Thanks, Alex~
Update 1407: It’s 4:25pm, the press conference has just wrapped up. It’ll take me a little bit of time to write up the details of the conference but no doubt it’ll be reported upon heavily. My initial thoughts are that the three people addressing the press conference, Dr. Richardson and Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, were clearly devestated by this turn of events. There were times during some of Dr. Richardson’s responses that you could tell it was tough for him to maintain his composure. It was nice to hear from both Mr. and Mrs. Jackson acknowledging the support that they have received throughout this entire experience…whether it’s been the devotion of Dr. Richardson and his staff, Michael Matz, Peter Brette, or the public at large. Their overwhelming hope appears to be that the positive good that Barbaro represents and has highlighted becomes his enduring legacy. It was also nice to see Mr. Jackson acknowledge not only the developments in veterinary medicine that will come out of this episode but the heightened focus on anti-horse slaughter issues and issues of backstretch workers etc. I’ll add a further update with regards to the press conference shortly.
updated 4:40pm
Although I had a feeling it was coming, I wasn’t prepared for the sadness and hurt I feel in my heart. Such an unbelievably strong fighter. 
I love this photo
I hope this is how he spends his eternal days:
http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/photo?slug=mdcg10501292054.barbaro_death_mdcg105&prov=ap
If link doesn’t work go to yahoo.com and look for the link to barbaro, then the link to more photos.
[QUOTE=Kenike;2177808]
on a sidenote…I looked on Ebay just to see what merchandise was doing. Breyer models are going for $300 or more!!! Holy crap!
Personally, I believe this will strengthen racing. It shows owners aren’t the money-hungry and uncaring people they have been thought of. And Barbaro showed the true grit and determination that are at the heart of a Thoroughbred.[/QUOTE]
The owners aren’t but I’m not so sure about the person who just posted their model on Ebay with a Buy It Now of $325. Seems a little… opportunistic?
I love that photo too! He was breathtaking to watch. One of the news sites had video footage of him romping in his paddock and playing under tack. That’s how I want to remember him, wild and free and full of joy. :sadsmile:
very sad. He was a good solider and he will be rewarded.
Godspeed and farewell Barbaro. 
Thank you for giving us hope. May your days be pain free and peaceful.
This is just a question I have always wondered, did they ever consider amputating the leg completely? Can a horse live with only 3 legs? Probably the founder would still have occurred, I’m not sure, but I was just wondering. If he had had it completely taken off, would his chances have been any better?
I am very sad about his loss today.
It wouldn’ve have worked. Unlike say, dogs, who can get along quite well on three legs, a horse simply cannot. It must have all four.
Godspeed Barbaro.
Such a sad day. God is certainly amassing quite the racing string.
Here’s to days of freedom,
free of pain,
among the stars,
to run again.
A nice article by Jane Smiley:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/29/AR2007012901004.html
That’s what I thought, and is the reason for the founder, I understand. Have they ever tried a prosthesis for a horse?
[QUOTE=susie09;2177806]
Like so many others I’ve checked in here daily but being at work had little time to post. Right now I just want to go hug my horse but between working late and snow squalls that probably won’t happen until Wednesday. I guess tonight I’ll have to cry into a little poodle’s neck. V.B., you have put so much heart and soul into this; keeping everyone updated and taking some flack along the way. You must be exhausted, too. Thank you hardly seems adequate, but thank you so much for helping us all to be part of this very special community of Bobby’s admirers.
"This was a remarkable effort. I make no judgment about whether it was right or wrong, except this: IF they had succeeded (which they almost did), they would all be heroes. It takes courage to try, courage to take the risk with such a high-profile chance for failure. I applaud the courage of the owners and the medical team. And I admire their ultimate compassion and wisdom to make the right decision for Barbaro when the time came. "
Cartier: I hope you don’t mind one correction - While the outcome wasn’t what we all hoped and prayed for - they are heroes.[/QUOTE]
Absolutely!
On to greener pastures…
Every time one of the champions crosses the Bridge, I always imagine the ensuing race on the other side… to sort out for themselves who really and truly is the BEST. Can you hear the thundering hoofbeats? What a vision it would be, to see them all going head-to-head in the Greatest Race of All.
God speed, Barbaro. And go, baby, go!
I had a bad feeling this morning and now, like all the Barbaro fans, I’m truly heartbroken. I really believed he would make it. I can only imagine how shattered the Jacksons, Michael Matz, Edgar Prado and the staff at New Bolton must be. He was such a ray of sunshine and hope and coped with all the ups and downs with such bright-eyed dignity and heart. I can’t imagine not being able to check on him through the day on this board. I know he’s now running free and sound and he knows he was loved. The really good don’t always last long enough but he’ll certainly live on in our hearts and minds. Thanks Virginia – you’ve been such a trooper and an inspiration going the distance with this and keeping all of us up to date. God Bless Barbaro!
PennyG
I found of a video from the newsconference (?) with Dr. R. It’s at:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16846723/
He fought the good fight. He gave us hope, and that’s why his team kept up the good fight for him. His body just couldn’t fight anymore. I feel terrible for his connections, and I know that New Bolton’s staff is devastated. It’s hard not to fall in love with an incredibly sweet animal that has been with you for 8 months.
I was going to give Levi off today. My friend at work told me about Bobby as she was leaving (I purposely stayed away from the INternet as I was working today. Can’t have a teacher crying uncontrollably all day.) As soon as I heard, I got in my car, work clothes and all to give my horse some peppermints. I put him in the indoor to spend some time with him. And he didn’t disappoint me. I imagined he was following Bobby’s lead in heaven…laying down and rolling ALLLLL the way over, leaping up, running around playing. Free jumping the jumps. He had a blast.
It did my sad heart good.
God Bless.
[QUOTE=I’m EBO;2177915]
I found of a video from the newsconference (?) with Dr. R. It’s at:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16846723/[/QUOTE]
Thank you for posting that. I have such profound respect for Dr. Dean Richardson, that I just can’t get enough of hearing his explanations first hand.
As a PSA, here is how to put people on IGNORE.
Thanks, War Admiral.
The Jacksons did what they said they would do all along. Very special people. I am so sad for them, and for all of us who were able to see the heart that he had. To allow us all to share in this day by day, when I’m sure many would have kept it all behind closed doors, was truly generous.
RIP Barbaro. And be sure to check out that pretty black mare under the tree.
Fox News Write-up: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,248194,00.html
He was a wonderful horse, and brought out the best in the horse community.
God Speed, Gallant One, for you will be forever loved and sorely missed. May you frolic in verdant pastures beneath cobalt skies.
