YIPPIE!
With the neighbor horse that I posted about so very long ago (with a similar injury to Barbaro’s), when the last cast was finally removed for good, the supporting muscles/tendons/ligaments in that leg had atrophied from not having been used for so long (the leg having been suported by the casts, of course). Also, the hoof had atrophied (shrunk), again from having been non-weight bearing for over 6 months.
For a while, this horse wore a specially made shoe with verticle bars added to each heel. To these attached a “sling” of sorts, between them, which partially supported under the fetlock as the horse walked - to keep him from actually walking on the back of his pastern and fetlock (the muscles being SO lax that that is what happened without the “sling”-even with the support splint/bandages).
Once out of the cast, however, and again bearing weight on that leg and using the muscles again, gradually everything began getting stronger. And once he began bearing weight on the injured leg and hoof, the hoof began to expand again and begin to resemble more of a normal hoof-although it did take several more months for a normal hoof wall to grow out.
Update 1037: I just spoke to Peter, who visited Barbaro this afternoon. He was upbeat (Peter). He gave Barbaro a good grooming, although he did not take him outside as it is still pretty damp around here.
Wednesday Morning ~
Update 1039: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (tuesday night). I saw Michael Matz on my second set jogging Rocky. In fact, when I came on the track, Michael said he hadn’t heard yet. But as I completed my first turn, he was able to relay the positive news. I am now jogging my second mile on Rocky and watching Graham Motion’s horses gallop by. It’s a foggy, soupy day at Fair Hill.
updated wednesday 6:55am
Thank you Alex.
[QUOTE=tma;1997186]
With the neighbor horse that I posted about so very long ago (with a similar injury to Barbaro’s), when the last cast was finally removed for good, the supporting muscles/tendons/ligaments in that leg had atrophied from not having been used for so long (the leg having been suported by the casts, of course). Also, the hoof had atrophied (shrunk), again from having been non-weight bearing for over 6 months.
For a while, this horse wore a specially made shoe with verticle bars added to each heel. To these attached a “sling” of sorts, between them, which partially supported under the fetlock as the horse walked - to keep him from actually walking on the back of his pastern and fetlock (the muscles being SO lax that that is what happened without the “sling”-even with the support splint/bandages).
Once out of the cast, however, and again bearing weight on that leg and using the muscles again, gradually everything began getting stronger. And once he began bearing weight on the injured leg and hoof, the hoof began to expand again and begin to resemble more of a normal hoof-although it did take several more months for a normal hoof wall to grow out.[/QUOTE]
tma - that’s very interesting. Thanks for passing this along. 
I’m wondering if Barbaro will have a similar problem initially. If so, I’d love to see it reported. We all know the big guy isn’t out of the woods yet so here’s hoping he doesn’t have any such complications.
I am so happy to hear that he is doing well. It has been a long road but he has been in the best of hands. I hope this story continues to go in the direction of a happy ending.
Update 1040: I caught up with Kathy Anderson this morning, who visited Barbaro yesterday. She also gave an upbeat assessment. She was present when they were changing his bandages (on his right hind) and thought Barbaro looked good. She also noted Barbaro has been moved to a new stall, a little larger, which he seems to appreciate. Michael also told me this morning that Barbaro did go out yesterday.
Thanks Alex.
Thanks VB, this is such great news! It makes you feels sooooo good. It is almost like Bobbi got all the blessings and prayers that many of us have given our own horses, that sadly didn’t make it. But Bobbi is making it, and it is a miracle coming true.
Thank you VB for the constant up dates! I am almost afraid to give in to the feelings of accomplishment yet he has a LONG way to go, having rehabbed my own horses feet which took 3 years I am very cautious…but it CAN be done!
Keep on going Bobby!!!
Jingling and lighting candles from NY
Update 1041: No update this evening. I was out for dinner when I usually get an update.
Thursday Morning ~
Update 1043: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (wednesday night). I saw Michael Matz as I was coming on to the track for my second set on Chappy. He had heard from Dr. Richardson. I was the first out this morning on the track just after six am and the moisture laying on top of the sealed track reflected the moon and a bit of the sunrise which in turn provided a nice source of light. I did also see Barclay Tagg as I was coming off the track on my first set. He is pleased with both Showing Up and NoBiz as they prepare for their respective stake races this weekend. Barclay said NoBiz is scheduled to fly to Hollywood Park on Tuesday.
updated thursday 7:15am
Update 1042: The weather will determine the timing of the Barbaro update this morning. While it does not appear to be raining this minute, it is forecast to do so. If training is not effected by the rain, the Barbaro update should be before 9 am.
Noting the weather impacting training, we are still awaiting the completion of our synthetic training track (Tapeta). It should be complete by the end of this month, but of course the weather may also impact the completion date. The surface has recently been introduced at the Godolphin training center in Dubai: Godolphin opens synthetic training track. I am really looking forward to not having to gallop on a sloppy hard dirt race track!
It is nice to see the traveling queen Ouija Board has been voted European Horse of the Year: Ouija Board Honored With Second Cartier Horse of the Year Award. She is now preparing for the Japan Cup, to run a week on sunday.
Thanks Alex
Update 1046: I just spoke to Peter who had spoken to Michael who visited Barbaro earlier this afternoon. Peter said Barbaro remains comfortable. Peter was pretty upbeat.Thanks, Alex
thanks for the continued updates VB
Thanks VB & Co…have a great weekend!
Friday Morning ~
Update 1049: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (thursday night). I just spoke to Peter (12:05pm) to confirm.
Fondmort continues to improve: Fondmort up and on the mend. This short article includes a nice photograph of Fondmort, his trainer Nicky Henderson and the staff at the equine hospital. It remains a day-to-day situation.
Bernardini versus Barbaro for three year old of the year. The topic of conversation is heating up. Here is one vote for Barbaro (from someone who does not get to vote but …): Vote here is for Barbaro.
[QUOTE=VirginiaBred;2003043]
Bernardini versus Barbaro for three year old of the year. The topic of conversation is heating up. Here is one vote for Barbaro (from someone who does not get to vote but …): Vote here is for Barbaro.[/QUOTE]
Well, here’s another vote for Barbaro! VB, thanks again for all the great updates! 
Update 1051: I just spoke to Peter who had spoken to Michael, who visited Barbaro this afternoon. Barbaro remains comfortable and got to go out today and graze. Another good report.
Alie from Kennett Florist had this to report in the comments (timestamp: 6:30 pm):
NBC is a great place today. Everyone was in good moods. The cupcakes were a big hit. The weather today is soooo nice. You don’t even have to wear a coat. Barbaro & the donor horses got treats too.
WE BELIEVE!!!
Thanks for the updates, VB. Since the cast removal, I’m back to holding my breath every morning and evening until I hear that all is well. Bless the boy, I am so happy he is doing well.
:yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:
Saturday Morning~
THe update today will be later. We will go with last night’s update saying all is well.
Update 1053: I saw Michael Matz as I was going on to the track on Rocky, my second set. Michael said that when he saw Barbaro last night, he was in good order. So, another upbeat day to report yesterday. It’s a crisp, gorgeous morning…a little cooler but looks like it’s going to be a bright, sunny day. The dirt track has recovered nicely from all the rain and there are lots of horses out working this morning. When I saw Michael I was on my way to work Rocky from the gate. He broke out nice and sharp in company and then worked 3/8ths without breaking a sweat. A very nice work from the gate.
updated saturday 7:30am
Thanks, Alex!
