Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Denise Williams — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:33:54 GMT

My heart goes out to the Jacksons over Barbaro's death. More so because I have a better understanding than most the heartache than comes with that terrible disease Laminitis. My own pony suffered a very bad attack of it when he was just six years of age. I was advised by Veterinarians that he was in such distress that he should be euthenized. However I took the decision to fight for him. My fight was successful and he is now thirty two years old and my proudest moment was seeing him win a jumping class in a show. He proved there can be life after Laminitis but I look at what the Jacksons have been through and I cannot help but think there but for the grace of God go I.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Mary — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:16:13 GMT

Remembering Barbaro always. Today, congratulations to his little brother Lentenor. As fans we hope to see a little of Barbaro in his brothers. Thank you.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Ragsy — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:19:49 GMT

I just keep comming back to re-read your stories to me, Barbaro was so much like a fairytale, one so beautiful,full of life and so full of himself that I watched every one of his races and wondered about the possibility of greater things to come.

Just to watch the horrow that would follow. Never, will I understand why that had to happen to him, why Barbaro, is still in my thoughts today I believe his story will forever be in peoples hearts and mind.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Freetex — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:46:51 GMT

I remember screaming in anguish, don't put Barbaro back in the gate... don't do it. He's lost his stride, he could be hurting.

Its a moment I thought of for a very long time.

Yes, I wanted and prayed for the happy ending until I actually saw Barbaro "walking" with Dr. Richardson. I shuddered.

Thank you, Steve, for acknowledging Barbaro's story in a most heartwarming tribute.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Horswld — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:01:26 GMT

Ragsy,

You can e-mail me at horswld at yahoo dot com. Please let me and the others that are willing to help know what we need to come up with. No matter what, we can do what it takes.

GoSmartiesGo,

God bless you too, my friend, and you are more than welcome to e-mail me so that we can figure out how to go about saving this poor baby. I wish more people could come together like this. I know that there are so many others out there that need help but right here, right now is as good a place as any to start. Once again, God bless you, my friend, because through him anything is possible.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

GoSmartiesGo — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:38:21 GMT

Ragsy, I would chip in $50 for the colt as well. That's what I can afford. You might remember me as ConcernedFan from the Barbaro's Brothers blog. I am still concerned, and I am still a fan. You can email me at sdpokey at hotmail dot com if you can come to an agreement with these horse "owners," and I will write you a check or get a money order, if you prefer. I really would rather not see these people profit from their animal neglect and abuse, but whatever it takes to get this poor baby away from them is worth the cost. May I echo Horswld when I say, God bless you.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Horswld — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:41:21 GMT

Ragsy,

This treatment of this poor creature can't go on like this. I realize that you are doing all that you can and bless you for that.

These owners need to be reported. And the pictures taken (great job by the way) need to be shown to the right people such as those that I mentioned before. I don't know the way that the legal system works were you are from, but I can't imagine that they would or could let this travisty continue. I beleive that it is possible that the system could actually grant you this horse by demanding that these criminals forfit it in order to avoid criminal charges. You should push for this.

If not ask these people just how much they want for the poor horse and I will do whatever it takes to help you out. Understand that I want to help you and this poor animal and if money is the problem please don't consider it a problem anymore. We will find a way out for him.

Please keep me updated. And Bloodhorse.com has my permission to give you my e-mail address because I don't know if I'm allowed to give it out on this blog. God bless you.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

vikingblood — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:45:56 GMT

to Cgriff: I read the blogs and only one person other than you mentioned the false start Barbaro made. And when he broke down shortly after coming out of the gate, my father said,"What a lousy vet; I bet he didn't even look at him Barbaro)." And we were thoroughly disgusted. That was my father's opinion. He lived to be 93 and was around horses his entire life so it is my opinion that there may have been validity in his vet statement. I never saw a vet go near him. They just put him back in the gate from what I could see. It isn't going to change history, but I will always wonder if they had scratched Barbaro because he may not have been sound after the false start (or he MAY have been) we'll never know. At least someone had the horse sense to scratch Quality Road, even though he was a favorite also, just like Barbaro. Whatever was meant to be was meant to be--but I have cried literally buckets of tears over the suffering he went through & everyone else that suffered, the Dr., groom, Prado, you, etc.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

CURLINLOVER — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:45:11 GMT

I'm the biggest CURLIN fan; but Barbaro was very special to me as well - so special, in fact, that I insisted on adopting a purebred silver Bengal cat born on Barbaro's birthday - 4/29. There were several kittens available born on various dates; but I wanted this kitten because of the special date he'd share with Barbaro. Irony has it that the 29th of the month was when Barbaro and my kitten were born; the 29th was also when Barbaro and my grandmother died. You can bet I always pay attention to the 29th. 1/29/07 was one of the saddest days I can remember. And Gretchen Jackson's words "Grief is surely the price we pay for love" have rung so true for me every time I have lost one of my beloved cats since. My silver Bengal is named Curlin, but he's especially special for sharing his birthday with Barbaro; and my Lil Curlin was born in 07 - 4 months to the date after Barbaro died. Life is cruel and ironic at times. I - like so many others - was so touched by Barbaro's story! fantastically written, Steve! Thank you!

I also made a special trip from Michigan last summer - primarily to visit CURLIN - but, of course, also to see the amazing Babaro statue at CD - wow! It's spectacular!And the Derby Museum tribute to him is impressive and touching. I was lucky to make it to the museum only 2 weeks before the flooding.

Again, thank you, Steve, for your great blogs. They're truly well written, interesting, adn informative.

Keep up the good work!

Happy New Year to all!

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

BarbarosDerby1328 — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:45:46 GMT

I am one of the many people who had his life touched by this magnificent animal. His spirit and courage off the track was truly remarkable. Just as it was on it during race day.

Mr. Haskin's article does the spirit of Barbaro well and will speak to future generations about this grand champion and how his feats off the track transcended his brilliance one beautiful May afternoon.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Ragsy — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:30:41 GMT

Horswld, their plan is to take him at 1 year old and sell him. I offered 150.00 for the horse but was declined, If he sells for 50 at auction I would be suprised. poor little tyke.

He can't go to auction...

I have taken pictures of his surroundings and the place where he is tied to a fence without food or water,the fella is expected to eat the tall dead grass for food.

I have to laugh, he eats apples now and seems to like those baby carrots. I will look up a diet for him at thehorse.com and talk with my dogs Doctor.

I try to touch him as much as possible when I visit and he seems to like it.

Maxine, many thanks for your kind encouraging words...

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Karen2 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:05:29 GMT

Wow...Greg J.. you always share the most awesome information. I had never seen that quote before. I am finally taking my first trip to the derby this year. I will see it then. Thanks for all your wonderful posts.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Lupe Aranda — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:42:00 GMT

Thank you, Steve, for bringing up the awesome tale of a Legend, Mr. Barbaro! Yes, he is the reason I looked deeper into the Race Horse and their amazing and stunning athletic abilities. I am captivated by the "Sport of Kings" and all it's details/stories...I go to half price book store and hunt for the horse stories...my most favorite book (there ae other great ones)is "Secretariat, the horse God built" by Mr. Scanlan; he acknowledged ALL that is part of the Race Horse world, the groom for pete's sake who "refinishes the diamond buried deep in that awesome animal"...anyway, you see how crazy I am now and its all because of Mr. Barbaro! Thank you for bring it up, its is only fitting at the end of the year...

Lupe, a horse lover in Texas

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

EarlySpeed — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:36:20 GMT

I remember Barbaro flattening out in the stretch in the KD, and just moving away from the other horses like they were standing still. He ran so effortlessly. He knew who he was.

When he broke through the starting gate at the Pimlico track, I felt already that it was a very dark omen, and was surprised they let him run after that.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Cgriff — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:21:17 GMT

I'm not surprised that we have some very well read folks on this blog.

Thanks to all who followed up on the Lewis quote - and Da3Hoss - make sure you get a chance to see "Shadowlands" - the brilliant play and film about CS and Joy's amazing relationship. It will inspire, revive and break your heart all at the same time. The film starred Anthony Hopkins and Deborah Winger - and is well worth the rental.

And to the quotation on the Barbaro statue - yup - that's in "Chariots Of Fire" and spoken by the Littel character. I think they may have shortened it for the screenplay, though. "God made me to run - he made me to run fast." It was so great in that Scottish burr...

I think Ian Charleston played him in the movie (Littel - not Barbaro)

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Horswld — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:13:40 GMT

Ragsy,

When did they say they were going to take this horse to the auction.

Are they not willing to sell it now.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Tracy — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:42:29 GMT

Joanne,I have a picture of Barbaro it is the first thing I see when I walk into my home and on the adjoining wall is the rest of the family and soon to be added the next brother and sister.I even have one of Dynaformer thanks to Jen at Three Chimneys.I love them all.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

MyBigRed — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:51:16 GMT

Thank you, Steve for writing such a beautiful article about Barbaro. When I think of the word, Courage and Brave I see Barbaro. When I think of the word Love, I see the Jacksons' Michael Matz, and Edgar Prado. When I think of the word, Dedicated I see Dr. Dean Richardson. And when I think of the word Caring, I see all of Barbaro's Fans. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Pray for a Cure to Laminitis and for others like Kip Deville. RIP Brave and Courageous Barbaro, may you Gallop Forever in Heaven.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Joanne — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:36:01 GMT

This was such a great story - I never stop thinking about Barbaro - he was so beautiful and loved seeing him run - and although there willl be many a great horse to come there will never be another Barbaro - I urge everyone to read Edgar Prado's book - it will move you beyond words and for a moment put you in his place - he loved the horse so much - Thank you for remembering Barbaro - I personally will never forget him - I have several framed pictures of him hanging in my home - I look at constantly.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

TripleCrowKaren — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:59:28 GMT

Steve, again as usual you have just perfectly captured what BARBARO did for us as a nation......he showed us what HEART is all about and maybe we could all take a little piece of that into ourselves. BARBARO also showed the public what those of us who are owned by these creatures go through on a more private scale when one loses a great horse to this horrible disease. When you've spent all you can and tried all the avenues of treatment only to realize it is all in vain....well....it takes a little piece of your soul away when you realize you have to make that decision for your "best friend". There is a "soul connection" with our equine family members that nothing else comes close to.....not even human to human relationships have the quality that this deep connection has. I've been owned by these creatures for most of my 50+ yrs on this earth, and while letting them go is one of lives hardest moments, I cannot imagine my life without them. Maybe the public took a little of THAT away from the saga that was/is BARBARO.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Elaine — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:12:20 GMT

Just as note about how Barbaro "ate his grass" the day he was euthanized. I had many e-mails with the coordinator-Leonard-about my 2 cents for Barbaro's memorial. I thought of the idea to plant the species of grass that Lael farm grows as Barbaro was bright enough to know the difference-he knew the taste of the grass from home. Instead, a plant "Little Joey" was placed at the base of the memorial, but it would have been a nice personal touch to have the Lael farm grass growing year round at his memorial. Some of you bloggers are totally correct; we were meant to have Barbaro for only a short time just as other equine legends were with us briefly too. Amazing.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Linda — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:20:43 GMT

Thank you for this tribute to Barbaro who exposed for all to see the great qualities of equines.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Jeanette Cavalier — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 18:51:10 GMT

Barbaro was nothing but pure "perfection in motion". I have always felt that Barbaro was too perfect for this world. God chose His special horse to be live among us for the too few years he was here to bring together the people that would carry on Barbaro's Legacy.....The Fans of Barbaro. We have dedicated ourselves to Barbaro's equine to family... to save them from abuse and the horrors of slaughter. We campaigned to close down the 3 horse slaughter plants in our own USA and now we will continue to fight to pass the Federal Ban to keep our horses from being taken to Mexico and Canada where they are being transported in horrible conditions and slaughter very inhumanely. All horses, even pregnant mares.....we need to stop this madness. Barbaro's purpose was not to win the Triple Crown but to make us aware that his equine family needs us now more than ever. May 2010 be the year that "horse slaughter is finally HISTORY"! Love you my beautiful bay colt.....now and forever.

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

stardustyrose — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:23:05 GMT

Suzanne

You are so right. I was at a horse therapy place & they did not even know what laminitis was. They had no shoes on their horses and they gave them as much alpalpha as they wanted (which is another way to get laminitis and colic). I asked them about it & tried to educate them & they got really mad at me. It wound up in a legal mess with my attorney & the cops going out there to check the horses out. They were so way over weight, poor things. No shoes walking on gravel. They knew about handicapped people and how to deal with them but as for horses, they knew nothing about the care of a horse. It is really sad.. :(

re: Story of the Decade: Barbaro Captures the Heart of a Nation

Horswld — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 16:00:27 GMT

txhorsefan,

You, yourself, are a dear person. When I see your name I always am sure to read your blog. I know that I will enjoy it. Isn't it something how the love that we share for these equine gifts from God bring total strangers together. Even though there is much strife that this world suffers, it makes me feel good when all of us, basically strangers, can see the same light through the eyes of a horse.