Barbaro ~ America's Horse

Thanks Tim/Alex:

Update 452: Excellent article from the Baltimore Sun: Barbaro takes big step forward provides good insight into how Bobby is doing. The following excerpts are only a few of the interesting quotes:

"I was at Saratoga, when Mrs. [Gretchen] Jackson called me and said, ‘You’ll never guess where I am. I’m outside with Barbaro and he’s eating grass!’ " said Barbaro’s trainer, Michael Matz. “I was very happy to hear that. It was the first time he’s been outside the building since the day he arrived there.”

and

“He’s always been calm when taken out to graze,” Matz said.

Anderson said Barbaro “has gone to the next level of rehabilitation” and has reached the point where “it is safe to walk him out a short distance.”
“We hoped to be able to take him outside six weeks ago, prior to his foundering,” she said. Anderson was referring to how Barbaro had developed laminitis, a painful inflammation, in his left hind foot, which resulted in the removal of 80 percent of his hoof wall.
“But his fracture wasn’t strong enough [for the exercise],” Anderson said. “If he did anything stupid, it would have made it a very bad decision. Obviously, he’s progressed from there, and the walk provides a little stimulation to both of his legs, even though they are still both in casts. And it is very good for his attitude.”

and

Susan Danner, Matz’s farm assistant who was present for the first outing, said the horse was extremely docile when his stable door was opened, not expecting anything unusual. But once he was led outside, “he brightened noticeably.”

We do know however that there remains a long road ahead, and Bobby is not yet out of the woods. The next vigil is planned for this saturday, 7 pm east coast time, August 19.
It also seems Barbaro remains in the local news this morning. Some have also noted he was on CBS national news last night, is this correct ? (I was watching a riding lesson at the time).

[I]www.baltimoresun.com

[/I]Barbaro takes big step forward

	Short walks, grazing show improvement of Derby winner  
 	By Sandra McKee
Sun Reporter
Originally published August 15, 2006
                  	 		From the cover

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is picking his own grass now.
Nearly three months after shattering his right hind leg in the Preakness, Barbaro took his first steps outside late last week and grazed in the grassy area adjacent to the intensive care unit at the New Bolton Center, where he has been since the devastating May 20 incident at Pimlico Race Course.

"I was at Saratoga, when Mrs. [Gretchen] Jackson called me and said, ‘You’ll never guess where I am. I’m outside with Barbaro and he’s eating grass!’ " said Barbaro’s trainer, Michael Matz. “I was very happy to hear that. It was the first time he’s been outside the building since the day he arrived there.”

Dr. Dean Richardson, chief of surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals and the man in charge of Barbaro’s care, said yesterday that he felt Barbaro was ready for some new scenery.

“So, last week, we took him outside,” said Richardson, who had been having volunteers at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center pick grass by hand for the horse to eat. “He’s not outside for a long time, but it’s enough to let him enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. If he remains this comfortable, he will be hand-grazed daily.”

Hand grazing, said Barbaro’s private veterinarian Dr. Kathleen Anderson, “is when the horse is on the end of a shank, so as not to be able to run free.”

Richardson said the horse will spend 15 to 20 minutes grazing outside daily as long as he behaves. Matz, who has not seen Barbaro grazing yet, said he is not worried about the horse’s behavior.

“He’s always been calm when taken out to graze,” Matz said.

Anderson said Barbaro “has gone to the next level of rehabilitation” and has reached the point where “it is safe to walk him out a short distance.”

“We hoped to be able to take him outside six weeks ago, prior to his foundering,” she said. Anderson was referring to how Barbaro had developed laminitis, a painful inflammation, in his left hind foot, which resulted in the removal of 80 percent of his hoof wall.

“But his fracture wasn’t strong enough [for the exercise],” Anderson said. “If he did anything stupid, it would have made it a very bad decision. Obviously, he’s progressed from there, and the walk provides a little stimulation to both of his legs, even though they are still both in casts. And it is very good for his attitude.”

Susan Danner, Matz’s farm assistant who was present for the first outing, said the horse was extremely docile when his stable door was opened, not expecting anything unusual. But once he was led outside, “he brightened noticeably.”

Since developing laminitis six weeks after his broken leg, Barbaro had been given a “poor” prognosis for recovery. But Anderson said yesterday: “I am very encouraged. This is nothing but positive news. … But we still have to be patient while his left hoof grows. That’s a slow, steady process, like watching your fingernail grow.”

Barbaro must grow enough of his left hind foot back to be able to stand on it and walk on it. Richardson said after taking radiographs a week ago that Barbaro’s tissue looked healthy and that growth was visible.

Yesterday, he said he is “very pleased” with Barbaro’s progress, pointing out that he is “measurably gaining weight and his overall attitude is great.”

But in a phone interview with the Associated Press, he also cautioned against getting overly optimistic.

“Could there still be some major things resulting in him having to be put down?” Richardson said. “Yeah. He’s absolutely not out of the woods yet.”

As always, Thank you VB and all others for the excellent updates.

I’ll be ready Saturday at 7 PM!

Update 453: A quick update re: Dr. Richardson’s birthday planning. New Bolton Center’s next update will be thursday of this week. Skyler has provided an update on the status of the bracelets that are being produced with Lisa, comment timestamp: 3:03 pm below, a quick excerpt:

The wristband with the Lael Stables’ colors (blue/green) has yet to be produced. This is the band that says “Believe in Miracles, Believe in Barbaro”. Proper steps have been taken to ensure that this band, this slogan, these colors are done the right way. Additionally, further movement is contingent on the Jackson’s approval.

WM & CL offer us this (timestamp 3:52pm below):

WHAT BARBARO MEANS*
by Wm & CL Shaw August 15, 2006
Champion of Champions including
Words like Hero, Champion, Spirited One,
Fierce Warrier, Heart Like No Other, Other Worldly,

Seabiscuit’s Spirit, Beloved Barbaro & Bobby,
Bravehearted One, America’s Favorite Son,
Blessed One, Lucky Swift-Footed, Magnificent One Intelligent Smarty One, Courageous, Graced by
God,

Sweet Barbaro, Old Soul, Victorious Champion,
Miracle Boy, Handsome Big Guy, Equine Hero,
Folkhero, Heaven’s Wings, Perfect Motion,

Graceful Elegant One, Loving Boy, Champion Spirit,
A Loving Champion, Remarkable Barbaro, One-in-a-Million,

Barbaro’s Swagger, Graceful Presence, Superhorse,
Thriver, Mild-Mannered, Light of Hope, Unbeatable,
Sweetest Precious, Miraculous Power, Smartbrains,
Our Kentucky Derby Winner 2006
His Legacy Continues…

And finally, Something Wild is running today in the 8th race in Philadelphia (Tim’s horse), and Debbie’s Bond Beauty is also running at River Downs in the 9th!

Update 454: A few people had mentioned Lost in the Fog getting colic. Here is the story: Lost in the Fog Treated for Colic. It seems it is not a severe case, here is an excerpt:

“If it wasn’t Lost in the Fog, we would have taken care of it at the barn,” Gilchrist stated. “This is a very slight case of colic. We are not anticipating surgery being necessary. They are running tests on him now, and I would expect to have him back in the barn Thursday or Friday. When he got off the van at Davis, he was feeling good enough where he was looking around for the racetrack.”

Lost in the Fog was a brilliant sprinter last year (maybe this year too, not really been following him). For more information on colic: Wikipedia: Colic.

While looking for an article on this, I discovered Dr. Richardson is hosting a chat for Bloodhorse tomorrow, August 16, 6 pm eastern time.

Sweeeeeeet!! Do you have to be a Bloodhorse subscriber to participate in the chats??

This article refers to Bobby going outside and being bothered by the flies. Considering his shortened tail :(, perhaps a donation might be in order to get him a false tail like the QH or saddlebreds use! At least he could swish it at flies. :slight_smile: :slight_smile:

Off to light a few more candles! :smiley:

I didn’t read back in the last few pages, but did everyone see the video of him grazing on CNN?

Thanks Tim:

Update 455: Peter just called, Michael visited after his nice win at Delaware (No Fair) and Barbaro remains comfortable.
A quick update from Alie at Kennett Florist:

What a great day!!! NBC was so upbeat & happy. Dr R’s birthday will be wonderful. I can’t wait to see his face when he sees all of this. Going to see Alex sat, Can’t wait.
We were very busy today. Rachel & Bernie were off & Diane is on vacation. So I could not answer emails. Will try to answer you’re your messages, tonight. But my 11 yr old granddaughter is here. Not much time. I wish you all could see the love & joy you have given to Bobby, NBC, Kennett Square & KF. We love team Barbaro. And of course Barbaro, Alex, The Jackson’s and all connected to NBC
We Believe.
Love to Bobby
Good night from Kennett Square & KF

HRTV will be running a short segment (somewhat randomly) about Fair Hill today and tomorrow. It includes some photos we have on this site. Tina (x Fair Hill from a longtime ago and the original owner of my helmet and helmet cover) put it together. Talking of HRTV, I watched Something Wild (no excuse, had a good trip, seemed closers did better in the race, cooled out fine, finished 5th), Bond Beauty (duked it out up front, looked good for a long time, seemed.

ASK DR. DEAN RICHARDSON!

[B]********** SPECIAL EDITION *************** SPECIAL EDITION ************** SPECIAL EDITION *********

Wednesday[/B] August 16, 2006 @ 6 p.m. (ET/ 3 p.m. PT) www.bloodhorse.com

Dr. Dean Richardson, the head of surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, has been in the public eye since May 20 when he began treating Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro for a catastrophic injury sustained during the Preakness Stakes.
An equine orthopedic surgeon who has been at New Bolton for 27 years, Richardson has handled the attention accorded him with an openness and candor that has endeared him to the media and the public.

A resident of Landenberg, Pa., Richardson and his wife, Laura, also a veterinarian, have a son, Alec, who is a senior at Penn. The couple have three horses that are ridden regularly, and Richardson is an avid golfer.

Born in Honolulu, Richardson is the son of a Navy captain who was a physician specializing in internal medicine. Richardson enrolled at Dartmouth University at age 16 with plans for a career in acting. His plans changed after he became hooked on horses while horseback riding as part of a physical education course. A 1974 Dartmouth graduate, Richardson earned his doctorate of veterinary medicine at Ohio State and has been at New Bolton since 1979.
Previous to Barbaro, one of Richardson’s highest-profile equine clients was steeplechaser McDynamo, who earned a second Eclipse Award in 2005 after undergoing surgery performed by Richardson.

Throughout the extensive surgery on Barbaro’s right hind leg and the resulting recovery that was impacted by a case of laminitis in the colt’s left hind leg, Richardson has handled all the pressure and responsibility with professional calmness. Earlier this week, Richardson reported that Barbaro continues to progress to the point he was able to go outside for the first time and graze.

Join us here, www.bloodhorse.com, Wednesday @ 6 p.m. or click on the link to Submit a Question to Dr. Richardson.

I am thankful for all NBC has done for Barbaro and the incredible updates from VB! I do not know what I would do without them! Just lit some more candles…Still jingling in NY! Real grass that’s awesome!

CRAZY QUICK VOTE ON CNN.COM!

Thanks for the update VB! Wish I could think of an interesting question for Dr Richardson that hasn’t been asked a billion times!

There’s a quick vote on CNN.com’s home page this morning, “Do you think champion horse Barbaro will make a successful comeback?” with the majority vote of “NO”…duh…if they’d phrase the question correctly it might be a bit more realistic…how about, “will champion horse Barbaro race again?” to be a bit more accurate.

Candles lit to fight any negativity! Go Bobby, Go!

Well, no offense intended here, but it was never EVER in the game plan for Barbaro to race again. The optimum they are hoping for is that he will be able to be used for live cover, but I’m sure they’ll be equally content if he can live a pain-free life as a lawn ornament. (I know I sure wouldn’t mind having a lawn ornament like that! :smiley: )

My point exactly…obviously the well-meaning person who prepared the quick vote has no idea what they are talking about…the average non-horse person probaby believes there could be a possibility of him racing again.

Yeah, I’ll take that pasture ornament too!! :yes: :yes: :yes:

Update 457: Another comfortable night for Barbaro last night (tuesday night). Saw Michael Matz as I was coming back from the track on my third set. Before I could even ask how Bobby was doing, Michael gave me the positive report.
On my first set this morning (5:30am), I was jogging back with Man in Havana…or at least that’s who I think it was, it was a little hard to see. As we were coming back, two fox cubs were chasing eachother around in circles right on the horsepath. Which while very cute, required me to tighten my grip on the neck strap and my horse’s mane.
Second set, I went out back and not only saw another fox cub but was surrounded by many deer. Of course, I again didn’t let go of my neck strap! It’s really a beautiful morning here in Fair Hill.
updated wednesday 7:10am

Update 456: A nice article from ESPN with some new quotes: Barbaro walks outside, grazing on grass. The following are excerpts:

“I thought he was thrilled the first time he went out,” Dean Richardson, chief surgeon at the New Bolton Center, said Monday. “He just seemed very happy to be out. You can tell he’s looking forward to it every day. It’s absolutely normal. Horses love to be outside, obviously, and he’s pretty excited about it.”

Barbaro stepped outside his ICU stall and started daily walks on a grassy area near the unit last Wednesday for the first time since having catastrophic injuries in the Preakness nearly three months ago.

and

“It’s a big step just to know he feels good enough that you can take him out of the stall and walk him around like a normal horse and he eats grass like a normal horse,” Richardson said in a telephone interview from New Bolton. “That doesn’t mean he’s healed. It just means things are going well right now.”

The 3-year-old had made only a couple of brief walks back and forth from his stall to the surgery room at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center until last week. Now Barbaro is walked daily for about 15 to 20 minutes in a secluded area not far from the George D. Widener Hospital ICU.

The USA Today blog On Deadline linked to us in their most recent Barbaro update: Barbaro update: He’s grazing outside.
And finally Philadelphia Park will name a race in honor of Eugene Dixon (long time patron and friend of Michael Matz): Philadelphia Park Notes - Track Set To Honor The Late Eugene Dixon. An excerpt:

“Fitz Dixon’s distinguished tenure as Chairman of the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission was earmarked by his love for thoroughbred racing and his unflinching commitment to the integrity of the sport. Philadelphia Park is proud to memorialize these contributions by naming the Cotillion Handicap in his honor,” said Greenwood racing Chairman Bob Green.

Thanks Alex~

Update 459: A worrying update on Lost in the Fog who was presumed to be colicing: Mass in Lost in the Fog Believed to be Cancer. The following is an excerpt:

Gilchrist said that preliminary tests indicated that the lymphoma appears to be confined to the spleen. He said the mass is about the size of a cantaloupe. Lost in the Fog has won just one of his three starts this year, and Gilchrist had originally thought that quarter cracks were the culprits for the champion’s sub-par efforts. “It turns out he’s been running with this thing inside him this year,” the trainer said. “It shows you what kind of warrior this horse is.”

Gilchrist added that owner Harry Aleo is extremely concerned about his star, and that “We will do anything we can for the horse. It’s almost a Barbaro-type situation.”

Don’t forget the Bloodhorse chat with Dr. Richardson tonight at 6pm. For those who cannot attend, they will be providing a transcript. I will provide a direct link to the chat (and subsequent transcript) just before 6 pm tonight.
Update 458: I just watched Miraculous Miss work a half mile on the wood chip track in 47.1 secs. That is a very handy time, and she did it quite nicely. Miraculous Miss looks like she might be getting closer to her first race back after the horrifying gate incident in the Acorn. She is now off the starters list, which required her to return to the gate at least three times to school.
I also had a nice chat with Adrian Rolls (Graham Motion assistant) about the horse flights over the weekend (Better Talk Now and Film Maker flying to and from Chicago). He was pretty amazed by the entire experience. They vanned down to BWI, vanned right to the airplane and loaded right up. Once airborne the flight was very smooth. They were the only two on the outward bound journey (which was also nicely air-conditioned). On the return journey they came back via Albany to drop off the Saratoga-based horses (which of course included Showing Up). They were not on the ground for long at all before taking off again for Baltimore. It seems the plane can hold about twenty horses, there were about fourteen on the return journey to Albany. I asked Barclay’s Fair Hill assistant (Tim) how Showing Up was after his (fantastic) performance. He said all was well.

Thanks, Alex:

Update 459: A worrying update on Lost in the Fog who was presumed to be colicing: Mass in Lost in the Fog Believed to be Cancer. The following is an excerpt:

Gilchrist said that preliminary tests indicated that the lymphoma appears to be confined to the spleen. He said the mass is about the size of a cantaloupe. Lost in the Fog has won just one of his three starts this year, and Gilchrist had originally thought that quarter cracks were the culprits for the champion’s sub-par efforts. “It turns out he’s been running with this thing inside him this year,” the trainer said. “It shows you what kind of warrior this horse is.”

Gilchrist added that owner Harry Aleo is extremely concerned about his star, and that “We will do anything we can for the horse. It’s almost a Barbaro-type situation.”

Don’t forget the Bloodhorse chat with Dr. Richardson tonight at 6pm. For those who cannot attend, they will be providing a transcript. I will provide a direct link to the chat (and subsequent transcript) just before 6 pm tonight.
Update 458: I just watched Miraculous Miss work a half mile on the wood chip track in 47.1 secs. That is a very handy time, and she did it quite nicely. Miraculous Miss looks like she might be getting closer to her first race back after the horrifying gate incident in the Acorn. She is now off the starters list, which required her to return to the gate at least three times to school.
I also had a nice chat with Adrian Rolls (Graham Motion assistant) about the horse flights over the weekend (Better Talk Now and Film Maker flying to and from Chicago). He was pretty amazed by the entire experience. They vanned down to BWI, vanned right to the airplane and loaded right up. Once airborne the flight was very smooth. They were the only two on the outward bound journey (which was also nicely air-conditioned). On the return journey they came back via Albany to drop off the Saratoga-based horses (which of course included Showing Up). They were not on the ground for long at all before taking off again for Baltimore. It seems the plane can hold about twenty horses, there were about fourteen on the return journey to Albany. I asked Barclay’s Fair Hill assistant (Tim) how Showing Up was after his (fantastic) performance. He said all was well.

Update 460: Jeannine Edwards just e-mailed me to let us know ESPN2 will be covering the Pacific Classic on sunday, 7 - 8 pm. They will include Barbaro coverage which will include the grazing video and other recent updates. The Pacific Classic is a great older horse race (not restricted to 3yos like the Kentucky Derby) and includes many of the best handicappers in the country (Lava Man, Giacomo and Perfect Drift for example). Given Giacomo won the Kentucky Derby last year I thought it would be appropriate for us to highlight him going into this race. The Daily Racing Form has a nice article today on him for good background information: Shirreffs wants Giacomo to be a hero again which includes the following excerpt:

Giacomo, though, is the stable star. Shirreffs still receives mail asking about the colt, and gets aggravated with himself if he doesn’t have time to answer a letter or a request for a photo that day. For someone not accustomed to the limelight, Shirreffs immediately sensed that winning the Derby brings special requirements to those connected with the colt.

“I think it’s a big-time obligation,” Shirreffs said. “It’s no longer just Mr. Moss’s horse. It’s sort of everybody’s horse. I got a letter from an elderly woman the other day asking for a picture of Giacomo. I sent her one. People like that, this might be one of their only contacts with the outside world.”

I thought it would be interesting to contact his current exercise rider (Steve Willard) and see if he would be willing to provide us some updates on Giacomo as they prepare for the Pacific Classic (I acquired his cell phone number from Andy Durnin, good friend and closely tied to last year’s Pacific Classic winner Borrego). This is what Steve had to say in our call today:

John Sherrifs should take a lot of credit for this horse. He has shown a great deal of patience, and the patience is starting to proove out. I have been around Giacomo since he was two, but I was not his regular exercise rider until about 3 - 4 months ago. Frankie (Herrate) used to gallop him when he won the Kentucky Derby last year. He has had 3 - 4 different exercise riders during his time with John. I am just very fortunate that I have been involved with him most recently.

He is now training very forwardly, very good attitude, he is very focused in the mind, strong yet easy to control. He breezed the other morning (monday), and as is the case with all John’s breezes, was never asked for more than he can give, we always make sure the horse has something left, whatever speed we are going. He accelareted on his own at the 16th pole but it was easy. He worked in hand in 1:12 (3/4s), galloped out the mile in 1:39. On tuesday he walked the shedrow (John walks all his horse the day after a breeze) and today (wednesday) he jogged two miles, he felt great. I’ll provide an update each day as we prepare for the Pacific Classic this weekend.

So we will hear from Steve each day as we approach the big race!

Bobby, how was your grass today!:sadsmile: :slight_smile: The candles are lit, the chains are jingling and life seems to be getting a little better for you!:sadsmile:

Thanks for the updates and

Go Bobby Go! Make Team Barbaro proud!:cool:

Update 461: Quick reminder, Dr. Richardson will host a chat at Bloodhorse.com at 6 pm east coast time. I will post the direct link to the chat here once the link is live.
Kennett Florist provided this update today:

What a fun day to go to NBC! We delivered ice cream and all the fixin’s for sundaes… fudge, carmel, whipped cream, nuts and cherries! Dr Sweeney was kind enough to send out an email yesterday, so there was quite a crowd! The place is just electric (maybe partially from the sugar), but in my opinion because of all the good news this week! Bobby gets to feel the sun on his back each day and snort and chomp to his hearts content, what could be better!!

Bobby got his carrots and treats to go along with the staff’s sugar high. We also brought up some goodies for some of the other shifts, since they miss out on breakfasts and such.
Thanks to all of you the spirits continue to be high!
WE BELIEVE!!

WM & CL left this poem about Mike Rea (comment timestamp 5:15 pm):

Loving husband, horsetrainer, father, family man-
Getting stronger improving as you can!

The Lord’s light surrounds you
easing your family’s mind-
The Lord’s love protects you-
helping you and friends unwind.

The Lord’s miracle continue your healing-
His arms wrap around you whatever you’re feeling!

Under His protection, you always will be-
While His Miracles continue in you to see.

Another good day closer coming back home-
Therapy allows you to walk better to roam!

Lord’s and His Angels presence watch over thee-
Your family’s updates bring joyful news about ye.

God’s Love, Light, Protection stay here-
Rest now, enjoy His Power erasing all fear!

May each day bring forth joyfully great news-
Keep walking stronger after putting on shoes!

May our Lord’s miraculous grace-
Allow coming home to your family’s place!
Heal Mike - pulling for you to win your own race.