Really great poems!
Jingling for you Bobby!:sadsmile:
Those poems are great! I was wondering if they are using any sedatives on him to keep him that quiet? I cannot believe with his fiesty nature he would be so quiet, but one never knows do they. I had my horse on 2 1/2 weeks of stall rest and he was nuts! and he is generally a quiet horse!
Anyway, keep on truckin’ Barbaro…
Thanks VB for keeping us updated…
Excellent (and encouraging) AP story this afternoon:
By DAN GELSTON, AP Sports Writer
27 minutes ago
KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. - Barbaro’s right hind bones are healing so well his cast could have been off by now, if not for the laminitis in his other hind leg.
Dr. Dean Richardson said Tuesday that the painful hoof disease the Kentucky Derby winner has is preventing the cast from being removed because the colt could not protect himself by bearing more weight on the left hind.
Barbaro suffered life-threatening injuries when he broke three bones above and below his right rear ankle at the start of the May 20 Preakness.
“If he hadn’t had the founder (laminitis) on his left hind, he’d probably be out of the cast and he’d probably be in a splinted bandage on the shoe,” Richardson said in a telephone interview. “That’s where we’d likely be. I can’t do that because his left hind is the more sore of the two legs right now.”
Barbaro’s left hind hoof, which was stricken with a severe case of laminitis, is improving and started to show slight signs of re-growing after 80 percent of it was removed. Barbaro needs to regrow the hoof if he is to have any shot of walking — albeit with a hitch in his gait.
Barbaro, still in stable condition, has the bandage on his left hind foot changed daily.
“It’s too early to see true hoof wall forming,” Richardson said from the New Bolton Center. “But the coronary band, the part of the hoof that’s the equivalent of the nail bed where the hoof is going to grow down from, that looks very good. It’s too early to see a lot.”
Barbaro has been in an intensive care stall at the George D. Widener Hospital since his horrific injuries in the second race of the Triple Crown series. Barbaro sustained a broken cannon bone above the ankle, a broken sesamoid bone behind the ankle and a broken long pastern bone below the ankle. The fetlock joint — the ankle — was dislocated.
Richardson said after performing surgery the pastern bone was shattered in “20-plus pieces.”
Now, the right hind may be the least of Barbaro’s worries in what remains a tedious, long recovery.
“Everything looks good under the cast,” Richardson said. “The X-rays looked as good as they can look.”
Richardson was concerned the 3-year-old colt would try to put too much weight on the rear hind if the cast was removed. Richardson said the left rear hoof has to regrow and stay healthy.
Richardson said the colt’s prognosis was “poor” after it was stricken with laminitis, but eased off that grim outlook Tuesday.
“I don’t know. Everyday that goes by, it’s great,” he said. “He has so long to go I don’t even think about the prognosis. We just work on the horse and hope he continues to be happy.”
Barbaro looks bright and happy with a voracious appetite to those who see him. Owner Gretchen Jackson usually visits twice daily to feed Barbaro fresh-cut grass from her nearby farm.
“It makes me feel better about the poor guy stuck in there,” she said. “He likes it.”
Jackson and her husband, Roy, said they look at Barbaro’s recovery as a day-to-day process and try not to let their emotions ride too high over good news or get discouraged over changes in his condition.
“Just looking at him, he hasn’t changed at all from the way he’s been all along,” she said. “If you had that as all you could go by, you couldn’t believe he wasn’t going to make it.”
Wow!!!
Sounds like we’re half way home! Of course, the lamanitis is the hardest half, but this IS progress. I was afraid that his right leg wasn’t knitting since we hadn’t heard about it.
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
Wish Bobby could be out on green grass. Well, soon, maybe.
:yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:
Sorry for the delay, no internet!!!
Update 354: As we wait for the press release from New Bolton I thought I would highlight some more content from the comments. Mike C has composed race calls in honour of Bobby, this is the latest (3:20 pm post time):
MORE OF THE CALL…And the horses thunder down the backstretch,Barbaro still has a lot of work to do", says Durkin. “He’s back in the race, but he’s not in his usual up close stalking position after the 2 disasterous mishaps in this race”.As the leaders begin to hit the far turn Durkin is calling the positions of the horses in the race using names and colors to describe them in his adjective littered call.As he gazes thru his binocs and he gets to BARBARO, now in mid pack we pick up his call." And now BARBARO IS BACK,here in mid pack an unlikely spot in both a bad and good way, he’s usually close to the pace but with what happened today its already an amazing comeback.Edgar pulls down a pair of goggles and he almost seems to be smiling now, WHY COULD HE BE SMILING??.DID WE NOT SEE THE BEST OF BARBARO ALREADY TODAY??.Edgar still has a handful of reins ladies and gentleman meaning he still has a ton of horse under him"…This could be a comeback of TITANIC proportions, Edgar is smiling like a guy holding 5 aces, he knows he’s on a time bomb here waiting to explode, but after all the hardships thrown BARBAROS’ way just how much is lift in the tank???.But by the look on Edgar’s face, and determination in BARBAROS eyes I’m not willing to bet against the miracle we may just see here today"…The crowds roar heightens with every stride of the horses,you can now hear cries of “C’MON BARBARO,LETS GO BOY” becoming more evident above the thunderous roars of the thousands anticipating the tremendous finish that lies ahead…
Bobby left this poem (1:36 pm):
Barbaro In The Hospital
I hear the cottonwoods
whisperin’ above
Barbaro, Barbaro
horse that we love
the breeze from the paddock
keeps murmuring low
Barbaro, Barbaro
we love you so
Does he really know
through his trials we go
with him each day
our hearts beat so painfully
when in his swing
he sways
But in time we know
our Barbaro
will always prevail
He’s never lost
no mind the costs
his spirit will not fail
So in miracles
we never doubt
and will love him each day
until he’s healed
and it is time
Mighty Barbaro will
proudly walk away
Update 353: This site was featured in an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer today: To check up on Barbaro, check out his blog. I wanted to thank Mike Jensen for the great story, and Michael Bryant for the cool pictures (they are in the real paper, page 5 of the sports section). The paper actually has a more complete story than the online version. I see the online version is also available via mercurynews etc. I really appreciate the coverage! As I am sure people are aware, this site would not be possible without the support of many, I am going to name some, but no doubt will forget others who are important: Michael Matz, Peter Brette, Kathy Anderson, Tim Woolley, Eliza, Jen, Annie etc. Mike and Michael, thanks for coming down to Fair Hill.
Thanks Alex!
Update 357: Kennett Florist visited NBC today and had this to report (updates 29: 7:49pm):
Breakfast this morning, was a hit as usual! Fresh bagels and all the fixin’s… They were still hot! Before they even announced it there were people waiting to dig in. I had the chance to meet a fellow Barbaromaniac, Kathy (who was so generous to supply breakfast for NBC today), as she was on her way to NBC to hang a sign. I hope she has a safe trip to IL the next couple of days. It was so nice to finally meet one of the people we’ve spent time talking with… You know, if anyone is planning a trip this way, we reccommend coming during the mushroom festival in September - one of Kennett Square’s main events.
All is quiet this afternoon. I hid away a big basket of goodies for the 3rd shift and brought up some treats for Bobby. It’s so wonderful to hear from Dr. Anderson that he still has that ‘larger than life’ personality! Thank you all again for all the love and support for Bobby and the NBC staff.
WE BELIEVE!!
Rachel at Kennett Florist
Vicky Jasch, who was interviewed for our Philadelphia Inquirer story had this to add about the interview (updates 29: 7:43pm):
It was a lot of fun answering Mike’s questions for his article posted today. AS I said in the article, Barbaro blew me away the first time he ever set foot on the track, and I was his #1 fan before most people knew he existed. And I still am. I am so glad there are so many people rooting for him, and praying for him. But from the very start, I felt such a strong connection with him as I felt his mighty power that he exerted. He made my heart beat fast, as I knew from his first start, he was something so special. Something that we had not seen in over 2 decades. He is the first horse since the Bid in 1979 that I thought had a very good shot at the crown. Now, my prayer is only for his full recovery. He has made his mark in the history books, and in my heart forever.
Update 356: Must read AP interview: Barbaro’s right hind healing well. its an interview today with Dr. Richardson. The following are excerpts:
“If he hadn’t had the founder (laminitis) on his left hind, he’d probably be out of the cast and he’d probably be in a splinted bandage on the shoe,” Richardson said in a telephone interview. “That’s where we’d likely be. I can’t do that because his left hind is the more sore of the two legs right now.”
Barbaro’s left hind hoof, which was stricken with a severe case of laminitis, is improving and started to show slight signs of re-growing after 80 percent of it was removed. Barbaro needs to regrow the hoof if he is to have any shot of walking - albeit with a hitch in his gait.
and
“It’s too early to see true hoof wall forming,” Richardson said from the New Bolton Center. “But the coronary band, the part of the hoof that’s the equivalent of the nail bed where the hoof is going to grow down from, that looks very good. It’s too early to see a lot.”
and
Richardson said the colt’s prognosis was “poor” after it was stricken with laminitis, but eased off that grim outlook Tuesday.
“I don’t know. Everyday that goes by, it’s great,” he said. “He has so long to go I don’t even think about the prognosis. We just work on the horse and hope he continues to be happy.”
Update 355: New Bolton Center’s Press Release: Barbaro’s condition continues to remain stable:
Chief of Surgery Dean Richardson reports that Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro’s condition continues to be stable. The colt’s left hind foot, which has laminitis, is monitored closely for signs of infection. “We change his left hind foot bandage daily, and it looks good,” said Dr. Richardson. “His right hind leg also looks good, and his appetite remains strong.”
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Pennsylvania’s George D. Widener Hospital.
The next update will be posted on Thursday, August 3, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.
Congratulations to the Jackson’s for a nice win at Goodwood: Lael Stables’s undefeated Enticing wins Molecomb Stakes.
I am continuing to interview racing personalities, I have just got off the phone with Dan Hendricks, trainer of Brother Derek. I hope to have his interview posted tonight.
Thanks so much for the continued details and other information about Barbaro. This is the first and last place I check every day! Thanks again.
The updates are always appreciated I hope the laminitis does become his downfall that would be awful! Glad to hear the leg doing well that he broke so maybe he will see sunshine soon? Still JIngling and lighting candles GO Barbaro!
Super updates…thank you as always! Candles lit for today for Bobby and others. There’s also a group called “PEACE” that may benefit from our efforts too!:yes: Imagine the collective jingle power of hundreds of thousands of people on the same mission. :yes:
Thanks Alex & Tim:
Update 360: Saw Kathy Anderson as I was leaving (a very hot) Fair Hill this morning. She also visited Bobby yesterday and said he was “chipper”. Mrs. Jackson was visiting at the time Kathy was there. We talked a little bit about the issues that Bobby faces, especially given the positive news we heard yesterday. It seems there are three issues:
a. the left hind needs to grow hoof, there has been some growth around the coronet band. This is very important, and obviously something they are checking and working on everyday (I think we know they change the bandage / cast on it everyday etc.)
b. they need to avoid Bobby contracting Laminitis in any of his other three feet. I do not know what they are doing to prevent this, but know they are doing everything experts would do. I did ask Kathy if she had checked the front feet for herself, and she had.
c. the right hind needs to continue to heal, we have heard only positive things about this lately.
Its nice to see Bobby coverage when there is good news, apparently Good Morning America had a little coverage (comment 1:15 Cathy):
Guys, “Good Morning America” this morning was running on the bottom of their screen about our sweetie Barbaro and how is leg is heeling and that the owner commenting he continues to seem bright and happy. I did not listen to the entire broadcast as they may have slipped in a 10 second update from the announcers, but was still great to see on national tv at 7:00AM EST.Barbaro got billing on his health along with Pres. Bush and Castro! Out of the three, you know who I would pick for President!!
Update 359: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (tuesday night). I saw Michael Matz as I was coming on to the track for my third set. He had just heard from Dean Richardson. Barbaro also received another massage last night after Michael’s evening visit.
updated wednesday 7:15am
Update 358: This site has now served over a million pageviews! Yesterday’s article in the Philadelphia Inquirer helped the site to its second largest day, about 17,000 visits. The site was also mentioned in Horsetalk NZ and this Philly Inquirer blog.
The creativity continues with the following poems:
TLC (Laura), posted in update 29: 7:38 pm
For Barbaro…
Happy thoughts,
healing prayers,
filling up our minds.
All being sent for the glorious cause,
Barbaro-
exquisite equine.
Inspiration to so many,
strong in countless ways.
With bated breath, on pins and needles,
we patiently wait out the days.
Our hope is that we will someday see you
grazing in a beautiful pasture.
Head held high, no more pain,
A blessing from our master.
Dear, sweet boy, how our hearts cry out
each and every day,
That the miracle of you, Barbaro
will continue to light our way.
So continue to heal,
get stronger with time,
we’re cheering you on from the stands.
For you are the definition of courage,
of hope, placed in God’s hands.
WM Wm & Cl, posted in update 30, 11:22 PM
Barbaro’s Recovery Road
Another day that goes into night -
Our Barbaro “Bobby” continues his fight!
Powerful will and spirit so strong -
Keeps healing right as time marches along!
The resounding cadence he clearly hears -
Turns prayerful tears back to joyful cheers!
Stable and comfortable, caring and able-
Now he is greater than legend Clark Gable.
This Hero brings nations to vigilant prayer-
and his GOOD NEWS travels faster than air.
Peoples voices heard far and wide-
Cheering our “Bobby” on his new ride!
Songs of praise ring through our land-
Adapts to his sling with a helping hand!
Loving nuzzles Team Barbaro returns-
Wiser and smarter than man, “Bobby” learns!
He’s captured our hearts and given us hope-
Be soldier or child, he helps everyone cope!
Setbacks in life will only be fleeting-
As Barbaro “Bobby” hears our song’s greeting!
Raises us all to stand on mountain tops –
Barbaro’s recovery road never stops.
Mystifying faith, he walks on stormy seas-
O’ Lael legs move gracefully as you please.
Glimpses of him in us, inside ledge’s boulders-
‘We are strong when we are on your shoulders.’
Moving slowly, trotting faster, eager to see-
Keeps raising us up greater than we can ever be!
Our Barbaro’s recovery road may be long -
His hero’s heart rhythms inspire poetic song!
Ambassadors from all states must unite-
Campaigning for Barbaro’s toughest fight!
One that will change horseracing forever -
Horse and Jockey athletes safer together!
Make up your mind and do what you must-
For our Barbaro’s sake, he’s asking your trust!
“Citizens unite” says Barbaro’s voice-
Show Congress Track Safety is the right choice!
Sixteen thousand have visited this site.
No small feat in facing Barbaro’s plight!
Help make a difference, heed Barbaro’s call-
When this goes before Congress this coming Fall.
Take time to review all the facts of this case-
Go to Petition Online thinking with grace.
What if I had to travel recovery’s road too?-
How would I make things better for you?
Won’t you please take some time to stop in?
Where positive difference helps Barbaro win!
Recovery road may appear seemingly long-
But our Barbaro continues to keep us strong.
“The pen is mighter than the sword”, once said.
Rest easier now Barbaro comfortably in bed.
Reporters and journalists are helping out too-
Spreading good news on campaign’s trail for you.
Come join voices and hands with our Barbaro-
Be his ambassadors to correct life’s “uh oh”!
Change for better, recovery’s road new name-
Help Barbaro with us make our new claim!
Our Congress listens and understands-
What is needed for Track Safety in our lands!
Go to www.petitiononline.com/cares/petition.htm
I was happy to see some coverage last night on KNBC and this AM on the Today Show. Just brief mentions, but to the effect that he is doing well. The newscaster last night mentioned the huge public response also!!
[B]Thanks again to Alex!
[/B]Update 361: Yesterday I interviewed Dan Hendricks over the telephone. This is the second short telephone interview I have conducted for the site, the first: Tom Albatrani. The purpose of the interviews is to highlight how our horseman have been impacted by Barbaro while also providing insight into our leading trainers.
While I did not know Tom Albatrani before my interview, I did know many people who knew him, so I was pretty hopeful of getting to talk to him. I do not know anyone who knows Dan Hendricks, so I had no idea if I he would talk to me. Anyway, once I got his number, I called. I was hoping for his answering machine so i could leave a detailed message in the hopes he would call back (this is what happened with Tom, and he called back within 15 minutes). Not the case for Dan Hendricks, he answered his phone. I tried to explain the purpose of the call, and as I was explaining he simply said, sure, ask me what you want. It was a great conversation, and Dan was very forthcoming. We ended up talking about places back in the UK etc!
Anyway, the purpose of the interview was Barbaro, here is what he had to say when I posed a very open ended question: “Tell me about the Preakness and your thoughts for Barbaro”:
Dan Hendricks: The Preakness turned out to be the biggest roller coaster of emotions a lot of us have ever experienced in horse racing. I came with one of the favourites (Brother Derek) to win the race. As we waited for the race with all the build up first Barbaro broke through the gate early. . Subsequently Brother Derek broke poorly, which took him out of our game plan.Then the devastating site of Seeing Barbaro being pulled up so soon after the start just left a big hole in my stomach. It was the biggest drop in the roller coaster ride. I find it very difficult to explain how you feel when things like this happen. I was asked shortly after the race how my horse was. I knew he was OK, but we were all more concerned with Barbaro.
Everyday we come to work. We read and learn what we can about Barbaro’s condition. My thoughts are for him, the Jackson’s and Michael Matz. They showed tremendous class through all of this. There are still lingering effects to this incident and were all pulling for Barbaro. Its certainly not business as usual. We feel for horses more than people typically know. Recently we had a horse, Cozy Guy, a gelding, who we tried everything we could do to save his life after a sickness knowing he would never run again, it was very sad when he did not pull through. Good luck to all.
Dan Hendricks also let me know Brother Derek breezed this morning, 59 4/5ths (5/8ths mile).
WOW :eek: A real class act in my opinion!
Update 362: A few things to cover.
It is sad to note the passing of Fitz Eugene Dixon. He was a longtime patron of Fair Hill, he had horses with Dr. Fisher and Michael Matz. Peter told me about the passing, he noted that Mr. Dixon and Michael were close.
On a more uplifting note Kennett Florist visited NBC today and had this to report:
Alie went to the NBC today and there were two white tigers, one lion, and two lionesses there! Everyone was upbeat and excited today- and REALLY excited to see the goodies we brought. Alie was told that Bobby already had some baby carrots with the greens on top that we brought today, and we were told that he really likes them- they’re the best! Thank you all for your continued support for Bobby, the New Bolton Center, and us here at Kennett Florist 
As always, we will update tomorrow when we get back from our deliveries.
I noted previously someone was taking a lioness to be spade, perhaps she was part of this group.
The following article has been suggested as excellent reading for those interested in the horse slaughter bill.
And finally the following poem, from Lorraine (update 31 12:54 pm):
Positive updates cheer me, my heart soars
Knowing with each passing day, more hope than
before.
Amazing Barbaro- you have been, right from the start,
In spirit and courage, coming from within.
You uplift us all, showing character and grace,
Showing how possible it is to stay in the race–
Barbaro, you have lit the way,
All who love you will continue to hope and pray–
That progress is made, and you will be a healty
horse someday,
Grazing in pastures,under a sky so sunny blue,
A miracle in our world, that did come true.
We believe in Barbaro!
VB, thanks for sharing the update and the article.
[B]Thanks to Tim & Alex~
[/B]Update 362: The Philadephia Inquirer article about this site was picked up by a couple of other news media the next day, with a new title: Barbaro’s fans hold Web vigil. Oddly, while the Lexington Herald Leader seemed to be first to pick it up, others (ContraCostaTimes and MiamiHerald) did so using the Lexington Heralds “title tag”, so they must have simply used the same “code” as the Lexington Herald ? I assume Lexington Herald got the story from MercuryNews.
Some content from the comments from update 32.
First an uplifting, if not amusing story (Nancy in CT: 11:59 pm):
LINNIE RE YOUR BARBARO HAT (and anyone else who cares to wade through this message) - forgot to tell you my funny story: I held off buying a hat until I saw that they were donating “a portion” of the proceeds to the Barbaro Fund, so it just arrived a few days ago. It’s hot as the fires of hell here in CT, and I’m very heat-sensitive, so I wore it walking to the bus stop after work on Monday. A man approached me and said, “Are you one of those maniacs?” My initial reaction (who me, sensitive?) was, If he says something idiotic like “it’s JUST a horse” I could be prone to violence…especially in 95 degree heat! Over the space of just a few seconds I saw myself being arrested for assault in defense of “just a horse named Barbaro” and what’s really funny is that I would have been arrested by one of the members of our mounted unit - all pals of mine! But wisdom prevailed, I counted to ten and replied, “What do you mean?” HERE’S THE GREAT PART - he said that he’d stumbled on this site while looking for info, saw that it appeared to be all women, felt uncomfortable…and left, but NOT before seeing references to BARBAROMANIACS and that’s why he wondered if I was “one of those maniacs”! After I stopped laughing, I begged him to come back here - don’t think he will - he just seemed interested rather than obsessed/addicted like the rest of us. He wanted to know about sending a gift and I mentioned the florist and also that I was ordering some all-natural treats online AND HE ACTUALLY PRESSED $5. UPON ME TO FEEL PART OF SENDING GOODIES TO BARBARO! There was absolutely no convincing him to take his money back (and I was moved to tears, to be honest) and when I asked him how he knew I wouldn’t take his money and go to Burger King or something like that, he said, “BECAUSE YOU WOULDN’T BE WEARING THAT SILLY HAT WITH YOUR BUSINESS CLOTHES IF YOU WEREN’T THE REAL DEAL!!”
A poem (Anna 11:16 pm):
On wings unseen
you surely fly
by pure design
no cause to lie
loved for your beauty
your heart, your fire
you run for joy;
innate desire
you heal our sorrows
and trust our hands
giving unselfishly,
with no demand
we take credit
surely not due
only One above
created you
be you statuesque stud
or humble plow
we owe you much
and repay…how?
and a poem (Jo 10:59 pm):
Ruler Of The Wind…
The wind knows you…
The wind loves you…
The wind has kissed you…
and you…dark wonder horse… have danced with the wind…
The wind misses you…
The wind sings to you each day
Breathing life …healing and health so softly…whispering…
That she longs to dance with you again…
Yet at this time, when that dance has
become a cherished memory in your mind…
It still… is… with … you…
It caresses your body gently where you sleep…
and… heal…and dream …
She lulls you to peaceful rest…
Whistles softly…sweetly…
She will always be with you…
and you with her…
Sweet Barbaro… ruler of the wind…
Thanks VB for the am up date. can someone tell me how we will kown if the laminitis getting better? I know the reports will tell us but I have not faced this issue with my horse, thank god, and am curious about the recovery? And how is it treated other then hoof resection, then what? Sounds like the broken leg is doing well though that is a relief…
Keep on going Barbaro
From Alex:
Update 363: Another comfortable night for Barbaro (wednesday night). Saw Michael Matz as I was coming back from the track on my second set. He had just heard from Dr. Richardson. I also expressed my condolences to Michael about the passing of Mr. Dixon.
Updated Thursday 7:05am
Ivy62…laminitis doesn’t actually get “better”. If his coffin bone rotated, it’s probably rotated forever. That can be handled sometimes with special shoes and pads to keep him comfortable. I don’t recall seeing anything about rotation though. The process for healing is very, very, very long. They must wait and see if healthy horn grows back in and stays healthy. They have removed all the horn that would have become “seedy” and come off anyway. They have removed the pressure and are treating him daily to prevent infection. Truly, imagine removing a fingernail and waiting for a new nail to grow back and hope that your nail bed doesn’t become infected…all the while putting full weight on the nail bed. It’s horribly painful and is an excrutiatingly slow process. Been there too many times regretfully. Hopefully with the extreme care he’s being given, there will be no infection and his horn will grow back healthy and there was no coffin rotation. It will take 6 - 9 - 12 months to fully grow the horn completely. In my personal experience, although healthy horn began growing it became seedy and had to be removed again after several months. If all goes well, this may be the only episode of laminitis Bobby endures since it was probably weight bearing related rather than systemically/high temperature related. It will truly be horrible if he developes laminitis in either of his front feet. Keep jingling and lighting candles and remember Saturday’s vigil!!!:yes: :yes: :yes:
Thanks for the explaination Eggbutt. I hope my horse never faces anything like that eventhough we have had awful hoof issues…Have to light another candle…
