Well, again - I don’t think a horse “not crying” (whatever that means) translates to him wanting to live the rest of his life with debilitating arthritis and pain. Of course the horse just stands there looking at you. What else is he going to do? Horses are stoic creatures. I’ve seen them eat and drink in spite of horrifying injuries. I think it has everything to do with the stud fees associated with the stallion. Anyway, I’ve said my opinion, and I did it because of the new footage and photos shown of a very very very very messed up horse. I will leave your thread to peace. Just wanted to voice my opinion.
On a personal note…I too was a very very messed up person (and still am) with a rod in my neck and a leg that is pinned together…The first year or so after the braces and casts etc were removed, I walked funny and I am sure that lots of people felt sorry for me. And while I do have arthritis in my neck and in my leg and I dont always stand straight, I do ride, although no more hot horses for me, and I am only 1/20th of the rider I used to be. I also show my dogs, work etc. And most people who dont know, would not know. I also do some foster work for a TB retirement group. I have seen horses with fused knees, fused fetlocks etc do just fine. Perhaps they will not make it to 30 if the arthritis makes them uncomfortable sooner than the average horse, but they run, play and have a great life with people who love them despite the fact they are not “useful” to the average person. I have a foster here right now that has the crappiest knee you are likely to see, plus a tendon that is not a thing of beauty. But he is most engaging, playful, amazing horse. He would be a perfect friend for anybody. I doubt he will make it past his late teens due to the amount of arthritis he has at such a young age now, but I secretely hope no one ever adopts him, because he is in some ways the best horse I have in my barn. I think we should reserve judgement on the state of Barbaros function until alot more time has passed. I have seen some amazing things in just my little bit of personal experience with horses with big time injuries, although not as severe as his.
Update 1221: No Barbaro update yet today. The Channel 6 Action News piece that aired last night (noted in update 1218) is here: Barbaro Looking Good for New Year.
Kennett Florist visited Fair Hill yesterday to drop off cookies at each of the barns, thanks to Fans of Barbaro. I had already left, but fortunately a few cookies were left over this morning in our barn, so thank you very much for that. Cookies, coffee and donuts always go down well in the barns in the morning!
Thanks, Alex.
In the article above from VB:
‘Barbaro Looking Good for New Year’
The last line in it states:
But, like anyone with rock star status, Barbaro’s new home will be top secret.
Wow, I sure hope this is just conjecture on the part of the article’s author!!:eek: At the very least, I do hope COTH can get very regular continued updates, whether it be thru Alex, VB, or someone.
For sure VB and Alex have been fantastic with their religious updates to us.
Many, many, many thanks again, and again, and again! :yes:
Thanks again VB!
I rarely post but always check and appreciate all your updates, photos, and video clips. Have a Merry Christmas!
GO BOBBY GO! and keep those bright eyes shining!
Merry Christmas to Barbaro and his family - all of you 
We must remember the photos of his shattered leg & the amount of hardware in place. He learned to compensate his gait with a cast and now will learn another efficient method of movement without the cast & supports in place.
Physical therapy, plus time to regain muscle strength due to atrophy, can produce marvelous results. At this time his therapy is quite limited due to the laminitis. I marvel that he is able to walk at all !!
Why worry about his condition years from now… everything in life is one day at a time.
Thanks VB for the terrific reports & again for the ponies.
To: Two Simple
Update 1222: Mrs. Jackson just called and Barbaro remains comfortable. She had just visited Barbaro.
update, 2:35 pm, friday december 22 ~ Thanks, Alex
Mrs. Jackson said they weren’t taking him home because they didn’t have the facilities to allow BB to be seen. I took that to mean that they were looking for a place where his fans could visit him with security, staff, etc., already in place.
So, maybe that means his new home won’t be a secret for too long.
As stated earlier, a decision should be coming by the New Year.
Update 1223: After a flurry of news stories over the last couple of days, mostly about Barbaro’s plans away from New Bolton (not yet determined) things appear to be quieting down a little.
It was recently announced that Mrs. Jackson is on the board of R.A.C.E. Fund: RACE Fund Endorsed by Gretchen Jackson.
Here is the mission of R.A.C.E. fund:
To preserve the lives of thoroughbred racehorses and racetrack pony horses who can no longer race or work by providing a funding source to help pay for their care and well being during their transition to retirement and adoption. Uphold the integrity of racing by encouraging horsemen and the racing industry to give back to these gallant creatures who have given so much to them. Work to put an end to horse slaughter in the United States.
Thanks, Alex.
Two Simple, it is clear that you have never bothered to read any of the interviews given by any of the people involved in Barbaro’s care. It becomes glaringly obvious when you make an ignorant statement such as the struggle for his recovery being about the stud fees.
Try educating yourself; you just might learn something. (As in: The Jacksons have long said that the horse’s comfort is paramount and if he cannot be comfortable, he will be euthanized. As in: The Jacksons have made it repeatedly clear that they will be estatic if he will be able to live out his days in a pasture without ever covering a mare.)
It’s also obvious that you know nothing about how horses react when in long-term intensive care; it is often extemely difficult to get them to eat or drink or have any interest in their surroundings. And it’s equally clear that you know nothing – or next to it – about the difference between a horse (or any animal) ready to die and asking to die, and one who still has plenty of fight left.
Barbaro is very much in the latter category.
I, for one, wish him a very long, happy and, above all else, comfortable life. Just as all those who surround him daily do.
Ah, the candles have never looked better! Right now they are over 1500 and let’s hope they stay that way!
Everyone, please don’t forget to light a few candles for Barbaro over the Christmas and New Years holiday!
Have a wonderful holiday season as well!!!
Originally posted by Two Simple:
“If my dog’s pain ever becomes unmanageable or it affects his happiness, he will be euthanized without a second thought. I love him too much to let him suffer.”
It sounds like you and the Jacksons are of the same mind. You love your animals and will do what you feel is right by them (including orthopedic surgery utilizing internal fixators). However, the animals comfort is the highest priority.
I am surprised you don’t have more empathy for them.
Saturday Morning ~
Barbaro fans send colt Christmas prayers. Another nice article highlighting all your support, and the posters on the fence line. The article also notes that $1.2million has been raised for the Barbaro Fund!
Barbaro’s older half brother will be standing in Florida next year: Holy Ground, half brother to Barbaro, retired to Bridlewood in Florida.
Thanks, Alex.
A Merry Christmas, indeed!
I, too, went “gulp” when I saw Barbaro’s leg, but I’m not about to second guess Dr. Richardson or the Jacksons on what’s best in their situation. Just to see the horse alive is good enough for me. I think the whole experience has been enlightening in every good sense.
(and, I’ve been patient and tolerant through a number of threads, and I hesitate to mention something like this on this thread in particular, but I’m afraid it’s time to vote Two Simple off the island. Talk about people unclear on the concept… :rolleyes: )
I gulped as well… BUT… My understanding is that he has been kept in a cast for so long that he has lost muscle/ligament tone, and needs PT to help straighten that leg up/strengthen it, BUT that they can’t do aggressive PT yet b/c of the other foot. Makes sense to me.
I do think in the end that all will be (more or less) well but can definitely see why people are gulping.
Obviously I disagree with TwoSimple… From what we’ve been given to understand it really doesn’t sound like this horse knows the meaning of the word “Quit”. Another great-hearted TB!!
I must say I do think that if the Jacksons want to keep him at home, they should do so, and not worry about us fans. Sure, I fantasize about giving him karotten someday, just like everyone else does, but if he’d be happiest at their farm in peace and quiet, then that’s what’s important really. :yes:
Beautifully Stated, WA!
I truly believe you can look at the gleam of his coat and know he is in good health. Also, look at the brightness of his eyes. He is NOT a horse in pain. If anything he’s saying, “Yeh, and this is all ya got?”
Sure, he’s thin, but the people on this BB who own TB’s know that if you look at them wrong, they’ll drop weight.
The Jacksons have dedicated their time and effort in making sure Bobby is comfortable. I truly think that if he only is a pasture ornament and never covers a mare, they will be happy!
