Ditto Eggbutt and Thankyou VB!! from another lurking Barbaro follower…:yes:
Religious cult?? I think the best way to describe all of us here on this thread are people who hope and pray every day that Bobby will come through this. We each have our different lives and problems but this one horse has brought so many of us together, it is like we are one family. This thread is the first place I come every day to see how he is doing and I am constantly amazed at his strength and resolve as well as that of those who love and care for him. I think I will just stay here and keep up the positive thoughts for our boy. If that makes me part of a religious cult, so be it…
Off to light more candles.
I can totally respect those who disagree with us…I mean, people are entitled to their opinions, however wrong they may be (as my grandfather used to say). I mean, in the end, their belief that Barbaro should be put down won’t cause it to happen or have any effect on the horse at all.
However, (yes, the big “however”) I don’t think it is right for them to call us members of a “cult.” We aren’t worshiping him…just praying for his recovery. Since when was that wrong?
Jingling like mad here in Florida.
As someone who has mentioned this thread is sort of like a religion, and IS hoping for Barbaro to recover- I’m sorry if my words offended anyone.
I’m not offended…I just think that calling this thread a “cult” is nuts…
I check on Barbaro’s progress every day. So do many others. He remains a symbol of courage, and a focus of prayer and hope for many of us. He will let his people know if/when it is time. Until then, I pray for healing.
I’m not offended by the “cult” remarks. I think this thread is made up mostly of optimists - not “at whatever the cost” fanatics. I have no doubt the people charged with being Barbaro’s advocates have his best interests in mind. I trust his doctors and his owners. I also trust Michael Matz to help guide the owners to the best decision for the horse should it come to that.
For those people who think this forum posting is a cult, well, I guess everyone is entitled their opinion. But of course, I disagree.
From my parents, who live in a retirement community in Florida, to all the non-horsey people I work with, I have constantly amazed one and all of my keen insight of the “Barbaro Progress” (thanks to VB and other contributors on COTH). It makes me realize that most people still root for the underdog and wish for a happy ending, and that gives me hope for the rest of the people who see that the glass may be half empty 100% of the time.
Whenever short snippets of news of Barbaro hits the web or the radio, my co-workers come to me to find out “the whole story”, not just the brief summary put out on the AP wire. This forum posting has helped share the insiders story of how Barbaro is doing and yes, I do believe that most people are hoping for a happy ending for this amazing horse! If this is a cult, than I am a member!
What a relief to see Bobby is doing so much better than the other day! No, I can’t let the sigh out, yet, but at least I can relax a little bit.
VB, I ditto eggbutt’s remarks. You work so hard to keep us updated, and I can’t tell you how much I, among so many, appreciate it.
I BELIEVE!
[QUOTE=eggbutt;2136127]
Thank you VB! What great news indeed going into the weekend.
Apparently we who follow this tread daily and post occasionally are considered a “religious cult” if you have read a thread on another forum. I for one am thrilled to have followed the life and daily road to recovery of this wonderful animal and his owners, doctors, trainers, riders - and us. I chose to believe that all involved are doing the best they can for this courageous animal who wants to live his life. I wonder if B understands how he is helping to change status quo in several equine vet areas and technologies? I wonder if the Jacksons know how they are showing us what grace and love and unselfishness is? I wonder if Dr. R knows he is showing us what determination, compassion, wonder and skill is? I wonder if all of us understand the power of prayer and good-will we are displaying to others? I wonder if VirginiaBred understands how much her devotion and commitment to keeping us informed every single day has meant? Religious Cult? I think not.[/QUOTE]
WOW! Eggbutt, I couldn’t have said it any better!!! ALL OF IT!!! 
Eggbutt- you took the words right out of my mouth. We are joined here for a good purpose and to learn that uncharted territory is only charted when someone takes the journey so thank you to the Jacksons for allowing us the daily insight on this incredible journey!!!
Thank you to everyone that has well wishes for Barbaro and all concerned…
THANK YOU ALL!!!
Lighting candles and jingling in NY!
Hey, considering Barbaro’s ‘odd’ gait: He walks better than my little quarter horse who can no longer walk a straight line but walks a lovely shoulder-in to the right. :eek: :rolleyes: He also trots and canters the shoulder-in to the right as well. He can’t do it to the left and sometimes watching him come in from pasture is really comical because he has to make ‘course corrections’. :lol: But no one has told him that he has problems and he sure isn’t ready to be put down. The little brat has the most mischevious look 90% of the time and gets into trouble every chance he gets!!! :yes:
So maybe that’s one reason I’m here cheering on Bobby, no matter how he manages to walk!
Off to light a few more candles!
I don’t know if anyone noticed or not, but some people are lighting candles for Lost in the Fog and saying little prayers for Bobby at Foggy’s candles. I noticed that the other day! Bless them!!!
yes, but he IS walking!
And THAT is the point…isn’t it?
GREAT post, Eggbutt! :yes:
My SO just had a total bilateral knee replacement done by a Dr. with his name on the building. I pointed out to a friend of mine that he has it easy- he gets to remove the bad stuff, and put in new parts, and his patient does not weigh 1000 pounds.
Dr. Dean Richardson is a genius, with all of the stuff that goes with it 
An amazing talent!
Im guessing no one knows if they’ve used O2 therapy?
…Was helpful for the horse in my barn who foundered after his arthrodesis.
Update 1316: Updated story from the AP: No sign of infection in Barbaro’s hoof, including some quotes from Dr. Richardson:
Barbaro had become uncomfortable on his left hind foot in recent days a week after a new cast was put on the foot. The cast was removed after some new separation on the inside portion of his hoof was found.
“The medial aspect of the hoof was always going to be a problem because of the way it was healing,” Richardson told the AP. “The cast did not cause this problem. This issue with the foot was probably inevitable.”
Richardson said Barbaro has soft bandages on the laminitis-stricken hoof, though that could change in the next few days.
Rachel, from Kennett Florist, left this comment (timestamp: 10 pm):
Afternoon all!
Sorry we haven’t had a chance to post sooner, it’s a been busy here. Seems like good news today. Big Boss is still hungry!! Eat Boss, Eat!
We didn’t get up to NBC until later this afternoon today and the place was starting to clear out… which seems to be the norm for a Friday afternoon. This way, maybe some of the second and third shifts will get to reap some of the goodies we brought up today. The big guy got his favorites! We also brought up a big horseshoe of flowers and placed it in the lobby next to one of Barbaro’s many posters. I will see if I can get a picture of it up on the forum. Hope you all have a great weekend!! We love you all, we love you Big B, we love Mr and Mrs Jackson!!! (and ofcourse you too Alex)
WE BELIEVE!!!
Rach at KF
Continued thanks to Alex.
I, for one, root for Bobby because I can! In this hectic, sad world, we live in there is little room for hope. With Bobby I see hope and who can argue with that. He is bright eyed and bushy tailed. I am not even dismayed at his walk. He gets around like a champ, albeit an odd champ. But in the end I truley believe that NB, the Jacksons, MM and all involved have his best interests at heart. Every day they look in his eyes and make a decision. :sadsmile: From what I have seen those eyes are full of fight and spirit!
IMHO he is a one of a kind horse who fights for his life, whatever that may be. Call me a member of a cult, call me whatever you want! I light candles because I can. I follow Bobbie’s story closely because I can. It has nothing to do with heaven! But in the end I can take it and will continue to jingle for the Big Boy.
Go Bobby go! and if you cannot I will still love you and all those who cared for you! You are my hero and I will never forget you! Your TB spirit is strong and evidence of your character shows thru each day! :sadsmile: You have moved the world and the world will be better for it!:sadsmile:
Thanks to VB., Alex and all those who join in our cult of hope!:sadsmile: You are not alone!:sadsmile:
Got my hood and mask!! :lol: :lol: Light some more candles :yes:
Member of the Barbaro Cult. licensed by Epona
Update 1317: I just spoke to Tom, the Jackson’s farm manager. He visited Barbaro earlier today, the first time he has visited since the news on wednesday. It was a shorter visit than normal, but a good sign he is back visiting nonetheless. Barbaro was in his sling, but standing square on all fours, and Tom thought he did look good and comfortable. Barbaro has moved back to his original stall in the ICU as is necessary in order to have access to the sling. While I have not seen Barbaro in his sling, as Tom explained it, Barbaro only really uses the sling if he is resting one of his legs. The sling’s role then is to allow Barbaro to bear the additional weight on the sling, not on the other legs.
Thanks so much to Alex.
