Barbaro ~ America's Horse

[I_m_EBO]

Today I had to haul a couple of my horses to the vet clinic–one for dental work and one to make sure an abscess was really “just” an abscess. (It was, whew.)

After my dear, sweet vet was finished, we talked a little about Barbaro. He, like me, really thought he’d make it. We both shared we were very upset when he was euthanised. He was amazed that they were able to control his pain for so long. This vet came to my vet clinic from a tb breeding farm here in CA. He can recite race statistics like most people can rattle off the times tables.

I’ll bet we don’t realize even a tenth of support B really had. Lots of broken hearts now, but lots of admiration too.

Also, just wanted to mention, about a third of the price of the Willem models that are now for sale will go to UC Davis (California’s vet school is there) for laminitis research. There will be a run of 100 copies If the organizers can sell that many. If you want one, the details are in the Off Course segment.

[VirginiaBred]

Thursday~
Thanks Alex~
Update 1484: The Thoroughbred Times writes Barbaro’s final resting place is still undetermined, it includes the following excerpts:

“We haven’t decided anything,” Roy Jackson said. “It will probably be a little while; we’re still trying to weigh our options. We’re just going to take our time and try to do what is best.”

and

“We got thirty letters [on February 7],” Roy Jackson said. "It’s amazing, they are from all over the place, and many of them were very well thought out. People took the time to sit down and write something, there are generally very uplifting. They just address them to West Grove, and somehow it gets to us.
“It’s time to get on with our lives. It’s sad, but we did the best we could and wouldn’t change anything. It just wasn’t meant to be. It was a great experience, really. I’m just sorry he didn’t make it.”

Another amazing horse rescue effort from Fans of Barbaro: URGENT: Valentine Feedlot Rescue.

[VirginiaBred]

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/February/02/memories-of-barbaro.aspx

Remembering Barbaro, letters from Barbaro fans…

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~
Polytrack will make its debut on a racecourse in Ireland later this year: Coming Soon - Ireland’s First All-Weather Horse Track. It is worth noting that there are major differences in the types of racing between the US and Europe. While US is principally dirt racing, with one or two turf races carded in the program, european racing is all turf racing with one or two tracks now synthetic (Polytrack). European racing typically only meets at a certain racetrack for 1 - 4 days at a time, hence their ability to rely solely on turf (which can detereorate quickly with adverse weather and excessive racing), whereas US racing meets for months at a time at each of its tracks (Philadelphia Park never closes) hence their need for a surface other than only turf. I don’t think anyone would argue the best racing surface is good old turf.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Update 1487: Update 1486 noted some of the differences with respect to US and European racing, this article takes it much further: I’m not Barbaro, for lots of reasons.
The tongue-wagging Premium Tap, who finished a creditable third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and followed that effort with a nice end of year win in the Clark Handicap, will make his 2007 debut on friday in Dubai: Premium Tap in desert debut.

[msj]

[QUOTE=VirginiaBred;2220278]
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/February/02/memories-of-barbaro.aspx

Remembering Barbaro, letters from Barbaro fans…[/QUOTE]

Talk about tear jerkers. I only read about 3 or 4 and couldn’t see to read anymore thru the tears in my eyes!

[VirginiaBred]

Friday~
Thanks Alex~
Update 1488: 2002 Horse of the Year, Azeri, had her first foal: Azeri’s First Foal Is a Colt.
Hosting the Breeders’ Cup outside of North America I cannot imagine happening: Dubai the only runner in the race. That being said, we know how much more popular horse racing is virtually everywhere else in the world (certainly in Europe and Asia).
Sean Clancy, who wrote: Barbaro: Horse Who Captured Amerca’s Heart appeared on Talkin’ Horses yesterday: Transcript.

[merry98]

Message from Peter Brette & Michael Matz

If anyone hasn’t seen it yet, head over to Tim Woolley’s site and read a note Peter sent to thank all of Barbaro’s supporters. I’m sure VB will post it eventually. All I can say is get the tissues out.

And again, thanks to all connected to Barbaro for sharing such a fabulous individual with the public.

[VirginiaBred]

Saturday~
Thanks Alex~

The interview Jeannine Edwards did with Dr. Richardson will air mid March during ESPNs early coverage of horse racing. When I know the specific date I will alert everyone here. Last week I had dinner with a few “Barbaro people” including Dr. Richardson and his wife. I spent most of the evening talking with Dr. Richardson’s wife which was a lot of fun. She noted that Dr. Richardson has really taken solace in all the wonderful messages of sympathy and support they have received over the past couple of weeks. They have really helped him through.

Update 1491: Peter Brette called earlier this evening. He wanted to write something to acknowledge all the wonderful support and wishes he and Michael had received over the past couple of weeks. This is what Peter wrote and sent:

Barbaro: What a beautiful difference, one single horse made.
Michael and I would just like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all your good wishes, and kind words at what has been an extremely emotional time.
The fact that Barbaro has touched so many hearts all over the world is overwhelming.
Michael and I were extremely privileged to have been around such a special horse for the majority of his short life, he was everything you could ask for, kind, clever, talented and an absolute pleasure to train. Most of his battles on the racecourse lasted only two minutes; he won all of them, except the last one, lasting eight months. We will always dream and wonder what could have been but just have to accept it was not meant to be. God had other plans for him.
As proud of him as we were on the racecourse what he achieved after his accident is so much more and just emphasized what an amazing horse he was and he will always have a very special place in our hearts.
Although we have lots of wonderful memories of him on the racetrack, we were so happy to be able to spend some more time with him at New Bolton, to groom him, take him out for grass so he could feel the sun on his back and just to let him know how special he was and how much he meant to us.
We will never forget him, and will carry him in our hearts forever,
Thank you once again,
Michael & Peter

[VirginiaBred]

The Man Behind the Updates

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070217/SPORTS09/702170348/1002/SPORTS

The man behind Barbaro’s updates

Brown works as exercise rider, teaches at UD in addition to popular Web site

By JACK IRELAND, The News Journal
Posted Saturday, February 17, 2007

Alex Brown is a man of many talents, especially when it comes to horses.

Brown, a native of Yorkshire, England, can be found early each morning working as an exercise rider for Tim Woolley and other trainers at the Fair Hill (Md.) Training Center.

Since May 2006, Brown also has overseen the popular Tim Woolley Web site, www.Timwoolleyracing.com. It was started to keep fans updated on the progress of Kentucky Derby champion Barbaro after he shattered his leg in the Preakness. Barbaro’s fight for life ended last month when he was euthanized at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa.

Brown said the Web site continues to go strong.

Since Barbaro was stabled at Fair Hill before his injury, Brown would talk daily to the horse’s trainer, Michael Matz, and his assistant, Peter Brette. He also knows Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who owned Barbaro.

“After Barbaro was hurt, I was on the Web site five hours a day,” Brown said. "We created the Web site for you, the public. We did updates, even blogged about things that might be happening.

“When Barbaro first passed, the traffic went up considerably. It’s gone down a good bit, but we still average about 8,000 to 9,000 hits a day.”

Three days a week, Brown teaches two sections of an Internet marketing class at the University of Delaware. He has been teaching in the United States for 15 years.

“I just teach in the second semester,” said Brown, who has a master’s degree in business administration. “I started out in introductory marketing, but it’s more Internet now. I began teaching the class at Delaware in 1997. I enjoy my time with the students.”

Brown said he also enjoyed being around Barbaro, who captured the hearts of people throughout the country.

“I volunteered to help out and groom him at New Bolton,” Brown said. "I was also able to take him outside to graze three times. The first two times, someone was with me. On Christmas Day, I was able to take him out on my own.

“I think I visited him nine times. The first time, I went in with Mrs. Jackson. He had a great disposition and charmed you out the wazoo.”

But that didn’t mean Barbaro didn’t get upset at times, Brown said.

“In his stall, you had to pay attention,” Brown said. "If you were goofing off, he would let you know. That was his domain, and he just wanted that respect.

“When he was outside, you could do anything. A bomb could go off, and he wouldn’t even flick an ear. One day, we were outside and it was cold. I was ready to go in, and I couldn’t get him to move. He was so happy to be out there.”

Brown said the Web site remains popular because of a recently formed group of people around the country known as “Fans of Barbaro.” They continue to spread the word about the slaughter of horses in the United States and the anti-slaughter bill currently before Congress. Human consumption of horsemeat is rare among U.S. residents, but is an accepted practice in some countries.

“The fans of Barbaro are growing and growing,” Brown said. “We are hosting this group on our Web site. These people have become active on a variety of horse issues. They encourage each other to lobby their representatives and senators on the anti-horse slaughter bill. Just this week, they raised $3,500 in 24 hours on the Web site to save six horses and a mule.”

Brown said he believes comments by Gretchen Jackson have helped to galvanize horse fans everywhere.

“At the press conference after Barbaro died and the next night on ‘Larry King Live,’ Mrs. Jackson made it pretty clear how she felt on the issues she raised,” Brown said. "She spoke of the anti-horse slaughter bill, continued efforts to find a cure for laminitis and efforts to rescue horses.

“It’s important to her and the legacy of Barbaro. The anti- slaughter bill passed the U.S. House last year, but got stuck in [Senate] committee. There is more momentum this year because of Barbaro.”

I am SO proud to post this here for all to see; my friend, Alex!!! Thank you for everything, but the friendship most of all.

[annikak]

And VB, Once again, Thank YOU for bringing this to all of us. My check-ins are possible because you took the time to forward information on.

I thank you. Again.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Jay Hovdey wrote a great article on the efforts of Fans of Barbaro: Chalk one up for online mission of mercy. Unfortunately you need to be a subscriber to read the article. I bought sunday’s form to read it. Jay documents the story of this week’s valentine’s rescue with Grace Foundation.
Brilliant.

[eggbutt]

VB…again, you are wonderful. Thank you so much for keeping the information coming to us! Fans of Barbaro…FOB…hmmmm I was a proud FOB several years ago…and I’m certainly proud to be a current FOB although with a different meaning!
:yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:

[I_m_EBO]

How nice of Peter to thank US. How nice of VB to continue on in her efforts to keep us informed and united. Barbaro brings/brought out the best in everyone.

I love the FOB ladies. They’re definitely a force (steam roller) to be reckoned with. When you’re new to rescue and are successfully saving horses’ lives, it’s quite a high. (If you’re not new, it’s still thrilling to be able to save a horse from the slaughter house and find it a loving home. Eventually, though, you realize you really can’t save them all.)

I wish I could figure out a way to throw Goodlatte and some of his cohorts into their midst.:yes:

[Kenike]

I like that: FOB
What a touching note from MM and PB! I still check in daily, just don’t post as often…

[ivy62]

I still look for info here but it is sad…any talk of where he will be laid to rest yet?
Thanks VB you are wonderful! Tim, Alex and Michael too!

[Spoilsport]

I also check in here daily. Thank you, VB .

As far as were he is going to be buried, they have his ashes, and Mrs. Jackson recently said (I can’t remember where) that they are going to take their time finding a place for them. When you chose cremation, it’s not unusual to take your time, even with humans. One of my college classmates died (of cancer) the year after graduation and was cremated. Her boyfriend kept the ashes a year, and on the anniversary of her death organized a hike to a wilderness area that she particularly loved. A group of friends hiked together and scattered the ashes. It was very beautiful. I’m sure the Jacksons too will find the perfect place and time.

[VirginiaBred]

Sunday~

Thanks to a amazing Barbaro fan, this was forwarded to me to share and post. I have sent it to Alex as well. Simply beautiful.

I was sent this by a Barbaro fan. Here is the story that goes along with it:

I started writing a song about Barbaro during the recent Oklahoma ice storm when my power was out for 11 days. At that time, Barbaro was still alive, and like a lot of other people, was now sure he was going to make it. Unfortunately, that all changed a week later. Sadly, I had to start reworking the lyrics to reflect that. It is now complete, and I hope this meets with approval from his many fans.
From, oktahahorses

(a little about the song writer: He spends quite a bit of time researching the subject before writing the song and laying the track down. He has also done one on Lost in the Fog, Billy Silver and Ruffian. He has done some historical ones too such as Last Call (about the last day firehorses were used and replaced with trucks), Dan Patch and Poco Lena (legendary cutting horse).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC7fejz3H7M

[captain]

very true, SpoilSport, and well said.

i, too, have family that was cremated and it was not a rushed affair to place them. the nice thing about cremation (if there even IS a nice thing about it) is that more than one special place can be addressed. in the event of my own demise, i wish to be released in several places if possible. also, a little space between the placeing and death itself allows for a more profound celebration of that being’s life. things like this are so personal, and taken to heart on so many levels, there is no right or wrong really, just hope. hope is a good thing : )

i can easily respect the Jacksons’ time. it is theirs. they will do the right thing when they are ready and confident in their decision. seems like they have right along.

[merry98]

[QUOTE=Spoilsport;2226199]
I also check in here daily. Thank you, VB .

As far as were he is going to be buried, they have his ashes, and Mrs. Jackson recently said (I can’t remember where) that they are going to take their time finding a place for them. When you chose cremation, it’s not unusual to take your time, even with humans. One of my college classmates died (of cancer) the year after graduation and was cremated. Her boyfriend kept the ashes a year, and on the anniversary of her death organized a hike to a wilderness area that she particularly loved. A group of friends hiked together and scattered the ashes. It was very beautiful. I’m sure the Jacksons too will find the perfect place and time.[/QUOTE]

Me too. I have my dear equine partner’s ashes in our house. I haven’t quite decided what to do with them. We’ve talked about an apple tree near his field, but haven’t done that yet. It can take time. For me 3 plus years.