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

Major congratulations to Tim on Who's Happy's maiden win! Perhaps she can give Miss Hawty a few tips!

Prayers to all the connections of Dynacielo and Iron Jack...and to Ryan and all at his rescue for Blossom. "Grief is the price.." indeed. But none of us would be true to ourselves if we didn't care so much in the first place, because we get it.

Prayers to all in need today.

Marg
I get it!
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

Good Wednesday Morning Alex, Barbaro in Heaven and FsOB Good Morning Marg!!

The news on this site is somewhat like a roller coaster emotionally. Up and down and...... It seems that we have some things to celebrate, but oh so much to be done yet. No time to slack off. We are their (horse) voice. And for all animals.

Senator Nelson's aide in Florida assures me that he will co-sponser S.311 and expects it will happen soon.

I checked Rosie about 90 minutes ago before the cam went down and nothing was changed.

Have a wonderful day all! Prayers for all in need.

Janice
A forever FOB who "gets it"

Here is your morning Rosie pool bulletin. It seems she's still APN. Therefore, the pool is still open Here are the contenders:

4-Apr 3:00 AM barbarolvr
4-Apr 4:28 AM CBailis
4-Apr 6:14 AM Terric324
5-Apr 1:29 AM Hatchery1
7-Apr 5:00 PM gwenrowdi
8-Apr 2:00 AM TexBucky
29-Apr 1:20 AM Barbara A

And we have $1,340 in the pot!! I cut and pasted from a table so I hope this comes out in this post.

Rest in peace, sweet Blossom, and may light perpetual shine upon you. Run with the wind - Barbaro will show you the most lush grazing pastures in equine heaven. God, please bring comfort to Ryan!

Good morning to Alex - stay safe today, please! And good morning to earlybirds Marg and Janice and to all Fans of Barbaro with pure hearts and noble intentions.

Hmmm...it appears that Michael Matz was something of a trailblazer regarding the 5-week pre-Derby layoff...how interesting that others seem to be jumping on the bandwagon this year...yet another example of "the Barbaro effect" and maybe other trainers thinking, "Well, it worked for Mike Matz, it could work for me." I wasn't watching racing last year (until the Derby), but I clearly remember how he was scoffed at for resting Barbaro for five weeks...after all, that strategy hadn't worked in FIFTY years...

Congrats to Who's Happy and Tim!

###
Please help out our horses in Michigan.

###
Jan is right, we need to keep at it until we get these bills passed.

###
What seems to make Pletchers decision peculiar is the last minute nature of his decision to give Circular Quay the big break. Michael Matz had it planned all along.

##

SPEAKING OF AOL, I'VE BEEN HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH LOCKING UP LATELY ETC.... ANYWAY, THAT WAS JO SINGER WHO POSTED ABOUT OUR BARBARO CELEBRATION AT DELEWARE PARK (YOUR BLUE LINK ABOVE) SHE'S A SWEETIE AND HAS A COUPLE VERY NICE PETS SITES--I'M SURE SHE'LL APPRECIATE YOUR LINK!! :>)

OK, IT DROPPED 40* HERE OVER NIGHT- CRAZY WEATHER IN THE MIDWEST THIS TIME OF YEAR!!

LUV YA ALL,
CHERYL G

Hello all

A bit cooler today, but confirmation that spring truly here came a few days ago with the arrival of the first swallows. It never ceases to give me a lift to see them wheeling and swooping after their long journey from Africa.

It's also a good day for animals over here with the introduction of new legislation for their welfare. People can now be prosecuted even if the RSPCA only suspects mistreatment and owners have to provide suitable housing and ensure their animals can behave normally without pain or disease. Tail docking for cosmetic purposes has also been banned:

Welfare Act for Pets.

Good morning Alex. How's the leg today? Thanks to you and Tim for your efforts.

Good mornin FOB's.

Still no home computer, and extremely busy at work. Hardly any time to read all the posts.

###
Michelle GBI NE OH

I will be more than willing to help you with the Ohio FOB calling group. Still no reply from our Senator Voinovich.

Please e-mail me at-

cal_21_58@yahoo.com

Liz,

That's interesting news in the UK. So I suppose all the cockers, corgi's, and JRT's will have long tails?

Actually, that news scares me a bit. I had come home from a trip and was greeted by 2 police officers and animal control because they felt I was being cruel to my dog because he was outside in the cold (by his own choice). He's a golden retriever with a very thick coat and is most uncomfortable indoors. These idiots felt that my dog couldn't get through his doggy door when they tried to shove him through it. Well my dog wanted no part of going through the door so he kept refusing and making himself big. When the police greeted me (at 2am, 8am and 1pm no less) I had to prove that my dog could easily go in and out of the door. Just to show you how idiotic these guys were, they accused me of under feeding my dog! My dog is at least 15 lbs over weight and never misses a meal, treat or anything he can scrounge up from the floor. He weighs over 90 lbs and it's a little tough to find his ribs. I told those guys to call my vet because he wants me to slim down my dog. They eventually left me alone but that was one long day!!

SORRY FOR MY TYPO IN MY PREVIOUS POST!!--DELAWARE!! :>)

WENDY-- THANKS FOR POSTING THAT BLUE LINK ABOUT THE HORSES IN MI-- THAT IS TRAGIC!! YOUR 11:59AM POST TIME.

LUV YA,
CHERYL G

Hiya, FsOB! I sure wish I could join you on 04/29/07. Alex, that was a nice link to news about the event and the photo of Bobbey J. was stunning. Of course, when did our sweet prince ever have a bad picture?

#### To Nancy in CT: I wonder if Laura in Snohomish (I am sure that I misspelled that one!) moved? I remember her talking about a wish to escape the rain and move to Hawaii.
To Lou Ann: Ms. Nikita says she would like the snow but her human Mum would not.
A great day to all FsOB everywhere! Peace, RMH ####

HI CAL-- OHIO HERE (BAD GAME THE OTHER NIGHT, HUH!!??) ANYWAY VOINOVICH ISN'T VERY FLEXIBLE, I'VE BEEN CALLING HIM SINCE LAST OCTOBER. WE'LL JUST HAVE TO KEEP WORKING ON HIM THOUGH --- THERE'S A LOT OF US BUCKEYES HERE SO THAT ALWAYS HELPS.

YOUR POSTS ARE SO POSITIVE--- SO NICE TO SEE THAT. :>)

LUV YA ALL,
CHERYL G

###Cal
Thanks, I knew you would jump in.
Currently we now have 4 volunteers in OH.

###Verna & Hilary333
Co-jumpers Thanks

I look forward to everyones input for the best way to get more co-sponsors. Currently 6 of 18 reps have co-sponsored.

Voinovich, we may have to have an every-day-of-the-week to call him, but at least he is on the fence

Space proslaughter, and he is on the House Ag Committee and he may present a problem.

I'll check back in tonight, off to work.

Safe day to all.

Alex and Sharon,

Thank you for all that you are doing for the Celebration on the 29th at DelPark. Also a big thank you for posting the link to promo on AOL. A big THANK YOU to Sharon for helping me get this together to get the word out to folks all over the internet.

It was an honor for me to be able to share this information with those who love Barbaro and want to help.

Take care,

Jo Singer

Hi Alex and FOB's....

I received a letter from one of my Wisconsin Senators yesterday. Unfortunately, it was the same verbiage I'd received in an e-mail quite awhile ago. Once thing concerned me.

He wrote:
"Subsequent to the enactment of the prohibition on using federal funds to inspect horses at slaughter, several slaughter facilities petitioned the USDA to be allowed to pay the cost of inspection, themselves so that no federal funds would be used for this purpose, and slaughter would continue."

Within my fax yesterday, I wrote:
"Were you aware that on March 28, 2007, a federal appeals court blocked the U.S. Department of Agriculture from providing horse meat inspections for a fee?"

Look, I know there's a lot going on in Washington and I can appreciate that. But it seems so much is going on, that our representatives are unable to keep on top of things that happen. And these are things they need to know in order to properly evaluate this atrocious situation and make an educated vote...

We need to get the word out as things develop. Keep calling, faxing and e-mailing. Read as much as you can to keep on top of this situation so we can get the ban on slaughter passed.

Awareness if high pitched because of our Barbaro's fight for life. We must fight on for him.

Pam

###
CHERYL G, Thanks for your kind remark. I enjoy reading your posts also. As far as I know, only 2 Ohio Fob's have recieve a response from Voinovich. A generic one at best.

As far as the game on monday, I don't like Florida too much. Would have like to have avenged our football loss. Not to be I guess.

Thanks again.

Hi Alex and FOB's....

I received a letter from one of my Wisconsin Senators yesterday. Unfortunately, it was the same verbiage I'd received in an e-mail quite awhile ago. Once thing concerned me.

He wrote:
"Subsequent to the enactment of the prohibition on using federal funds to inspect horses at slaughter, several slaughter facilities petitioned the USDA to be allowed to pay the cost of inspection, themselves so that no federal funds would be used for this purpose, and slaughter would continue."

Within my fax yesterday, I wrote:
"Were you aware that on March 28, 2007, a federal appeals court blocked the U.S. Department of Agriculture from providing horse meat inspections for a fee?"

Look, I know there's a lot going on in Washington and I can appreciate that. But it seems so much is going on, that our representatives are unable to keep on top of things that happen. And these are things they need to know in order to properly evaluate this atrocious situation and make an educated vote on S.311 and HR 503...

We need to get the word out as things develop. Keep calling, faxing and e-mailing. Read as much as you can to keep on top of this situation so we can get the ban on slaughter passed.

Awareness is high pitched because of our Barbaro's fight for life. We must fight on for him.

Pam

Good morning everyone, rain and gray here in Pittsburgh, we could see snow by Friday. The weather here is never nice for the Easter weekend.

Please remember to call and fax today.

Have a nice day!

Missing Barbaro

###
Michelle, I forgot in my last post to ask you how I can help. Still early in the AM. I have a few cobwebs floating around upstairs yet. NEED MORE COFFEE!!

Sorry for the double post....it's early here (:

Pam

### Morning, Cal..
understand needing more coffee!! I overslept this morning and am running behind. Weather here is lousy dropped 40 degrees from 80 yesterday to 40 this morning!! For those of us who suffer from fibromyalgia that equals pain.

Good Wednesday, Silent Ones..keep on working for our Barbaro, he knows how hard you work for him!!

Morning (psychic) skritches to the BBH and all of his fabulous 'frens' in Equine Heaven...

####
Pam M
This was posted 2 days ago from John Holland via Debbie L.A.
####
Re the 32 horses, this was posted yesterday:

Great News!!!!!
The 32 horses have been rescued by HSUS.....tonight they will eat and drink ...now they are saved...and will be loved forever.

Posted by: Jenny PR at April 3, 2007 10:40 PM

------------------------------------------

Hi Folks,

The situation has been very fluid in recent days and the great news about the federal court finding the USDA pay-for-inspections program illegal has been most welcome. The good news was tempered by the sad rejection of offers to buy the horses. But many of you have questions about just what this means and I am afraid there is a bit of over expectation. What I am about to say is merely my best understanding at this moment and not necessarily absolute fact. (I am not a lawyer, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express once.)

In the Summer of 2005 the Ensign-Byrd (Pratt-Sweeney) amendment to the Agriculture budget passed both the House and the Senate. It removed funding for USDA inspectors at the horse slaughter plants. It was intended to stop horse slaughter immediately. But the budget went to conference committee to iron out the differences between the Senate and House versions. There were no differences in the House and Senate versions of the amendment, but Henry Bonilla (formerly R-TX), a close ally of Bob Goodlatte, put a 120 day delay on its effective date.

The 2006 budget should have started on October 1st of 2005 and run until September 31 of 2006. The budget was, however, delayed until early December. With these delays, the amendment should have gone into effect on March 10th, of 2006. Before this happened, the USDA announced that they had reached an agreement with the slaughter plants to allow them to pay for their own inspections.

This plan was clearly against the will of Congress, and possibly a violation of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and it was not done with a required Environmental Impact Statement, but the USDA did it anyhow. Several animal groups including SAPL, DDAL and HSUS sued the USDA and their its director Michael Johanns. Some of the claims were almost immediately thrown out for lack of "standing". This means that the plaintiffs were not directly damaged by the USDA decision, and so had no dog in the fight. However, with members of those organizations living in the areas of the plants, they did have standing on issues like the fact that the USDA had not done an environmental impact study.

Like the Texas case, it then fell into the sound-proof world of the judiciary and was largely forgotten by most of us. And again like the Texas case, this decision suddenly brought it back to the forefront.

What does it do?
Federal inspectors must be present in the slaughter plants if the meat is going for human consumption. This is the only market for horse meat that is at all lucrative or large scale. When the inspectors were pulled it meant that Cavel (and the two Texas plants if they had not already been closed) would not be able to sell their product for human consumption. Cavel closed on Thursday.

Can they appeal?
The suit was against the USDA and its director Michael Johanns, but the slaughter plants did a maneuver called "intervening" as defendants. Essentially they voluntarily made themselves defendants. The USDA can appeal, but to this point they have made ambiguous statements about whether they plan to. Their spokesperson said they would comply with the district court's decision.

Tucker at Cavel has said publicly they will appeal. We can probably expect Cavel and even possibly the two Texas plants to appeal early this week. If they do, they will ask for a stay of the judgment so that they could go back to slaughtering. There chances of winning an appeal are probably slim, but a stay could buy them a year or more of killing.

If the slaughter houses (or just Cavel) make an appeal without the support of the USDA and Johanns (the named defendant), it may be problematic for their case but that is all beyond reasonable prediction at this point. This judge is highly experienced and respected and her opinion will not be taken lightly.

How long does this run?
Many of us thought that when the 2006 budget year was over, the amendment would expire with it. This is not the case. The budgets are often passed as "Continuing Appropriations Resolutions". This means basically that all the rules of last year are carried forward. It appears that to end the Ensign Byrd resolution the slaughter houses would have to amend the budget to remove it or not use a Continuing Appropriations Resolution.

What about exports?
At this time I do not believe exports will be affected by the decision. If this is the case we can expect them to further increase. However, the exports to Mexico are already up from an average of 200 a week last year to over 800 a week this year as a result of the Texas plant closings. How much more capacity they have is the big question. The same goes for Canada.

Recently Cavel has been slaughtering about 1,000 per week (twice their old rate since the Texas closings) and exports have brought the weekly totals to approximately twice that. It seems unlikely that the foreign plants can absorb much more in the short term, but it is a matter of price. If the American kill buyers under-cut the domestic dealers of Mexico and Canada, they could up the exports by displacing the local horses.

This also means that desperate dealers from the US may begin trying to unload their horses on the Mexican and Canadian plants and may start a price war. But this, along with the increased gas expense, will probably reduce the short term profit and incentives for the kill buyers.

On the longer term, however, we can expect the plants to try to relocate by either buying foreign plants or building new ones. Plants have to be EU approved, but we are not sure how much of an impediment this will be. We know that they plan to do this. They may also move horses to feedlots in Mexico and Canada to assure they don't get stuck with them here.

Battle Fronts
The anti-slaughter battle has never had so many fronts as it does today. The slaughter houses are being besieged on all sides. The Illinois plant faces not only the recent finding about the USDA inspections, but also an Illinois bill to ban slaughter that is working its way toward a vote, an increasingly public battle over their inability to control their sewage discharge, and the AHSPA in Washington. They must win all three to survive.

The two Texas plants are all but dead. BelTex is apparently still slaughtering some exotics like buffalo, and Dallas Crown appears to be closed at last. Dallas Crown is also facing a long delayed ruling of the Kaufman Board of Adjustments ordering them to be closed for long standing sewer discharge violations. A Texas bill that would reverse the 1949 law banning slaughter has been withdrawn in the Senate and faces growing opposition from horse people of all ranks. A similar measure in Texas was defeated several years ago, but we cannot yet afford to assume this one is dead.

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.

John Holland

Posted by: Debbie L.A. at April 3, 2007 2:56 AM

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

###
Harriette, Same weather here. I walked out the door to go to work this morning, and turned right around and grabbed my jacket. Nuts!!!

But I did refill my 20 oz. coffee a minute ago.

I got a e-mail from Heather Wilson, New Mexico.
The letter was long, but I will be short.

Quote, the problem with HR503-and the reason why I
chose not to vote for it-is that it provides no alternatives or funding for dealing with these tens of thousands of unwanted or problem horses. As Rep. John Dingell, the ranking Democrat on the House Engery & Commerce Committee put it, "What you are going to find is you'll be up to your eyeballs in dead horses with no place to put them.

Liz (UK),
Good to see some strengthning in the laws. My own opinion is the punishments could never be severe enough. Seen way too many people who feel they are not abusing their animals when it actuallity they are.

Good Morning Fob’s

While we are all celebrating the closing of the slaughter houses in this county we must remember the urgency of getting this legislation passed NOW!!

There are no better words that we can use than this statement from John Holland…….
“If we do not act aggressively to get the AHSPA 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.”
John Holland

PLEASE…everyone, we MUST act now. As you read this, countless horses are on their way to Mexico and Canada. American horses are still being slaughtered! Call your legislators today and let them know that this will no longer be tolerated. We have a better chance of being heard now that these slaughterhouses are closed…….we must make our voices heard before they find the “loopholes” and re-open.

Please click on Alex’s link for today’s Call in List. And, remember, this does NOT take the place of calling your OWN congressman and two senators! Beg them to help us.

Thanks and have a great day
Shelley and Debra

###Nancy in CT

Well when it comes to Michael and Barbaro, I doubt that anyone can come close to the two together. There is not going to BE another Barbaro. At least I don't see it. And yeah in 50 years... LOL well that is because it was Barbaro. I'll bet those people's jaws dropped when Barbaro won the Derby last year. I wonder what all the critics thought then?

The next time someone talks bad about Barbaro... one of you FOB's is going to have to bail me out of jail. I have had ENOUGH of people bad-mouthing our horse!!!!!!!
Cheers

####
Robyn Hoffmann - Send Ms. Nikita to Maine to visit today - forecast is for 6-12" in the mountains!

###
Liz(UK) - Well done for your legislators! Glad to see a country standing up for animal rights. Now, as for MY country...off to make calls!

Marg
I get it!
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

Good Morning Alex, Tim, all FOB's and beautiful
beloved Barbaro in Equine Heaven!

It's cold and spitting snow in Western Michigan. Winter coats and winter clothes again.

Jenny PR - That's wonderful that those 32 horses
were rescued! Good things are happening lately.

Prayers to all those who have sick pets because of
the contaminated pet food. Fortunately my two
cats weren't eating any of the cat food on the list.

Have a great day all! FOB's you're a wonderful group of people and work so hard on these causes.

## Wendy

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh!!!!! I can just imagine what you had to go through there. If one thing I do know about you and ANYONE that is an FOB.... There is NO WAY that you would be cruel to your dog. I have a Cocker Spanial and in the winter (well winter here is 40-50 degrees) but still she gets really really hot if I don't keep her groomed down. In the summer??? Well it is about 80ish all summer for the most part and she has to be groomed or she can't stand it. She LOVES to go outside where it is cool....

There are always going to be those "bimbos" in life. I cannot believe that those cops made you do that. NOR can I believe that they thought your dog was underweight. Geeeeeeeeeesh.... Did they have their glasses on????

Cheers

I got a e-mail from Heather Wilson, New Mexico.
The letter was long, but I will be short.

Quote, the problem with HR503-and the reason why I
chose not to vote for it-is that it provides no alternatives or funding for dealing with these tens of thousands of unwanted or problem horses. As Rep. John Dingell, the ranking Democrat on the House Engery & Commerce Committee put it, "What you are going to find is you'll be up to your eyeballs in dead horses with no place to put them.

Posted by: Carol Nichols at April 4, 2007 1:12 PM

###########################################
Carol
Oh Rep. John Dingell needs to hear from the FsOB.
He sounds like Jo Bonner and Shelby of Alabama.
If anyone has time to day add them on your call and fax list please!

Good Morning Barbaro

ACN...always. Your star was shining so bright last night and I know you are happy, sweet love. Have fun today with your friends. And please keep your sweet spirit among all of us. We love you!

Good Morning Fans/Family of Barbaro

As stated earlier, we have one a battle but we have not won the war. Please, fax, email, and call...ask friends and family to help. Whatever we do, we are gaining step by step. We speak for the ones that cannot speak for themselves. HORSES ARE BEING TRANSPORTED ACROSS THE BORDERS, AND ARE ABUSED AND NEGLECTED...PLEASE HEAR THEIR CRIES.

Remember all animals large or small, remember and pray for each other, the ones suffering, animals and humans, the rescues and Miss Vivi, the missing dog, please be found.

We are family, Barbaro has given us his determination and inspiration and we live in Barbaro's house with love and care. Thank you.

Have a bless day!!!!

####Alex, take care today and have a wonderful day!!!
Tim, thank you.

####
Blossom, Fitch, Apache, and many others, horses, dogs, cats, all animals...your are safe now, in God's green pastures, you will forever be taken care of.

ALL OF YOU ARE SO SPECIAL!!!

Last week, 200 horses were reprieved from slaughter at Cavel. Although their fate after leaving DeKalb is probably a sad unknown, our representatives that say, "we won't pass because of an over-population occuring" need to know something.

A rescue operation sent out a plea to rescue these horses. She received so many responses that her computer crashed twice...

Although I can't have a horse where I currently live, I sent out an e-mail to friends in WI and in Indiana and they were very helpful with places.

It's a cop out for reps to vote "no" because there will be too many horses. Awareness is high now and people want to help... And I believe more rescue facilities will start appearing once this ban has been passed. And many will gladly contribute what they can in time and money to keep these running.

Pam

Good rainy morning, Alex, FOB's and Barbaro. Thanks for the link, Alex, on AOL about Barbaro's Celebration. I would love to come, but not sure of certain commitments as yet.

Belated congratulations to Who's Happy's win!

Linda Northeast Philadelphia

Tim congrats on the win.

Interesting Pletcher development. Just remember he doesn't have Barbaro.

###
MARG IN MAINE - it's not exactly Easter weather here in southern CT either - low 40's the next 6 days, low 20's at night! Rainy, foggy, sleet...guess we'll have to rely on those Easter eggs to provide all the colors of the rainbow this weekend!

Just my opinion, but skipping the Wood Memorial may not be a bad idea. In recent years, a number of horses have run impressively in the Wood only to disappoint in the Kentucky Derby.

####Debbie L.A

You know I have been thinking about this until my head hurts. This is why I am trying to figure out a way to get a Non-Profit Organization going for this kind of stuff... These horses need a "place to go". They need to be cared for and they certainly need a lot of love. In my grant-writing class I learned a lot. I don't think that you really have to have a Masters in Public Administration to do this either. I think that ANYONE can do this if they have the passion......

Debbie.... This takes a lot of time and thought but maybe some of the FOB's can do this around the nation. It takes 3 people to "start" a Non-Profit Organization. Once you have those three people you can draft up a grant proposal and letter to various foundations OR the federal government for a lot of money to get up and running. I have a great big book of zillions of formats on how to put together a proposal. If you have it really together and can provide a really good reason why you need this or that much land and all of the things you will need to put on that land and on and on and on...... You can get checks for huge amounts of money to get something like this started.

The thing of it is, it takes a lot of time and careful planning.... I am in the beginning stages here of getting something going. These horses need a place to go. And when this bill passes, this is the NEXT thing that is going to be adressed. WE HAVE to start finding places for all of these horses..... I am sure that is why there are a lot that are reluctant to vote for this....

Soooooooooooooooo I just thought that I would throw that out there for you...... It appears overwhelming but if you take it one step at a time, you could put together quite the plan.......... :-)

Cheers

### Alex.... Do they have empty stalls at your track like they do here? We always have at least 50 or 60 empty stalls at our track... I can't rememeber how many barns are there but there are a lot.... Next time I go out there, I am going to talk to the racing sec.... I know him pretty well and I may just bring up this issue..... Never know...... that could be one answer to where to put some of these horses... If there are empty stalls in tracks around the nation, wouldn't that be do-able????????

Cheers

Good Morning Sweet Barbaro in Heaven.

Rosie sweetheart are you waiting to give us an Easter gift?

Will call, fax and e-mail my senators and rep.

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

Ro & Brady

*****CROSSPOST RE: EASTER BASKETS*****

Fans of Barbaro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are two more days for contributions to be made. Please call in your donations today or tomorrow.

Kennett Florist
405 West State Street
Kennett Square, PA 19348
610-444-6040
Email: kennettflorist@ftdimail.com

Ro & Brady

AS a matter of fact... I think that would be a good project to start working on today...... Empty stalls at race tracks are what they are, EMPTY... What would you put in them? Horses!!!!!!!!!

Cheers

Easter Baskets: The Basket Of Love. From The Hearts Of The Angels. Rainbow Colored Easter Eggs. Barbaro Inside The Basket. Living. Angel.The Heart Of Love. Green Grass. Grazing.

Angels Who Can Work Miracles. Who Can Reach Loved Ones. The Special Ones In Our Lives.

It Is Love.

It Is So.

Affirmed.

Good Morning FOBs

Hope that everyone is happy and healthy this cold rainy morning.

I didn't get to see yesterday that Tim and Who's Happy won! Belated congratulations to all! You go girl!

An idea on the non-profit suggestion by Nina. With so many great organizations already (i.e. TRF, Old Friends, Our Mims, etc.) perhaps an "umbrella" non-profit organization could be created to assist these in fund raising, obtaining land, supplies, etc; even supply funds and grants? An ultimate goal could also be to purchase large acreages of land in several states for the horses?

Prayers for Dynacielo and all of Dynaformer's offspring. Could there be a genetic "softness/brittleness" to his progeny's bones? There was in Reviewer's line, I've read that he never should have been bred because of it. His career ended with a bone injury and, well, we all know how his daughter's (Ruffian) life ended.

Maybe we should consider not racing these horses until at least 3 years old? Just make everything that's for 3 year olds now for 4 year olds? Let them grow a little more before we put so much pressure on their bones? Just an idea so, please traditionalists, don't make me a blasphemer! LoL

God bless all FOBs and our animals...especially Dr. R, the Jackson's, all at NBC and Barbaro. Your star shines brightest in the night.

We Are Family. I See A lot Of Rainbows Here. The Beautiful Colors.

I See A Lot Of Love.

I See A Lot Of Prosperity.

A Blue Crown. I Think Of Barbaro.

The Blue Bird Who Can Fly. It Is Barbaro.

Affirmed.

Nina and Debbie L.A. - I really hate to say this but I think that this is the crux of the matter. Whenever I speak about horse slaughter to someone who is indifferent to the problem (I know, I know, but there are people who don't care, much as I hate to say it) the first question I hear is "Well, what are they going to DO with all the unwanted horses?" and I really have no answer. I realize now that it takes much, much more money to rescue horses than it does cats or dogs. I cannot tell the person that there are homes or rescue places for all the horses. The only thing I seem to be able to say is that these horse should be euthanized humanely, then I am asked "Well, what ARE they going to do with the bodies?" Not knowing to much about horses and not knowing what to answer I say that they would be buried. "But that costs money!" is their reply. I never know what to say. If only all the unwanted horses could be saved and taken care of at animal rescue places it would be wonderful. But it would take a tremendous effort and a lot of money to put together what Nina proposes.

Nina, that was a very interesting post. Where did you take this grant-writing class?

My Heart Of Love To Dr. R., NBC Staff, Mr. & Mrs. Jackson.

Yhe Hearts Of The Rainbow.

Affirmed.

Hmm interesting last minute choice by Todd Pletcher. I hope nothing is wrong with the horse. I wonder why the last minute decision like that. What makes one say all the sudden, "I am going to give my horse a month before the derby?" It seems like you would have something like that planned already. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Y: My Typo For T.

Y Is A Flower..A Rose In Blooming.

A V For Blue Birds. Flying Together In A V.

Love.

Affirmed.

This is Pathetic :o(

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/sports/17023857.htm

Fund won't be able to pay disabled jockeys in April
58 COUNT ON $1,000 A MONTH, BUT THE PROGRAM'S STRAPPED
By Brett Barrouquere
ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOUISVILLE - A fund aimed at helping permanently disabled jockeys is nearly broke, meaning nearly five dozen jockeys will not get payments they expect this month, the head of the Jockeys' Guild said yesterday.

Dwight Manley, manager of the Jockeys' Guild, said the program is operating month to month because of a lack of support from horsemen and others in the industry. That means 58 jockeys who get funds through the program will not receive the $1,000 payment each is scheduled to get in April, Manley said.

"These are people, and $1,000 a month to these people is vital," Manley said.

Just before the 2006 Preakness, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund was announced as a non-profit charity established by tracks, horsemen's organizations, jockeys and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

The fund, administered through NTRA Charities, is intended to supplement other payments to disabled riders, such as Social Security. The payments cost about $800,000 a year, Guild officials said.

Manley said a long-term solution to the fund's problems is necessary, but first the tracks and groups that have committed money or have not given to the fund need to get it back to solvency.

"I don't know what the solution is," said Manley, a sports agent who took over the Guild last summer. "It's everybody in this multibillion-dollar industry."

Remi Bellocq, executive director of the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, said Manley is casting blame instead of trying to solve the problem of caring for injured jockeys.

The Benevolent & Protective Association collects money from its affiliates, but some are small and cannot donate as much as the guild would like.

"At the end of the day, throwing around blame doesn't help anybody," Bellocq said.

Bellocq said the association is putting together a plan for a more secure, long-term funding source for the disabled jockeys, but he would not elaborate.

"We're committed to working on a more long-term solution," he said. "I'll just leave it at that for now."

The fund will get a temporary boost with the sale of the saddle worn by Barbaro when the 3-year-old colt won the 2006 Kentucky Derby.

Edgar Prado, the jockey who rode Barbaro, has donated the saddle to an auction, with the funds raised going to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

The saddle, also used by Prado while winning the 2002 and 2004 Belmont Stakes, will be auctioned off at the Mint Jubilee Gala on May 4, the night before this year's Derby.

"Barbaro was one of the greatest horses to ever run the Derby," Prado said. "I only used the saddle for major races."

Prado was aboard the 3-year-old colt during last year's Preakness Stakes when Barbaro broke down in the front stretch after injuring his right hind leg. Because of complications from his injury, Barbaro was euthanized in January.

Manley said the auction is expected to raise "a significant amount" of money for the fund.

Wendy,

You raise a very important issue with your story about the police and your dog. Many times, uninformed people with the best of intentions are wrong.

Many people are uninformed about ear clipping and tail docking of dogs. Like any surgical procedure, they must be performed by competent practitioners and when so done are bloodless, pain controlled and are done on an out-patient basis. Puppies whose ears are properly clipped go home and play in the afternoon. It is well known that dogs with erect ears, natural or clipped, have far less problems with their ears than dogs with drooping ears which created a warm, moist environment, perfect for all kinds of bacteria.

When people spend time worrying about properly clipped ears and docked tails, they are taking precious time and effort away from the truly abused, such as the slaughtered, starved and mistreated horses and other animals.

How wonderful - outlaw tail docking but eat horses!

Please stay safe today, Alex.

KEEP CALLING.

JoyinVT FOB Forever

####
DebbieL.A. - I have already "spoken" to Heather Wilson, NM. :( I mostly got the same response.

I just got word that my Sean Clancy book is on backorder from Amazon! Darn!!! Anyone know where I can get a copy quickly??? Don't want to wait 'til mid May for it!!

Have a wonderful day, FOB, and keep warm!

Good Morning FOB's

SHARON & ALEX, Kudos to you both for all you are doing for Barbaro's Celebration. I can't wait! It's going to be awesome!

PAM, WI
There's no such thing of "unwanted horses". Even if there were and we solved that issue, the opposition is just using that for an excuse. Don't worry. We're all in this together and we'll fight 'til the end to get this legislation passed.

MORNING REPOST

Good Morning Fob’s

While we are all celebrating the closing of the slaughter houses in this county we must remember the urgency of getting this legislation passed NOW!!

There are no better words that we can use than this statement from John Holland…….
“If we do not act aggressively to get the AHSPA 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.”
John Holland

PLEASE…everyone, we MUST act now. As you read this, countless horses are on their way to Mexico and Canada. American horses are still being slaughtered! Call your legislators today and let them know that this will no longer be tolerated. We have a better chance of being heard now that these slaughterhouses are closed…….we must make our voices heard before they find the “loopholes” and re-open.

Please click on Alex’s link for today’s Call in List. And, remember, this does NOT take the place of calling your OWN congressman and two senators! Beg them to help us.

Thanks and have a great day
Shelley and Debra

Posted by: ShelleyA at April 4, 2007 1:25 PM

###
A few thoughts on the "unwanted" horse question(s): these are few points I mention when I'm talking to people about the "what to do with those are 'unwanted'" - first, unlike dogs and cats, horses are a considered acquisition. You don't see them hanging out in a box on the corner with a sign that says, "free to a good home," take one home and then realize it's too much work, too expensive, etc. I can think of just a handful of times I've ever seen a "free to a good home" situation. Most people pay to own a horse.

This is when I mention that horses don't breed like dogs and cats - they don't have litters, most males are gelded young, mares and stallions are usually seperated to prevent unintentional breeding, etc. And 90% of them (a guesstimate) are bred with making a profit in mind. If the profit's not there, i.e., the breeder can't recoup any $$$ from selling to a slaughter house, then there is little or no incentive to breed what you can't sell.

The euthanize/disposal question is the most difficult one, in my opinion. In my county, it's illegal to bury livestock (horses fall under this ruling) and there's only one rendering facility serving 6-7 counties. When I had to put my last horse down, the cost was $500 for euthanasia and pick up. Rescues are the best answer to this, I think. But I try to emphasize that the vast majority of people who own horses are very responsible and would never "dump" a horse they could no longer afford.

Alex and Tim - as always, thanks so much for all you do to make this possible.

cyn

##
Ryan--please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. I am so sorry about Blossom. She is with Barbaro now, but I know that doesn't take away your pain.

REPOSTS########

Repost of Pam Mross's comments:

Last week, 200 horses were reprieved from slaughter at Cavel. Although their fate after leaving DeKalb is probably a sad unknown, our representatives that say, "we won't pass because of an over-population occuring" need to know something.

A rescue operation sent out a plea to rescue these horses. She received so many responses that her computer crashed twice...

Although I can't have a horse where I currently live, I sent out an e-mail to friends in WI and in Indiana and they were very helpful with places.

It's a cop out for reps to vote "no" because there will be too many horses. Awareness is high now and people want to help... And I believe more rescue facilities will start appearing once this ban has been passed. And many will gladly contribute what they can in time and money to keep these running.

Pam

Posted by: Pam Mross at April 4, 2007 1:53 PM

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

Repost of Carol Nichols' exerpt from Heather Wilson's pro-slaughter letter, and Repost of Debbie L.A.'s suggestion:

Carol's post:

I got a e-mail from Heather Wilson, New Mexico.
The letter was long, but I will be short.

Quote, the problem with HR503-and the reason why I
chose not to vote for it-is that it provides no alternatives or funding for dealing with these tens of thousands of unwanted or problem horses. As Rep. John Dingell, the ranking Democrat on the House Engery & Commerce Committee put it, "What you are going to find is you'll be up to your eyeballs in dead horses with no place to put them.

Posted by: Carol Nichols at April 4, 2007 1:12 PM

##########################################
Debbie's suggestion:

Carol
Oh Rep. John Dingell needs to hear from the FsOB.
He sounds like Jo Bonner and Shelby of Alabama.
If anyone has time to day add them on your call and fax list please!

Posted by: Debbie L.A. at April 4, 2007 1:49 PM

## I wanted to put these together in a repost, as I think Pam Mross's information about the rescue site getting so many responses to a plea for rescuing 200 Cavel horses that the computer crashed twice is a good rebuttal. There are a LOT of people who want to help these horses, and they are putting their money and their time towards it.

There have also been reports on this site of rescued horses becoming trained Therapy Horses--If others out there know of other successful rehabilitations of rescued horses, please share. Some of our Congressional leaders are apparently not thinking creatively about the situation.

Sue M., Pittsburgh

### LIZUK--Great news from Wales. The US really needs to step it up, considering in many states, severe abuse of animals is still just a misdemeanor. WENDY--Corgis will still have short tails. The Pembroke Corgis are born tail-less; the Cardigan Corgis have long tails that are not docked. The Queen has the Pembroke version!

### PAM MROSS--I am totally convinced that our reps absolutely DO NOT "keep on top" of the issues, so good for you for faxing a reply! Sen. Chuck Hagel from NE has never responded specifically to my letters on the slaughter issue, but apparently I'm now on his mailing list! I received a "newsletter" from him last week, and here's a PRIME example of not keeping in touch--the cover of the newsletter had photos of a "missing" child, Brandon Gonzales, with an "aged" picture of how he might look today. His father has already confessed to and been convicted for this little boy's MURDER, yet Senator Hagel is doing a "public service" showing him as a missing child! Talk about out of touch! The murder trial was months ago! I can only hope the rest of you have representatives that actually keep on top of the issues. (And this guy is considering a run for president!?!) I'm kinda thinking he's a lost cause for the Slaughter Bill!!

Good luck to everyone calling today!

Jenn in Wilkes Barre-
Amazon emailed me yesterday that it was on back order also. LAST NIGHT they sent another email saying that it had BEEN SHIPPED. Watch your email, or call them. It probably will happen to you. I was going to call them today, until I saw the second email.

Ryan in PA-
You made Blossom feel better during her short life on this earth. You probably put forth more effort than anyone else did for her up until that point. I am so sad for you, I cannot bear the thought of you having to see the emptiness of her stall. I am so sorry. Godspeed lil Blossom, Godspeed. I am so superexcited to hear the grand news about your grandfather! This is something to celebrate for your entire family! I hope that you all find the time to get together to have a toast aobut this miracle.

Prayers for all creatures great and small

Barbaro I love you. I think of you daily. I am glad you are not in pain and are free.

Anita MA and Cyn
You only need to look at Mare stare to know of the over breeding.
They are bred with making a profit in mind. If the profit's not there, the breeder can't recoup there money from selling to a slaughter house, then there is little or no incentive to breed what you can't sell.
It will take years before this stops. The AQHA and all the other breeders are pro slaughter.
It is so upsetting. We get the bills passed and slowley things will change.

####
LyndaP:
Thanks for posting the article about the disabled jockey's fund. That is a pitiful situation. Anybody have ideas on what we can do to help raise money and awareness??

###
If anyone needs to speak to a very concerned elected official in New Mexico, it would be Tom Udall. He's very sympathetic to this brutality.

Thanks, Dora. Nothing yet, but I'll be watching my e-mail to see. I can't wait for that book.

Many prayers to everyone suffering over the loss of a pet today. I missed a lot of posts in the last few days, so forgive me if I don't remember your names of your pets, but my heart grieves nonetheless.

Love to Barbaro, making it rain on us today, showering us with the love of his tears.

I was looking at several of the photos of Edgar Prado the other day....the series where he was now standinging in sorrow and looking devestated toward Barbaro at the Preekness. People are there hugging him and placing there arms around him....but he is completely inside himself with grief. At his feet in the dirt is the hastily disassembled white and red saddle laying in a heap. The same saddle that brought him great joy and now great pain. I have a feeling that Edgar probably cannot bear to use it again. And at the same time, the saddle means a great deal to him because they were a team, he and Barbaro....and the saddle gave them the ability to work together.

But what an amazing gesture on his part to let go of his sentimental connection to Barbaro. Edgar Prado knows that this is what Barbaro Legacy is all about. To step outside of yourself and pay attention to the world around you. TO act, when action is needed.

As we have always known, Edgar Prado "gets it"

(Hmmmmm....Now I just wonder who will make a bid on that saddle?...... Well,... I can think of two people in particular that may............)

###OOPS
That may not have sounded right. Tom Udall is on our side. He was an original sponsor.

What needs to be done is us keep calling our Representatives and Senators, look for Shelley and Debras directions and gain more co-sponsors.

After we get this passed and we will with our perseverance, we need to donate to rescues who are more than willing to have these "unwanted horses", but they need our financial support.

KEEP CALLING, FAXING, E-MAILING

Ro & Brady

Jenn-
First email was sent at 5:46 pm CST April 3rd, the shipping one was sent at 12:45 am (This morning) April 4th. So crazy.

###Ryan in PA,
I am so sorry to hear about Blossom, it is so very hard to deal with the everyday routine after their sudden loss, always thinking they're still there seeing, reminders all around. Barbaro will take her under his wing and I hope you'll find comfort from your friends here that have endured losses such as yours. It won't erase the pain but we can share the burden with you until it eases in your heart. Blossom was lucky to have you for the time that she had. Bless you for caring.

Judy

Ditto on the Amazon e-mail. I told them I'd wait for it -- I ordered thru this sight -- I don't want Tim and Alex to lose their "big" commission on the sale.

Jo at TB Friends

50 dollars for a paint mare and a bucket of chicken. But she saved now, thanks to Jo!

Gae-
THAT is the ONLY reason I am hanging on this long. I almost cancelled several times, but did not want that to happen to Alex's giant cut-LOL

Good morning, my Beloved Angel Boys.

Good morning, Barbaro Nation. Interesting news today. Liz UK, always good to hear from you. I am glad the UK is emphasizing owner responsibility for pets. Please tell Jo we miss her and hope she comes back!

Liz, is there much discussion in the UK about horse slaughter and horsemeat consumption?

Jenny, that is wonderful news about the 32 Cavel victims. Is there any word on the remaining horses? I fear they have already crossed the border.

RYAN: my heart aches for you. Blossom's life was cut short, but she knew only love and security while she was with us. She never would have had a life at all if her dam had not been rescued. Thank you for making her life special, and the lives of all the other horses at your rescue.

And please post more often--you're missed!

WHEN CONTACTING YOUR REPS

Remember that federal law prohibits non-profits from lobbying. THIS IS WHY THE REPS ARE NOT HEARING FROM THE RESCUES.

We are their voices--remind Congress!

Good morning FOB's,

It's 10:30am here in east coast time and I just finished my call to the Kennett Florist, 610-444-6040, and it's not too late to contribute to Easter Baskets for Dr. R and the staff at New B. Center. They will be delivering to the Center on Friday. They will attach your name with FOB along with it and your address if you choose. They will put whatever amount you want to give on your credit card too. They seemed excited about it and since there's hundreds working at the Center, not to mention the animals being treated, the more the better. Let's again let them know how much we appreciate all they do and did, especially all they did for our champion Barbaro.

I wish I could be at the April 29th celebration at Delaware Park, but can't. I will send my card and photo (we have a Harness Track near Flint where I'm near that has off-track betting, so I will be at that track the 29th to watch the races of that day).

Where is Delaware Park located anyway? I want to be there in spirit for sure.

Jerry, Grand Blanc, Mich.

Is Alex coming to Delaware Park on the 29th? Does anyone know?

Good Morning, FOB's!

Ryan in PA, I don't know the details - only that you have lost a beautiful horse friend and my heart aches for you. My prayers are with you and Blossom and all those beautiful caretakers. If you need to have someone just listen, please e-mail me at lyn.gilbert@gmail.com. From what I can gather, she had a lot of love around her and you gave her such a beautiful gift. Thank you for being so compassionate, so kind.

As Alex said, its a rainy day here. In truth, I'm glad for the rain right now. It lets me get things done here. Will be up at the ranch tomorrow due to having to take my son to and from work while his car is repaired today. It will also let me look over what I wrote last night for the guided horse meditation session and start to fine-tune it. The pen just started moving.

Everybody take care. Be safe, be loving.

Healing, Love, Peace,
ONS,
Lyn Gilbert

Thanks Alex for the updates.

(I don't think ducks like this weather much....)

Hope all turns out well for Hawty Creek on Saturday!!

Susan E.:
If you are asking me about the original horses that were attempted to be rescued on Thurs/Fri...of these horse I have no idea where they are unfrotunately. I will say though...we need to keep calling and faxing...this is our part of the work that needs to get done. The big people of the organizations are doing all they can AND more. Please keep them and all the horses that were in the pipeline in your prayers. May God soon enlighten those that make the laws and grant all our horses a forever happy life.
We must continue to move forward and take advantage of the momentum we now have.

Today atleast 35 of those horses have been given the opportunity of life....today the sun rose upon their faces with a different shine...

Jenny

###
JENN IN WILKES-BARRE...Alex is a big part in assisting with the events of April 28th and 29th...if you click on "Barbaro Birthday Celebrations" at the upper left of this page, you will see that he is offering a "tour" of Fair Hill before the day at the track!
ALEX IS OUR HERO!

***
Leslie in MN

I hope either the Jackson' or Dr R gets the saddle. What a selfless act on the part of Edgar! I have nothing but the highest esteem for him. I truly believe more than anyone else, we have Edgar to thank for the extra 8 months we had Barbaro.

Your story about your lab's surgery brought back memories to me yesterday. I had a rottwieler
that had to have ACL surgery. He was a vicious
dog. He was born mean. The vet and numerous trainers told me to have him put to sleep when he was jsut 8 weeks old.
I thought love would change him..It did not. He held us hostage the entire 8 years of his life.For the last 2 years we had to leave his leash on him.. he wouldn't allow anyone to reach under his neck..

When he had surgery he weighed 188 lbs, he was a huge dog, head like a drum.. Anyway, as soon as the surgery was over the ver called and said, come get him..I said I thought you could keep him for a couple days at the hospital..he said no..
He didn't want him there when he woke up..!!!
It was a nigh mare ordeal. We, too made our schedules around his needs . Our whole life revolved around him. He lived in the house, no one could visit..no one would visit,lol for 8 years. He died of cancer. I loved him unconditionally. Dutch taught me many lessons.

###
JoyinVT

As for my story of Palmer (my dog) and the police, I do feel better knowing that people in my neighborhood care about the animals. Thankfully the police backed down once they realized my dog has a 3000 sq foot dog house at his beck and call with absolutely no problem going in and out. You just have to show him there is food on the other side :)

###Anita MA

Mark O Hatfield School of Government. Portland State University... MPA... Masters degree.....

Cheers

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

######

CANDLE ALERT!!!!CANDLE ALERT!!!!!
Please keep them shining bright.

Please whatever it takes for us to make headway to get Barbaro's Bill passed, anti-horse slaughter bill and save horses..everyone counts and everyone thank you.

### Wendy

I suppose it's better to be overzealous than not care at all, but it isn't nice to be accused when you know you take care of your pets properly. I know in the past the RSPCA inspectors here have been frustrated by not having enough teeth to be able to get at some bad offenders; I hope that commonsense will prevail in the way the legislation is put into practice.

### Susan E

No, there isn't much talk of horse slaughter or horsemeat consumption here. Like Americans, we don't eat horses and only horses kept on farms are considered "livestock". We now have to have horse passports. This is EU legislation, introduced because Continental Europe eats horses and is designed to guarantee that meat contaminated by medicines etc does not get into the human food chain. This is why I don't understand how horsemeat imported from outside can be sold in the EU. The horse passport in this country includes a section where the owner can permanently exclude their horse from being slaughtered for human consumption. I would imagine most people would want to sign it. It certainly seems to be a cultural thing. I don't think the Irish would touch horsemeat either - but many more countries in Europe do than I realised before I came across this site.

#
Margie,
Did you see post on discussion board about three horses in New Mexico? Someone was trying to find homes for them. Whenever I see you name I remember you're from N.M. My daughter lives and works in Taos. Such a beautiful and raw country. Looks like it's warming up now in N.M., spring has arrived!

Wendy.

Am glad the police cared enough to be concerned about Palmer and am also glad they understood when you & Palmer explained. I am just saying that sometimes well-intentioned people are not fully informed.

VT Senate spent precious time last year trying to ban the ear cropping of dogs using false and misinformation. But never address the steel jaw trap or the true cruelty of so many farm animals and others. Fortunately, the state House listened to both sides and never sent it out of committee. But in the meantime a lot of animals suffered because so much time was spent on animals that are owned by loving and caring people.

Keep calling your senators and reps. and ask them to co-spoonsor SB311 & HR503.

Joy Barbaro loved & missed forever

Wow Harriette,

I hardly know what to say. That is certainly an example of Unconditional Love. I think that Dutch was perhaps one of the luckiest dogs in the world to have you. Thank you for taking care of him despite his outlook on life. Thank you for being strong enough not to take the easy path and just dispose of him. And thank you for keeping him safe from harm and from doing harm to others.

The Lab that I spoke of is my gentle giant. Houston wont step on an ant if he can help it. I never had to move a thing in my house during his puppyhood as he was a complete angel. 120 lbs and he never even knocked over a nick nack with his tail! LOL Boy was I living in a dream world because then I brought home a tenacious 8 month old LabMix that had been rescued from abuse. She destroyed our house in the span of a month. Woodwork, furniture, drapes, doors, glass, the backyard,...they all vanished before my eyes. My Husband and I had to literally lay on the floor and hold her down until her fits of rage were over...almost like a seizure. Our arms were constantly buised from her snapping jaws. She would bite at the air, bite the floor,....telling everyone about how angry she was about her previous life.

Slowly (and I mean Slowly) she began to get into her new life and routine and start to forget her past. But there were moments that we really thought we had gotten in too deep and wondered what we should do. Those moments only lasted a minute or two but still, ...mentally, its a hard battle. We feel that she is a great success story because now she is able to deal with most things in life.

However, I will be coming to Delaware by myself because we cannot kennel her. SO my husband will stay home to care for the twelve paws in our house. Since I am gong to be hanging out with 500 people who "Get IT" , I figure of all folks, you guys will understand this.

Leslie in MN

####
"I hope that commonsense will prevail in the way the legislation is put into practice."

Liz - I completely agree!

#
Liz,
I read where ever since Napoleon's soldiers, starving on the Russian steppes, had to kill and eat their horses there has been an acceptance of horse meat for those without another source of meat. Now however, it is evidently considered a delicacy in Europe which is surprising. I have an American friend who married a Frenchman and no one in their family eats or used to eat horsemeat. So, like anything if you were brought up with it it seems acceptable. It all comes down to education and the horseslaughter industry is not going to be forthcoming on that score!

It's always good to hear your more international perspective on
things, I appreciate it!

####
Hi Bonnie - I did see the posts about the 3 horses in need. I DID think about helping them. But I'll be leaving NM hopefully by mid April. Lost my job here and going back home to the east coast. Is your daughter looking for a nice piece of land maybe? I have 20 acres with house, shed, dog kennels up for sale. Anybody??? hint, hint.

####
Liz, fascinating news about different cultures. Although I draw the line at most of the culinary treats in other countries.

The horse passport idea does sound good; much like on drivers licenses here, where people can indicate whether they are an organ doner.

Does anyone know whether there is such a practice of horse passports here?

Once hr503 and s311 are passed, hopefully we won't have to worry about any aspect of the hs issue in the US.

Edie

Correction: s/b Liz (UK)

###Yesterday's news.
A Texas man that 'Gets It'. A man in Texas tried to rescue his Cockatoo by climbing 60' up a big pine tree. There were no lower branches so he just hugged the tree and shimmied his way up. He reached his best buddy, but now had only one free arm to try and get back down from the branchless lower trunk. He couldn't. It took 2 helicopters to get him and his buddy off that tree. Once safely on the ground, this man was kissing the bird, and tearily describing the life they shared. It looked like his wife was very happy also. The man looked to be in his mid 30's.

How about this story about someone who "gets it"?

Debbie Parkhurst, 45, of Calvert told the Cecil Whig she was eating an apple at her home Friday when a piece lodged in her throat. She attempted to perform the Heimlich maneuver on herself but it didn't work. After she began beating on her chest, she said Toby noticed and got involved.
"The next think I know, Toby's up on his hind feet and he's got his front paws on my shoulders," she recalled. "He pushed me to the ground, and once I was on my back, he began jumping up and down on my chest."

That's when the apple dislodged and Toby started licking her face to keep her from passing out, she said.

"I literally have pawprint-shaped bruises on my chest. I'm still a little hoarse, but otherwise, I'm OK," Parkhurst said.

"The doctor said I probably wouldnt be here without Toby," said Parkhurst, a jewelry artist. "I keep looking at him and saying 'Youre amazing.'"

We love our animals!
And we love our Barbaro!

###
Just spoke to Kennett Florist they will be taking pictures when they go to NBC with the Easter goodies.

Also, sign is ready and they will do a picture for us.

Kennett Florist another taste of heaven.

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!
I Get It!

Nina, I know what you mean about people who do not GET IT. I have a few friends (getting fewer all the time.ha) that think I am nuts with my Barbaro bumper sticker, his picture on the living room wall and every book that has come out about him and my calls and concern about the horses whi need rescuing. These people dont get it either why I try to find rescue abused homes either. They just dont GET IT and I feel sorry for them. They are missing so much.

###
Jenn in Wilkes Barre, PA... Thanks for the great story. You should see my cats when I cry.

Had to laugh when I read "I'm still a little hoarse, but otherwise, I'm OK," Parkhurst said."
My response, We can't all be big hoarses! SMILE!!!

Horse Hands Across America and the World!
Keep the Faith!
God spoke "Horse" and it was amazing!
I Get It!

Harriette~ you were Dutch's guardian angel and probably when you weren't looking, he smiled at you...

### Sandra- I dont mean to but in, but its those people who dont get it that are missing out. Keep on doing what you do and be proud of it. Before I found this site and everyone on it I felt like I was alone in my feelings. Now I know Im not and thats what makes me happy. I have been lurking badly lately and not posting much. Jen

Another fantastic update from Equine Heaven?

What IS Slew up to??!

Sorry, that was supposed to be "Another fantastic update from Equine Heaven !!!"

######

ust my opinion, but skipping the Wood Memorial may not be a bad idea. In recent years, a number of horses have run impressively in the Wood only to disappoint in the Kentucky Derby.

Posted by: Gae at April 4, 2007 2:04 PM
####################

True, and the exact opposite is also very true ... Secretariat ran poorly in the Wood (later determined he had a lip/gum abscess that day) but came back to win the Derby, Preakness and Belmont. So it's not a 'sure thing' either way ...

*** Judy & Leslie

I was Dutch's guardian angel and he loved me. In the end I was the only one who could touch him. If I had it to do over, I would do it the same way. As I've said before, when any animal comes to me it is part of the family and will be cared for until death, period.

Horse population a growing concern

####Harriette,

I always knew you were a special soul, you have once again shared the reason why. Dutch certainly had 8 wonderful years with you even if he was a bit mean spirited, I bet underneath somewhere he was a big softie but couldn't let it out but understood your unconditional love. Bless you Harriette for showing us your gifts of unconditional love.

Judy

Harriette,
You are wonderful!! :-) Thank you for feeling that way about the animals!! If more people felt that way, we would never have animal cruelty!!
I just wanted to tell you that I think you are awesome!!

UPDATE for Delaware Park Commemorative Tee Shirt..

www.corvinoballet.org/50306.html

###
Nina, This is what I found on msn.com.

Article says healthy homemade foods can be tricky.
Also offers tips for buying safe foods.

I didn't have time to ready the whole thing, but it might be worth looking at.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17935147/wid/11915773?GT1=9246

I should have added this in reference to pet foods. I'm going too fast today. Working like a little baby monster.

Hi Linnie:

That's interesting about Secretariat and a good observation on your part -- thanks. Genuine Risk had a tough race (also in the Wood I think) before she came back and won the Derby in 1980.

Debbie- thanks for posting that link. there are several responses on that article that are so true. For one thing this inflated price people are posting about euthanasia is one I have always questioned. I dont know anyone that has had to spend more than $100 for euthanasia and disposal by a renderer. And I know a lot of horse people. Maybe it is the area we live in, the MIdwest, but Im sorry, inflated east and west coast prices are not the norm. I think that the prices the pro group are stating, are taking the highest quote they can get and using it. Missouri has one of the largest horse populations in the country and we dont have horses being abandoned and running loose all over the place. It is all propaganda! Jen

Carol Nichols
Here is a fact that may help you: Each year, 690,000 American horses already meet a natural or accidental death, or are humanely euthanized; so the additional numbers of euthanized horses would not create the disposal problem that is frequently cited as a concern by slaughter proponents.

Also, the numbers of currently slaughtered horses are much higher than the numbers of "unwanted" horses, because some of them are stolen, some of them are purchased at auction by kill buyers who currently outbid families, etc., and some of them are Premarin mares and foals which are slaughtered with no attempt to place them in homes. In addition, the racehorse industry is really stepping up to the plate, to find homes for its extra horses. So the situation will hardly be lots of dead horses lying around....

I know you probably know all this already, but just in case, I thought you might find this info useful.

Marilyn- If all you Fobs meet at Hollywood park, you should try to get one of the TVG guys to interview you all and help get the word out. Jen

## Cal

Thanks.... I'll check that out....

###sandra I don't even BOTHER with people anymore that don't get it. I may say hi or what-ever but life is too short to give them any of my time... There are too many people that "DO get it" out there and they are the ones I want to be around in my life from now on. I am sick and tired of people bashing me for loving Barbaro, crying over Barbaro and all the things that I have done for Barbaro....

I guess when it comes right down to it that human/animal connection that Dr.R was talking about is very very special...... Animals don't judge us they love us un-conditionally. I don't see humans doing that for the most part............ I go with the animals.....and the humans that "GET IT".

Love you big buddy......... Angel Barbaro.... :-)

I remember Simon Bray acknowledging he knew about the FOBS

#### That is a good site..... Thanks... My dog has been getting turkey lately cause of all of this. She loves it.... She will have to understand that this is only temporary.....LOL

That recipie for dogs though would be a real good solid meal for our doggies.....

Cheers

Jen,

Euthanasia and removal costs vary quite a bit, I am sure. I have paid upwards of $225 for each, putting my cost at around $400-500. The other comment I have made before is the fact that BEFORE you ever decide on euthanasia, quite often you have already had the vet out, adding to your cost.

HOWEVER, the cost of euthanasia is ROUGHLY the cost of caring for the horse for one month.

If a horse owner has not planned far enough to care for his horse for ONE month, he should not be a horse owner!

### woops I mean Cal that is a good site... My fingers are running light years today.....

:-)

Barb- exactly the point! Terminating their lives is a given responsibility. People dont sent their dogs and cats to be brutally killed just because their time to live is over. Jen

### Equine Heaven

Wonderful Idea..... Now why didn't any of us think of that.... Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh Barbaro you are sooooooooooooooooo smart!!!!!!!!!

Love YOU from one that "gets it" :-)

#######

"All the responses from people who understand the human/animal connection, I mean, those are the people that are writing in, those are the people that are following the Barbaro story. The people who don't get that don't get it. Um, I don't... I don't need to *explain* that to the people who get it. Any of them would understand why you would get choked up." (Dr. Dean Richardson)

Cheers

####
Debbie, Jen, Marilyn/CA, and anyone else who is posting info to rebut proslaughter stances:

Thank you all very much. I am copying all of these, including the whole article and reader comments section from the Sentinel News--and I am putting this information into Word. I print them all out and keep them in my stack of factual and rebuttal information.

I am not, and have never been a horse owner; so all the factual information that those of you who truly know horses is very valuable to me. I have always loved horses, and animals in general--but to love them and to be anti slaughter is not enough to take an anti slaughter stance with people who are either waivering, or are pro.

###
On another note: Cal--"working like a baby monster"? FUNNY! That was a treat!
PS the Pirates have WON their first two games of the season. We are hoping that continues when they open at home. Hope it's not snowing then!

Sue M., Pittsburgh

#########

Hi Linnie:

That's interesting about Secretariat and a good observation on your part -- thanks. Genuine Risk had a tough race (also in the Wood I think) before she came back and won the Derby in 1980.

Posted by: Gae at April 4, 2007 6:45 PM
##################

Thanks, Gae, but I only know this much because of my adoration and love for Secretariat and what I remember reading and learning down through the years.

I didn't know that about Genuine Risk, and I thought she was 'connected' to Secretariat's bloodlines, but I just did a 7 generation search on her and she doesn't trace back to Big Red. I don't know where I ever got that but, for some reason, I always thought that Genuine Risk was 'related' to Secretariat. Then I thought it was Winning Colors, but I did a search on her, too, and "no dice" there either. But I AM SURE that Risen Star and Lady's Secret were both sired by Secretariat. And Risen Star didn't win the Derby (don't know if he was even entered) but he did win the Preakness AND he won the Belmont going away by at least 6 lengths, so he was definitely his father's son in that race!! He won 2 legs of the Triple Crown ... can't remember if he was entered in the Derby .... if anyone knows, will they please post here. Thanks so much!!

I was mistaken about Risen Star ...

He was entered in the Kentucky Derby and came in 3rd. I was also mistaken about his margin in the Belmont ... it was 15 LENGTHS!!

Here's all the 'skinny' on this great son of Secretariat from Wikipedia:

Risen Star, (1985-1998), was a champion thoroughbred race horse. The dark bay colt was the son of the great Triple Crown winner Secretariat out of the mare Ribbon. Bred by Arthur B. Hancock III & Leone J. Peters, Risen Star was bought by Ronnie Lamarque and Louie Roussel III at the 1987 Calder 2-year-old in-training sale. Trained by Roussel, a devout Roman Catholic who was stricken by throat cancer and recovered, ten percent of Risen Star's winnings were donated to the "Little Sisters of the Poor," a Roman Catholic order of nuns.

Lightly raced, as a two-year-old, Risen Star won the Minstrel Stakes at Louisiana Downs that set the stage for a remarkable three-year-old season. He won the Lexington Stakes and the Louisiana Derby, but in the prestigious Kentucky Derby, he finished third. Under jockey Eddie Delahoussaye, Risen Star was forced to the outside on the backstretch where he stayed until making a charge at the head of the stretch. Unfortunately, he was too late to make up all the lost ground to the front runner and finished third. Two weeks later in the Preakness Stakes Risen Star won in the fastest race since his sire's 1973 record time. Following this, he showed his genes, pulling away from the field and winning by an amazing 15 lengths in the longest of the Triple Crown races, the gruelling 1½ mile Belmont Stakes. An injury from that race forced the horse into early retirement but Risen Star still won the Eclipse Award as 1988's top three-year-old colt. By winning the Eclipse, he became the first third generation Eclipse Award winner in the same category (his sire won in 1973 and his grandsire Bold Ruler won in 1957). He was retired to stud and went on to sire champion Risen Raven along with several other million-dollar earners.

Risen Star died on March 13, 1998 at Walmac International where he is buried. Named in his honor is the Risen Star Stakes race for 3-year-olds held annually at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana.
##################

I definitely remember the story of the nuns ... the Little Sisters of the Poor, being given 10% of Risen Star's purse! Such a touching story!!

Linnie I've copied this from the Wikipedia entry on Risen Star. Hope this helps.

Lightly raced, as a two-year-old, Risen Star won the Minstrel Stakes at Louisiana Downs that set the stage for a remarkable three-year-old season. He won the Lexington Stakes and the Louisiana Derby, but in the prestigious Kentucky Derby, he finished third. Under jockey Eddie Delahoussaye, Risen Star was forced to the outside on the backstretch where he stayed until making a charge at the head of the stretch. Unfortunately, he was too late to make up all the lost ground to the front runner and finished third. Two weeks later in the Preakness Stakes Risen Star won in the fastest race since his sire's 1973 record time. Following this, he showed his genes, pulling away from the field and winning by an amazing 15 lengths in the longest of the Triple Crown races, the gruelling 1½ mile Belmont Stakes. An injury from that race forced the horse into early retirement but Risen Star still won the Eclipse Award as 1988's top three-year-old colt. By winning the Eclipse, he became the first third generation Eclipse Award winner in the same category (his sire won in 1973 and his grandsire Bold Ruler won in 1957). He was retired to stud and went on to sire champion Risen Raven along with several other million-dollar earners.

And Lady's Secret was Secretariat's daughter.

###Linnie, have you been able to get Lawrence Scanlon's book yet? There is a lot of good information in it. I just finished reading it and I am reluctant to return it to the library so I may have to go and buy it.

Judy

Risen Star was only 13 when he died ... rather young age. I have tried to find a cause of death via google searches, but can't seem to locate it. If anyone knows or can find out his cause of death, I would greatly appreciate a post here about it ...

Thank you ...

Hi Linnie:

Actually there was a connection between Genuine Risk and Secretariat. It was the first time a Kentucky Derby winner was bred to a Kentucky Derby winner. Sadly, their foal was stillborn.

UPDATE ON STATE CALL-IN PROGRAM

Yesterday we got responses from AZ, OH, and NY. Thanks to Barb, Michelle, and Cristina!

I know everybody has a lot on their plate, but most of us are making calls anyway. I can't stress enough how much an organized, targeted call-in campaign can help. Our success here in CA is a testament to that!

Please consider adopting this strategy. We just need one person from each state who is willing to be the state leader and keep everything on track.
I will walk you through the basics of the strategy, and help in any way to get your state's program set up.

There are so many committed, wonderful people on this board, each state would have a really great group!

Thanks!
Steph

Linnie

Died of colic on March 13, 1998. Buried at Walmac International in Kentucky, where he had resided since his retirement.

copied from pedgreequery.com

###
Sue M, Maybe this is the year the Bucs go 162-0.
LOL

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

Sophie and Judy Ont ...

Sophie ... thanks so much ... as you can see, I wandered over to wikipedia, too and found the same info on Risen Star ... I guess we were both thinking alike at the same time!!
###################

Judy ... No haven't gotten the new Secretariat book yet ... I am hoping that Alex will have a link on this book to Amazon so that I can order both this one and Sean Clancy's book on Barbaro at the same time ...

I still haven't read Nack's book yet which is sitting right here next to me, and I haven't read Raymond Woolfe's book yet, but I can tell you this. When I got Woolfe's book on Secretariat which, by the way, is absolutely breathtaking, just randomly one day I opened to a page and there was the most strikingly poignant black and white picture of Big Red that I have ever seen. I immediately started to cry and closed the book ... of course, I will read it and look at all the magnificent color and b/w photos ... This is a large coffee table size book and it's magnificent. A definite 'must have' for Secretariat fans!!

ATTENTION:

When contacting Sen. Rockefeller - (202) 224-6472, please ask for MATTHEW. Very nice young man and will note our concerns. He will definitely be a good person for all of us to keep in contact with.

For many of you who are strapped for money and want to make a difference, your CALLS are worth more than money in this case.

_______________________________________________

Thanks to those that have helped with the BABY SEAL WATCH.

BABY SEALS NEED OUR HELP

Scroll to the bottom to help out.

###Linnie, Raymond and Bill Nack are both quoted and referred to in Scanlon's book, so I want to read those books too, now that you have mentioned Woolfe's book they will be a must. Thanks,

Judy

#######

Oh Gae ... THANK YOU!! Yes, I do remember that now! I knew there was some 'connection' but couldn't think of it. Now that you've jogged my memory, yes, of course, that does ring a very large bell for me. They were bred to each other ... yes, yes ... stillborn foal ... so sad ...

Thank you again, Gae!!

You All Get It Because You Are Angels Who Know How To Love. God Speaks Horses..Roses.

Affirmed.

Sophie .... thanks!! I saw the date of March 13 and 'where' he was buried but couldn't find the cause ... colic ... thanks so much. He was so young at only 13!!

Hi Linnie:

You're welcome -- I had a hunch that was what you were thinking. That would have been some foal if it had survived - I think was a colt.

Thank you for reminding me that Secretariat wasn't undefeated going into the Kentucky Derby. I was getting him mixed up with Seattle Slew.

Thanks for the memories.

Best,
Gae

Following is a letter on the horse slaughter issue I wrote to the editor of my local paper a few weeks ago - it was published today. There is so much more to say but, in the space allowed, I hoped to capture someone's attention and add to the numbers of people working on this issue. If anyone considers it good enough and reusable, feel free! I'm proud to be a FOB who GETS IT and will always BELIEVE. Love you, Barbaro.

“Humane Slaughter”. Mutually exclusive terms yet used by supporters of the inhumane slaughter of American horses in order to provide dinner delicacies for the elite in foreign countries. Horses are being slaughtered at one of three foreign owned plants in the United States; plants which don’t respect AMERICAN tax laws, environmental laws, or AMERICAN sensibilities. Contrary to their claims, USDA statistics show 92% of slaughtered horses are neither old nor infirm. Many are young and healthy, some are foals, some are stolen property, some are discarded pregnant mares used by pharmaceutical companies. Some are purchased from private owners by seemingly legitimate buyers, only to be transferred immediately to the road leading to slaughter. There are placement options for unwanted horses. They are not intended for slaughter and human consumption; no more so than are cats and dogs. Pet food companies do not even utilize horsemeat in their products. Yet the slaughter continues on American soil by foreign interests. Research what is happening. Call your Congressman and Senators; urge them to pass into legislation the law (the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, HR503/S311) to stop this. Help protect America’s Horses from foreign dinner plates.

UPDATE ON STATE CALL-IN PROGRAM,

All,

You really should consider doing this if you want to end horse slaughter. What some of us have found out is that a lot of people are not making the calls for one reason or another.

I talked to Steph last evening and we are going to do this in AZ. I think the beauty of it is in the accountability and, as Steph has it organized,the FEEDBACK from the offices and aids.

Please let Steph know that you and your FOB in your state will try this.

Thanks.

GUYS -

What I have been doing is asking that they support this Bill by Co-Sponsoring

The slaughterhouses have been closed and this Bill is not saying what the owners can do or not do, this Bill only bans transportation of our Horses and not allowing them to go to other countries.

###########

###Linnie, Raymond and Bill Nack are both quoted and referred to in Scanlon's book, so I want to read those books too, now that you have mentioned Woolfe's book they will be a must. Thanks,

Judy

Posted by: Judy (Ontario, CAN) at April 4, 2007 7:42 PM
############

Judy, Nack's book is more of a documentary non-fiction account of Secretariat's life ... in trade paper back with only a handful of black and white photos, but Nack is a great writer with a wonderful story to tell, obviously! ;) The full name of the book is "Secretariat - The Making of a Champion" by William Nack.

The other book by Raymond G. Woolfe is completely different ... The title is "Secretariat" and it is impressive and ve