FOR EVERYONE!!
Tomorrow a Very Special Occasion Takes Place ... An Occasion so Monumental that the Country at large will take part in this Celebration with mini-celebrations of their own to Commemorate this great Hero and Champion!!! We all know who this is ... BARBARO'S BIRTHDAY!!

HOWEVER ... There are 365 DAYS in the year when a KILLER steps in and takes the life of such a great Hero and Champion ... and, sadly, we all know who THIS is also ... LAMINITIS!!! And we need, no we MUST take THE LIFE OF THIS KILLER ... In this case, "AN EYE FOR AN EYE" is justified as righteous indignation!!!

So, our April Campaign must be extra special for Bobby ... our "Let's Lick Laminitis" needs another "KICK", and the only way to do this is with funds for laminitis research. So, we are going to honor Barbaro for his incredible gallantry both on and off the racetrack ... AND ... we are going to honor the man who gave Barbaro back his life for more than 8 months with his caring, his concern, his tireless efforts, his labor of love and his surgical skills ... DR. DEAN RICHARDSON!!!

So, I am asking with my hand extended for your help, your generosity and your love for the bond of love that was shared between our "Bobby" and Dr. Dean Richardson!!

But there's more ... a little baby filly was recently born to our Rosie ... and her name is "Bobby's L'il Angel" and we all know why!!! She needs to be protected from the ravages of laminitis that could endanger her own life at any time ... so we need to honor little "Angel" during Bobby's Birthday Celebration as well ...

So, here's the April Challenge:

Donate $29 in honor of our Beloved Barbaro on his 4th Birthday ...

Donate $29 in honor of our equally loved Dr. Dean Richardson for everything he contributed and gave to Barbaro during those long months and weeks ... Because of Dr. Richardson, Bobby was able to "walk in the sunshine" and "graze in the grass" again ... Dr. Richardson should be honored during Barbaro's Birthday Celebration

Donate $29 in honor of "Bobby's L'il Angel" and protect her from harm for Bobby ...

Give once, give twice, give 3 times, but please give.
What better way to honor BARBARO on his 4th Birthday than with our assurance to him, and Dr. Richardson and "Angel" that we will NOT stand by and allow this crippling killer - Laminitis - to take the life of another of our beloved equine companions.

Let our voices and our donations swell in perfect harmony in Celebration of Life for Bobby, Dr. R and Angel!!

Here are the BLUE LINKS to donate! Thanks so much Everyone!

Let's Make the April Donations to the laminitis fund the biggest and best yet! I know we can do this together!!!

For the Laminitis Page:
Let’sLickLaminitis

For the recurring payment form option:
Let’sLickLaminitis

Or just click on Alex's links on the top left PENN: GETTING INVOLVED OR BARBARO FUND!!

HERE'S A GREAT BIRTHDAY CHALLENGE THAT CAN HAPPEN 'IN THE MOMENT' AND 'ON THE SPOT' RIGHT AT YOUR OWN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS FOR BOBBY!

If the 'person in charge' of each celebration(main contact, leader, etc.) would like to collect all the checks written out that day and mail then to NBC, that would be terrific!!

I'm sure each location has someone who is 'spearheading' the birthday celebration at each track; i.e. Tampa, Hollywood Park, Colorado, TX, OH, etc. So if that one individual would like to collect all the checks written on the 29th and mail them directly to NBC with your own note stating how much you collected on behalf of laminitis research, that would be wonderful. In this way, each separate celebration will be recognized for their efforts on an individual basis and this is a great motivator and incentive for each location to 'run its best race', so to speak. A little friendly competition never hurt, right? LOL

So, yes, by all means, let's get all the birthday celebrations involved in this ... each 'leader' of the respective locations motivate your troops to writing out checks for $29 on April 29, and then gather them up, total your figures and send it directly to NBC with your own letter enclosed based on your specific location. In this way, we will all be acting individually and collectively toward a major goal ... the end of Laminitis.

HERE'S THE INFORMATION ON HOW TO MAKE THE CHECKS PAYABLE FOR THE $29 ON THE 29TH BARBARO BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION ... AND HOW TO EARMARK FOR 'LAMINITIS FUND' IN THE "MEMO" SECTION OF THE CHECK.

Just a thought/Suggestion, will the person in charge of collecting/sending the checks Highlight with a Marker THE MEMO LINE AND ALSO TO PROOF ALL OF THEM TO BE SURE EACH CHECK IS MARKED LAMINITIS FUND.

Checks should be made payable to the
"Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania,"
with Laminitis Fund on the memo line and sent to:

University of Pennsylvania,
School of Veterinary Medicine
New Bolton Center Office of Development
382 West Street Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ...

THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING ...

LINNIE

OK, GANG WE HAVE ANOTHER EXCITING CHALLENGE, AND THIS ONE IS GOING TO KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF ... MINE ARE ALREADY GONE!!

READ THIS:
From UPENN
I was just talking to Gail Luciani, our Communications Director about the
29th. Do you think you could ask your reps to take some photos at the celebrations
around the country. We'd like to do a news story and a website piece after
the festivities are over and then we can also report on the success of the $29
campaign and thank everyone.

TAKE SOME PIX????????????????? I KNOW MY PEOPLE OUT THERE ... AND YOU WILL ALL TAKE LOTS AND LOTS OF PICTURES OF THE MONIES BEING RECEIVED, THE CHECKS BEING WRITTEN AND HANDED OVER!!!

JUST A SUGGESTION ... IF YOU CAN, DESIGNATE ONE PERSON IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL 'BIRTHDAY BARBARO CELEBRATION' TO BE THE 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER' TO MEMORIALIZE YOUR EVENT ... OR DESIGNATE SEVERAL, BUT JUST MAKE SURE THIS IS A "KODAK MOMENT" TO REMEMBER FOR THE AGES ... HECK, MAKE THIS A THOUSAND KODAK MOMENTS ....

TAKE PICTURES, RECORD THE EVENT ... COLLECT THE CHECKS, COUNT THE MONEY AND DO IT ALL FOR BARBARO!!

BRAVO FANS OF BARBARO ...!!! MAKE THIS EVENT BEYOND EVEN YOUR WILDEST EXPECTATIONS!!! FOR THE BIG BOSS HOSS ON HIS FIRST 'HEAVENLY' BIRTHDAY!!! AND SEND YOUR PICTURES ALONG WITH YOUR CHECKS AND YOUR LETTER PROUDLY CLAIMING WHAT YOUR CELEBRATION RAISED IN BARBARO'S MEMORY FOR LAMINITIS RESEARCH!

I KNOW YOU ARE ALL GOING TO TAKE THIS RACE TO YOUR HEARTS AND FIGHT IT TO THE FINISH LINE ... TX, OH, ME, CA, FL, CO, DE AND ALL POINTS IN BETWEEN FAR AND WIDE!!!

AND THEY'RE OFF!!!

I AM SO PROUD OF ALL OF YOU BEFORE YOU EVEN 'DO IT' BECAUSE I ALREADY KNOW HOW DETERMINED AND DEDICATED YOU ARE TO MAKE YOUR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION THE BEST EVER!!!

LOVE TO ALL OF YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO ... AND ALL THAT YOU CONTINUE TO DO ... FOR BARBARO ... FOR THE HORSES ... AND TO SLAY THE LAMINITIS DRAGON FOR GOOD!!

LET'S LICK LAMINITIS!! LET'S LICK IT!!

LINNIE

Posted for Linnie

Candles, Candles, Candles,

Let remember to light lots of candles this weekend.

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=barba

Have a safe day

An excited Good Morning to Tim, Alex and all the FsOB! Tomorrow is Kleenex Day, aka the Birthday. I was thinking about everything happening tomorrow last night, and this morning when I watched the interview from NBC-TV, I could tell that Dr. R was still hurting. An idea germinated and I wrote this:

The Passage

On a quiet Spring evening, an old man was sleeping, near the end of his life's journey. This man was a great man loved by many. But this great man was restless in his sleep, for, you see, he didn't want to go. He felt his failures in life made him unworthy of what was next for him.

As he slept, he dreamed. In his dream, a Spirit Horse appeared. The man was nervous at the Horse's approach. as the Horse neared, he spoke to the man, saying, "Do not be afraid. I am here to show you something. Come, walk with me."

And as they walked silently, they came upon a lush field of grass. In the field were dozens of animals, all playing and frolicking. There were horses, cows, sheep, birds, even a polar bear. When the man the the Horse passed by, each animal stopped what it was doing. Each faced teh man and bowed its head. The man was confused, he couldn't fathom what was happening. When he tried to ask, the Horse merely said, "Shhh, just watch." As they were leaving the field they could hear thunder in the distance. The Horse told the man, "I must go now, but you will see me again very soon."

The man turned to watch the Horse leave. The thunder grew louder as the man watched and he turned to see what was making the noise. Suddenly, there appeared a galloping herd of horses.

As they thundered closer, just as suddenly as they had appeared, they stopped. all but one, who walked toward the man. This horse stopped when he got close to the man and asked of him, "What are you afraid of?" In a humble voice the man replied, "I am afraid that I am not welcome here. You see, I was a veterinarian. A Spirit Horse was here who showed me a field of animals. I recognized them all. They were teh animals whose lives I failed to save. They all stopped as I passed and looked at me."

The horse said, "Yes, I know. I was that Spirit Horse, don't you recognize me? Look behind me, you will recognize some of my friends. You misunderstand the look from those animals, they were looking at you with thanks; thanks for trying to help them and thanks for letting them come here where they are whole again. You didn't fail those animals, just as you didn't fail me.

"Do you see who is with me? Who has come to help me honor you? There is Ruffian and Sunday Silence, Alydar and Affirmed, Secretariat, Man O'War and Seattle Slew.

"You once said, "The hardest part is accepting that you failed." You didn't fail Dr. Richardson. You gave me life when I needed it; you gave me peppermints and apples and carrots. You gave me love and you gave me time. You gave me the time I needed to bring together a nation. A nation meant to do great things.

"This nation has ended the slaughter of my brothers and sisters. They are fighting laminitis. They have given my brothters and sisters homes and love. The continue to do great and wondrous things. You didn't fail. And now, it is your turn. It is time to go. It is me, Barbaro. Climb upon my back Dr. Dean, for I am here to carry you over the Rainbow Bridge, and to say 'Thank You.'"

Lee
I Get It

Good Morning Everyone! About to leave for our roadtrip down to Hillsboro IL - can't wait to meet a few steadfast FOB's from the St. Louis Area at our musical festivities tonight.

Alex, thank you so much for the link to the Today Show video. Noticed many FOB names among the comments following the blog. I left the following comment (dated Friday 4/27, 8:03 p.m.):

I was drawn to Barbaro just before the Kentucky Derby. I'm a horse lover who was a racing fan until Ruffian. Barbaro brought me back. I knew of Michael Matz from his showjumping career so was glued to the TV once I heard who Barbaro's trainer was. After the accident I found the Tim Woolley site the next day. I was fascinated and grateful for all the unfolding information that we learned and most of all to witness the unfailing spirit of all concerned. I have never felt about a critter that wasn't mine, what I felt and still feel about this horse I never met. There will never be another horse like Barbaro. As Michael Matz was quoted in the press recently: "There was something about him that will never be forgotten." The best of all this IMO is all the wonderful things that are happening re horse welfare - the antislaughter legislation that is almost now a reality, and the literal rescue of over 500 horses (so far) from the slaughter pipeline - in addition to raising consciousness and funds re veterinary research and promoting safer track surfaces; the list goes on. And the friends we have made while working to improve conditions for horses everywhere. The list goes on - The Barbaro Effect! LIVING PROOF OF THE LIVING TRUTH - C. Jaffe (regular @ the Tim Woolley website mentioned by Mr. Jackson in the Today show interview) [end of comment at MSNBC blog)

Check the Misty Pool thread at the Forum to get in on guessing when Bobby's Spirit will be born.

Everybody have a safe and wonderful day - PLEASE!

########
Susan E - check your email - I sent you our cellphone number in case you want to reach me B4 we hook up at Bleachers.

Good Morning Sweet Barbaro in Heaven!

Good morning Rosie and Bobby's Lil Angel.

All attending the festivities have a wonderful time and know that I will be there is spirit.

Ro & Brady

######
Lee - no need to wait until tomorrow for the Kleenex - you got me with that one!

###
Good morning everyone. Special greetings to Alex and Tim and special thanks for all you do for us.

###
SAFE TRAVEL to all heading to the Big Barbaro Birthday Bash!! The entire day sounds like a WONDERFUL experience and I will be with you all in spirit. Got my carrot cake slice ready to eat (and might even add a bit of Rum Raisin ice cream JUST to make it absolutely perfect ;o)

Hope everyone's day tomorrow is absolutely perfect, too.

Just left a note on the FORUM, and god bless it, I can't find where it went...but basically, it said have a fine, fine time in DE. Bring back lots of pix, lots of memories, lots of stories. We will all be with you in our hearts, that's for sure...
########
Any word on Lily's feet since John trimmed them up?
What an amazing education that thread was.
#######
And the mares and foals we ransomed for Shiloh? Are they all "Home" now? That is a scary part of big rescues for me, we once had a farm owner pull the four oldest hounds off our haul at the last minute--literally in the driveway after they had been loaded in the "holes."and take them back into Hell. (The owner was made paranoid about what we would say about the conditions of the hounds...we all made a pact after getting the 34 others--that no one would go on the greyhound lists and trash this owner. We had to go back down to FL and get the 4 Old Ones (stud dog and three broods) later that spring...)
So you never know what will happen even though you think things are cast in stone....they never are.)

Anyway: best to all with laptops in DE. Pass our wishes along, we're all there in spirit, for sure.

So Beautiful Angel Lee. You Touch My Heart. My Love Angel Sophie.

Very Safe Travels Angels.

Affirmed.

Lee,What a beautiful story!!!!!!The waterworks won't stop.Thanks,Alison

I Love You Dr. Dean Richardson (Dr. R.) You Touch My Heart So. Barbaro Loves You So. A Very Beautiful Rainbow. The Blue Bird That Can Fly. Blessings And Love To You, Your Staff And Your Family.

You Have A Very Big Heart.

The Heart Of The Rainbow.

Mr. & Mrs. Jackson You Are The Angels Of Love.
I Love You. You Are In My Heart.

Affirmed.

I Love You Alex And Tim. For All That You Do. For This Very Beautiful Site.

All Rainbows.

Affirmed.

I Love You Barbaro. I Love Your Connections. I Love The Angels On This Site. For Their Belief And For Being Doers. For Their Love.

Affirmed.

That just knocked me out, Lee! Beautiful. Dr. Richardson is very much loved by all of us. I'll be at Hollywood Park tomorrow, to celebrate the life of our magnificent Barbaro. It will truly be a bittersweet day, with the gatherings all over the country. God bless you, Barbaro - you'll never be forgotten.

Hi, all you animal lovers. This is pretty simple.. Please tell ten
friends to tell ten today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble
getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of
getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals.

It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "feed an
animal in need" for free. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their
corporate sponsors/advertiser s use the number of daily visits to donate
food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.

Click to Feed the Animals - Rescue Site

AGAIN, PLEASE TELL 10 FRIENDS!!!

Happy Weekend FsOB

Those going to Del Park - take lots of pictures to share with the rest of us, please!!

I'll be leaving soon to meet Barbi and then Jen and then head to Tampa Bay Downs to meet Susan and the other FsOB who will join us tomorrow in celebrating Barbaro's birthday. BTW - thank you Susan for all your hard work putting this together. What a weekend!! I hope this is just the first and that it will be a yearly event. Those not able to attend anywhere - you are in our hearts and ARE celebrating with us.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!
Janice
A forever FOB

Beautiful comments this morning from both Lee and Dee. I was suppose to leave for Delaware this mornig but I am not feeling well, so I will be thinking about all of your constantly!

The big weekend is finally here. This is so exciting.
I'll be leaving shortly for Delaware and can't wait to meet so many of you.

Safe journey to all that are traveling to celebrations all over the country.

Again, a HUGE thank you to Sharon Crumb and to Alex for putting this all together.

Have fun and get ready.....next week we go back to work for the horses!!!

You guys are truly Barbaro's legacy....you're his voice and I can't stop thinking of how proud he is now!!!!

Shelley

Barbaro's Birthday Gatherings

I See The Most Beautiful Celebrations

Delaware Park

Fair Hill

All Over This Country

I See Roses

I See Rainbows

Musical Balloons

Singing Songs

Joy

Laughter

Tears

Hugs

Love

Blessings

Rainbow Candles

Colorful Cards

Tables

Chairs

Centerpieces

Home

Sacred Place

Loved Ones

Family

Special Friends

Pets

Barbaro Documentary

Reaching The Heart

On All Levels

Deeply Felt

Writing Notes On Paper

Significant

An Artist

Creativity

Sunday Barbaro Turns 4

In Prayer

In Love

He Lives In Our Hearts

Forever Connected.

It Is Love.

Affirmed.

Have a great time at the parties for our Barbaro. Love to the Jacksons and all FOBS.Come home happy and safe. Alex you are the best of the best. Love to Barbaro forever.

Good morning, all!

I can feel the excitement building. Safe travels to all and may everyone at every location have a wonderful time filled with celebration and memory.

###
Lee

Oh my, don't do that to me ;) Or I will walk INTO DelPk looking like a potato face from crying. That's beautiful. I felt Dr. R's heartbreak, too, in that interview. This has changed his life forever.

###
Lor in PA

I'm now in the habit of clicking on the Animal Rescue site the first time I launch my browser in the morning. So easy to do!

###
MJ

So sorry you aren't feeling well. You'll be with us all in spirit.

I will bring my $29 laminitis check to DelPk and I assume someone there will collect it? Sharon? (as if you need anything else to do ;)

In a way, I'm glad Chelokee is not running in the Derby. For Michael Matz, the comparisons to last year's experience would be very, very tough, and probably not fair to Chelokee's owners, who also have to live in Barbaro's huge shadow.

Hold onto your hearts, folks--we're about to take a big emotional ride together.

To the Jacksons, Dr. R, Edgar, Michael and Peter--you are the very best humanity offers. I love all of you.

Alex and Sharon and Tim and all involved in coordinating this--you ROCK!

###

Oh Lee!!! It is kinda hard to type this through my tears....you wrote a BEAUTIFUL tribute this morning!!! Thank You!!

I think this weekend for everyone of us FsOB will be extremely emotional....I think Bittersweet IS the best word to describe it...my heart is hurting, LOTS...as I know many others are..but you know? I wouldn't change one single step of this journey I have taken with all of you, or THE MOST HANDSOME SWEETHEART IN THE WHOLE UNIVERSE AND BEYOND:) We all love you sooooo much Bobby Jackson, we will love you FOREVER!!!

Lynne-Barbaro's Forever Friend in CA

##

Sophie, I believe that is the most touching thing I have ever read.

Sophie, that was exquisite. I hope Dr. Dean sees it.

Now to dry my tears....

MJ, I hope you perk up and get to head out to DelPark!

It's a gorgeous morning here in St. Louis (Go Cards!) and I'm really looking forward to our celebration this evening, and to hearing about everyone else's Birthday Adventures.

We have something so amazing going on here in The House That Barbaro Built!

Proud to be an FOB

Hi my beauty. Birthday party time for our great champion. I will be celebrating at my desk surrounded by Barbaro pictures, Barbaro horses, pins, blankets....wearing my beautiful Derby cap. Thank you everone for sharing through this column. I have made my donations and will carry on Barbaro's legacy as best I can. Thank you to Mr and Mrs Jackson, Dr. R., Michael, Edgar, Alex, Tim, FOBs and all who love our boy so much. I will love and miss him forever along with so many others. There truly can't be another Barbaro...he was "too special!" I'm certainly thankful that we have 2 brothers to love. Bless them...they have tremendously huge shoes to fill. Safe rides for all and Happy 4th birthday my beloved Barbaro. True love.

Huge thank you's to Sharon and Alex! Jane in Ct thanks for your comment.

FDA Agents Raid Pet Food Plant, Offices
Created: 4/28/2007 1:24:09 AM
Last updated: 4/28/2007 1:52:43 AM

By ANDREW BRIDGES
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal agents searched facilities of a dog and cat food manufacturer and one of its suppliers as part of an investigation into the widening recall of pet products, the companies disclosed Friday.

Food and Drug Administration officials searched an Emporia, Kan., pet food plant operated by Menu Foods and the Las Vegas offices of ChemNutra Inc., according to the companies.

Menu Foods made many of the more than 100 brands of pet food recalled since March 16 because of contamination by the chemical melamine. ChemNutra supplied the manufacturer with wheat gluten, one of the two ingredients tainted by melamine used in recalled pet products. Both companies said they were cooperating with the investigation.

Menu Foods also said the U.S. Attorney's offices in Kansas and the western district of Missouri have targeted the company as part of misdemeanor investigations into whether it violated the federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. The sale of adulterated food is a misdemeanor.

The FDA also is looking at all other ingredients imported by ChemNutra, and trying to reconcile what it imported with what it supplied to customers, said agency spokeswoman Julie Zawisza.

Import records obtained by The Associated Press show that since May 2006 alone ChemNutra also imported 440,000 pounds of the second suspect pet food ingredient, rice protein concentrate, from the same Chinese trading agent that handled exports of the tainted wheat gluten.

It's unknown if ChemNutra's rice protein concentrate was contaminated. Limited testing suggests it wasn't. However, another company's imports of that same ingredient, albeit from a different source, have been found to be tainted.

Ten of the 11 containers of rice protein concentrate imported by ChemNutra over the last year went to undisclosed pet food companies, spokesman Steve Stern said. The 11th is under quarantine and being tested. But just one of the other 10 is known to have been tested; results from those tests, done last week, showed it was not contaminated, Stern said.

The origin within China of the wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate remains murky. For example, ChemNutra's source for the two vegetable proteins, Suzhou Textile Import and Export Co., told The AP that food ingredients aren't part of its business -- but that employees often take on side deals. Stern said ChemNutra dealt with the company's president.

The FDA has blocked wheat gluten imports from a second Chinese company, Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development Co. That company has told AP it bought the ingredient from other undisclosed firms and then sold it to Suzhou Textile.

Meanwhile, rice protein concentrate imported by the second company, Wilbur-Ellis Co., has tested positive for melamine. It came from a different Chinese source, Futian Biology Technology Co. Ltd.

Last week, the FDA blocked rice protein concentrates from that source. On Friday, American Nutrition Inc. became the final of five pet food companies that Wilbur-Ellis supplied with the tainted ingredient to recall a variety of products.

The products recalled were manufactured by American Nutrition for other independent companies, and American Nutrition brands were not part of the recall, the company said in a statement.

Several of the companies recalling food said in statements on their Web sites that American Nutrition added the rice protein concentrate to their products without their knowledge or approval.

American Nutrition said Friday it did not engage in any deliberately deceitful or unlawful conduct.

The company said rice protein is considered a healthy additive in pet food often used to increase protein levels without adding higher levels of fat.

"Those customers (with recalled products) specifically required rice-based formulations, which necessitated certain fortifications to meet label guarantees," the company said in a statement.

An unknown number of dogs and cats have been sickened or died after eating chemical-laced pet food.

Menu Foods said it faces more than 50 lawsuits. It in turn has sued ChemNutra.

Sophie/Lee: What a beautiful story...Thanks

Good Morning FOB, Michal Matz, the wonderful Jacksons, Edgar Prado, Dr. Richardson, Alex, and all the miracle workers at NBC. I have not posted in awhile (what a full-time teacher/parent can do) but am really looking forward to the birthday celebration at Hollywood Park. My two FOB sons will be there. I can't wait.

Thank you for those who work so hard on this web site, and beyond, to end Horse Slaughter. The ones who have gone before, the ones who remain thank you from their deep, beautiful heart.

Keep the faith, and may God give you strength!

Hi, all you animal lovers. This is pretty simple.. Please tell ten
friends to tell ten today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble
getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of
getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals.

It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "feed an
animal in need" for free. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their
corporate sponsors/advertiser s use the number of daily visits to donate
food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.

Click to Feed the Animals - Rescue Site

AGAIN, PLEASE TELL 10 FRIENDS!!!

Sophie
That was beautiful...Through my tears...many Thanks!

Safe travels to all FOBs.
I will be thinking of all the FOBs this weekend as you gather throughout the country. What an amazing group that I'm so proud to be a part of...
jan

I want to wish-no, I want to DEMAND that all FOBs going to all the celebrations of our Big Ole boy Bobby's life have a grand ole time! I want ya'll to hug each other and squeeze each other and take loads of pix. I want ya'll to write down (or record) EVERYTHING that is said between the time you arrive and the time you leave! (he-he) I am so excited that you will get to spend time with each other and it is a wonderful thing! It is awesome. Have fun, take care, do not eat too much and just try not to cry too much as well.
Smile for me.
Hug some FOBs for me.
Eat some great eats for me.
Kiss some FOBS & horses for me.
Squeeze some FOBs & horses for me.
Collect lots money for laminitis for me.
Cry many tears for me.
Love all FOBs for me.
Thank you to all from me.

Prayers to all creatures great and small
Prayers to be safe during the special celebrations.

I see you every morning
surging forward from your hind legs, shimmering,
ready to leap into play in your round pen.
Emerald grass. Beautiful bay. My Barbaro.

You're captured there, ears pricked, mane flying, tail up and spread like god's night skies.

You're immortally young,
immortally muscled and ready to win.
Immortally positioned to cause a nation
to fall in love with you,
only to lose you in less than a year.

But you're there, every morning,
shining and silky and so alert to
all the possibilities people gave you.

I touch your image many times during the day.
I imagine the movement of muscle and tendon
under that silken, brilliant bay hide,
groomed with such care and love
and wonder how Edgar sat astride your power
and guided you to brilliance each time.

I cannot imagine the velocity of your surge out of the gates. I cannot imagine the sound of your breathing, pounding of the heart and hooves, the flick of the ears, always listening to Edgar.

I cannot imagine that last basket of Lael grass,
fed so lovingly by your Gretchen. You were so present, and then, sent back to God by loving hands and soft, familiar voices.

We will miss you forever. And wonder forever what
might have been, as humans are wont to do...
But the love will always be present when your
name is said. People will invoke your name like
a blessing.

And many of us will watch hopefully for a spark of you in your brothers. Lightening in a bottle, captured cloudbursts of your speed, your grace.

But I will continue to see you
every morning. Frozen in time, in love, in the impossible purity of youth. Always mine. Always in my heart when I need a miracle. A wish. A star to fix my sights upon. All my life. Barbaro; immortal.

To whom ever it was that asked what horse Edgar Prado would be riding in the Kentucky Derby, I read somewhere recently that he will ride Scat Daddy. I believe he rode and won on Scat Daddy in one of the Florida races. He also rode Criminologist in the 6th. race at Keenland yesterday, and won. Of course things can change, but I have not read anything about any changes.

I'll be thinking of all of you at your gatherings. I hope you all have safe travel both ways, and a wonderful time!!

Thanks to those who posted the Today Show link. It was wonderful to see the Jacksons and Dr. Richardson, but I did sense that it is very difficult for them to keep doing these sorts of interviews now that Barbaro is gone.

Have fun this weekend, everyone; on Monday, it's back to work....Barbaro's work....

Dear Fan's of Barbaro, and all that love him.

I am so happy for all who can go to the party for Barbaro tomorrow. I hope everyone will have a wonderful day. My sister and I are so very sad that we cannot make it.

We hope to go to the Kentucky Derby someday, and to Fair Hill, New Bolton, and where ever they memoralize Barbaro.

We had hoped to come be outside to see him when he was well enough to leave New Bolton. Such were the hopes and plans of two of his fans.

With all the things that have been planned for his party, I know all will have a great time.

So wonderful of Tim and Alex to have all the exciting things for his fans at Fair Hill.

Love to all,

Afternoon (psychic) skritches to the BBH and all of his fabulous frens, who are rushing around madly preparing to celebrate the wonder that is he...!!!! Happy pre-birthday!

#####
Afternoon salutations to all FsOB, who are rushing around madly preparing to celebrate the wonder that is the Big Boss Horse, in whatever venue and forum suits... Isn't it amazing how much richer life is for having encountered Barbaro Jackson...?

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

LEE,

What a beautiful soul are you!

I will read your post many times today.

Love,
Shirley
California

FOR EVERYONE!!
Tomorrow a Very Special Occasion Takes Place ... An Occasion so Monumental that the Country at large will take part in this Celebration with mini-celebrations of their own to Commemorate this great Hero and Champion!!! We all know who this is ... BARBARO'S BIRTHDAY!!

HOWEVER ... There are 365 DAYS in the year when a KILLER steps in and takes the life of such a great Hero and Champion ... and, sadly, we all know who THIS is also ... LAMINITIS!!! And we need, no we MUST take THE LIFE OF THIS KILLER ... In this case, "AN EYE FOR AN EYE" is justified as righteous indignation!!!

So, our April Campaign must be extra special for Bobby ... our "Let's Lick Laminitis" needs another "KICK", and the only way to do this is with funds for laminitis research. So, we are going to honor Barbaro for his incredible gallantry both on and off the racetrack ... AND ... we are going to honor the man who gave Barbaro back his life for more than 8 months with his caring, his concern, his tireless efforts, his labor of love and his surgical skills ... DR. DEAN RICHARDSON!!!

So, I am asking with my hand extended for your help, your generosity and your love for the bond of love that was shared between our "Bobby" and Dr. Dean Richardson!!

But there's more ... a little baby filly was recently born to our Rosie ... and her name is "Bobby's L'il Angel" and we all know why!!! She needs to be protected from the ravages of laminitis that could endanger her own life at any time ... so we need to honor little "Angel" during Bobby's Birthday Celebration as well ...

So, here's the April Challenge:

Donate $29 in honor of our Beloved Barbaro on his 4th Birthday ...

Donate $29 in honor of our equally loved Dr. Dean Richardson for everything he contributed and gave to Barbaro during those long months and weeks ... Because of Dr. Richardson, Bobby was able to "walk in the sunshine" and "graze in the grass" again ... Dr. Richardson should be honored during Barbaro's Birthday Celebration

Donate $29 in honor of "Bobby's L'il Angel" and protect her from harm for Bobby ...

Give once, give twice, give 3 times, but please give.
What better way to honor BARBARO on his 4th Birthday than with our assurance to him, and Dr. Richardson and "Angel" that we will NOT stand by and allow this crippling killer - Laminitis - to take the life of another of our beloved equine companions.

Let our voices and our donations swell in perfect harmony in Celebration of Life for Bobby, Dr. R and Angel!!

Here are the BLUE LINKS to donate! Thanks so much Everyone!

Let's Make the April Donations to the laminitis fund the biggest and best yet! I know we can do this together!!!

For the Laminitis Page:
Let’sLickLaminitis

For the recurring payment form option:
Let’sLickLaminitis

Or just click on Alex's links on the top left PENN: GETTING INVOLVED OR BARBARO FUND!!

Jonna,

You captured it all, with the eye of an artist, and the words of a poet.

###

Lee--BEAUTIFUL post. Thank you. I am so proud to be a FOB. I love you beautiful Barbaro.

'Morning, family -

### Lee - How incredible was that? You are a marvel, and enrich our lives.
### jonna - What a wonderful piece. "...the impossible purity of youth..." My goodness, girl! That is truly lovely language.
### Dora J. Crow - How I wish you would be at Golden Gate Fields! You would need body armor to hold off the hug I have for you!
### Marilyn/CA - I know someday we will all get to meet, and you are one of those I most anticipate getting to see.
### Gloria Davis - I wish you and your sister could be at a venue, but know that you will be carried, by name, in our hearts.

And that is equally true for all whom we know but will not see tomorrow.

You are all splendid, and we are good battle mates here in this pavillion.

Be well, travel safely, rejoice at home or in a crowd and be aware that each of you is a gift in this difficult world.

Safe trips to all running, and wings on their heels. Love and comfort to all in need, four-legged and two-legged, and have a Barbaro day, courage and kindness.

With love - Jean

Miss Dora and Gloria,

We will consider you to be very much with us in spirit at our small but convivial gathering in the STL area!

A nice piece on MM and Barbaro. The celebration at Delaware Park is also mentioned.

Will enter this again if the blue doesn't appear.

Edie

LEE/SOPHIE - God Bless you!!!!!! That is beautiful and I hope you will send that to Dr. Richardson.
Oh my God, I'm crying and trying to type here. . . I could just picture it all so clearly!!! Thank you for sharing!!
----------

FOR EVERYONE
I AM WITH ALL OF YOU, HOLDING HANDS, BIG PAISANO GROUP HUG, LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! XXXXX (hugs)
WE ARE THE BARBARO NATION!
WE BELIEVE!
WE GET IT!
WE LOVE YOU BARBARO!
AND WE WILL SEE THE END OF HS!

God Bless The Jacksons, Dr. Richardson, NBC staff, Edgar Prado, Michael and Peter, Alex, Tim, Ricardo, Eduardo, Kennett Florist, Dr. Kathy Anderson, Mike Rea, and all the FOB's . . . .

REMINDER TO EVERYONE:

VIGIL OF REMEMBRANCE FOR BARBARO
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007
1:00 pm EST

Everyone is welcome to join in wherever you are, whatever you may be doing . . . .
give a smile,
have a toast,
offer a prayer or your favorite words,
light a candle,
or however you like to honor Barbaro.

I will be with you all in spirit from my home!

My heart beats for your heart, Barbaro, always and forever! Run with the angels, honey!!
Lou Ann Marie Riedel
Dallastown, Pennsylvania
FOB FOREVER

Good Afternoon to the greatest people in the world. The first thing I want to say is a very humble Thank You to all for your kind words to me. (A special Thank You to Susan E. I'm planning to print The Passage with a picture of Barbaro, with appropriate copywrite permission of course, and send it to Dr. R at NBC. And, Go Phillies!! lol)

The second thing I want to convey is the joy I feel at seeing so many of you tomorrow. It truly will be a bittersweet day. I love you famblee.

Lee
I Get It

I see that I messed up big time so I'll give it another try. If this fails, I'll put the actual link in the comment.

Edie

Ok, I'm down to my last chance. This time, no chances, you get the whole link - sorry.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/28/sports/othersports/28racing.html

A nice story on MM, Barbaro and with a mention about tomorrow's festivities at Delaware Park.

Edie

YES... on my local PBS station is a story about Proud Spirits Rescues...
Talked about HS, PMU Mares & foals and of course rescues.
This rescue also has a book out.
Check you local PBS station ASAP

Well the show is over on PBS, but you can order the DVD.
Called: Horses of Proud Spirit.
1-888-722-9338 $19.99+ S&H
This would be great to send to lawmakers, as it talks all about HS, PMU Mares & foals and of course rescues. Will show them just what we have been talking about and and show how these "unwanted" horses will be taken in and cared for.
Was a very nice show.

Verna

So Beautiful Angel Jonna And Angel Lou Ann.

My Love.

All The Angels Beautiful Thoughts.

My Love.

Affirmed.

Indeed, Friar Tuck - we are all richer for having Barbaro - my Beloved Horse of Forever - in our lives. Lives, which I must add, are changed forever !

Thank you to so many: Susan E., Lyn G., Nancy in Ct, Jean Nolan, Michelle T., Barb, my Arizona Buddy, and Daryl - for your special b'day wishes for me - yesterday. It was a splendid day -
spent at an amazing ranch where many of the animals are disabled - and work with disabled adults/children. There was one "get it" moment when burro, Eyore connected with an MD lady in wheel chair ......... it was just a moment - that could have been, but wasn't - missed ! Yup - I am enriched - big time !

Thinking of all FOB's everywhere - and feeling the energy .... I will be atop my trusty steed, Dakota, tomorrow morning during the vigil ..
which seems, if I cannot be at a gathering - the best place to be thinking of our BBH.

Most proud to be a FOB !

Enjoy each other - Barbaro will be watching !

Sherry - Arizona

Jeeps, sure wish I had made plans to go to the party, you folks are wonderful and I will follow all of your leads, thank-you from someone who also fell in love with Barbaro. sincerely, Libby

So, So, Heartfelt Penn Veterinary School Of Medicine For Receiving A Picture Of Barbaro And Edgar For My Donating To Lamintis Research The Day For Barbaro's Birthday. This Touches My Heart So. Tears Of Joy.

It's Barbaro's Birthday Card From Heaven. It's His Rainbow.

Also, Heard From Rep. Pete Visclosky In A Letter. My Rep. He Cares. Angel C.Jaffe For Inspiring Me. You Are In My Heart. You Believe.

Angels You Believe.

You Get It. You Always Had It Inside Of You.

Affirmed.

To all you going to Del Park; You guys are SOOO lucky. I just looked at your schedule! I so wish I was there!!! HAVE FUN!!!!!

The big weekend has arrived! I wish everyone safe travels and a great time! Although I can't be there, I hope you all know that I love this FOB family more than words can say, and that I will be with each and every one of you in spirit.

Barbaro's presence will most definitely be felt all across this country tomorrow. I will honor him in my own small way, just as I try to do each and every day.

Let us all remember, while we are saddened that our beloved boy no longer graces this earth, he now graces our hearts. Every act of kindness and compassion towards an animal honors his memory. Every horse rescued in his name from slaughter and every animal saved from abuse, neglect, or exploitation keeps him alive. He lives on through our good acts and our passion, commitment and love for animals...Barbaro lives on!

So celebrate! Celebrate his life, for it was truly a remarkable life, lived by a truly remarkable horse...a horse that will forever live on in our hearts!

The miracle of Barbaro continues...

Good afternoon, Barbaro! Good afternoon, Tim and Alex! Good afternoon, fellow Fans!

I can feel the excitement building all the way up here in Maine. There's a buzz emanating from the Delaware area - frequently punctuated by the name Barbaro! I also am jealous of those of you who are able to swap stories and hug and meet. Someone, please, please, please...Hug Alex for me! We will be thinking off all of you tomorrow during our modest celebration in Maine. Stay safe and have a great time!

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

###

SUSAN E- THANKS FOR THE INFO ON THE PET FOOD-- THAT IS SO SCARY!! I HAVE 2 CATS AND A DOG, I'M ABOUT TO PUT THEM ON A STARVATION DIET!! :>)

HOPE EVERYONE IS HAVING FUN WITH ALEX, SHARON AND THE GANG. IT'S REALLY NICE HERE (SUNNY & 70*)IN OHIO, SO HOPEFULLY YOU GOT OUR NICE WEATHER THERE IN DELAWARE.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. BARBARO, I LOVE YOU!!! :>)

LUV YA,
CHERYL G

Jean Nolan-
If I were with you, I would allow you to squeeze me in a bear hug to make me squeal! I usually do not allow folks to do that due to my back problems, but for a fellow FOB it would be an honor to feel that breath of air literally squeezed outta my body!

Susan E.-
I certainly want you and C.J. to take lots of pix of you gals together along with the other FOBs attending the Mythic Figs concert gathering. Dang I am so there with ya'll!

Eva, Ken Z., Robyn Hoffman-
I so appreciate what you guys posted the last couple of days but got here too late to thank you for it. You all are in my heart.
(Ken Z. your words make me cry everytime I read them, so poignant, so heartfelt)

I am with you all at each corner of the US, am there not in body, but in spirit. I feel the love emanating from you all. It surges within my heart and soul. I feel all of your warmth and hugs and want to express to you how much it means to be included from afar. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for just being...FOB

I AM A F.O.B. AND DANG PROUD OF IT!

Prayers for all creatures great and small

BIG OLE BOY BARBARO- The love in my heart for you still swells my eyes with salty tears. I feel my heart practically bursting with pride that you brought all us together for the common good of horses everywhere. I am still here. I AM STILL HERE
I love you, Bobby.

AND IT'S ALL BARBARO!!!!!!! !!!

THE GREATEST CHAMPION OF OUR HEART

Congratulations to ALL FOB's for the great success in all work done towards ending horse slaughter in the U.S.!!!! Almost there... To have both bills pass this week was the best news I've heard in a long time! It makes me proud. And I know Barbaro is SO proud of all FOB's too.

Have a wonderful time at Barbaro's birthday celebrations. Wish I could join you. I'll be with you in spirit. Looking forward to watching the NBC documentary on April 29th - with a big box of tissues.

Although Barbaro is no longer with us physically, he will always be with us.

And we will always believe in Barbaro. His legacy continues.....

Sophie - "The Passage" was truly beautiful and such a fitting, heartfelt tribute to Dr Richardson and the relationship he had with our beloved Barbaro. Thank you.

###
Jean Nolan
Thanks; you are always so thoughtful. I hope you have a great weekend!

Hiya, FsOB! I received a warm e-mail from Congressman Joe Courtney today, thanking me for my contacts to his office on behalf of HR 503. It was a treat to hear from him and from Senator Dodd by letter within the same week and I am sure they don't even realize that it is the week of Bobbey's birthday!

I sure wish that I could be in DelPark this weekend. It would be such a joy to meet so many of you whom I feel that I have come to know so well over the past year. What an honour it would be to see Alex, Michael Matz, and Mr. & Mrs. J!

Well, here on the banks of the Thames tomorrow we'll change the flag on our flagpole in honour of Barbaro. We'll put up the flag of the Commonwealth of KY which was flying proudly on the day that Barbaro won the 132nd. And then tomorrow it'll be the special on NBC as well. I'll be eager to read everyone's comments about the Hennegan Bros' film. I'm going to talk to the owner of the cinema in Mystic, CT, to see if he might request a copy to show. Peace to all FsOB no matter where you are tonight! RMH

#### To Lee: The tears flowed when I read your beautiful posting.
To MJ: Please feel better soon. Hope you can join the vigil tomorrow at 1 PM.
To Lou Ann in PA: You know that if I am not at the computer at 1 PM on 04/29 that I shall certainly be toasting the Big Bay One over lunch.
To Jonna: A lovely posting.
To Dora J. Crow: You are such a delightful person. Dang, I sure wish that we could both be at DelPark to meet in person! One day I hope to see that you have published a book of short stories, your voice is an American original. I'll be first in line at any book signing in CT. ####

##
Robyn Hoffman, my face is redhot and flushing right now with the prickly feeling of embarrassment. You are such a great gal. I sure wish I had as much confidence in myself as all you special friendly FOBs do. Dang you are quite the picker-upper!

To all of those that are ailing or taking care of the ailing and cannot attend Delpark and other celebrations: M.J., Becky & Chip, Bonnie Mac.,PamsDobes, Verna and all the others whose names I am sorely sorry I am forgetting. Please get well soon. I pray that you, your beloveds and all family members will arise so healthy and feeling and healing marvelous tomorrow and the many days to come. Take care and be oh so blessed, our days are so pretty now that the sun is out the birds are singing and spring has sprung! Love you all!

I swear my head would fall off if I did not have it sewed on: I want to tell some folks how I enjoyed their postings!

Jonna and Lee/Sophie- You two really got to me today. I enjoyed reading everything you wrote and it felt so right and seemed so real. I loved every letter of each line. Thanks for the images.

MARTITA - I did not get to thank you for your trilogy the other day. I have not spoken to you in a LONG while.

I still find that when I read you, I can see you dancing and I can smell the scents and feel the textures and genuinely see the colors. You astound me in the way that I can not see anything else around me when I am reading your musings. Its as if the world has fell away and all I hear is your voice. I would like to actually hear it, so I can match it to the voice in my head. I know you have to have the most wonderful accent. I can just almost touch it. Thank you for continuing to amaze me. You are an original old timer here. I miss you when you are away. Thanks for lifting me up when I need it the most. Your tapestry of words brings me to another level of delight. I appreciate you so much. I cannot express what your words truly convey to my heart and soul.

####
How about a birthday eve cyber-toast to the BBH, and all FsOB wherever they may be...? Santé!

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

I'll join you in a toast!

########
Robyn,

What a great post.

Cheers everyone!

Chin Chin... Italian toast!

Shirley
California

######
Shirley,

You must be Italian? My husband is 100%.

Friar Tuck and All .......

Count me in for a hearty toast ........ to our BBH - and Horse of Forever ........... and FOB's everywhere !

Sherry and all the furry 4-leggeds ....
Arizony-land

Me too! Sparkling grape juice!! Mazeltov!
what a day you will all have tomorrow in Delaware...

Help! There isn't a Saturday Equine-heaven? I'm in withdrawal. I'm sure there was supposed to be one. Did anyone see it - is something up with my computer?

Tomorrow morning.

Four red roses on the table.

A pair of bronze horse bookends.

Barbaro's books.

Watching the horses.

Sitting in Clocker's Corner.

Santa Anita.

Sun and Mountains.

Sorrow and gratitude.

Together in spirit will all of you.

Elaine

So Beautiful Angel Elaine.

Affirmed.

####
Joanne Frank

It appears that Equine Heaven got so caught up in the party preps that there was no time to post. Nothing wrong with your computer...

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

#######
Joanne,

You are so funny! I know we have few comments, no tuck-in..ugh!!

Thanks guys - miss my Equine Heaven - I'm going down to Delaware tomorrow - i know it will be so special.
Thanks,
Joanne

#########
Joanne
Have a wonderful time and tell everyone I love and miss them.

Everyone, please be safe in your travels. I can hardly wait to meet so many of you tomorrow. Let's keep the family safe and sound.

Lee
I Get It

I Love You Angels. Please Be Safe Traveling. You Are In My Heart.

A Very Beautiful Birthday Celebration.

Affirmed.

#######
Dee,

You are the sweetest soul. It doesn't seem right that you are not there.

sleep tight my darlings. what a day tomorrow will be. take it all in and bring it back to us...i need to snuggle with my greys and a boarding bitch who i fostered whose name was changed to Phoenix:::hee hee. Now, she has gone from Phee to Princess Phee Phee. I gotta laugh....Tiny little thing that she is, she's already asleep, so comfortable here, I love that. Be well, my Nation. We will win. Everything for the horses. Our country was built on their backs.....love: jonna

Happy Birthday, magnificent BARBARO !

We were lucky to have had him; and he still lives in us all.

ACN above always, BARBARO . . .

Angel M.J. You Touch My Heart So. I Love You. I Will Be There In Spirit.

When You See The Colors.

And The Roses.

My Love.

Affirmed.

Dee

To console myself tonight I searched the internet and found a Fred Stone Barbaro print. I was so mad that I did not buy this when it was available and I will not buy it from e-bay where they are ripping off B's good name. I found the last print at an art site that will donate a portion to UPENN. So, while I won nothing at the auction and had to miss all the celebrations, I will have this lovely print in my newly decorated den. It will be the centerpiece.

Of course, I will think of all of you when I look at it.

Magnificent, splendid Barbaro, All of your frens and fans wish you a Happy Birthday. We are so blessed to be a part of the saga. As you observe all we do in your name, we know you are guiding us each step of the way. We pledge to make you proud now and always. We miss you here, but know you watch from hevvin. Much, much love, dear Barbaro.

Great job at the fundraiser. If everyone gives at least $29.00 to Upenn tomorrow plus those who will give 3 times that, just think of how much the total will be.

WOW Alec! I just left Delaware Park 90 minutes ago and you've already updated! You played the part of auctioneer well and should be congratulated for a job well done! I'm sorry I couldn't win Hawty Creek's shoes but I know you are pleased with the money her footwear brought in! See you tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Barbaro

Such a short time ago, those four years. How can it be that the time that has passed since you left us here seems to be an eternity?

You did so much in four years, making so many fall in love with you, earning attention that few humans have. You galvanized so many to do so much for countless horses, whether they be brilliant athletes as you are, retired from glory great and small, or those who are as anonymous as most of us were before you came into our lives.

We've come together because of you, and tomorrow, we'll celebrate the anniversary of your birth. What a day that was. No one could have foretold who you would become. Well, maybe some had an idea, but it was part dream, part hope.

You made dreams come true. Dreams many of us never dared to speak of. Breathtaking, almost too good to be true dreams. You gave us hope, reason to hope and reason to always have hope, even when things didn't go as we willed them to. Quite amazing for a colt. Most of us could never imagine doing so much. Quite a legacy.

Tomorrow we'll gather in different parts of the country, maybe even the world, united because of you. We'll celebrate your life, talk among ourselves about how incredible you are, how beautiful you are, how smart, how funny, how sweet, how inquisitive, how endearing, how loveable and how we miss you.

How could we ever thank you? You probably wouldn't expect thanks, though, would you? You were happy with the loving attention of those close to you, carits and pepurmimpts and treats we sent to you, tokens sent to you in an effort to convey the love we felt for you. You never asked for anything but love. Well, maybe in your way, you asked to be recognized for being as great as you knew yourself to be, and we have. Not a single one of us would have not done more, had we been able.

We'll speak of how very much we miss you. Sometimes the photographs, the films, the interviews of your mom and dad and Dr. Dean, the words of Dr. Kathy, Michael and Peter, unklealexbrown, are almost unbearable as they echo our own thoughts and sorrow. We sorrow for them, too, as their loss has been even more acute and present. We'll see a tribute, eager for the opportunity to see you again, sad again for the reminder that you aren't here anymore.

Next week is the Derby, and we'll be taken back a year to the day of your blazing glory. It will be a bittersweet day, and someone else will be the winner of the Derby. Someone we'll admire, someone with promise, someone who will capture fantasies. Will he win the Preakness, too? The Belmont? Probably not. He'll be wonderful in his own right, whoever he is. But he won't be able to escape the comparison to you, poor guy. And we'll never stop thinking, "what if???"

You'll always be with us, tomorrow and forever. You touched so many, not so much how you ran your races, but how you lived. And how hard you fought to live, despite incredible odds, for so long, until you could not fight any more. You probably would have, though, wouldn't you, beautiful boy? No one wanted you to endure any more pain. Everyone wanted you to be free from pain and at peace, and then you reminded us to have hope again, that one day we'll all see you again.

As you've taken your rightful place in hevvin, we now hope that you feel pride in all you have accomplished. Of course a horse can feel pride. You, of all horses, certainly can. And you must. Just as you've felt all the love from so many. As you spend the day tomorrow, that is an eternal day, with warm sun, soft breezes, beautiful trees with leaves rustling softly, fragrant grass, that's almost as good as Lael grass, in the company of so many others, some who were great and some who were great only to those who loved them, there will thousand of us here, thinking of little else but you and that day four years ago. We may still think about what might have been, but we'll never stop thinking about your amazing eyes, your expressive face, how you curl your lips in an uncanny human-like manner, and how you could, without ever saying a word, speak so wisely. Words that we hear now hear in the breezes, the trees, in the faint but unmistakeable flutter of an angel's wing.

You'll be here with us tomorrow, and forever. Please save a place in hevvin for us, and shine your light for us to follow

I miss you. I love you soooooooooooo much
Aunty Cheryl

Missed you Cheryl. Thank you for your words. You could always talk to Barbaro, and for Barbaro. We miss him soooo much. Happy Birthday, Beautiful Horse. Love you, Always.
Samantha

Hi Everyone!!

WOW, what a great night! Was awesome to put faces with the names of those we've come to know and love for so long.

The fundraiser was very successful and some serious money was raised! A good time was had by all. It's strange how sometimes you meet someone for the first time but yet you feel like you've know them forever.

On a personal note, after all of our joint posts and all of our work, this is the first time that the two of us are actually sitting at the same computer in the same place!! It's so funny not holding a phone in one hand!!

Looking forward to tomorrow....this is so cool!!

Wish everyone a HAPPY BARBARO BIRTHDAY and safe travels.

Shelley and Debra

Hi Everyone!!

WOW, what a great night! Was awesome to put faces with the names of those we've come to know and love for so long.

The fundraiser was very successful and some serious money was raised! A good time was had by all. It's strange how sometimes you meet someone for the first time but yet you feel like you've know them forever.

On a personal note, after all of our joint posts and all of our work, this is the first time that the two of us are actually sitting at the same computer in the same place!! It's so funny not holding a phone in one hand!!

Looking forward to tomorrow....this is so cool!!

Wish everyone a HAPPY BARBARO BIRTHDAY and safe travels.

Shelley and Debra

Sorry, I'm not used to Debra's computer! LOL

Dearest FOB,

I am so happy for all of you who are attending celebrations with our sisters and brothers! It is easy for me to feel the emotions and warmth of your being together... OUR being together. Please write messages to us who are celebrating alone. Your descriptions help us to feel as if we are there with you.

Shirley
California

Shirley
I am so sad I am not in Delaware too! I live in Texas and am going to Lone Star Park tomorrow to be with some of OUR family. I will think of you and tell everyone else you said hello. Don't you know they are having a ball out there? I can't believe the Jacksons are going to there along with Michael Matz, Alex and everyone. We all miss Barbaro SO MUCH. Have a good evening.

TX Annie,

I am so happy for everyone. It will be a day of tears tomorrow, but also a day of joy realizing what has grown from our love of Barbaro.

Thanks for understanding my message. I am so happy for everyone and I have a good imagination. I will pretend that I am there in Delaware Park or Lone Star Park!!!

I also have a good imagination that is why I love to picture Barbaro smiling. Don't you know he is smiling and feeling the love tonight? Yes there will be tears everywhere tomorrow. Tonight I was watching the weather and they are predicting lots of rain from Texas east for the next week I think it is because of the rivers and streams of tears that will be flowing tomorrow everywhere.
God Bless Everyone tonight who has that gorgeous face in their hearts.

TX ANNIE,

Amen. Let's continue to carry the picture of that gorgeous guy in our mind's eye, and more significantly, in our HEART'E EYE. God Bless all those who have the love of Barbaro in their hearts. God bless the FOB.

Good night, to you, TX ANNIE. What a blessing you have been to me, late on a Saturday night, imagining we are at Delaware Park!

Much love to you,
Shirley
California

Big Ole Boy Barbaro- I am missing you like crazy. I miss hearing news on your daily outings and hearing how crabby you were and who you nipped. I am grateful to have been part of knowing these special folks who are now known as the FOBs. They are a grand group of folks. I love you, Bobby. Today would have been your special day. I am sad you are not here on earth anymore. I pray for your human family to have peace today.

Prayers for all creatures great and small.

Shirley
Good Night to you and last but certainly not least look at date and smile.
TX Annie

Exciting news about how much money was raised from the items sold at auction. I certainly hope that you fellow FOBs will share with us lonely souls who could not attend the booty ya'll got. Can ya send a gal a picture or something? I would love to see a list of everyones names along with what everyone bought.

I would love to know who got Barbara D Livingston's autographed pix. I wanted them so bad! I did not even call Alex though, knew I did not have the dough to back up the bid!

Will there be a list of buyers along with their items? Please?

AND IT'S ALLLLLLLL BAR-BAR-O!!!!!!!!!!!

Dora and TX Annie,

Wow, it is already April 29 there!!!

Dora, I was born and reared in Ashford, Alababa, near Dothan.

TX Annie, I once lived in Denton, TX.

We are sisters in more ways than one... the ONE being BARBARO!

Shirley
California

Shirley
Did you go to school in Denton?

Dora and Shirley
I have big Bay horse and I gave him an extra hug and kiss tonight.

TX Annie,

I did not go to school in Denton. I lived there in 1989-1991. What a great town with wonderful restaurants and Texas charm! Do you know that area?

Shirley

You are lucky TXAnnie! Boyfriend used to have a horse, but due to twisted gut/colic she had to be put down, long awful horrible story.

Shirley, I do not know Ashford. I have a cousin that moved to Dothan after she got married. I bet she knows where it is. My sister and I were born here and dad was in A.F. We lived in OK, FL, and TX, and traveled a little inside US. I got to go to sleep, meds for my back making me fall off chair now. Sorry!

Shirley
Yes I know that area well, my sister and brother-in law live off 380 between Denton and Decatur near Krum TX. Also one of my brothers owned a sporting Goods store in Lewisville and therefore I went through Denton alot just going there or Dallas. I love that area. I live in Wichita Falls up by the OK border.
TX Annie

Good night, Dora and Annie,

Much love to you as we celebrate this special day, April 29!!!

Barbaro lives,
Shirley
California

One more thing, we lived in San Antonio while dad was working at Lackland or was it Randolf AFB(cannot remember) I loved it in TX.

In OK we lived in Altus. DAD is from Apache OK, near Lawton and Ft. Sill Army Base.

In FL, we lived in Orlando, LOL before Disney world was built, dang I am an old as dirt gal!

I am glad to meet ya'll tonight, hopefully I shall see you two tomorrow?

Prayers for all creatures great and small

Annie, thanks for your friendship here late at night, or early morning, April 29.. Thanks for giving your horse a special hug and kiss tonight. It helped get a hug and kiss over to Barbaro!

Yes, that area around Denton is lovely. Bet your area is nice too..... YOU are there, so it has to be!

Shirley
California

Shirley- My aunt Janette & family lived in Wichita Falls until they got hit by a really bad tornado.(YEARS ago) It took off the top of their two story house. They live here in Montgomery now-HA tornadoes followed us all from OK and TX to Alabama-I swear! Night FOB friend!

Shirley and Dora
Thank you for talking to me tonight, I was feeling sort of sad until I talked to you two. It is amazing how Barbaro has helped so many people and animals.
God Bless you,
TX Annie

This was nice having no bad folks here at 2:00 am. This is the first time board has been open at night that there has been absolutely no trouble and it is so great!
YEAH!!

Shirley and TXAnnie You've been great! Sleep well!

Annie and Dora, it is hard to say Good night and turn off the computer.

Yes, Annie, it is amazing how Barbaro has brought so many loving, caring, outrageously wonderful people together. God Bless Us All.

God empower Barbaro to do even more than he has already accomplished. Affirmed

Shirley
California

I was sad too. I am just glad that we folks who miss Barbaro still have a gathering place to cry together at. It is such a healing place for me as well. Thanks Ms. Shirley and Ms. TxAnnie. I appreicate the kindness as well. You two are very nice. Have a grand day tomorrow! I hope that neither of you will be as sad when the sun comes up. :0)

Yep, when I start misspelling it is time to go down for the count. I cannot see the words as I am typoing them. Goodnight precious ladies! Sleep tight as ticks now, ya hear!

Good night to both of you. If you are ever back in Texas let me know. burkspam@yahoo.com

GOOD NIGHT

I love all three of you!

Shirley
California

The three I love this minure being~~~ DORA,,, ANNIE,,,, BARBARO!!

APRIL 29, here we come,

Blessings shower down on FOB,
Shirley
California

Happy Birthday Big Boss Man

FOR EVERYONE!!
IT'S HERE

BARBARO'S BIRTHDAY!!

... An Occasion so Monumental that the Country at large will take part in this Celebration with mini-celebrations of their own to Commemorate this great Hero and Champion!!!

HOWEVER ... There are 365 DAYS in the year when a KILLER steps in and takes the life of such a great Hero and Champion ... and, sadly, we all know who THIS is also ... LAMINITIS!!! And we need, no we MUST take THE LIFE OF THIS KILLER ... In this case, "AN EYE FOR AN EYE" is justified as righteous indignation!!!

So, our April Campaign must be extra special for Bobby ... our "Let's Lick Laminitis" needs another "KICK", and the only way to do this is with funds for laminitis research. So, we are going to honor Barbaro for his incredible gallantry both on and off the racetrack ... AND ... we are going to honor the man who gave Barbaro back his life for more than 8 months with his caring, his concern, his tireless efforts, his labor of love and his surgical skills ... DR. DEAN RICHARDSON!!!

So, I am asking with my hand extended for your help, your generosity and your love for the bond of love that was shared between our "Bobby" and Dr. Dean Richardson!!

But there's more ... a little baby filly was recently born to our Rosie ... and her name is "Bobby's L'il Angel" and we all know why!!! She needs to be protected from the ravages of laminitis that could endanger her own life at any time ... so we need to honor little "Angel" during Bobby's Birthday Celebration as well ...

So, here's the April Challenge:

Donate $29 in honor of our Beloved Barbaro on his 4th Birthday ...

Donate $29 in honor of our equally loved Dr. Dean Richardson for everything he contributed and gave to Barbaro during those long months and weeks ... Because of Dr. Richardson, Bobby was able to "walk in the sunshine" and "graze in the grass" again ... Dr. Richardson should be honored during Barbaro's Birthday Celebration

Donate $29 in honor of "Bobby's L'il Angel" and protect her from harm for Bobby ...

Give once, give twice, give 3 times, but please give.
What better way to honor BARBARO on his 4th Birthday than with our assurance to him, and Dr. Richardson and "Angel" that we will NOT stand by and allow this crippling killer - Laminitis - to take the life of another of our beloved equine companions.

Let our voices and our donations swell in perfect harmony in Celebration of Life for Bobby, Dr. R and Angel!!

Here are the BLUE LINKS to donate! Thanks so much Everyone!

Let's Make the April Donations to the laminitis fund the biggest and best yet! I know we can do this together!!!

For the Laminitis Page:
Let’sLickLaminitis

For the recurring payment form option:
Let’sLickLaminitis

Or just click on Alex's links on the top left PENN: GETTING INVOLVED OR BARBARO FUND!!

###ANY FOBs

TODAY IS THE DAY

IF YOU ARE NOT ATTENDING ONE OF THE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

PLEASE MAKE YOUR $29.00 DONATION TODAY

$29.00 ON THE 29TH TO CELEBRATE THE BIG BOSS HORSE'S BIRTHDAY

DOT IT FOR BARBARO

GIVE $29.00 DOLLARS TODAY

Give to the Laminitis Fund
LaminitisFund

I will be with all of you in spirit today.

Enjoy the day

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

BIRTHDAY CANDLES BIRTHDAY CANDLES

LET'S LIGHT THEM UP TODAY

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=barba

Good morning and Happy Birthday, Barbaro! Good morning, Alex and Tim! Good morning, fellow Fans!

I peeked at Wendy's pictures from last night and it looked like you people in Delaware were having a great time. And you raised $14,000 in Barbaro's name! Way to go!

It's raining in Maine this morning and I hope it's clear and dry for your morning tour at Fair Hill. I will be off to Brunswick in a few hours to meet some other Fans and celebrate.

Everyone - enjoy the day and safe travels home.

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY THE BIG BOSS HORSE!!
A VERY HAPPY BIG BOSS HORSE'S BIRTHDAY TO ALL
FsOB!!

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday magnificent Barbaro!
Happy birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Donna

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEET BARBARO I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND I ALWAYS WILL YOU ARE ON MY MIND EVERY PLACE I GO I KNOW YOU ARE HAPPY AND SOME DAY I WILL SEE YOU AND GIVE LOTS OF KISSES MARGE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARBARO!

Even though I cannot be at the celebration of your life, you are on my mind.

RIP Mr. B.

Love ya,
Edie

Here is the best thing that I could give for a birthday present. We miss you......

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070429/SPT0302/704290389/

Barbaro's Birthday

The Most Glorious Rainbow In The Sky

Barbaro Is Watching All Of Us

He Will Always Be There For Us

When We Need Him

He Is So Near

He Is In Our Hearts

He Is 4 Us

It Is Love.

Affirmed.

Thanks for the pictures, and the updates.
Everyone is getting out to Fair Hill this morning.
Just can not wait to hear all about the day.
Last night sounded wonderful, and raised $14,000 in Barbaro's name! Way to go!
Wish I could be there!
Happy birthday Barbaro, just typing his name brings tears!
Goodmorning to all FOB's, the one's that Get It!

I Love You Angels. You Are In My Heart. Wishing You A Very Beautiful Happy Birthday With Barbaro.

He Lives In Your Hearts.

A Very Beautiful Happy Birthday Barbaro. I Love You.

You Are In My Heart.

You Are Precious Baby 4.

Affirmed.

######
Jeremy

That is a great Birthday gift! You Rock!

Adorning Cougars coach Jeremy Fisher's right wrist is a blue band inscribed with the words "Riding with Barbaro." The 2006 Kentucky Derby-winning horse, who in January lost an eight-month battle to recover from a shattered leg, has served as the Cougars' motivation.

Happy Birthday Barbaro!!!

Dear FOB,

I hope everyone has a wonderful day today celebrating Barbaro's life and legacy. He has touched us all in a special way that is frankly inexplicable. But I don't care about why, I am only enjoying all of the positives coming from it.

Dear Barbaro,

Happy birthday, you gorgeous courageous creature. Run with the wind and my heart.

Saw The Beautiful Pictures From Angel Wendy And The Angels Are All Beautiful. Barbaro's Cake So Beautiful. His Picture The Center Of The Cake ! This Touches My Heart So. Love The Roses.

All Beautiful.

Affirmed.

Good Morning Alex and FOBs

Happy Birthday Barbaro! You will be forever in my heart. I am typying this as you all gather at Fair Hill for the tour. I will capture your day in my mind's eye. I am so filled with emotion. Have a wonderful time. Sending my love,
Deborah

Happy Birthday, My Sweet Boy,

I hope when you look down from Heaven today you will see us holding hands across the nation for you. We love you so much!

Have a wonderful day celebrating the life of our boy, FOBs!

Love,
Sue and Walter
xoxoox

It is Barbaro's birthday, and after wishing him a good morning wish and lighting several candles, I came across this article that I believe fellow FOB's will enjoy.

It's about No Biz and starts on the front page of the NYT, before continuing in the sports section!

What I really liked reading is the reaction of his owner to him.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/29/sports/othersports/29racing.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Edie

Happy Birthday angel horse! I still miss you so much. It is amazing the impact you have made. There are so many celebrations of your life today on your birthday. We all love you so, and your work continues by FOB's everywhere. You are a miracle Bobby! Run free today, have some mints and some extra sweet hay. Roll in the grass and kick up your heels, heavenly horse! My love and prayers are with you now and always, you are still a part of my day, each and everyday.

To all FOB's enjoy your celebrations today, I wish I could be at everyone of them, so I could meet you all, and I would love to meet Alex. Happy Birthday Barbaro Fans, from this day on this day will always be a special day.

Happy Birthday Barbaro!
Many Thanks to Alex & Tim!
FOBs have a wonderful day!
Today there will be many tears of joy, celebration, and yes, sadness for the thoughts of what could have been...
This has been an amazing year and I'm so thankful for this family that I dearly cherish...
...... called the FOBs!
jan

Happy Birthday Barbaro and FOB's. So sad that I am alone today, but I am going to an off-track betting place and I am going to watch all the races from all the parks. Love you all.

########
Jeremy,

That is the coolest article! That guy gets it! Thank you!!

##
Congratulations Jeremy!
You are amazing! Barbaro's story really touches the heart and soul of so many young people.
"Running With Barbaro"
jan

Happy Birthday Sweet Barbaro in Heaven!

Hope everyone who is at the various celebrations is having a great day!

Good morning Rosie and Bobby's Lil Angel!

Ro & Brady

Happy Birthday Big Boy. I love you, and will miss you always. Kick up those heels today and run like the wind.

###
Hey MJ...You are not alone.....
I know how you feel. Stay close to this site.
jan

Happy Birthday, Barbaro!
May those around the country who are celebrating your birthday be touched with your courageous spirit and strength.
Congratulations, Jeremy! What a fitting tribute to Barbaro.

Happy Birthday Barbaro! Good Morning to FOBs far and wide!
Good Morning Marg in Maine!
Have a great day in my hometown Brunswick!
I will be thinking of you all . Sorry for the rain, but inside Winners the sun will be shining. Can't wait to hear about all of the celebrations.
Marty in Kentucky

Angel MJ I Thought Of You All Last Night. I Do Know How You Feel. I Feel The Same Way. I Love You. You Are In My Heart.

But My Spiritual Mind Is Working. I See Things.

You Can Do.

The Angels Love You.

You And The Angels Have Beautiful Hearts.

And Angel Shirley Affirms Too.

Affirmed (1978) Is An Affirmation.

Belief.

It Is Love.

I Love You Angels So.

Affirmed.

###
Got my piece of carrot cake and a pint of Rum Raisin ice cream and I will have my own private celebration for Bobby Jackson's birthday!! The slide show was great, Wendy, and it looks like today's celebrations are going to be simply super!!

With you all in spirit!!

#######
Dee,

Your post made my day! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are such a part of our family and we are all glad you found your way over to our site.

###
Marty - we'll raise a toast in your honor! Fans forever!

I can see in my mind's eye all the Fans spreading out over the Fair Hill countryside, drinking it all in, walking the same paths, seeing the same sights our boy experienced during his time there. (Oh, what memories!) They are gathering at the rail to watch the workouts, they are strolling the stable aisles, breathing all the wonderful horse smells. I am envious! But I know my time will come. Enjoy!

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

Jeremy: How wonderfully, totally cool....

Big B: 4 years ago, the most amazing colt was born, a colt who became the Undefeated Barbaro...I miss you so....

Lisa in Colorado

Happy Birthday, Barbaro - my Horse of Forever -
I will honor your day with my furry 4-leggeds during a beautiful trail ride this morning ... atop my trusty steed - Dakota - we are in awe of all you have inspired !

Sherry - Arizona

Happy Birthday, Precious Barbaro. You are forever in my heart. Celebrate with the Angels, sweet boy, knowing that you are so loved and so missed by all of us.

To honor you on your 4th Birthday, I have made contributions to the Laminitis Fund at NBC in your memory and to honor Dr. Richardson for giving you the opportunity to survive for eight months after your terrible accident. I know this will be a poignant day for Dr. R. I hope he takes comfort in the knowledge that he did everything in his earthly power to help you.

I look forward to meeting you someday when I pass over the Rainbow Bridge. It will be MY honor!

Blessings,
Ruth

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

Can they run like big brother?
By Gregory A. Hall

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Just one year ago, Barbaro's 6 ½-length romp in the Kentucky Derby had racing fans dreaming he could win the Triple Crown -- a feat last accomplished in 1978, by Affirmed, and by only 10 other horses before that.

Two weeks later, that dream ended with a broken leg in the Preakness Stakes; Barbaro was euthanized eight months after that.

But might the dream live on?

That's a bet for long-odds players, but two full brothers of the 2007 Derby winner -- a yearling named Nicanor and an unnamed foal born April 20 -- are running through the fields at Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington.

And Man in Havana, a 3-year-old half-brother, is with Barbaro's trainer, Michael Matz, at Fair Hill Training Center in Elkton, Md., where the Derby winner also once was stabled.

Roy and Gretchen Jackson, the owners of Barbaro and his brothers, know the odds of repeating greatness are enormous. "It'd be a miracle if we get one that runs half as well," Roy Jackson said earlier this month at Keeneland Race Course.

"How could you be that lucky?" his wife asked.

But she also noted that Nicanor's appearance "reminds me a lot of Barbaro at the same age. … Let's hope he can run."

And as a full brother, "you've got to think there's more hope than just the average," said Mill Ridge's stallion manager Donnie Snelling. "The expectations are going to be very high for that horse and hopefully he'll meet them. … He's got the attitude to do it."

Industry experts couldn't point to any statistics on the success rates among thoroughbred siblings. In the annals of racing, plenty of such siblings have done well, and plenty more have not.

Dan Rosenberg, the president of Three Chimneys Farm in Lexington, where B