Yeah I can’t imagine he could eat enough carrots (well be given) to bother his blood sugar. And he’s probably burning up calories at a pretty good rate. he’s certainly not fat. I can’t imagine they’d put this much work into him and not be monitoring his treats!
My horse has EMS and the vet said absolutely no treats - not even carrots, or apples, due to the possibility of laminitis or founder. 
Please believe me, I am NOT trying to blame anyone! I think Barbaro has gotten FIRST CLASS care! This is just one little thing that I don’t understand. I’m sure the vets know way more than I do! But I wonder why my own vet said it’s bad and the Barbaro vets don’t think it is a problem.
I hope that the treats aren’t a factor (although they would be for my Insulin Resistant horse). The founder came from the extra weight bearing that the right leg was doing and was not unexpected. Just like one wouldn’t worry overly about the diet of a horse who had contracted founder from a retained placenta, we probably don’t have to worry about BB eating too many carrots. His lack of weight probably adds a little insurance there, too.
More prayer, more jingles, more candles, more positive energy, com’on folks, we can do this. Be well, Barbaro!, Be well
Carrots are a common horse food item in some countries. In England, they were a common accompaniment to oats (for instance, 5 quarts oats, 10 lbs. carrots).
Update 235: Nice to see NBC offering two releases today, this one 4pm: Barbaro’s condition remains stable:
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro remains in stable condition according to his veterinarians at the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. “His vital signs, including heart rate and pulse, remain good,” said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. “We are treating his laminitis aggressively and he continues to respond well and is acceptably comfortable.”
Laminitis is a severe, painful condition in horses that can be fatal.
“As I said at the press conference on Thursday, we monitor his condition very closely because signs can change quickly,” said Dr. Richardson. “However, it’s important to remember that Barbaro’s treatment could easily continue for several weeks, and if all goes well, even months. Our goal is to keep him as comfortable as possible, and clearly that comfort level will be a major indicator for our treatment decisions.” Dr. Richardson also emphasized that Barbaro, as evident in the footage and still photos released yesterday, has a very positive attitude.
His positive attitude was noted by Peter during his visit today (Peter noted “good frame of mind”).
[B]Thanks again to Alex & Tim ~
[/B]Update 236: A Barbaro Vigil is planned for tomorrow (Saturday) at 7 pm east coast time. I think Sheila’s comment sums it up best:
I am going to bring my kids into this, even though it looks like we’re set for 7pm EST. After seeing me cry I finally let in on why last night so it makes sense for them to be involved. The more positive energy, the better! Thanks for the suggestion Anita. I agree that we all my have different methods - for some it’s prayer, some it’s meditation, some its just sending positive energy, but we are united in our love for the big guy and I think that we should stay that way - united.
I don’t think it matters how long the vigil, just if you can spare a thought, prayer, hope, sentiment etc. for Bobby at 7 pm tomorrow night (est), whereever you are, whatever you are doing.
Roberta wrote a lovely Bobby poem which I am reproducing below:
To Barbaro
With pride and joy
Flying wingless
Unconquerable
Roses on your neck
A new, more perilous race
Your spirit, determination and trust
Allied with skill, loving kindness and compassion
Against the frailties of flesh and bone and hoof
Against despair
Against death
May victory again be yours
Roberta Goodman 7/14/06
Beautiful… that just put tears in these old eyes…
Tomorrow evening, 6 central. Bobbie, we’ll all be here for you!
Could we also organize a head lights on for Barbaro?
I have seen it done before where everyone turns on their head lights at a specific time in support of someone. It would have to be during the day on a non-rainy weekday. How is the weather forecast for noon on Monday? Can we all turn on our head lights to let Barbaro and his connections know how much we care and how much we are pulling for him? What do you think and how can we get this to the biggest number of people before then? I bet we could light up the nation if we could just let people know. What do you think?
VirginiaBred,
Many, many thanks for all the updates. I have the utmost faith in Bobbie’s trainer, owners and vets to do what is right. If any hore has the heart to beat these odds this one does. Jingling on and on and on for the horse with heart… :yes:
Update 237: The Sports Center’s piece was nice and upbeat, while of course respecting the true reality of the situation. It was nice to see Jeannine note Edgar’s visit and use footage from the Derby (yeah!) The gifts look great.
Here is the site for Kennett Florists.
Tim ran Randy’s Bullet today. He was a closing third on the turf at Colonial Downs. He had not run for a year. Iit was nice to see him come back, and Tim was very happy with him. I have mentioned Randy before, he is a cool horse to ride, but really is the type of horse to benefit from Fair Hill. He loves to go “out back”, away from the training tracks, to do much of his training. (You can see me on Randy in a couple of the pictures in our gallery).
Mike Rea continues to make steady progress in his long recovery!
Finally, my perspective on Bobby’s situation today. I am totally psyched he remains comfortable, but remain very conscious of the seriousness of his condition. Edgar Prado is simply an amazing human being. In England he would be considered for Sports Personality of the Year (top Jockeys in england are high profile stars); I wonder if there is something similar here.
How about candlelight? (at the 7pm EST Sat vigil)
I remember sitting on my porch that day shortly after 9/11 when they had candlelit ceremonies all over, I couldn’t attend any but I joined legions just lighting a candle on my own, watching it flicker in the dusk, sending prayers to all affected by the attackes…
I think I’ll do the same for Barbaro tomorrow night at 7 as I send my positive thoughts to him and his people… anyone else?
Arcadien
Plan to have a nice quiet hand-graze with Barbaro’s sort-of-great-great-uncle, another big grand bay Turn-To TB who survived against the odds, and we’ll both be praying that Barbaro gets to enjoy the same one day.
for anyone who wants to nominate Prado as Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year:
<< Many thanks for the nomination of Edward Prado for SI’s SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR. As you know the award is given in December, and the decision is made by SI’s editors. If you wish to send letters supporting your candidate, you may send them to the Letters Department at:
letters@si.timeinc.com.
All mail is read by at least two editors.
Cordially,
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Letters Department
[INDENT]
That is an excellent idea! He sure deserves it.
[/INDENT]
does anybody know what kind of infection he has in his right foot? If it is an anaerobe the mention of Hyperbaric medicine would absolutely apply. Do they culture equine wounds? If would believe that with his vital signs remaining normal that is a VERY positive sign…especially the temp. and blood pressure.
Thank you again VB for your updates. I cannot even imagine if I were the one who’s horse it is, we are pulling for him so hard…God bless all around him, they doing a great job…Jingles from NY!
Barbaro truly has the heart and courage of a champion. Many jingles being sent from Ohio.
Hopefully Edgar was giving him baby carrots. I remember when he first went in they said they were diverting the treats to other horses. I am sure that if it wasn’t good for Bobby, they wouldn’t allow it.
I think they have so far made the right decisions for Bobby. When Dr. Richardson said in the press conference that Bobby nickers every time he goes in the stall, plus the wonderful look in his eye, I feel he can pull through, even with the odds. It’s hard to give up on a horse that nickers at you;-(
I’ve been jingling here in VA even though I haven’t posted on this thread for a while. The poem was fabulous. “Compassion” was the word that struck me most. Many may question the rightness of what is being done for Barbero when there are so many other critters whose great needs are not being met. I strongly feel that those responsible for the constant care of and the decision making surrounding Bobby demonstrate overwhelming compassion for him. Compassion this great must certainly flow beyond the boundries of this one situation. From goodness comes yet more goodness, even though that may not be apparent right away. I wouldn’t for one moment question the motives/ethics/ whatever you want to call it of these folks.
Many thanks to VB for the continued updates. Old Lady on a TB did it for us in the aftermath of last year’s hurricanes. VB is doing it for us now.
We need to keep the positive vibes coming to support all who are working so hard to give Bobby’s story as happy an ending as it can have. Hang in there, Bobby!!! Your courage inspires us all!!!
Tears again…
I will light a candle for Bobby and all his people at 7 PM tomorrow night! ~ Jingling still!
