<p>Is anyone else interested in how Barbaro is recovering? We watched the Kentucky Derby, and although I’m not a horse racing fan, this one just captured my heart. Here’s an update on how he is doing.
<a href=“http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20061128/sports/sports9.html[/url]”>http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20061128/sports/sports9.html</a></p>
<p>oh, thank you, sjmom! I have in fact been wondering how he was doing. I know it was really touch and go. I’m glad things are looking a bit more hopeful. It’s amazing how long it takes them to heal, and to think he’s still in danger is very sad. But we can keep our fingers crossed.</p>
<p>PS - I’m not a great race fan, but I will admit I keep a video of Secretariat winning the Belmont on my computer. Greatness at that level is awe-inspiring, in man or animal.</p>
<p>Here is a link to the Kentucky Derby. <a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6PacUirYuQ[/url]”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6PacUirYuQ</a></p>
<p>And here is a link to the Preakness, where he was injured. <a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkg_gTtYNms&mode=related&search=[/url]”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkg_gTtYNms&mode=related&search=</a></p>
<p>sjmom, I followed the story closely at first, then gave up when reports and information just stopped. I am glad to see he is getting better. I hope he has a chance to meet some nice mares and have lots of little Barbaros; certainly he has the best possible doctors. </p>
<p>I did wonder what it was like for his jockey that day - having to go right on to another race and do his best even though he probably just desperately wanted to do anything else but race again right away - how very difficult.</p>
<p>Thanks for posting this, sjmom! I’ve also been following Barbaro’s story and recovery, in fact even put this link from Penn Veterinary medicine in my favorites to check in every week or so:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro_Updates.htm[/url]”>http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro_Updates.htm</a></p>
<p>Also a good website for Barbaro updates: <a href=“http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/11/barbaro_updates_136.php[/url]”>http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/11/barbaro_updates_136.php</a></p>
<p>I read somewhere that Barbaro was nominated for Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year. Way to go, Barbaro! He exemplified all the traits of a champion…ability, determination, and perseverance. In man or beast, the three will get you far.</p>
<p>I just read that Barbaro was euthanized this morning. How awful, and very sad. He tried so hard to win. Terrible news.</p>
<p>I am so sad to hear that. I have loved horses since I was a little girl and almost always watch the Triple Crown races. </p>
<p>I have been following Barbaro’s progress, feeling a little guilty that I cared so much about a horse when there are so many suffering people in the world. Still, he was a fine horse, and I’m sorry that he didn’t make it.</p>
<p>I am so sad to see things end this way. He was a beautiful animal with so much spirit and will to live. Hopefully some good will come out of this tragedy. Poor thing…but finally he’s at peace.</p>
<p>My oldest D is a huge horse lover and has been for her whole lilfe. How terribly sad for this magnificent animal and all who cared for him.</p>
<p>~berurah</p>
<p>I cried :(</p>
<p>It is sooo sad that after all that time & energy, he could not be saved.</p>
<p>It’s off to the glue factory now. Oh…so sad!</p>
<p>I cried too :(</p>
<p>Seems so unfair…after all that. It strikes me that often, the wrong ones suffer. </p>
<p>I’m a huge animal lover, and have always been a fan of the horses (though not always the sport, which I consider a bit risky for these delicate creatures). Oddly enough, another favorite of mine was Ruffian, a filly who met the same – though more immediate – fate about a quarter century ago.</p>
<p>Sincerest condolences to Barbaro’s owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, Dr. Dean Richardson at New Bolton Center, and Barbaro’s other connections. You were models of love and humanity to this great horse. My prayers go out to you.</p>
<p>I cried too. Everything we read about him was that he was such a wonderful animal. Such a cruel thing to have to have gone through. He was very well-loved but it is still heart-breaking.</p>
<p>and just so people could win some money…I hate horse racing and dog racing</p>
<p>have you ever seen what is done to greyhounds</p>
<p>My husband wanted to discuss this at dinner tonight. </p>
<p>Seems that talk show host Michael Savage was running off his mouth about how they should have saved him for stud – obviously with no clue about how his owners and trainers along with the top vets in the world have been trying save his life since MAY!</p>
<p>I’m amazed that they were able to keep him going as long as they did … but when he developed laminitis in the front feet and an abscess in the back left – and the back right is still recovering from laminitis – the horse couldn’t lie down in comfort, couldn’t stand, and wouldn’t tolerate the slings.</p>
<p>Poor guy … RIP</p>
<p>I called and told my daughter this afternoon. She wants to be an equine vet. She took it rather well as she considered it very unusual for the horse not to be put down right away. </p>
<p>She’d like to see an age limit on race horses. These horses are being put out there at a very young age and accidents like this will happen to immature horses. </p>
<p>All in all, maybe something was learned that will help in the care and rehabilitation of horses.</p>
<p>CGM, I’m totally with you there. I do get that dog and horse racing is a profitable venture but I simply do not understand why it is interesting to make ANY animal run fast, and cannot imagine why anyone wants to watch it, and cannot see how it is even slightly pleasant for the animal, dog or horse. It seems as if the animals are manipulated through diet and training and being whipped and goodness knows what else just to profit entertainment and/or profit to the owners. </p>
<p>At least a human athlete gets to participate in the choice to run track or play football or whatever, and humans of course can quit any time. These poor animals have no choice. I would much rather see these beautiful horses allowed to run and play and just be free and never be raced for commercial purposes, but, then I supposed they wouldn’t be of any value to anyone, would they?</p>
<p>Rest in peace, Barbaro.</p>