorely tempted to squeeze in one more start in a graded-stakes race in order to reach Churchill Downs on May 5. Not Matz.

"If we would put another start in him," he said, "what would we have left for the Derby?"

In testing stakes company for the first time after an allowance victory, Chelokee showed he has too much ability to do anything that might set him back.

"That was a big jump up, and we know he can fit with those horses," Matz said. "I'm pleased with him.

"It's a long year. He's getting better with each start

Hiya, FsOB! Isn't tonight the full moon? Maybe that will help Rosie. I heard on TV about Edgar P.'s decision to put his saddle, used in the Derby, up for auction to help injured horseracing workers. Isn't EP simply the best? If only all athletes had so much integrity!

#### To Harriette: What a lovely poem this AM.

To Liz in the UK: I would love to see the University Boat Race some day. It must be grand!

To CJ: Great e-mail to Anderson Cooper on behalf of the Cavel horses.

Now I need to rejoin the "real world" post-vacation and head to RI in the rain. Peace, RMH ####

Morrning Alex and FOB's -
Thanks, Alex, for all your continued efforts to keep us informed.

I was moved by the article on Edgar Prado. Barbaro's saddle has to have great meaning to him. Yet, he's "paying it forward" and letting it go to help others in need. What a tremendous man! What a kind man...

Now is the time to really keep the heat on regarding our calls, faxes, e-mails and letting everyone know how important it is to ban the slaughter. Though the houses of hell seem to be stumbling at this point, the transporation needs to be ceased. Please keep the focus to get this accomplished for beloved Barbaro, for his brothers and sisters.

Pam

Remember that the House and Senate are on vacation. Many will have townhall meetings back home, so we can still call them.

Alex,
I am so excited about seeing the First Saturday in May!

Good Monday Morning FsOB

I'm running a bit late today. Mondays are not good days.

I'm so sorry I missed the races this weekend. They must have been so exciting. I Haven't even had time to watch the replays.

Good Luck to Shelley A. and Alibi today! I hope I can cheer him to a win. I'll be at work so I'll have to ask my boss for permission.

Let's all make our calls, emails, faxes, letters or whatever to get the horse anti slaughterhouse legislation passed.

Have a great day all!!

Janice
A forever FOB

Good Morning Everyone

CNN is going to have a piece on Barbaro's saddle going for auction after the break they are now in.

Sharri

CNN is going to air the story of Edgar donating the saddle to charity. Coming up soon
jan

####
Nina and All,
I,too, had been working on pulling together a brochure to hand out but felt in the end it might lack the necessary authority and appear to be one person's opinion - also I was concerned about what pictures I might be able to/not be able to use. In the end, I learned of a brochure available from www.saplonline.org in one of the forum chat rooms. I ordered 150. There is no charge and you can order as many as you want.

I have only two issues with them. One is that they don't include information on H.503 and S.311, so I created labels to stick on the front of each brochure which updates on the slaughterhouse closings and the urgent need to contact Congress and also links to www.saploneline.org to get the latest updates and learn more about the issue. The second issue is that the cover reads "Horse Slaughter in large print and "Animal Welfare Institute" in small print. At first glance it might appear to some people that the literature is promoting horse slaughter!

As of Friday I have handed them out at my vet's office, two local post offices, a local coffee shop, my office (100 employees) and yesterday at Petco. The latter said as long as it was animal-related I could post it. The manager then took one of the brochures and as I explained to her what was going on she started to cry which brought employees over and the message continues to be spread. Everyone I have asked permission of to post them (I used a take-one format) has been very supportive and appreciative!

On my way to work this morning I am hoping I will have to refill the envelopes at the post office, the coffee shop and the office. I keep a batch at my front door to hand out (the painter last week, parents of my kids' friends, etc.) and in my car (to hand out to individuals or in the take-one envelope). I am planning on distributing as many more as I can after work today.

This is not to discourage you from creating your own informational handout -- in doing the research in an attempt to create my own it helped me to understand it all better. But in the meantime, you might find the SAPL brochures helpful.

Have a great day eveyone!

Goodmorning Barbaro Nation....

As you all are aware we had a great victory on Friday. BUT...please know this was and is only a battle that has been won. In order to keep them closed forever and protect our horses from harm we MUST achieve the ultimate success...the passing of the bills. The people in Cavel are still attempting to get a stay granted..so please keep your calls and e-mails going. We must not sit back now. We must take advantage of this momentum!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BE POLITE WITH THE PERSON ON THE PHONE.

May our horses soon find forever sunshine and freedom from harm.

BARBARO ALIVE AND WELL IN OUR HEARTS

Good Morning FOB’s

UPDATE ON CONGRESS……

The Senate is in recess and will return on Tuesday, April 10. We currently have 23 co-sponsors. It is important to remember that their offices are still open and the aides will still be keeping a tally of the calls.

The House is in recess and will return to Washington on April 16. However, they will be working in their Districts from now until April 13. Most of them have offices that are close to you because they represent your district…..this would be a GREAT time to visit their local offices and ask for their support. We currently have 138 co-sponsors in the House

With recent developments in Texas and Illinois, it is a perfect time to impress on them the importance of passing this legislation NOW. The federal ban is more urgent than ever. We want to ensure that these horses are protected from slaughter -- not sent to Mexico or Canada for slaughter. And we want to pass this law BEFORE the slaughter houses have time to find loopholes and re-open. It is important to let everyone know that just because they are closed now, the problem has NOT been solved and our horses are still facing the horrors of being transported for slaughter.

Please call on your OWN congressman and senators and urge them to co-sponsor these bills.

For the Daily Call List, please click on Alex’s link where you will find the names and numbers for today.

Please remember, this list does NOT take the place of calling your own representatives.

Thanks and have a great day
Shelley and Debra

Barbaro:

You are with us, but you live on the other side.

Do you know how much we love you?

We miss not having you on this side living with us, but you exist over there on the other side.

I am sorry to be so selfish and wish you to still be here, but you are now winged and flying and frolicking and winning races and all the things you did best while you were on this side.

Missing you and loving you.

Elsa

Good Morning Sweet Barbaro in Heaven!

Rosie still pregnant, after your April Fool's joke on us .... LOW ALERT indeed! :)

Shelley thanks for the update. Will keep calling, faxing and e-mailing.

For Barbaro, for Fitch, for Apache for all the horses.

Ro & Brady

Alex, Thank you for linking me to the Thoroughbred Times article. It was great to see them putting out a story related to HS. The last paragraph alone is worthy of faxing and emailing or just reciting to the aides. Wonderful Article.

### Harriette, I've never been to the KY Derby...until today. Thank you. I too had chills and the "if only" in the back of my mind.
Thank you for the greatest trip I've never made.

### It's the Cincinnati Red's Opening Day, the sun is shining, not a cloud in the sky, the big opening day parade... And All I Can Think About Is Getting This Ban Passed.
I can't wait for the day, I NEVER have to think about this again.

Good morning & love to ALL.
Verna

Have no clue how my name got blue! Don't bother to click on it, nothing will come up! LOL

Ro & Brady

***REPOST***

Hi Everyone!

Just started the Easter for the NBC Staff. Since they have a couple of breakfasts already lined up, I decided for EASTER BASKETS for the staff and the Donor Horses to share with the animals in Sick Bay.

Just call Kennet Florists and let them know your contribution is for the Easter Baskets for NBC.

Ro & Brady

Barbaro, Miss you and love you.

#########
I think it is wonderful Edgar is auctioning off his red/white special saddle to aid horsemen.
This is a subject overlooked quite a bit and should be addressed.
If anyone wants to see what jockeys go through, find the documentary "Jockey". It is very upsetting that these athletes are virtually forgotten when they become sick or retire.
Look at Chris Antley, he saved Charismatic's life, yet he died too young and no one could save his life. I hope this wonderful effort brings to the forefront the fact that help is needed and necessary.
Love to Family,
Susan
Pen, Roy

####Verna, I have been twice to the KY Derby and it is everything I descibed and more. My husband will be at the Red's opening game today!

I agree, we must get the bill passed

Why should man expect his prayer for mercy to be heard by What is above him when he shows no mercy to what is under him? ~Pierre Troubetzkoy

Good Morning Alex, all FOBs. Thanks Alex for the HS article about Illinois's slauther house. God help us all to close that!
What a day of racing Saturday! I was so touched and happy to see the Barbaro commercial being aired during the races, made me sad, but glad they are advertising for such a great cause.
Everyone have a beautiful day.
We miss you Barbaro.
Robin

####
HARRIETTE!!!
i need another cup o joe after that post of yours today. THE BEST YET...thank you SO much. wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. For any that missed it: 11:39am 4/2
######
NINA!
Talk to your VET about what to feed your beloved cat...best source right now because everyone is asking them the same questions about diet in the face of this dreadful issue with so many animal foods.
#####
ROSIE:
Oy. Poor Stephanie.....
#####
Edgar:
His heart is so big. If he did nothing else than his little secret, quiet trips down to visit Barbaro at NBC--no desire for PR or media attention--I would love him just for that. The picture of B asleep on Edgar's shoulder....
nothing else to say, except: love, trust, partnership.
#### Doesn't matter that the politicos are on break...argh: Clinton has raised a record-breaking amount of campaign funds. No wonder she's never in her office. I am after her to co-sponsor again. They will get so sick of my voice....poor Aides.
####
Must feed the greys now. Spent the weekend parenting my big PR job with the Spring dog show cluster here in Syracuse, gnashing my teeth and picking up a winter's worth of poop in the turnout yard. Thank god for my good friend who thinks nothing of popping in her car and driving from Albany to help.
####
It's another day to get it right, people...be kind, life is short. life is precious...we are The Nation. Nothing can stop us.

Chris Antley: yes. Yes. I saw that breakdown too...He would NOT let Charismatic put that foot on the group. This small man, holding that huge leg in his hands...

In fact that's what I immediately flashed back to when Prado threw himself off B and held onto him at the Preakness, became his 4th leg...

was it Gary Steven who said "Everytime I go out there, I'm risking my life...." These guys have struggled for decades to get a break...

Good morning, everyone!
I can't check the posting too much today, so please post if Rosie has her baby, please!

Alex, thanks for the Dubai updates! Florida Derby was bittersweet, remembering Michael Matz and Barbaro.

Cal...I also have a 80-something lb. Basset Hound! I know the feeling of a dog hogging a seat!!!

I'm selling those "Riding with Barbaro" bracelets at our local track soon. More money for our fund!!!

Everyone, enjoy your day!

I See Rainbow Roses, Red Roses, Pink Roses, Blue Wristbands..The Colors Of The Rainbow. The Angels Of Love At The Derby.

Beautiful Tributes To Angel Barbaro. Affirmed.

So Beautiful Words Angel Harriette.

Looking forward to meeting everyone at Barbaro's Birthday in Delaware. I do not post much but like to read and keep up with all that is going on. It is another Monday without him. See you all. Carol

Good Morning All

How's the leg today Alex?

Richard Rosenblatt replaces STORMELLO with CHELOKEE in his derby top 10 hopefuls

'Chelokee, who ran third, has an outside chance to make the field but graded stakes earnings will come into play if more than 20 horses are entered."

Easter Baskets: Barbaro Is Inside Of The Basket. Living Angel. That He Is Inside Dr. R.'s Basket And In Ours.

I Get It Banners: Rainbow Letters. The Signs Appear At NBC.

You Are The Angels Who Bring The Love.
I Believe In Miracles.Affirmed.

I Believe In You.

It Is Love.It Is So.Affirmed.

Food Morning Family Of Barbaro
APN for Rosie...Another Pregnant Night
April Fools on us.
I was at MHR Friday night and Saturday. You know how they say TV puts 10 pounds on you. Not so with "Her Heiney". She's much bigger in person. I want to take a knitting needle and pop her. Stephanie was brushing her butt and Rosie kept leaning in for more. Those 2 have quite the bond. Got to work with my boy Cloud in the round pen, gave treats and visited with all the horses, worked a bit around the ranch, and groomed some horses. Can't wait to return this weekend.

#####
MJ - thanks for the article, I didn't see it earlier.

I'm glad Michael Matz has more cool than I do. It does feel like another "wonder what might have been" situation.

Could Chelokee be entered in the Preakness even if he doesn't go to the Derby? I don't understand how this works.

########
Smitty,

I was wondering the same thing. Maybe the Barbaro Stakes which will be run the same day? That would be great if Michael won that!

I have been lighting candles for Barbaro all morning.

Equine Heaven: Who Is Coloring The Easter Eggs ?
Who Is A Good Artist ? Wake Seabiscuit at 2p.m. He Will Be Ready To Help. He's Thinking Some Ideas For The Colors. Barbaro Loves The Easter Baskets.

Angel On Earth: Smarty, The Artist Paints. He Paints The Rainbows On Paper. He's Talented.

Affirmed.

###
Morning FOBs,
Just finished Shelley Mickel's book. It was great, but you cry from start to finish. Actually writing this through tears. I just wonder if the day will ever come when I can read anything on Barbaro without tears. I have a whole pile of things and the book was the first I managed to get through. I know you all understand. God bless you all.
Debbie in Ohio

*****NOTICE: CBER HORSES, 2 have possibilities to be saved!

at Columbia Basin Equine Rescue the slaughter truck is arriving today- of the very large number of available horses, it looks like only two have a possibility of being saved- Glamour http://www.columbiabasinequinerescue.org/DEF-HorsesProfile.asp?HoID=674 needs $625 and quarantine fees at last count and has a foster home available if her bail is met. Rose http://www.columbiabasinequinerescue.org/DEF-HorsesProfile.asp?HoID=667 needs $450 and quarantine fees at last count. A foster home is likely to be available to Rose, as an individual has offered to foster any horse whose bail is met. They have until approx. 10am today.

If you want to donate for either of these horses, please **FIRST** contact either CreeksideAQHA@aol.com (for Rose's donations) or AvalonMistFarm@msn.com (for Glamour's donations) informing them of your intentions and asking if there is still time. The deadline for these two horses is so soon that it would be unfortunate if donations were made in their names after they had already shipped. Again, please contact the above named individuals FIRST if you have any donations to spare. THANK YOU!

Love,
a CBER supporter
(please contact the above named representatives for more information. Love ya)

Spring is here. The practice rounds at the Masters is in full swing - traffic was terrible coming into work this morning. It's nine weeks since we lost our beloved Barbaro. I still miss him so much.

On a happier note, I was fortunate to be able to visit the South Carolina facility of Pure Thoughts this past Saturday and got to see Abercrombie. He was with Uncle Buck and still seems a little wary of people - not very surprised at that, though. I saw the cutest nurse mare foals and wish I could take one or two home, but I'm not set up yet. All the horses there were very nice and they have a beautiful place. The view is wonderful. The new fencing is very sturdy. It's just too bad that they have to spend much needed funds on better fencing and security than on necessaries for the horses. What a world, huh?

I have a pasture that I am going to be working on this spring. There are some small trees that I'm going to take down and put in some seed. What kind of grass would be best for a pasture? I'm thinking Bermuda but am not sure. Any advice would be welcome.

Have a great day everybody. I'm off to light a candle for Barbaro.

Proud to be an FOB!!!
I GET IT!!

***PS: the CBER horses have until approx. 10am WEST COAST TIME before shipping, very important detail!

My beautiful Barbaro,
Nine weeks ago we had to say goodbye to you. You are in my heart every minute of the day. I still miss you so much. We are trying to do our best down here to help your equine siblings have a better life. I know you are with us in spirit and you are helping to guide us in our endeavors. Please watch over Rosie and all others needing a little extra attention today. I love you.

###
Smitty: Hello to another Brooklynite! I grew up in Saratoga but now live in Brooklyn Heights. Long commute for you, no, from Flatbush to Brooklyn Heights? The #3 train, right? I take it you no longer hail from the Borough of Churches?

Teresa

Smitty,
Chelokee could be entered in the Preakness or the Belmont without being in the Derby IF he qualifies (stakes wins, money).

For Preakness:
Although the Kentucky Derby allows up to 20 starters, the Preakness only allows a maximum field of 14. The Derby has the simple rule of graded stakes earnings to determine who can enter, with preference given to original nominees over any supplements. The Preakness uses a three-tiered process to decide who can get in the field if more than 14 are entered. The first seven positions are determined by graded stakes earnings as in the Derby. The next four slots are given to the top earners overall minus anything earned in a restricted race. The final three positions are given to the horses with the most earnings regardless of the type of race

Which is why I got so upset with Birdstone coming in fresh and beating my Beloved Smarty Jones! I know Nick Zito said "I wanted to win the Belmont, but not this way, not beating Smarty", but nevertheless, Birdstone was not in the Derby or Preakness. Nick and Kim Zito are nice people, but seems like a little Smarty bad luck is going on there, he (Nick) hasn't had much luck recently and I hope that changes for him.

Love to Family,
Susan
Penny, Roy

Thinking of you, Champ.

Jo at TB Friends

Joke pulled on Jo :)

Slaughter plants close, and Killer Buyers asking for more money. I do not get this!

***Jonna, thank you, high praise coming from you!

***Dee, Barbaro is our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow

OK,

Just lit some candles for Barbaro. He has about 1,560.

Ro & Brady

##

Good morning everyone,

Remember to take every opportunity to call your representatives, plus the contacts on today's call list.

Robyn, welcome back! I bet 'Kita is glad mom and dad are home!

Shelley, good luck today with Alibi.

Good morning, all!

9 weeks today--at random, I pulled out a new candle to light and it, too, was lilac like the first one. Barbaro, I miss you so much.

What a wrenching time of year this must be for everyone connected with him. So many memories.

Alex, thanks for all the articles. Will make my calls now.

Love you Barbaro!

Lets see if Scat Daddy is one of the top Derby favorites and Edgar after riding him said that Barbaro was the best horse he ever rode....

Peter said Chelokee can not even be compared to Barbaro and Chelokee's jockey said the best horse didn't win the Florida Derby...

Nithing against this years crop of horses, but Barbaro was a once in a life time horse. Ok, crying again.

####
Theresa

It was the D train (BMT) Left Bklyn in '73 for Seattle. Now living outside beautiful Quilcene, Washington home of the famous Oysters. See the 4-H videos below
QUILCENE'S FAMOUS OYSTERS

Say hi to Montague Street for me. And of course, the Promenade.

###
Susan W
Thanks for the detailed explanation of the Preakness/Belmont. Sounds like he still wouldn't have enough earnings to qualify for either (sniff)

Too funny Alex
The horse flicked its left ear and the rider fell off! you have to watch out for the ear flicks!

Alex:
best of luck and a safe run tomorrow for Who's Happy....
Glad to know your leg is better.

So Beautiful Angel Harriette. Angel Barbaro Lives In Your Heart.

The Heart Of The Rainbow.

Affirmed.

Good Morning Fans of Barbaro!

Harriette, wonderful descriptive of Derby Day - you got it on the nose ! And a great remembrence of Barbaro's Derby WIN ! Luv it !

I will be there this year to remember our champ, to recall his victory at Churchill Downs that First Saturday in May 2006 !! His unforgetable Run for the Roses !

I will be dressed in the Lael colors and will take my Fans Of Barbaro sign that I took to the Breeder's Cup - I met Edgar there and he signed it! I will represent Barbaro and the FOBs

Alex, thanks for all the great links to a very busy racing weekend! Wow Invasor!

Congrats to Edgar on my boy Scatt Daddy!

FOBS Continuing Babaro's legacy ! Barbaro's spirit lives on... Horse Slaughter- it's a no no !

Wishing all a good week ! Happy Easter !

##

Good to hear your morning went well Alex and that your leg is better.

I will try to get to our local track tomorrow to place a wager on Who's Happy. We need more donations to the laminitis fund! Tell her to do well (and stay safe) so her winnings can go to a good cause.

BARBARO,
Just needed to tell you how much your missed. Monday mornings are toughest - you’re still in our thoughts and prayers 24/7.
Getting closer to Derby Day intensifies the feelings and brings back so many memories.
The number 8? That’s easy. You’re the 8th wonder of the world “B”. This country will never be the same since you. Thanks for the inspiration. You continue to remind us of all that is good in life.... Run Bobby, run...

ALEX,
so glad your leg is feeling better. Question for you??? Is NoBiz your Derby horse? I may have missed that.

SHELLEY A,
Good luck with Alibi's race today!!

REPOST
Good Morning FOB’s

UPDATE ON CONGRESS……

The Senate is in recess and will return on Tuesday, April 10. We currently have 23 co-sponsors. It is important to remember that their offices are still open and the aides will still be keeping a tally of the calls.

The House is in recess and will return to Washington on April 16. However, they will be working in their Districts from now until April 13. Most of them have offices that are close to you because they represent your district…..this would be a GREAT time to visit their local offices and ask for their support. We currently have 138 co-sponsors in the House

With recent developments in Texas and Illinois, it is a perfect time to impress on them the importance of passing this legislation NOW. The federal ban is more urgent than ever. We want to ensure that these horses are protected from slaughter -- not sent to Mexico or Canada for slaughter. And we want to pass this law BEFORE the slaughter houses have time to find loopholes and re-open. It is important to let everyone know that just because they are closed now, the problem has NOT been solved and our horses are still facing the horrors of being transported for slaughter.

Please call on your OWN congressman and senators and urge them to co-sponsor these bills.

For the Daily Call List, please click on Alex’s link where you will find the names and numbers for today.

Please remember, this list does NOT take the place of calling your own representatives.

Thanks and have a great day
Shelley and Debra

Posted by: ShelleyA at April 2, 2007 1:11 PM

***Skyler, good to see you here, how is mom and joe the horse!! who is going to be our next coach at UK????

Good Morning Barbaro

Good Morning Fans/Family...

Forgive me, wide open here at work...I know all of you are fine and dandy...love to all.

Good Morning Alex and Fans of Barbaro

Beautiful and comforting words from Harriette and Dee. Thank you both.

In memory of Barbaro, I have just made arrangements to sponsor a retired Ontario thoroughbred! Maybe some Canadian racing fans will remember him. His name is Major Zee. I have received a copy of his registration paper which states he was bred by Knob Hill Farms, foaled Mar. 27/93 by Day jur out of Zadracarta by Bold Ruckus. He is a dark bay and and raced until the age of 13. According to his foster "mom" he is quite sound despite all his racing and has an amazing personality. This is all completely new to me - my experience lies with breeding and showing miniature schnauzers but I am SO excited and honored to be able to help out in Barbaro's honor!

My donations have gone in to various projects organized by FOB and candles have been lit for all the horses in memory of our wonderful Barbaro.

I now await the arrival of Christian's postcards.

If any of the Canadian FOB have information on horse slaughter in this country, please direct me to information so that I may help out here.

I believe Barbaro runs with angels and I miss him so!

Good Morning everyone.

Get well soon, Discreet Cat.

New Update!!! www.equine-heaven.com

I was having a terrible morning at work until I saw " the horse flicked its left ear and the rider fell off." I burst out laughing. Good thing no one was walking by the door. I know they already question my sanity.....Thanks ,Alex. That brightened my day. Glad your leg is improving.

##

Hi Harriette!

Access today at work which is rare anymore but great! We'll see how long it lasts!

Mom is good, as is Joe. How is Scout and Lady?!

My nephew is getting married next month so Mom and I are planning a shower for his bride-to-be. She's having two other showers but ours will be unusual. Here goes:

We'll be hosting a Bridle Shower (not Bridal) at the barn where Joe is. Lawn chairs for the guests, a portable picnic table, carrot cake and I'm still working on what to serve for the luncheon. Any ideas?? About 15 guests total I believe. Joe will have his gift wrapped up and placed near his stall for Kari (my future neice) to find as she goes around and sees the horses. Each horse will present her with a little something, but Joe's gift will be the best. He's getting her two 2007 Kentucky Derby wine glasses with a gift card nestled in each glass. One Amex gift card the two of them can use anywhere and the other will be a gift card for the local grocery store. Joe's giving them a hint with that card....carrots please!!

I think I last heard Billy Donavon from Florida will get that job. Go Cats!

*** Oh, the bridle shower sounds like so much
fun!!! Scout the paint and Lady the quarterhorse want to come..me too!!!

Christian! Could you please re-post your directions for the postcard mailings?! Please. (Don't yell at me....)
Rain and mud here this morning so plenty of time to address and stamp things. Almost half way through the day....hang in there all.

Hey, did the banner go up at NBC yet? That pix of Dr.R and Jeannine smiling was wonderful. How we love our Vets,,,,here and there at NBC. They walk on water when we aren't looking.

Harriette: we are on the edges of the Onondaga Nation, a powerful matriarchy and--to my mind--conservative part of the old Iroquois confederacy. Their influence is much felt by many of us. Joann & George Shenandoah and her very talented family are also here...when she isn't recording or touring...we are lucky.

But the reason I am babbling is to tell you that your name has always moved me. Brillianthawk. How amazing. Have a fine day. And thanks again for the lovely wake-up call this morning.

###Donna R. hello fellow Canuck, what a nice tribute to Barbaro. Regarding horse slaughter here in Canada, we have a contact here in Ontario, Shelley Grainger, who is very knowledgable about the issues here. I can give you more information if you want to post your e-mail address here.

Have a good day.

Judy

Congratulations to two of our very talented posters this morning...Harriette for "First Saturday in May 2007" and Syler for the BRIDLE shower - in both cases, I wish I could be in attendance!

Blessings eternal, Barbaro!

Nancy

###Alex, thanks for the laugh this morning. Sounds like his Monday wasn't going very well.

I hope Hawty gets to run again soon.

Judy

######
Jonna
Hey, did the banner go up at NBC yet?

We do not know, was hoping Alie are Rachel would post with the pictures. Waiting.

Tonight will be a full moon, someone tell Rosie!
Right now she has her head in the feed bucket.

Good Morning Famblee

trying to catch up, so just kind of skimming. Thank you Alex, as always. New life principle. Watch out for ear flicks! They will send you flying every TIME! Hope the rider is okay. Hope your leg is okay. Thank you for ALL the fantastic information over the weekend.

###Harriette Outstanding. Definitely one of your best. Thank you.

###LaurieH Another outstanding tuck-in last night. Wasn't able to read them until late last night so I couldn't acknowledge then, but it was lovely.

###Nina, there's no reason why you shouldn't let Butter have her dry food. It has NOT been recalled. The only Purina products that have been recalled were the Mighty Dog cans and pouches, now back in production, and the Alpo canned and pouches. The dry food is not subject to recall. I read late last night that you are feeding her rice and some type of supplement, which is not adequate for her. You said something about cleansing toxins, there really is no food that will cleanse toxins caused by this contamination, but there is no need to be concerned about the dry food you've been feeding her. You said you were giving her Purina dry, and that is not recalled

Have to go for now Will check in later

Love to all

Cheryl

oh man how did I forget

Congratulations to all yesterday, hope that Cat is doing better today, poor boy. Sorry that Chelokee didn't show better but he sure proved he's got it in him. One of my faves, Lava Man, needs to stay home, I guess, or at least in the US.

AND need I restate how much I love Edgar Prado?? MAN he's a class act. Wish I had tons of money to bid on that beautiful saddle

Okay...Cheryl OUT

###########
Hi HARRIETTE!!
That's not a "little light" you have, that is your beautiful spirit shining through!!! Blessings on you always!!
The Derby Post this morning from you gave me beautiful tingles!!! BEAUTIFUL, HARRIETTE!!
((((HUGS))))
Please give all the equine friends at your barn hugs for me, too!
Your FOB friend in Pennsylvania, Lou Ann

###
Good morning everyone. Again, a big thank you, Alex and Tim, for all you do for us with this site and a special thanks to Alex for the early morning laughs.

Falling off at the flick of an ear? Doesn't pay to relax around breezing TBs, does it? ;o)

###
Glad your leg is better, Alex. Do try the arnica gel if you haven't already. It's wonderful stuff. I have a tube for myself and one for the horse. It takes swelling and soreness away in both species.

###
I am leaning toward Cobalt Blue for the Derby--love Merv Griffin and his obvious joy at being part of the TB racing scene.

I wish good luck and safe racing to all who aspire to the Run for the Roses.

Hello FOB Nation and Famblee!!

Harriette ... OH MY!!! Such "brilliance" from Ms. Brillianthawk! Majestic ... just like the Derby itself. I was never there, but you brought it all to life with your poetry ...
###################

Someone asked about Chelokee being a possible entry for the Preakness if he doesn't make the Derby, and Susan W gave a wonderful description of the eligibility status for these races. Thank you, Susan ... I'm learning more and more each day because of people just like you!

Also, the Barbaro Stakes WILL be run on the undercard right ON Preakness Day so that's something very exciting to look forward to ... maybe they will televise this race also because of Our Boy's connection.
###################

Alex, you are becoming quite the storyteller for all of us with your early morning musings ... I will have to be extremely vigilant for that "dreaded flicked ear!" ... Also, glad to read that your leg is doing better today.
####################

Susan W ... Thanks again for the story about Chris Antley and Charismatic ... I had forgotten about that and, more importantly, I had completely forgotten the story behind Chris' own short life until I read your post. I still can't remember how Chris died, but I know he was very young. If you recall, will you please post it when you have a chance.
###############
Again, thanks to Dee, Laurie H, Ken et all for your wonderful inspirations, tuck-ins, poems, etc. This site is becoming such a melting pot of personalities with a myriad of talents and skills.
###############

Dale in Aiken, SC ... I'm so glad that you saw Abercombie with Uncle Buck and that he's doing "OK". Of course, as you said, it's completely understandable that he would be very cautious and still mistrusting of people given his ordeal, but, hopefully, with time and continued healing of his mind, body and spirit, the little guy will be 'whole' again.
#################

My Dearest "B" ... time continues to stand still each Monday as another week adds to your "Happyness" journey in Equine Heaven. If I interpret it this way, I am uplifted knowing that you are free and running with the wind ... and of course, with your bestest bud, Big Red. That image comforts me, but still I weep the tears of sadness and sorrow for our loss in not having you here with us 'earthlings' ... you are The Annointed One and have reaped the greatest reward of all ... we still wait for that moment.

Take care of the horses, B, and continue to inspire and lead as only you can ... we will hear your message, softly and silently within our hearts ... we will hear your whispers gently guiding us to follow your lead.

"We Get It", B ... we get it.

Love you so much ...

##

Harriette, today's post. Yes, one of your best. So powerful and unforgetable. My gosh, a lump in my throat, so beautiful.

I knew there was something I forgot ...

SKYLER .... BRIDLE SHOWER!!!! THE BEST! LOVE IT! TOO WONDERFUL! PLEASE ADD "LINNIE" TO THE VIRTUAL INVITATION LIST ... I will bring a "Horse shoe" garland of flowers for the 'happy couple'.

Alex, so glad your leg in healing! Thanks for the great descriptive diary of your morning.. The flicking ear... LOL

Harriette, what a fabulous Kentucky Derby piece! Much more than about the Derby, of course.... IT'S ALL BARBARO!

FOB, you are all a wonderful family of enlightened beings. My soul salutes you, every one.

Shirley
California

####
Just thought I'd share my rantings. This may seem inane. But being the animal lovers that we all are, maybe you will understand.

I had to turn off the Preakness last year. The cameras on Big B. to that extent was too much for me. Since then, I wondered if I could ever watch racing again. The Dubai series on Saturday was a great help in curing my fears. A few times, during the loading problems, I turned away, but other than that I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, not even caring which horse won. I teared up and cheered for each cross over the finish line.

The only times I really got weepy were when the NTRA Barbaro commercials came on. At the end, the speaker said, "Give something back". I believe we all are.

All of those beautiful, precious babies, running, doing what they do best. I just loved it.

Geez, I guess that ear flick will do it every time! I learn something new every day!

Miss you, Barbaro.

Harriette your post today was beautiful.

Received my Practical Horseman and Equus this weekend. Both magazines had articles on Barbaro.

The closer we get to the Kentucky Derby the more I miss Barbaro. I can't imagine how the Jacksons, MM, Edgar, and Peter feel.

Just a little "old business" left over from last night ...

To everyone who gave me "google lessons", thank you ... hopefully, my memory will retain it long enough for it to be useful next time around.

And, a repost of a request I made yesterday regarding Discreet Cat:

My personal favorite was Discreet Cat, and I'm a little surprised to learn of his throat abscess, only because I thought that horses were thoroughly checked out right before a race and not just a week or two out. Anything can happen on any given day, and I don't understand how this abscess wasn't noted at least the last couple of days before the race.

MAYBE ALEX OR SOMEONE ELSE WHO KNOWS CAN EXPLAIN THIS TO ME .... HOW WAS THE ABSCESS NOT DETECTED?

It's a shame for "Cat" but for him to wind up dead last, you had to know there was something 'amiss' with him yesterday. Even the commentators noted that Dettori 'eased him up' toward the end of the race. I hope he returns in top racing form soon.

Is he still a possible contender for the Kentucky Derby? Anyone know this??
#####################

Linnie,

Discreet Cat is a four year old, so he's not eligible for the Derby.

###

Smitty--I'll bet the neighborhood has changed a lot since you left. I've been there nearly ten years, and it's changed a lot even in that period of time. But the Promenade, and the Bridge, are the same, and I spend lots of time on both of them!

Teresa from Brooklyn/Saratoga

Donna R from Ontario!

Bless you for your generosity and altruism. The horse you are sponsoring sounds like a very worthy one, (not that they all are) not many horses could or should run until 13 yrs! That's pretty amazing!

Good morning, my Beloved Angel Boys. Missing you both so much. Nine weeks and eight weeks have flown by, the seasons have changed, the world is different, but my love for you is constant.

Alex, glad to hear your leg is feeling better. I had no idea horse ears were powerful enough to dislodge a rider!

Skyler, what a great idea for a shower! Will you post pix?

Robyn and Marg, welcome home, both of you!

Nina, no need to detox a cat who hasn't ingested bad stuff. Please be really careful. Kitty kidneys and livers are very sensitive. Sounds like your regular food is safe. My kitty's regular food is a Purina dry and she's just fine.

Beautiful poem, Harriette!

ROSIE---I have concluded that you did foal recently and the foal is invisible. Yeah, that's it.

I get it!

GOOD LUCK and safe racing to our own Alibi and his mom!

Donna R,

Congratulations! I hope you'll post pix of your new OTTB!

GOOD LUCK TO IRONCLAD ALIBI...HAVE A SAFE TRIP!

Thanks, Teresa from Brooklyn ... I didn't know the age of "Cat" or I would have realized his ineligibility for the Derby. Duh! I should have just looked it up ... but thanks for the answer.

I also enjoyed reading your 'Gulfstream' account yesterday ... since I was there in February, my interest was definitely peaked. You are obviously a very knowledgable 'horse woman' ... much moreso that I am, and reading your words, hopefully, enlightened and educated me just a little more.

By the way, I am originally from "Da Bronx" ... so we're kindred spirits of sorts ... and I love Neil Diamond who is most definitely a guy from "those Brooklyn Roads ..."

Good Luck and safe trip for "Alibi" and Shelley!!

Dear FOBS...
Please pray for all seals in Canada , that will loose their life in a most inhumane way. They are going forward with the hunts...visit HSUS and sign the petition to stop these killings.

**DIRECTIONS FOR ANTI SLAUGHTER POSTCARD MAIL IN**

Hi everyone-

I'm happy to report that postcards were mailed out on 3/29...a total of 2275!

HERE'S THE PLAN OF ACTION FOR OUR MAIL-IN...

1. Everyone takes their own state representatives and senators who are NOT co-sponsors.

2. Those who have ordered 100 cards or more, split the NON CO-SPONSORS of the states not already taken.

I emailed this list last week along with an excel file detailing the cosponsor status and contact info. Everything you need for addressing the postcards is included in this file. (I will be sending updates on the cosponsor status every few days as needed.) Thanks again to Edie for providing this helpful document.

My recommendations are that anyone with extra cards, help out with the "problem" states Texas, Illinois, California.

Also, you can target the committee members (Senate Commerce Committee and House Agriculture Committee) in addition to your state(s) with a note on the card reminding them how important it is to get the bills out of committee...

You can also post the cards at vet offices, pet supply stores, tack shops, riding stables, community bulletin boards etc...

Let's plan to mail out the cards no later than Wednesday April 18 in order for them to arrive by Barbaro's birthday.

Please email antislaughterlobby@earthlink.net
with any questions.

Finally, John Holland had this to say regarding the court decision of last week:

"Conclusion: If we do not act aggressively to get the AHSPA (HR.503 / S.311) passed in the coming months we may see our horses subject to even more brutal trips and more cruel slaughter (especially in Mexico). We have won another crucial battle, but not the war. It remains to be seen how much fight the pro-slaughter forces still have left but to date they have come back time and time again like Hollywood monsters that just won't die. The battle is costing them a fortune and their outlook is increasingly bleak. Still, these people cannot be underestimated."

Afternoon (psychic) skritches to the BBH and all of his frens...very interesting news about you and GS...

####
Robyn...
Per Maid M the full moon is right now! Go Rosie.

####
AFTERNOON REPOST
ShelleyA, Debra WI

Good Morning FOB’s

UPDATE ON CONGRESS……

The Senate is in recess and will return on Tuesday, April 10. We currently have 23 co-sponsors. It is important to remember that their offices are still open and the aides will still be keeping a tally of the calls.

The House is in recess and will return to Washington on April 16. However, they will be working in their Districts from now until April 13. Most of them have offices that are close to you because they represent your district…..this would be a GREAT time to visit their local offices and ask for their support. We currently have 138 co-sponsors in the House

With recent developments in Texas and Illinois, it is a perfect time to impress on them the importance of passing this legislation NOW. The federal ban is more urgent than ever. We want to ensure that these horses are protected from slaughter -- not sent to Mexico or Canada for slaughter. And we want to pass this law BEFORE the slaughter houses have time to find loopholes and re-open. It is important to let everyone know that just because they are closed now, the problem has NOT been solved and our horses are still facing the horrors of being transported for slaughter.

Please call on your OWN congressman and senators and urge them to co-sponsor these bills.

For the Daily Call List, please click on Alex’s link where you will find the names and numbers for today.

Please remember, this list does NOT take the place of calling your own representatives.

Thanks and have a great day

DIRECTLY FROM HUMANE SOCIETY OF US:

Dear Friend,

This morning, the silent beauty of Canada's icy waters was shattered and transformed into a killing field.

The annual slaughter of baby seals has begun: As you read this, seals are being clubbed to death in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Will you help me save these beautiful creatures?

Already, the disappearing ice caused by global warming has devastated seal populations. It's estimated that more than a quarter of the seal pups have died. And the survivors are now being targeted in the largest slaughter of marine mammals on the planet.

After my years on the ice with the ProtectSeals team, here?s what I want you to know: The Humane Society of the United States will be here until we stop the seal hunt forever. We must end this carnage now, and we desperately need your financial support to do so. With your help, we will force the Canadian government and fishing industry to stop this cruel slaughter. We will prove that the world is watching and that it will not stand idly by while hundreds of thousands of seals are clubbed or shot and skinned on the ice. Click here to make your donation to save seals today.

In the nine years I have borne witness to this cruel hunt, I can tell you that it has never gotten any easier to watch. But I am strengthened by the knowledge that we will win this fight -- with the help of you and thousands of others who are outraged by this atrocity.

Together, we can stop the seal hunt forever. We must! Please make your contribution today and join me in making a personal commitment to saving the seals. Your donation today will help us to show the Canadian government and fishing industry that they have no choice but to stop the hunt.

Thank you for all that you do on behalf of animals, and for your support during this terrible time on the Canadian ice.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Aldworth
Director of Canadian Wildlife Issues
The Humane Society of the United States

https://community.hsus.org/humane/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=8271670

Good luck, Shelley and Alibi!

##

I MISSED ALIBI'S RACE- DID SHE WIN? I DIDN'T KNOW SHE WAS RACING TODAY. I'LL SKIM THROUGH ALL THE POSTS, I DID SEE THE POST FROM CHERYL JONES- SAYING "CHERYL OUT"-- IS THAT A RYAN SEACREST IMITATION CHERYL!?? I LIKE IT!!! :>)

YEA FOR INVASOR!!! ANOTHER RACE I WATCHED ON RACE REPLAYS.

LUV YA ALL,
CHERYL G

FOBS

I LOVE YOU GUYS!

YOU ARE SO UPLIFTING!

GO BARBARO GO

ELSA

#########
Linnie,
Chris Antley battled a lot in his final days so I don't want to speculate (even though it has been done). I just wish he had help.
I don't know if you ever saw this Fred Stone portrait of Chris titled "Charismatic".

http://store.landofpuregold.com/fs-canvas2.htm

I hope this comes out, I too am blue link challenged (well actually never tried it)..
Love,
Susan
Pen, Roy

#########
Ok, didn't work like I wanted it to, the painting is down at the very bottom of those lithographs by Fred Stone. "Moment of the Year"/Charismatic

Shelley good luck today for you and Alibi!!

Love,
Susan
Pen,Roy

Ironclad Alibi came in 8th I believe.

Ro & Brady

Hi Donna in Ontario - Great news on your helping an OTTB. You can find out more about what's happening in Canada on the horse slaughter front at www.defendhorsescanada.org. You can also get an email to me by emailing Sinikka Crosland at the CHDC.
Thanks Judy for your support - we'll talk soon.
Shelley

Alex how cool is that!

The Jacksons, dear people that they are, gave Jeannine a ride back rather than have her take the train to Wilmington.
Wonderful people!

Alex - I'm glad to hear that your leg is better!

Haven't been able to post too much today because work has been insane...

The races were great this weekend. I have been following Stormello since before the Breeder's Cup, so he's my top choice. I always enjoy watching him run no matter where he comes in. he really did fight until the end of the Florida Derby...just got caught up with some impressive closers. But, believe me, I'm not denying the talents of Scat Daddy, Notional, and Chelokee.

I hope everyone is having a good day today!

Rosie Pool Update!
The pool is now up to $1,330! Amazing. You can make your $5 pick by going HERE. It's for the good cause(causes) of the winner's choice!

#########
Linnie,
Chris Antley battled a lot in his final days so I don't want to speculate (even though it has been done). I just wish he had help.
I don't know if you ever saw this Fred Stone portrait of Chris titled "Charismatic".

http://store.landofpuregold.com/fs-canvas2.htm

I hope this comes out, I too am blue link challenged (well actually never tried it)..
Love,
Susan
Pen, Roy

Posted by: SusanW at April 2, 2007 7:15 PM

############

GREAT PAINTING ... yes and very reminiscent of Edgar with B ...

Regarding Antley ... I know that he did an in-depth interview on TV years ago about his struggles; I just didn't recall what they were but I just did a google search on him and read the wikipedia acount of his 'demons' which were, apparently, well-noted and acknowledged by even Chris himself.

Thanks again, Susan ...

Good afternoon Barbaro, I'm missing you so very much. What a magnificent and beautiful creature you are. Every morning I would go to the UPENN site and wright to you. I've feeling very sad today, please remember how much you are loved. I wish you had recovered and maybe could have come to my beautiful state of Kentucky, where all could have seen you. But now, we send all our love and prayer's to you in heaven. There will never be another like you.

Missing you Barbaro-will never forget you.

Hoping to get back to posting, Over Enough is still the same - eye specialist coming this week to see if we have been able to save his eye.

I taped any races I didn't get to see live on Sat. Poor Lava Man - on HRTV you could see he had already run his race in the post parade, they even tried ear plugs to settle him down but he was very upset. Happy for Kelly's Landing - Edgar usually rides him but gave up the mount to stay at Gulfstream. Hope Chelokee gets a chance to run in the Derby, the experts say his pedigree (Cherokee Run) is not meant to go the Derby distance but that horse has shown he has alot of heart after his last 2 nightmare trips.

All the horses are leaving Florida to go north to Kentucky (Keeneland opens on Fri.) or New York, etc. I delivered tickets to trainers at Payson Park today as they are all shipping out and flying all over for big races this weekend.

Elizabeth in Ct - I ordered and have distributed many of those brochures and get calls from some feed stores and vets offices for more.

Received my issue of Barbaro - The Horse Who Captured America's Heart today. Great pictures and reminds me last year the day after the Florida Derby everyone knew we had seen something special and we so excited about Barbaro going to the Derby.

Great article by Jay Hovday in the Daily Racing Form Saturday regarding horse slaughter. He basically blasted the USDA for "skirting around" a law that was passed in 2005. He also said we need a federal ban to ensure our horses are not sent to Canada or Mexico. Good exposure, many people read the form on Sat. for Dubai and Florida Derby races.

Let's keep calling while we have momentum and this issue is in the spotlight, with the Derby coming up and the laws being upheld.

Barb m in Florida

Hi FOBs! I haven't been here for a while due to my daughter Chloe's illness. I'm happy to report that after 9 nights in the hospital, a PICC line with 24/7 I.V. antibiotics going from home, and much TLC, she is doing better. I, on the other hand, feel like a train ran me over and am flattened from the whole ordeal. I am happy to see all of the good works going here, and was pleased to read that Cavel has shut down. We must pass this legislation to end this horrific practice in the States for good! I thought for certain that Rose would've foaled by now - had to look multiple times at the date on the recent posting on the DB to determine that indeed, she still is pregnant! Good grief. I guess they mis-calculated her original due date? Can they induce mares? Anyway, I miss being here every day but you are all in my thoughts and I hope that I am able to be here more frequently in the upcoming weeks. Unfortunately, my financial ability to support the wonderful works here is now going to be limited for the foreseeable future as we pay the impending medical bills for my daughter. The next FOB project should be to do something about our ridiculously expensive US-medical system! LOL.

Welcome home, Sheila! You've been missed.

Barb M-
Keeping my fingers crossed for you and Over Enough.

FOR MR. BARBARO-

U PENN LAMINITIS FUND

Here's a happy ending for this injured hunter. I plan to contact the writer and tell him how this can tie in with the slaughter ban and rescue horses--anyone care to join me?

PS--go to STLtoday.com to see a picture of the horse. He's a doll.

Studying therapy in the saddle
By Eric Hand
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/31/2007

Once a fox-hunting horse, Beau suffered a leg injury that forced him to embark on a second career — as a therapist.

The therapy comes from the gentle rocking motion the 17-year-old flea-bitten Arabian gray makes as it ambles through a paddock, a stone's throw from the Mississippi River at Ride On St. Louis, a therapeutic riding center in Kimmswick. Nathan Collier, an 8-year-old with cerebral palsy, struggles to remain upright on Beau as he lifts a purple swimming pool noodle over his head. But he's all smiles.

"The children don't know they're getting therapy," said physical therapist Anne Cochran. "They're just having fun."

A small but growing number of scientific studies are showing how hippotherapy — from the Greek word "hippos," for horse — can help children with cerebral palsy, a neurological disability that keeps them from smoothly controlling their muscles. The theory: The rocking motion of a horse creates more than 100 small shoves a minute. A child would therefore strengthen core muscles and neural connections about 3,000 times in a 30-minute therapy session. Advertisement

"The people that do it, know and see the results," said Ride On St. Louis director Rick Wassman. "But the insurance companies don't recognize that."

Hippotherapy has been practiced for decades, and anecdotal evidence for it is strong. But the science is just beginning to catch up. Researchers at St. Louis University are trying to add to the slim body of scientific evidence — and perhaps legitimize hippotherapy in the eyes of insurance companies — with a new study that will quantify a child's disability before and after a 12-week course of weekly hippotherapy sessions.

Biomechanist Jack Engsberg has used his motion analysis laboratory to study the gaits of amputees and the post-surgery posture of people with scoliosis. Now, he's using six special cameras to capture the movements of children with cerebral palsy.

He and occupational therapist Tim Shurtleff will stick 21 reflective balls on the children's bodies, concentrating on the spine. The cameras capture the movement of the balls, and a computer transforms the images into a 3-D model of how the child moves over time.

Before and after the 12-week course, the children will ride a mechanical horse built by Shurtleff. The horse was the culmination of his doctorate in occupational therapy he finished last year at Washington University, where Shurtleff, 58, says he was the program's first-ever grandfather.

Ingredients for the mechanical horse are two cheap skateboards bought at Wal-Mart, an 18-gallon plastic drum and an electric motor with a quarter of Beau's power. MORE
Learn more about hippotherapy

In a pilot study of six children, the researchers found that hippotherapy significantly improved head and trunk stability. Now, they want more statistical power and are trying to recruit 12 children. They have found four so far. They also want to see if the hippotherapy "sticks," by testing the children on the mechanical horse a third time, three months after the therapy has finished.

Using the motion analysis laboratory to study hippotherapy is a novel idea — and needed, said Dr. John A. Sterba, a physician and physiologist who does pediatric rehabilitation research at the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, N.Y.

"There's very little research because it's extremely hard to do it," he said.

In a 2007 review paper, Sterba found 11 published studies of the effects of horse therapy on children with cerebral palsy. All but one showed the therapy improved the children's motor skills.

Insurance companies are somewhat suspicious. A recent policy bulletin from Aetna said hippotherapy was "experimental" because the science was still "insufficient."

Is hippotherapy better, per dollar or per hour, than traditional forms of physical therapy? Sterba said no one has yet made that comparison. But it is an important question, because cerebral palsy is one of the world's most costly congenital conditions, with $11.5 billion in lifetime costs for everyone that currently has the disability, according to a 2003 estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Costs of therapy

Hippotherapy is by no means cheap. In addition to a horse, it requires four people: a leader for the horse, two side-walkers to keep the child from falling and a physical therapist to lead the program. (That's a distinction some make between hippotherapy, where a physical therapist uses the horse to direct the child in exercises, and therapeutic horse riding, where the child rides the horse and gains incidental therapeutic benefits.)

At Ride On St. Louis, Wassman says the total cost of hippotherapy runs about $400 per hour, though foundation grants allow families to pay 10 percent of that.

Costs don't concern Nathan much, but he did seem a bit wary last week as he readied himself to get on a horse for the first session. Beau nosed between Nathan's knobby knees, looking for carrots.

Nathan was born 16 weeks premature. He was 11 inches long and weighed 1 pound 5 ounces. His lungs collapsed twice. He stayed in an intensive care unit for five months. His cerebral palsy was set at birth by a stroke that caused brain damage.

While Nathan has struggled with his health, different physical therapy regimens have improved his motor skills, said his mother, Connie Collier, of south St. Louis. "Every goal they make, he meets," she said.

Collier leaned on the white fence bordering the paddock. The dirt is soft. The day is warm. Trees are in bloom.

It's also a springtime of sorts for Nathan, who is riding backward on Beau. Collier grins at her son and waves. Nathan can't wave — he and Beau are busy working — but he grins right back, showing off a right front tooth that's poking its way through his gums.

ehand@post-dispatch.com | 314-340-8250

Well, I must say we had an absolutely incredible weekend. It was a
"horse" weekend, for sure. They usually are anyway. It's what we do.

First of all, due to popular demand we have a new video of Chunky and
Punky. We got pictures of the HUGE foal halter, which is really tiny
to begin with, but huge on Punky.

The incredible thing was that my daughter and I rode our two year old
filly Sissy FOR THE FIRST TIME.

We've done all the ground work with her, including ground driving.
There is a picture here somewhere of Alex doing some ground driving. You
use driving reins which are long enough if the horse is hitched up to a
cart, but you use them to walk behind the horse and "drive" it.

The pictures you've seen of cowboys "breaking" a horse which is bucking
and throwing everybody off is brutal and inhumane, and thankfully,
outdated. With gentler methods such as Pat Parelli and John Lyons,
breaking the horse can be much more of a bonding experience.

I'm not going to say that you don't need lots of experience and
fortitude to get on a horse who has never had a human on its back, but if
you've done the homework and ground work, it shouldn't be traumatic.

Sissy already knew how to go forward, backward , stop and go, right and
left. So all we needed was to get on.

The video is one of Heidi doing a "pivot" on Sissy. (A pivot is a 360
degree turn.)

To access the videos, just click on my name (Blue link.) You'll find
the videos in the upper right hand corner.

There is also a link to my Fox News blog if you want to head over there
and leave a comment.

Thanks.

Shelia - Welcome back! I'm so glad to hear that your daughter is home and doing well.

###

Hello Fans of Barbaro. I will be providing a summary of the Easter Eggstravaganza Fund Raiser for the MO Horse Heroes on Friday, April 6th. The egg basket and eggs and Easter cards were sent to Kennett Florist today, should be there by Thursday. I took pictures of all the cards and Rachel said she would take pictures of the finished basket. I will post the pictures over the weekend if Cora will help out once again. She is so generous to provide us a place for the photo album of the MO Horse Heroes Fund Raisers.

Jennifer Bers of HSMO is out of town until Thursday, so she will provide us with a total of our donations, which I will post with the summary.

Thank you to all who participated. These horses have become the symbol of the atrocities of horse slaughter. What they go through before their actual slaughter is inhumane enough. But the MO Horse Heroes are survivors and are living, breathing miracles in their own right. Thank you for holding them in your hearts after all these months.

The week after Easter, I will have details of the Mo Horse Heroes Fund Raiser honoring Gretchen Jackson for Mother's Day. It is going to involve roses.

I am so proud to be a Fan of Barbaro and be able to work with all of you special, special people.

Respectfully,

Rosemary

If the horses and trainers are leaving Flroida, when is Michael coming back?

I just got my Sean Clancy book today. The pics are spectacular. I just love how Barbaro ran. He looked like he was flying.

Yesterday I told my husband I couldn't believe how much I missed him. I think about him all the time. Love you Barbaro.

###
Candle alert!!!
Barbaro's candles barely over 1600.

PLEASE SAVE THE SEALS!!!!

To everyone;

Barbaro Cubin toll free # 888-879-3599

Just talked to her aid, he said he is not allowed to comment on issues, and that they would e-mail a letter on were she stands.

Go get Barbaro, talked to CJ.

###
SEALS--Yes, Jean, you are right!

People can go to the HSUS website; you can sign a pledge to not buy Canadian seafood until they stop killing the poor defenseless seals. There is also a provision for emailing 5 friends and asking them to sign the pledge. There is a "Pocket Guide to Boycotting Canadian Seafood" that you can print out and show to businesses that deal in seafood.

There is also an area devoted to stopping whale killing, too, and email addresses to the embassies of the Big Three countries who do this.

Sometimes I feel like that "candle in the wind" until I realize how many others feel the same way, and are willing to make their voices heard.

Sue M., Pittsburgh

ALex or Anyone...

What is the latest news on Last Best Place? How is he doing after his injury? Has he gone to be a Stallion?

After reading the chapters in the childrens book about he and Barbaro, I am equally enchanted by him and want know how he is. Is he still a part of Lael?

If anyone knows, please bring me up to speed on him
Thanks

Leslie in MN

the titles flash by me..
the last forest..the amazon in the age of globalization..
the dying oceans..
a huge overwhelm button goes off inside..
and like the horse slaughter issues, on all fronts.
whether in the killer factories or the wrong kind of racing with
drugs and cruelty,
the inheritance we all share
..is there..
because we met and knew barbaro-
-the inheritance of
of loss..BARBARO..
other worldly soul of great poetry and strength ..

elegance once so

before our eyes
and now

in the invisible.
a recent poem by Ken so beautiful and to my own song,with gratitude
to be reminded by him..
that we do indeed share common ground and it is sacred

i have to become practical in my own small way,
to find definition for my beliefs and create the actions to support
those beliefs..
BARBARO
DID IT EVERY DAY.
IN TRAINING AND IN HIS HOSPITAL STALL
he, who took and takes me to another world

this new landscape and language-- ,painful,strange and mysterious
here i see that i have actions i can give to--they cost no money--
amplify his voice
the concerns of how my nation ,state by state,
throw away,throw away,disposable horses .
horses.

among other creatures-

i see more now--

overwhelming statistics =
how to move brazilian industrialists into saving the last , huge
bed of oxygen forming forest.
a land mass larger then the continental u.s. west of the mississippi
and the richest in bio diversity on our planet..
assaulted daily..at all ends...
a classic battle between the industrial forces -corporate glow of
money and short term ''goals''
and the environmentalists.
and like the horses, unheard, who will speak for the brutally shy
and reclusive native tribes hiding deep in the jungles
..away from it all till they are dug out..by tractors and fires set
deliberately..rare treasure s going to waste and up into smoke?..
- who hang on a thread for their ancient ways

which many of us barely know how to decipher ..because of lost
humanity in our advancement forward to ''modernize''--
..
this informs me on this monday
that the voice of the unheard and long suffering horse in america
..for starters
..is something barbaro's tragic demise brings right to the fore
..look at the ad during the world dubai cup
how great is that--
how not to be discouraged and how to keep the fire lit in side
..to craft the purpose clearly

inanimate objects that money buys but cant really hold one or give
love or discern.


we have an inheritance
in the excruciating loss
as the derby approaches

and seeing the vibrancy of invasor, then, lava man, dear discreet cat

running his heart out with a temperature and an abcess on his throat
for lord's sake -

-reminding me of lost in the fog coming in last
..as a sign
..he was not well and could not go on.
i cried for discreet cat.
to pant in such a physical effort and have a throat run with an abcess
..very painful..
he finished the race .that was something ..
his faith
he made
a way

there is a way
never to abandon his inheritance-

full breathing CIRCLE

living amazon jungle and its intricate animal life pounding in the
dark.
the sacredness of this inheritance..of loss,
i remain
deeply sad but profoundly inspired
energized to get the job done.
for Barbaro- who gave it all,all the time on earth -
blessing his owners for sharing the excruciating and private journey
..and his whole team and family
..the fans of Barbaro, too..through Alex..
BARBARO

in his last night of agony , barganing to,and then claimed by fate
and ,
final surrender

to that courage and sublime beauty of soul
i embrace the darkness for to hear and feel.
the light

martita

###
Martita--What you have written is so very powerful and moving; I am tearing up, and feeling the pain. You are so right; would that your feelings, thoughts, and words have the power to immediately reverse the destructiveness and cruelties.

Thank you for sharing.

Sue M., Pittsburgh

Sorry for the type-o. Should be Barbara, have Barbaro on my mind.

To all Texas FOB and anyone else interested in the attempt to change the Texas state law making it legal for the foreign owned slaughter houses to stay in business in Texas.

The author of the bill introduced version 80(R) HB 2476 is Sid Miller of Stephenville, Texas. I have learned from the discussion board that Stephenville, Texas is also home of one of the most inhumane auction houses, where the horses are mistreated by being hit with sticks during the process of being bought by the killer buyers. The bill has been worded so as to say ( one example) in section 149.oo3. TRANSFER OF HORSEMEAT. A person commits an offense if the person:(1) transfers horsemeat to a person who intends to sell the horsemeat, offer or exhibit it for sale, or possess it for sale as food for human consumption in the United States; ......
(The United States is part of the change making it legal to kill here and manufacture since it is going out of the United States, and to Europe for consumption.

So please Texans, will you let your Texas state Senators and Reps. know that we don't want to (CHANGE A LAW THAT HAS BEEN IN PLACE SINCE 1949 ) make it legal for Beltex and Dallas Crown to continue to slaughter our horses, an American Icon. There is to much money involved in this whole issue for these people to go quietly away, if they cannot get it done on the federal level then they will get it done on the state level. Which is what the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit based their ruling ( declaring horse slaughter illegal in Texas- 3/6/07) on a TEXAS STATE LAW BANNING THE SALE OF HORSEMEAT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

Missing you so much Barbaro!!! ( 9 weeks only)

I get it!!!!

Karen M. Dallas, Texas

###
Barb AZ
Thanks for sharing your videos! I've been so swamped that I hadn't even seen the ones of Chunky and Punky yet -- so adorable! And great job with Sissy. You sure have some lucky horses.

I also get it!! And have made phone calls and written letters here in Texas to Senate, Congress and anyone else who'd listen!! Even got a call from Senator Estes office that went rather well a little over a week ago. You should know that our TX. representatives are beginning to "LISTEN" to us and not just blowin' us off as they'd done so often in the past!!


Smile, it'll give your face something to do,
jock4hire (lj)

Martita, I agree with Sue M, powerful and moving.
What a treasure you are to us!!! Your speaking of the jungles reminds me of a Native quote..

After dark all cats are leopards.
Zuni

##Good Afternoon, all

hope everyone has had a good, productive day

###Had to stop in for a moment to say GO BUCKEYES!!!

Since Florida beat my Bruins, I hope Dr. R's team beats the funky shorts off the Gators. Question...if Joakim Noah wasn't Yannick Noah's kid, would he be getting so much face time? doubt it.

### CherylG Yup Borrowed that from Ryan Seacrest. Shameless, huh? :)

Gotta jet, but I hope there's a foal in Rosie's Fatrump, NV before I get home

Love to all

TO ALL OHIO FOBS. Just to let you know on Friday I called all our state representatives. Cosponsors are Marcy Kaptur, Steve Chabot, Deborah Pryce and also records show Dennis Kucinich is co sponsoring but his office would not commit to this. Jean Schmidt and Steven La Tourette are supporting. John Boehner aide said they would definitely not be supporting. The rest were undecided. I do not know how to set up a chat page but if anyone wants all their names or numbers my id is hilary333. BARBARO IS IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER.

Goodnight Barbaro

ACN..watching for your star tonight. love you....

Goodnight Fans/Family

Great job to all. plus Alex...love all of you.

Count our blessings...and all have a lovely evening...hopefully tomorrow I will get to catch up.

###
Thanks Hilary!
Fellow Ohio FOB
jan

Have to keep it balanced and honest here ...

GO FLORIDA GATORS ... BEAT THE BUCKEYES!!!

OK, I'm done now! LOL

###
Linnie, Linnie, Linnie......
S..I..G..H
jan

####### Can someone tell me what song and artists sings on the clip for First Saturday in May.

***Sorry for the type-o. Should be Barbara, have Barbaro on my mind.***

That happens, Carol. My name is Barbara and somebody wrote me an email beginning with "Hi Barbaro." Started a chain of free association in my mind. What would it be like to be Barbaro? Mostly great, I guess, especially if he really is up there in Equine heaven having the time of his life.

###
Martita,
Where would we be without you? Everytime you write, I emerge inspired by your vision; it is all inclusive, enveloping Barbaro's voice and the world's challenges -- yet it is minute. For as you write, I can see the details of the struggling Amazon, the voices of Barbaro's siblings, and the call that Barbaro makes for each of us to do our part. If we answer Barbaro, perhaps we will indeed see the light, be in the light, as we do right as best we can for all.

To all our Barbaro family, thank you for being here, for having the heart to continue even after January 29th. Our staying together is a miracle. Maybe it is Barbaro's miracle.

To Barbaro, forever ...

Jackie in VA

Angel Barbaro ~

There isn't a day you aren't here with me tucked inside my heart for safe-keeping. I love you forever, B.

Love,

Susan

I GET IT ...

Hello FsOB!

Another Monday. Still heartbreaking!

Rosie, Rosie - what a generous amount of money you raised to go to some equine cause. Good job!
But now - it's time to have that foal.

I'm glad that Ironclad Alibi ran a safe race! Shelley - please give us an update when you can.

Janice
A forever FOB

Dear Martita,

Your words today were so moving. Thank you as always.

I hope we will all say a prayer for Discreet Cat. Angel Barbaro and Angel Lost in the Fog, please lend your spirits in helping your friend, Discreet Cat, to heal quickly and completely. He, like you both, is a brave, courageous soul. I love you both and miss you here on earth. Hugs to heaven and over the Rainbow Bridge.

Hola Barbaro Nation,

Boy do our Georgia reps and senators like to play hard to get. It is good to know there are others out there dialing from the Peach state.

Sheia a speedy recovery for Chloe and strength for you.

Thanks to all FOBS working on saving the seals: that situation is a disgrace to our human dignity.

To all basketball fans: good luck from Atlanta: I am neutral. I can only particpate in one sport and right now I am in the Rosie Olympics.

All this courtesy of Barbaro.

BARBARO, SWEET SPIRIT HORSE OF FOREVER - Monday musings from my heart to yours...

This week promises rain and cloudy skies and abnormally cool temperatures,

But all the colors of the rainbow are refracted through your old soul eyes to announce the advent of beautiful sunrises, sunsets, spring flowers and oolored Easter eggs.

Shine down your heavenly warmth on us,easing the chill that has pervaded our hearts since you crossed over to your forever home.

Please surround Rosie and her foal, all horses in need or danger, and all animals threatened by tainted food with God's merciful protection...you know better than we how dangerous this world can be.

Please bless Edgar with a loud nicker for sacrificing your special saddle to help jockeys in need...you know better than we that he is a champi