Barbaro ~ America's Horse

[equinelaundry]

[QUOTE=jennifersw;2178481]
Today a horse of a lifetime lost the fight of his life…and sometime in the wee hours of tomorrow morning…if you have any faith at all…you will believe with me that as Barbaro gallops over the clouds and comes to a halt in God’ s great winner’ s circle in the sky…a foal is being somewhere…in somebody’ s barn…who will get a little bit of the heart he left behind…and somewhre else, in another stable…another will be born gifted with his tremendous strength…and another might be blessed with his courage. It may be a long long time before America- and the world- will again get to revel in the ‘thrill of victory’ we all shared that first Saturday in May of last year…and if we are lucky, it will be a far longer time before we ever again feel that ‘agony of defeat’ we felt just two weeks after the Derby…and feel again on this sad day. Godspeed, great horse.
(PS- I have lurked here since the very beginning…I only speak when I feel something I have to say might spread a ray of hope to the many, many faithful followers of this thread or might express the gratitude I think the majority of us feel towards the ones who have kept it alive)[/QUOTE]

Well said. Thank you.

[mareseatoats]

Greed out weighs the loss and sadness

It will take many years for me to overcome the tragedy of Barbaro, but with the Preakness, I have watched my last race. It is purely for man’s profit that these magnificent, fragile creatures are pushed beyond their limit. George Vecsey (“Racing Can’t Afford More Tragedies,” The Times, June 6) asks when animal rights’ groups are going to speak out against this human (not humane) narcissism. I ask the same question and mourn the loss of Barbaro.

Barbaro’s death should not be in vane … it sent a loud, clear message, it did to me!

Keywords: Barberic, Greed

[Laurierace]

[QUOTE=mareseatoats;2178743]
It will take many years for me to overcome the tragedy of Barbaro, but with the Preakness, I have watched my last race. It is purely for man’s profit that these magnificent, fragile creatures are pushed beyond their limit. George Vecsey (“Racing Can’t Afford More Tragedies,” The Times, June 6) asks when animal rights’ groups are going to speak out against this human (not humane) narcissism. I ask the same question and mourn the loss of Barbaro.

Barbaro’s death should not be in vane … it sent a loud, clear message, it did to me!

Keywords: Barberic, Greed[/QUOTE]

I personally could not disagree more. If anything I think this whole thing is an example of what is right with the sport. There was never a moment, including today where they didn’t put the horse first. He should be an inspiration to everyone in this game, not a turn off. A shining example of what it means to truly care for an animal, even if that means making the hardest decision possible.
I understand your pain, and you have every right to feel that way, but I think you just did not get it in the first place if that is your gut reaction. Racing will carry on with or without you, and hopefully we will continue to have wonderful ambassadors of the sport to emulate like the Jacksons.

[Anne_FS]

Pushed beyond his limit? It was a bad step. You couldn’t be more wrong. Oh, wait…“vane” “Barberic” never mind…

[Anne_FS]

Barbaro on Nightline tonight

Just heard an announcement that tonight’s NIGHTLINE will be about Barbaro.

It’s on at 11:30pm Eastern on ABC.

[Sannois]

Oh Please

[QUOTE=mareseatoats;2178743]
It will take many years for me to overcome the tragedy of Barbaro, but with the Preakness, I have watched my last race. It is purely for man’s profit that these magnificent, fragile creatures are pushed beyond their limit. George Vecsey (“Racing Can’t Afford More Tragedies,” The Times, June 6) asks when animal rights’ groups are going to speak out against this human (not humane) narcissism. I ask the same question and mourn the loss of Barbaro.

Barbaro’s death should not be in vane … it sent a loud, clear message, it did to me!

Keywords: Barberic, Greed[/QUOTE]

Your words are lost here. And they are pathetic. Anyone who has ever watched any great race horse run can see that they run with their heart. Barbaro was one of the greats. an ACCIDENT cut him down in his prime. Go watch his Derby again Oh never mind you cant see the beauty in it, its barbaric and greedy! :no:

[La_Gringa]

A horse can shatter a leg like that playing in the field as well, is that beyond the limit too?

This was not about greed, this was about love for a magnificent champion who was doing really well, beating the odds… and was improving… up until just recently. He gave all of us hope, kept us all glued to the updates, opened people’s hearts. I saw nothing but love and adoration from his owners and Dr R today on the tv.

I finally lost it and couldn’t hold back the tears anymore as I watched more video of him tonight on the news. He was so beautiful, and had such a spark for life. I am glad they gave him the best chance to live. He lived a good 8 months past what most people thought he would. I learned a lot myself through the process of what they did, as I know a lot of people did. Barbaro fought for all of us, and for himself. He wanted to live, otherwise he wouldn’t have gotten through all this as long as he did.

I think it’s unfair to post negative things on this thread. Take it someplace else and post your negativity … keep this for those that cared about this horse, and for the people who cared for him through all these months. My mom, who became a COTHER because of Barbaro lit candles every single day for him, first thing in the morning. He touched us… beyond words…

Thanks Virgniabred for all the updates and the constant fight for him. You kept us all involved and a part of this.

[Freebird]

Sounds like New Bolton is a somber place right now, with everything probably feeling so surreal to everyone there. RIP Barbaro.

COPIED FROM www.timwoolleytracing.com:

Update 1409: Just returned from a bite to eat with Jennifer Rench and Kathy Freeborn from New Bolton. We were somewhat subdued, trying to go over events over the last few days without really taking it all in. As we were finishing up a few of the AP reporters came to join us. I left shortly thereafter and on my way home chatted with Ed Fountaine. A couple of observations of the day; Barbaro will be missed, Barbaro can help us make a difference.
Update 1408: While the press conference is over, things are now starting to wind down with post conference interviews, reports from media for local news stations, wire services etc. I talked to a couple of reporters and also WJZ out of Baltimore for their 6 o’clock news. Tom, the Jacksons farm manager, just called and we chatted about Barbaro. Now off out for a drink with a few of the New Bolton staff before I head home.

[Anne_FS]

My daughter is a foal sitter at NBC. As she pulled in tonight at 11pm she said there’s still a lot of media there (most likely to do their stand-ups for the nightly news).

So spare a final candle for the little newborn patient she’ll be watching all night.

[Wellspotted]

This is so sad. Barbaro has died, and many of you are spending more time and energy sniping at each other than mourning him.
Why can’t you people just be friends? This is a community, remember?
I have never known so many b … I would use the word but it would be an insult to female dogs! I’m just glad none of you board at my barn–I’d hate to have to hang out with a lot of you in the nonvirtual world.

And to make fun of someone’s spelling is just plain cruel. Grow up, people. Be nice.

[Rubs_Not_Pats]

I am still not sure how I feel about Barbaro loosing his fight. Barbaro surviving all this time against odds that frankly defied expectations was truely amazing. In many ways, the fight Barbaro went through paralleled my Bob, who broke his leg last year and was given little chance for recovery and or living after surgery. (He did his in a pasture accident, by himself) I am happy to say Bob is still doing well. Whenever I see Bob, I will always think of Barbaro. Treating mine, I have come to believe that they do understand that we are trying to help them. I believe this is part of the reason that Barbaro never quit.

I have to applaud everyone connected with this horse, they are truely exceptional individuals and I wish there were more people like them in the racing industry. They took something that could have been a horrible story and made it heartwarming. No small task.

Last thing, Virginiabred, I have loved reading your daily updates and stories from around the racing world. I woke up to you every morning for a long time now. On behalf of the COTH community, thank you!

[Slewdledo]

This was just posted on the PQ forum.

Somewhere, somewhere…in time’s own space,
there must be some sweet, pastured place…
where creeks sing on…and tall trees grow,
some paradise where horses go.
For by the love that guides my pen,
I know great horses live again.

—Stanley Harrison “Gentlemen–The Horse!”

[Anne_FS]

[QUOTE=Wellspotted;2178889]

And to make fun of someone’s spelling is just plain cruel. Grow up, people. [/QUOTE]

We can take this OT, but I’m quite grown, thank you. Totalling mis-using words (such as “vane” for “vain”) is indicative of carelessness in thought and writing, to say the least, and that post proved it, which I’m sure the poster was not trying to do. A person loses credibility when posts contain words that are used totally wrong, and when rather simple words are misspelled. We all make typos, but when someone goes on a rant and starts throwing around words that don’t mean anything close to what they’re trying to rant about, what they WERE trying to say is easily dismissed.

And to get back on topic, the Nightline piece was at the beginning of the show and was very nice.

And to also get back to the positive, a really nice ESPN piece ended with the reporter quoting a Chinese proverb that “you think you’ve lost your horse, but who knows? he may bring a whole herd back to you” and that this is what the people close to Barbaro are saying now, that they hope this is what the veterinary knowledge gained will do.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1410: Here is today’s news conference from NTRA: Barbaro euthanized after long ordeal.
Update 1409: Just returned from a bite to eat with Jennifer Rench and Kathy Freeborn from New Bolton. We were somewhat subdued, trying to go over events over the last few days without really taking it all in. As we were finishing up a few of the AP reporters came to join us. I left shortly thereafter and on my way home chatted with Ed Fountaine. A couple of observations of the day; Barbaro will be missed, Barbaro can help us make a difference.
Update 1408: While the press conference is over, things are now starting to wind down with post conference interviews, reports from media for local news stations, wire services etc. I talked to a couple of reporters and also WJZ out of Baltimore for their 6 o’clock news. Tom, the Jacksons farm manager, just called and we chatted about Barbaro. Now off out for a drink with a few of the New Bolton staff before I head home.

[VirginiaBred]

Worth Reposting ~


God saw you were getting tired
and it was not meant to be.
So he put his arms around you
and whispered “come to me”
With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly
we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating
hard working hooves put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best!
A million times we’ve needed you
and a million times we’ve cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
you never would have died.
A heart of gold stopped beating;
Two fighting eyes closed to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best.

[VirginiaBred]

www.thoroughbredtimes.com

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/January/29/Richardson-Time-was-right-to-euthanize-Barbaro.aspx

Richardson: Time was right to euthanize Barbaro
Dean Richardson, D.V.M., chief of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, said that in the past he has waited too long to euthanize a horse. However, he does not think that was the case for Barbaro, who was euthanized Monday morning due to the effects of laminitis.

“I’m as comfortable as I’m likely to get with the decision,” Richardson said. “I feel it was the right thing to do now.”

Sunday night was the first in the eight months that Barbaro refused to lie down," Richardson said.

“Last night was the first night ever that he clearly was distressed by his condition,” Richardson said. “We intensified all his pain medications pretty dramatically last night trying to get him to go down. We stated, and we meant what we said, if we couldn’t control his comfort, we wouldn’t go on, and that’s why the decision was made.”

The discovery that Barbaro was beginning to show sign of laminitis in his previously healthy front legs was the final development. Roy and Gretchen Jackson were present when Barbaro was euthanized.

“We were all there. Barbaro was in the sling, and he was comfortable, in the sense he was under a lot of medication,” Richardson said. “He ate his grass this morning. He was alert and aware. He knew the Jacksons.

“He was given a very heavy dose of tranquilizer first and then an overdose of an anesthetic. That’s the mechanics of it. He had a catheter in already. He was already on intravenous medication, so it could not have been any more peaceful in that sense.”

[VirginiaBred]

www.thoroughbredtimes.com

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/January/29/Gulfstream-Park-establishes-Barbaro-Foundation.aspx

[B] Gulfstream Park establishes Barbaro Foundation

[/B]Gulfstream Park has established the Barbaro Foundation, which will oversee an annual scholarship program for future veterinarians.
Details of the foundation and its scholarship program will be released at a later date, Gulfstream Park General Manager Bill Murphy said.
“The sacrifices of owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, and…their colt’s contribution to the sport, and the courage of all involved, have been inestimable,” Murphy said. “The Barbaro story went beyond racing. It held us all in its grip for eight months. On behalf of Magna Entertainment Corp. and Chairman Frank Stronach, we at Gulfstream Park will proudly honor the people who tried so hard to create a better ending than the one we received.
“The entire Barbaro team—the Jacksons, trainer Michael Matz, jockey Edgar Prado, the veterinary staff and his fans throughout the world—deserve recognition after this experience.”

[VirginiaBred]

www.thoroughbredtimes.com
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/January/29/Barbaros-struggles-could-pave-way-for-future-injured-horses.aspx

[B] Barbaro’s struggles could pave way for future injured horses

[/B]While Barbaro did not prevail in his efforts to survive a shattered right hind leg and laminitis that developed in his left hind leg, his struggles could potentially pave the way to improve the survival of Thoroughbreds who suffer similar injuries or suffer from laminitis.
Since the Barbaro Fund was started in June to benefit the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center where Barbaro was treated, contributions have totaled more than $1.2-million. The fund money is being used to purchase an operating room table and new rafts and slings for the recovery pool.

Please use the above link for the entire story

[buttersmom]

VB - thank you so very much for your dedication to keeping us all informed. I checked this thread everyday and I am so grateful to you.

I loved what Gretchen Jackson said about hoping this inspired people to help horses of all breeds and in all countries.

Other words of her’s that stuck with me was when she said, “grief is the price of love.”

I am happy he is at peace but it is a sad day for those who grieve him.

[HobbyHorseLabradors]

@mareseatoats;2178743

It will take many years for me to overcome the tragedy of Barbaro, but with the Preakness, I have watched my last race. It is purely for man’s profit that these magnificent, fragile creatures are pushed beyond their limit. George Vecsey (“Racing Can’t Afford More Tragedies,” The Times, June 6) asks when animal rights’ groups are going to speak out against this human (not humane) narcissism. I ask the same question and mourn the loss of Barbaro.

Barbaro’s death should not be in vane … it sent a loud, clear message, it did to me!

Keywords: Barberic, Greed

The racing industry, as with any other industry, has it downfalls absolutely. The rescues sitting in my barn will testify to that. But never was this particular horse treated poorly or with anything but the utmost respect and best care. That goes for his entire life, not just after he became a celebrity.
This is big time racing, not your rinky dink, crappy little tracks that unfortunately are everywhere. There is a difference, a major one. Horses like Barbaro are not treated like the over raced, broken down, misfortunate TBs that overpopulate the bottom of the barrel race tracks.
There is nothing wrong with running a horse as long as it’s done in a way that does not push a horses beyond his limits.