Barbaro ~ America's Horse

[I_m_EBO]

Let me add to eggbutt’s explanation of rotation–in most cases you can “fix” rotation by trimming the foot–lowering the heels, keeping the toe short, during the recovery period until P3 is again normally positioned within the hoof-- but it is the hoof capsule that’s being remodeled, not the actual bone (P3). I have one horse that was severely foundered (before I had him) with 14 degree rotation in one front foot, 9 degree in the other. Another of my horses was also foundered, but much less severely, with 3 degrees rotation in both fronts. Both these horses are barefoot and sound today. (Both had founder resulting from metabolilc issues, not trauma, but the results inside the hoof are the same.)

“Rotation” means that the tip/front of the coffin bone, P3, loses laminar support in the toe area and tips forward toward the sole. The degree of rotation refers to how far P3 tips away from the front of the hoof wall. Resection is a controversial treatment, and given how much and what was cut away, I wonder if instead of rotating, B’s P3 was sinking–which means instead of tilting, the entire bone was sinking toward the sole–much worse than rotation. I’m not second guessing the resection decision; but it isn’t something that is done as a matter of course. Horses who are resectioned without B’s wonderfull support facilities spend a good deal of their recovery time lying down, with all the attendant problems that brings.

I hope that the matrix they’ve applied to B’s hoof will stimulate faster regrowth so he won’t be in his sling for all the months and months the new hoof wall would normally take to grow. It “should” be healthy wall if everything else is in order.

I am one of the worry warts who question all the sugary treats he’s getting; I fear that, just like a grain overload, it will push him into further bouts of laminitis. When I think that, I give myself a good whack and say, “They KNOW what they’re doing!” But I still hope they’re checking insulin and glucose on him on a daily basis.

[monstrpony]

This is priceless!

“BECAUSE YOU WOULDN’T BE WEARING THAT SILLY HAT WITH YOUR BUSINESS CLOTHES IF YOU WEREN’T THE REAL DEAL!!”

Someone needs to adopt this as their tag line. I would, but the “silly hat” would look totally normal with what passes for “business clothes” in my life!

Great story …

Tho this line may lose some of its cachet if what they’re saying on Off Course about riding helmets becoming a fashion statement is true. I realize we aren’t talking about a riding helmet in this case, but the “silly hat” thing does have kind of a double meaning for anyone who rides with a helmet.

Further question about rotation–isn’t it true that if good hoof grows back, that the coffin bone support will be returned by virtue of what we consider “good hoof”, and hence the rotation can be undone by the return of it’s proper support? Since the hoof was resected, all support is virtually gone for the time being, and proper angle must be maintained by the “trim”, meaning the cast/bandage that he’s wearing on that hoof. But if good hoof DOES grow back, the natural, correct support should return, and rotation should not be an issue. No?

[Fancy]

I’m not second guessing the resection decision; but it isn’t something that is done as a matter of course.

I agree, but then I don’t think that ANYthing that’s been done with this colt is “done as a matter of course.” Bobby is the most a-typical case of this decade, at least. Can’t say about THIS century yet, but surely in the last 100 years, no horse has done what he is trying to do. I guess you could call it his second and third legs of his triple crown. If he gets through all this, he WILL be a winner.

[eggbutt]

@I'm EBO

I am one of the worry warts who question all the sugary treats he’s getting; I fear that, just like a grain overload, it will push him into further bouts of laminitis. When I think that, I give myself a good whack and say, “They KNOW what they’re doing!” But I still hope they’re checking insulin and glucose on him on a daily basis.

EBO…I’m so glad you admitted your fears…I’ve been worrying about the same thing and also thought, “They KNOW what they’re doing!”…those who have personally dealt with laminitis/founder all probably worry alike! :yes:

[I_m_EBO]

MonstrPony, you still need the trims. In a rotated foot, the heel seems to grow faster than the toe because all the weight is shifted toward the toe and causes more weight to bear there. By lowering the heels you not only help the weight to shift back where it belongs, but you gradually stretch the tendon in the back so that the hoof isn’t drawn into the “high heel” position that you see on club footed horses, for example. The shoes and rails (little wedgies) that were once standard treatment to protect the tendon are less used these days because they’ve discovered that gradual stretching of the tendon by trimming isn’t as painful as they once thought/assumed. Keeping the horse barefoot during the procedure allows more frequent trims without a lot of fuss, too. (I’d think it wouldn’t feel good to have some guy pounding nails on your sore foot, for that matter.) It’ll be interesting to learn what route NBC takes with B when it gets to that stage.

If the laminar connection is re-established and remains strong with a good blood supply, the bones will be held in place. He will likely always need frequent trims or resetting, but should do well after the laminae grow back healthy.

Off to light a candle.

[VirginiaBred]

Continued thanks to Alex:

Update 364: New Bolton’s press release today: Barbaro continues to improve:

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro’s left hind hoof is slowly showing evidence of regrowth after surgery last month to treat laminitis. Laminitis occurs when laminae, the strong connecting tis sues that attach the pedal bone and the inner hoof wall, are inflamed. “The coronary band (the portion of the hoof that is responsible for continued downward growth of the hoof) is beginning to re-establish itself,” said Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital.
Barbaro’s right hind leg continues to be protected in a cast. “The original fractures have apparently healed well, but the cast is necessary to protect the pastern fusion,” Dr. Richardson said. “This protection is required because he must bear most of his weight on the right hind limb due to the laminitis in the left hind leg.”

Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Pennsylvania’s George D. Widener Hospital.

The next update will be posted on Tuesday, August 8, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.

[VirginiaBred]

[B]Did you see that???

Barbaro Continues to Improve!!!

Yipee!!!

[/B]

[I_m_EBO]

Barbaro’s candle count is 977, with the one I just lighted.

[rescuemom]

VB, my huge thanks, as always, for keeping us up to date.

With laminitis and rotation, there are instances where some de-rotation occurs although I’m fairly certain this is never a 100% return. Having said that I’ve seen ponies and horses recover an amazing degree of soundness following a major laminitis episode. Degree of rotation can be an interesting statistic to track but it doesn’t necessarily indicate a horse’s chances of recovery. And while many horses do require more frequent trims post-founder, even that is not an absolute. My mare foundered two years ago and has returned to normal soundness and a normal farriery schedule.

On the bracelets, is there a concrete link for these or is it still in process? I checked the original link this morning and still got a “website under construction” message, so I wondered if the bracelets were available elsewhere.

Go Barbaro!

[sporthorsefilly]

The candles now at at 1045! Blessings for Barbaro!

Thanks to Tim and VB for the updates each and every day, your the best.

I loved the poems for Barbaro, perhaps we need one for Dr. Richardson and his team. They are working on a miracle.

The Jackson’s Barbaro’s owners, could also use a nice poem. The stress that they are living with each day, the small rewards of good news, my heart aches for them.

For Michael Matz and his team, they need a poem too.

Sadly I have no skill in that area, so someone with skill in prose, please praise all those who are involved with this wonderful horse: Barbaro

[Susan_P]

Blessed Beast, you have served me well,
you’ve done my bidding.
T’was a sad day when in my service you fell,
helping you is now befitting.

The days pass by while healing bones mend,
trying times pass slowly.
But you are worth the wait my good friend,
and I am now the lowly.

May the God of mercy see fit to touch and heal,
unseen Hand that guided the surgeon.
May He also help me understand what you feel,
so I may ease your burden.

A swiftest steed, you ran as the light,
no longer may that be.
But in pleasant dreams we’ll see the flight,
Barbaro’s prodegy.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks again, Alex~

Update 367: For my third interview I wanted to talk to Jose Caraballo, who rode Barbaro in his first two races. I know Jose a little bit, he is one of the leading jockeys at Delaware Park. He also comes over to Fair Hill from time to time to breeze horses. Last winter he spent more time at Fair Hill as his wife was stabled here. I freelanced out of the barn in which they were stabled. He was always very nice and easy going.

I went over to Delaware Park earlier this week for the Mike Rea Relief Fund raffle (good to note Mike is progressing) hoping to catch up with Jose for this interview. I was then reminded Jose was off for a few days with an injury. Anyway, I acquired his cell phone number and called him today. He was very willing to share his Barbaro story, and here it is:
Jose Caraballo: I had not ridden Barbaro before I rode him in his first start. Peter Brette had done all his work. I did ride his older half brother, Holy Ground, and he was a good horse. I also watched Barbaro work one morning at Fair Hill, I loved the way he worked. Obviously I wanted to ride him.

The first race I rode him he was pretty unbelievable. He did everything right, although he was a little slow away. I knew immediately I had a hell of a horse underneath me. While he was a little green, he never stopped running. He showed he was a nice horse and I was very impressed.
I hoped I would get a chance to ride him back, and I did, in the Laurel Futurity. In 22 years of riding races I have never been on a horse like the one I was on that day. I have ridden over 2,000 winners. That day he went by the other horses like they were ponies. It was as if they were 2yos and Barbaro was a 5yo. He had so much power, he really impressed me that day.
Watching the Kentucky Derby, at Fair Hill with all the other Barbaro fans, I was very happy. I was proud to be a part of the Barbaro team. He was so impressive winning the Derby I felt sure he could win the triple crown. I was honoured to be a part of that history. I could say I rode him, if only twice. I was obviously very sad when I watched the Preakness. It is very hard to describe my initial feelings, but it was kind of like shock. I felt connected in someway to the horse. I only hope now he can recover. He is doing well I know, but it will be a long road ahead. I look forward to seeing him one day, carefree. I continue to ride for Michael, he has been very good to me, you can only wish the best for Barbaro and all those connected to him.

Update 366: Some more lovely poetry (I apologise in advance to poems that I miss):
Wm & CL at August 3, 2006 12:59 PM (below):

Two hundred thousand plus travel page views-
as Tim Woolley Racing keeps spreading good news!
Barbaro’s Recovery Road may be long-
with adoring fans keeping Barbaro strong.
Beyond the prayers must our pensmanship speak-
Help make our horse athletes safer every week!
Thousands can make all the difference today-
Sign the petiton while Barbaro munches top hay!
He thanks you with nods, bows, and a wink-
For making his day while all of you think!
What if I had to travel recovery’s road too?
How would I make things better for you?
Remember Michael’s Miracle as all of us pray-
Keep lighting those candles each night and day!
Whispering Barbaro to heal better than ever!
Reminding Team Barbaro ‘Never Say Never.’
Listen, there’s whispers ‘Don’t You Quit!’
Not on our watch while all of us sit!
Watch Miracles happen on Recovery’s Road
Let Mike Rea’s and Barbaro’s stories be told!
Lightens our spirits, we breathe easier now-
while GOOD NEWS spreads like wildfire, WOW!
Raise up your voices and sing us a song-
as Barbaro’s & Mike’s Recovery Road is long!
Send your GOOD WISHES and special gifts today-
While Barbaro eats special Lael grass and hay!
More than prayer, we now must all think-
Save our horse racing athletes from the brink!
Of broken down horses, we will talk no more-
as it’s time for “Bobby” to snooze and snore!
YOU CAN MAKE the greatest difference for him-
Sign that petition Online helps Barbaro win!
A new kind of race so pick up your pace-
Come in and visit and show us your face!
Stop “Oh No’s” and “Uh Oh’s” before they begin-
Barbaro’s campaign travels where noone has been!
Small step for horses, one giant step for men-
Start today with a click of a key instead of when?
Change Recovery’s Road name to Better Road soon-
Time is of essence as this day approaches noon!
Takes but a moment, a flashback in time-
Moments keep passing, hearing Barbaro’s chime!
Go if you must, but remember these words-
Make Racing Tracks safer for thoroughbred herds!
Todays Hopes are Tomorrow’s Can Dos-
Jockeys and Horses need to hear the good news!
America cares, how much will that be?
Putting words into action for citizens to see-
Campaign for Barbaro until we make a difference!
Recovery Road is our Better Road with reverence!
Go to www.petitiononline.com/cares/petition.html

and
From Debbie Jurasus at August 3, 2006 02:48 PM (below)

The Mighty Barbaro
Sired by a strapping spit fire
and a Dam who is as elegant and dainty in opposition,
Your entrance in this world was one of sheer determination and will-
You made your presence be known early on that you are no ordinary colt-
For you are the mighty Barbaro- who is to be cherished, loved and adored!
With Speeds of lighting, others are in awe, to witness such grace and beauty, and to see you be adored.
People flock to be in your presence and feel your aura fill their hearts with joy and excitement.
You have given so much and ask for so little return- for we who love you yearn for more…
So we come to you to give back a little of what you have given- your determination and will to strive and win.
For you are our CHAMPION- no one can contend.
The battle may be long, but we are in it together for the win-
A finish line of green pastures and fields to roam, for all to see your
beauty shining from within…
You are the mighty Barbaro- who is cherished and adored- a true miracle in every sense of the word!

and
From Tamara in Los Angeles at August 3, 2006 05:23 PM (below)

“Special One”
Oh, magnificent creature, brave and strong, you did everything right, yet something went wrong. Running into the wind so fearless that day, catastrophe struck - and took our breath away.
As fear gripped our hearts and the world cried out “WHY?” like the champion you are, you held your head high. The weeks that ensued brought elation and pain, yet we all know your plight has not been in vain.
You’ve inspired your caretakers to give all they can give, because you’ve made it quite clear you have a strong will to live! You’ve touched so many lives and you don’t even know, please continue to heal; we love you, Barbaro!
May angels surround you, bringing comfort and peace, until God takes you home in years, months or weeks … where in heaven you’ll run free with no pain, that I know. Yes, our Lord loves you MOST, Special One, Barbaro.

This is a good time to remind us of all the good content on the fan media page. It seems that early on in this “journey” fan creativity was focused on imagery / video etc. and now the focus has shifted to words.

Finally, lets not forget we have a vigil planned for saturday, 7 pm (east coast time). Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, spare some time for Barbaro.

While things are going well, we cannot lose focus, he has a long road ahead we hope.
Update 365: Sabina Louise Pierce spent last saturday at Fair Hill taking some pictures. She has included a few of these shots in her horses gallery. Very nice. This comment was left in updates 32 10:10 PM about the Barbaro Fund:

Well, to my biggest surprise yesterday, when I picked up my mail, there was an envelope addressed to me with a return address of: Penn Veterinary Medicine - The Barbaro Fund. I hurriedly opened it up to find a “Thank You” card. The front of the card has that great great photo of Bobby winning the Derby with Edgar up blazing across the finish line with his mane, tail flying in the wind; this is the photo taken by Bill Franken/Sports Illustrated.
When I opened the card I read the following:
Thank you for your generous contribution to the Barbaro Fund. This fund has been designed to support the George D. Widener Hospital at New Bolton Center and will be used for treating animals like Barbaro and countless others in their time of need.
I was soooooooooooo deelighted to receive this that I immediately ran out to buy a frame for this 5x7 gorgeous photo. And so I did! A lovely all wooden frame the color of Bobby … that deep rich chestnut.
When I got home, I wanted to keep the original intact so I made an exact ‘copy’ of the front of the card with my own printer/copier/scanner and it came out Purrrrr-fect! I framed it and hung it on my wall right next to another 8x10 of Bobby I had printed out a couple of weeks ago and framed, and Bobby is ‘hanging’ right next to all my beautiful framed photos of “Big Red”. So I was then able to take the original card and put it back in its envelope and tuck it away in a file folder labeled “Barbaro.”

The following article attributes Bobby’s influence to canceling racing yesterday: Canceling card was right move at Saratoga, the article concludes:

In the post-Barbaro era, the humans who make decisions that affect the lives of horses are beginning to consider the interests of preserving the animal or at least, whenever possible, reducing risk.
There is no Eclipse Award for this, but perhaps there should be.

For my next interview, I am going to try to interview Bobby’s first jockey, Jose Caraballo.

[VirginiaBred]

I guess I am a little surprised.
When Barbaro improves, this site really has no new comments. That makes me really sad.

Come on, Team Barbaro…we need to pull together MORE when he is mending!!!

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks to Alex~

Update 368: Just spoke to Peter Brette. He was waiting to hear from Michael Matz, who is visiting Barbaro later this evening, once he is out of the sling. At the time of my call with Peter, Peter assumed all was well (8pm). The following is a nice article which is basically an interview with Peter: Barbaro’s Rider Reminisces, Keeps The Faith. The following is the beginning of the article:

“He was a bigger, stronger, better athlete than any horse I ever sat on before,” said Brette, who resides in New London. "He was so well balanced. He was very intelligent. You would show him things once and he had it down.
"I remember a training session early this year in Florida when another horse came by him, and he just took off. It was like driving a Porsche. You put your foot down, and he bumps you right up. That was the sensation. I said something like, “Good God, he’s getting stronger and stronger.”
Brette says it was the Florida Derby where Barbaro evolved from a boy to a man.

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

VB, I check this thread as often as I can, usually atleast once a day, but I check it from work so I can’t always post. I want you to know that I am still pulling for him, I still look for ther latest news. As soon as I can get back online at home, I will post more often. I am still JINGLING for our boy and thrilled with his progress!

[gubbyz]

Hi Rescuemom, I went ahead and ordered my own bracelets, they are baby blue and say: Beleive in Barbaro. I should be getting them by Aug. 5th. If you like, I would be happy to send you one. Just give me your info in a PM.

[BBowen]

Although I can’t be at the vigil in person, I will be there in spirit. Sending more prayers and jingles for Bobby’s continued improvement. What lovely poems have been written in celebration of this remarkable horse. VirginiaBred, thanks for your continued updates and thanks to all of the Barbaro team for their input.

[Susan_P]

I wrote a poem, guess it was too dumb, huh or corny? Sorry. :o Well I tried. I’m still reading the thread and I think there’s only so much we can say. We want him better, keep praying. I would like to thank God for the healing and improvements day by day.

@VirginiaBred

I guess I am a little surprised.
When Barbaro improves, this site really has no new comments. That makes me really sad.

Come on, Team Barbaro…we need to pull together MORE when he is mending!!!

[Susan_P]

Ok, I just lit a couple more candles, still pulling for you Bobby. I feel so funny calling him Bobby like he’s my own horse, VB, you’ve brought him into our homes/barns.

[Fancy]

It’s late, but I’m off to light some candles in thanksgiving. “Improving!” Sweet music to my ears!!!

Thank you for all your hard work, VB.

Bobby–yes, I’m beginning to feel like I need to set out an extra food bucket for him. He’s a member of the family, now.