I think that must be the most difficult aspect to dr. richardson, michael matz and the jacksons- to see how much trouble poor barbaro’s body is having and then to have to look into his bright eyes, see his perked ears and have him nicker to them. just about breaks my heart just thinking about it. but there are horses that just tolerate more than others would and this guy is just not giving in just yet. I KNOW they will know if its time. I completely have faith. they are VERY in tune to this horse. lets hope that regardless of the outcome this DOES effect the treatment and care of other TBs that breakdown. but honestly, a lot of it comes down to the ability to PAY for this sort of treatment. I know MANY of us would do this for our horses…if we COULD. if nothing else, its refreshing to have the public see a compassionate and caring side of racing since the perception is commonly that horses are nothing but a dollar sign to the racing industry. at least barbaros story shows that isnt always the case.
Jingles and prayers for Barbaro and everyone who is caring for him! 
I lost my mare to systemic laminitis (Cushing’s-induced). The massive inflammation in her feet would settle into an abscess that undermined the entire sole. Each time it happened, I spent a nail-biting 2-3 weeks wrapping, medicating, and praying for new sole growth and no recurrences. Pergolide controlled these episodes for over a year, but then they came back: LF and LH (rare!) both at the same time.
It was a crossroads of sorts; I knew my options, but I also knew my horse. She hadn’t been herself for a few weeks prior to the double-abscess/founder, and afterwards, even with pain meds, she was still depressed and just seemed TIRED of it all…she was just existing. Even if I had gotten that outbreak under control, it was likely to re-occur…along with a myriad of other painful, life-threatening side-effects of Cushing’s (she nearly froze to death the previous winter, when she lost the ability to thermoregulate). My horse’s future held nothing but the promise of more pain and suffering. So I talked to my vet, and he agreed with the decision to end her suffering.
I know there are people who would have done more. I had a “natural healer” friend tell me about all the things I should have tried first. (She is no longer my friend. :no: ) I also know there are people who would have done LESS. I had a fellow boarder, a “cowboy” type, tell me how amazed he was at the effort and money I put into a terminally-ill horse I couldn’t ride. To both of these people, I explained that I just tried to do what was best for HER, knowing her as well as I did. Another horse in the same situation might have needed a different approach entirely. They are individuals; you can’t treat them all the same. What is right for one can be wrong for another.
It seems to me that Barbaro’s connections share this philosophy, and will let HIM determine the course of treatment. :yes: IMO, they are absolutely doing the right thing for him and will continue to do so, whatever it might entail.
They have my utmost respect and my best wishes.
Good grief, paws…I don’t think anyone can display a more bitter disposition about this! I, personally, think the completely negative attitude shouldn’t be shared without actually being there to see the horse yourself.
I honestly believe if Bobby were so uncomfortable that he couldn’t stand it then someone would say something. Not only that, but no amount of medication can mask it so well as to encourage ANY animal to just put on a good display of attitude and appetite. Not even in humans does it work that way. If he was truly “hopped up” and serving only as a science experiment, he’d be dopey and depressed with very little to zero appetite.
I’ll keep my prayers for him and all the people involved, as well as keeping my faith all that can be done is…if it becomes a moot point, then they’ll stop and we’ll all mourn with the Jackson’s, Matz’s, staff at Fair Hill, and staff at NB.
I think Dr. Richardson and everyone at New Bolton have done a WONDERFUL job of taking care of Barbaro thus far. That said, I also think it might be time to let him go. It’s not fair to keep him alive and suffering just to see if they can save him. Even if they do save him, which is a pretty big IF at this point, you have to wonder what kind of quality of life he’ll have. He was meant to run like the wind, not to limp around a stall for the next 20 years. I wouldn’t want any horse of mine to go through half of what Barbaro has. Wouldn’t y’all rather say goodbye to him now, while he still seems a little bit happy, than wait until he’s even more depressed and unable to stand up?
Dr. Dean Richardson did my two year old Oldenburg gelding bilateral OCD arthroscopic hock surgery in September of 05. He was almost 18 months old at the time and I was scared out of my mind. I must have called that man everyday with questions about the surgery/recovery etc. This man puts 110% heart into each and every surgery and recovery and never seemed rushed to get off the phone with my neurotic self. I can tell you from experience after meeting the man that worked on my horse that he is truly driven by the LOVE of the horses. Yes, we are ALL hoping for a miracle. I rountinly have to go to New Bolton because my two year old has a healing tendon and to see that beautiful colts face breaks EVERYBODY down. He is alive, alert, bright happy and in good body condition considering what he is going through. There is no decision to end life when this boy is fighting so hard to stay alive! The decision will be made if his coffin bone rotates and starts to disintegrate…or if this gorgeous young colt gives any impression of giving up and saying that it is time. Neither has happened so lets PLEASE think POSITIVE for this horse.
Sincerely,
Sharon H
Mountain View Farm
This is pretty much my point, too.
Let this thread remain positive and supportive. :yes: The focus should be on updates of Barbaro and not on what you think the vets should/should not be doing. If you have bickering to do, take it to another thread!
Gee pawslus glad you weren’t on my living will there’s at least 3 or four times in my life where I was a science experiment and I was no where near as happy as barbaro is reported to be. If you had been in charge I would have been put down over 20 years ago.
As long as the horse has a healthy appetite and is reactive in a positive way to his suroundings, the only suffering we would be aleving, is that of all the people around him who are burning the candles at both ends trying to keep him alive and on the road to a recovery. The stress on them is incredible. I know from the frayed nerves showing here it is pretty hard on us who view from a distance.
aside Mike Matz is showing himself to be a true horseman. Lets face it no way is Barbaro ever going to be back training with Mike yet ever day Mike stops by. That is the difference between a mere trainer and a horseman
I have to repeat this because it’s so perfectly said 
! I admire the vets and owners for making what they consider the best decisions under the circumstances, handling this with a lot of courage and grace. Lets support them and pray for them (if we pray) instead of second-guessing and pointing fingers :mad:
My prayers for this beautiful magnificent horse, and for the people who are caring for him.
I suspect they are preparing to have to “let him go”. You have to be in this situation. After the most recent events, I would bet they will give him a few days to see how he is coping and make a decision then based on how he is doing. If he can stay happy and calm through all of this, he will at least give his body a shot to recoup after such a tramatic couple of days. If he has any other complications, I dont think they are going to have a choice. but I think he deserves at least a few days to see how he copes with that most recent events. I think they are totally on top of it and I am SURE having the very conversations with each other that we are having here about what they SHOULD do for him and his quality of life. I do feel confident in dr. richardson, he wont give up until its time, but I dont think he will hesitate if the time does come.
Crap job? That’s B.S.
I also disagree with the “crap job” comment. If that was the case, the horse would have a dull coat, lackluster eyes, poor appetite and a depressed attitude overall. How is this a crap job? His bloodwork is monitored, his tempature taken. Why give up on any chances while he is living comfortably? If you know horses, you know they will not eat if they are not right. That’s the first indicator that something is up.
I applaud the entire Barbaro team. They are not sustaining his life for the public, for breeding, or for science. They are giving him the best chance he’s got to live a full and happy life in retirement. If a decision has to be made, I’m confident they will make the right choice…either way.
Hang in there Bobby.
Oh come on! If most of us had a horse w/ these kinds of injuries, he’d have been put down ages ago, partly b/c neither us (nor our insurance) could afford 1/10 of the charges, and partly b/c we would look at the Q of L and not feel right about it. The mere fact that it is possible doesn’t make it right. All horses have is NOW. They don’t get pleasure from re-living past glories, nor are they able to rationalize their plight, saying, “Well, I can’t run or play or, well, walk much, but at least there’s carrots” or whatever. WE can do that; THEY can’t.
I was all over this in the beginning and I’m VERY glad they gave it a good try. That was right to do and I hoped it would come out better than it did for Ruffian. But it just hasn’t.
Thank you chaotic mind! Can we stop the hostilities and realize that others have been pointed to this thread/forum for support and to see how wonderful horse people are? Put your negative energy into jingles for all involved in his care and recovery…please.:yes:
One only needed to look at Dean Richardson to realize that he is in turmoil and emotional pain. This is the best man for the job, even if this is the toughest problem he has ever had to face. I have faith that this man has put Barbaro’s welfare ahead of his own, that he will give every ounce of wisdom both his and other colleagues in this effort to save this horse.
It is always hard to decide when to say enough is enough. God I’ve been down that road myself. But, you know it and you make the decision. No one wants this horse to suffer, no one wants to lose him either. He is in the best place, with the best physician’s and owners. More than that no one can give.
Thanks Virginia Bred for the updates you are going above and beyond, it is genuinely appreciated.
Prayers for Barbaro and everyone involved with this beloved horse.
:no: Makes me wonder what will happen with these difficult euthanasia decisions once cloning is cheaper and more reliable.
After all, in the final analysis it is this horse’s genes that they are trying to save.
I don’t like to see a horse put down that is still eating and showing interest in his environment, but usually this is at least in part a financial decision.
Please start another thread if you must…
This one is to get updates from VA Breds who has done a magnificent job keeping us up to date. I feel blessed that the fine people involved with this horse are sharing what can only be described as “difficult” situation with the general public in such an open manner. Really, it is their horse and their choice as to his future. None of us have the right to speculate when we are not involved in his daily care and welfare.
Nancy
cmon B you can do it!!!
Heres a prayer that he pulls through –
Thankfully we can all be assured that his best intrest and comfort is at heart…
That’s one of the things with this case: the Jackson’s CAN afford to keep going. Lucky horse.
Not only that, but while they said they’d like to keep him for stud, they’ll be just as happy letting him live as a horse in a pasture. Part of why I have no problem with this case, so much.
I’m sad everyone is fighting about this. I am praying for Barbaro - I was rooting for him even before the Derby because I’ve always admired Michael Matz from my hunter/jumper background. I have full confidence in the people caring for him and that they will continue to do the right thing.
I’ve been giving my off the track thoroughbred extra hugs and kisses for Barbaro!!
Laminitis is the one word no horse owner ever wants to hear and we all just have to keep jingling and praying for Bobby every day. He is in such good hands that I know everyone will do what is best for him. My heart goes out to all his family with this latest setback. I know that if he needs time, they will give it to him. You can tell by watching Dr. Richardson how much it hurts and how hard he is trying to help him. All of the people at New Bolton truly are angels. Hang in there Bobby, we love you.
