Alex,

That was a great piece on Dan Hendricks. Thank you for the time you take to interview these wonderful people, then share their thoughts with us.

It is true what he said, "We feel for horses more than people typically know". Coming from the thoroughbred world as I do, these horses become a very important part of your life. You love them, worry about them, and mourn them, as you would any family member.

Skyler

I LOVE THAT POEM, GAVE ME TEARS IN MY EYES-- I THINK IT'S PERFECT!!!

ANYWAY, PAMELA --I LOVE, LOVE ROBERT REDFORD-- I DIDN'T REALIZE HE WAS THAT SHORT. WHEN I WAS A YOUNG GAL, I USE TO WRITE HIM LETTER. I'M TALKING YOUNG--LIKE 9 OR 10- WISH I HAD COPIES-- CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT I WOULD HAVE WRITTEN.

DEAR ROBERT, I LOVE YOU. LOL!!
HE'S A WONDERFUL MAN, I AGREE 150 PERCENT!!

PS- MY AUNT WENT TO COLLEGE WITH HIM FOR A YEAR, IT WAS A VERY LARGE SCHOOL THOUGH SO SHE DIDN'T KNOW HIM, THEN I THINK QUIT.

CHERYL
INDY
:>)

Sorry to hear about Mr Dixon's passing.

God bless him, his family and friends, especially Mr Matz.

"HEY EVERYONE......IMPORTANT HR503 INFORMATION

Just hung up the phone with John Hettinger. He is the gentleman that was the focus of the article in The Blood-Horse magazine. He is a member of the The Jockey Club, a trustee for the New York Racing Association and received a Special Eclipse Award in 2000. He is one of the leaders in the movement to ban horse slaughter.

I contacted his farm and, when I told them what I was calling about, they immediately gave me his direct number in Saratoga.

Told him about our group and that we wanted to help. He was very grateful and spent some time talking to me. We discussed the possibility of some of us going to Washington. He gave me the name and number of the person handling the public relations for this campaign and suggested that I call her and see if it would be something that she might want to put together.

We don't have much time so we need to act quickly.
Please let me know if any of you on the east coast would be willing to go to Washington for this cause. I'd like to have an approximate number before I speak to her.

I will be out for most of the afternoon. Could someone PLEASE repost this message throughout the day so we see what kind of response we get.
Then I'll call her tomorrow morning.

Thanks.

Posted by: ShelleyA at August 2, 2006 02:20 PM "

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=barba

http://www.petitiononline.com/cares/

OK, Barbaromaniacs...

can't get a semi - but maybe a pickup truck. Would that do??? :) We'd have to warn Sam the Security Guard ahead of time so we are not politely asked to leave.

You all can see Dr. R...I just want a sneak peak at Barbaro...

Jazz, loved your story. Thanks so much for sharing.

So many posts...
so little time.

Healing to all,
Lyn G

Alex, sorry to hear about Mr. Dixon...will add his family to our prayer list...

I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Dixon.

Condolences to Mike Matz and everyone at Fair Hill who had the privilege of knowing Mr. Dixon.

All of us at this site are saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Dixon...it sounds as if we have all lost a very good friend of Fair Hill,
Dr. Fisher and Michael...They all will be in our prayers...

I love White Tigers they are my favorite wild animals. My goal some day is to get out to Las Vegas and see Seigfried and Roy's White Tigers. I understood immediately what Montezuma was doing when what happened to Roy happened. She was trying to remove him from what she perceived to be danger. Remove him as a momma cat removes her kitten. She did not mean to harm Roy. I was so relieved that they did not put the cat down. Seigfried and Roy are such great people for what they have done for the White Tigers and White Lions.

Sorry I know I got off track on something other then Barbaro but I just love White Tigers.

Sorry about Mr.Dixon. My condolences to his family and friends, especially Michael.

On a lighter note...I think...I hope they kept those big pussy cats away from our Bobby!

Jo

Lyn:

You still here?

MM

Alex,

Still predict a Pulitizer in your future!

Thanks for the link to John Hanchette's fantastic article on H.R. 503. I think Mr. H. should be the one to call Bob. Didn't someone talk to Mr. H earlier today or recently--surely we have a phone number for Mr. H?

Brenda

I DON'T CARE FOR THOSE CLAIMING RACES!! :>( WHEN THEY ARE SOLD OR CLAIMED FOR CHEAPER PRICES. I DON'T KNOW ALL THE DETAILS BEHIND THE SCENES THOUGH ABOUT CLAIMING RACES. REMEMBER IN "DREAMER" SHE WAS SO UPSET WHEN HER FILLY WAS CLAIMED.
CHERYL
INDY

I know my post got lost when the update posted...could someone please explain what claiming races are...and why are the dollar amounts different?

Jazz,

Beautiful story!

Hey, one day you make us laugh, the next day you make us cry. Like keeping us on an emotional roller coaster? Just kidding...Love everything you post.

Blessings to you,
Faith

Alex,

Thank you for the information as usual. I work alot during the day and can not respond with all the things that go on during the day. My prayers are with the Dixon Family.

As for the article on the Slaughter Bill it is very informative!!!!! I visited it yesterday and found a wonderful link to the Slaughter house near me in Texas. BE WARNED if you do visit it, it is very informative but also very GRAPHIC!!! I now REALLY know where I stand on this bill and I have been contacting everyone I can about it.

Barbaro.....YOU ARE SIMPLY THE BEST and we love you so much....keep sleeping, eating and nipping!!!

Believe in Barbaro!!!!!!!!!

HELLO SWEET BOBBY ...

AND HELLO ALL 'BOBBYHEADS' ...

I am sitting here with my www.horsehats.com "Barbaro" hat on my head and loving every minute of it! I feel like a part of him is with me, somehow. Is that crazy?

Of course, I am all caught up on the updates on our Dear One, and "How Sweet It Is" as another "Great One", Jackie Gleason, would say!!

I sent out another batch of emails for awareness of the petition including the link, so I hope it helps.

For names for Bobby's baby brother, I love "My Brother is Who?" and "Dr. Dean" ... they're my favorites.

Just an interesting sidenote to some of you who may not know ... I didn't until just yesterday, but when I first became 'addicted and obsessed' about Bobby and I found the Penn Vet site, I posted on that board and read up on everything I could about Bobby. I also saw a link where you could contribute to The Barbaro Fund and so I did do that also with no thought of anything in return.

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."

So, if any of you needs an incentive to make a contribution to The Barbaro Fund, you now have it!!

So excited!!! My local news channel is doing a Barbaro Update tonight. KSDK channel 5. Our NBC affiliate.

Go Bobby Go!

Oh Linnie...I am so happy for you...and your donation will be used for so much good!

SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DR. DIXON, HE SOUNDED LIKE A WONDERFUL MAN. GOSH, CAN'T BELIEVE HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING DR. J TO PHILLY. SOUNDS LIKE HE REALLY LOVED SPORTS- A GREAT MAN!! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

CHERYL
INDY

I DON'T CARE FOR THOSE CLAIMING RACES!! :>( WHEN THEY ARE SOLD OR CLAIMED FOR CHEAPER PRICES. I DON'T KNOW ALL THE DETAILS BEHIND THE SCENES THOUGH ABOUT CLAIMING RACES. REMEMBER IN "DREAMER" SHE WAS SO UPSET WHEN HER FILLY WAS CLAIMED.
CHERYL
INDY

Posted by: Cheryl From Indy at August 2, 2006 10:02 PM

Oh Cheryl ... I just saw "Dreamer" last weekend and that scene killed me. I couldn't believe what Ben had done and I wanted to scream ... luckily they were able to buy Sonjador back!!!

I have been lurking here for a long time and just wanted to Thank You Alex for your updates. Thank you to Peter, Micheal, The Jacksons, Dr. R and the staff at NBC for fighting for this horse and giving him a shot. My wife has not been able to understand my concern for Barbaro and always asks in a Carmela Soprano voice, "hows your horse today?" I'm glad to read so many of your great posts "Team Barbaro", keep up the good work.

Go Barbaro!

Jeff/Indy

Thanks Pamela ...

I am just so thrilled to be a part of this 'maniac' family and community! I forget all about time and food and almost everything !!

"HEY EVERYONE......IMPORTANT HR503 INFORMATION

Just hung up the phone with John Hettinger. He is the gentleman that was the focus of the article in The Blood-Horse magazine. He is a member of the The Jockey Club, a trustee for the New York Racing Association and received a Special Eclipse Award in 2000. He is one of the leaders in the movement to ban horse slaughter.

I contacted his farm and, when I told them what I was calling about, they immediately gave me his direct number in Saratoga.

Told him about our group and that we wanted to help. He was very grateful and spent some time talking to me. We discussed the possibility of some of us going to Washington. He gave me the name and number of the person handling the public relations for this campaign and suggested that I call her and see if it would be something that she might want to put together.

We don't have much time so we need to act quickly.
Please let me know if any of you on the east coast would be willing to go to Washington for this cause. I'd like to have an approximate number before I speak to her.

I will be out for most of the afternoon. Could someone PLEASE repost this message throughout the day so we see what kind of response we get.
Then I'll call her tomorrow morning.

Thanks.

Posted by: ShelleyA at August 2, 2006 02:20 PM "

Linnie...don't you love it when someone new pops in for a post...like Jeff/Indy...Hey Cheryl...you have some company...

OK ... this is NBR, meaning "Not Barbaro Related"

But, I just received this via email and just have to share it ... we all need a little laugh now and then:

I do not know if this is true, but it is funny as hell!
>
> Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 13:02:56 -0500
>
> Subject: Arkansas Woman Killed in Mistaken Rapture
>
>
> NO NEWS STORY CAN EVER TOP THIS ONE:
> By Elroy Willis
> ARKANSAS CITY (EAP) -- A Little Rock woman was killed yesterday after
> leaping through her moving car's sunroof during an incident best described as a
> "mistaken rapture" by dozens of eye-witnesses. Thirteen other people were
> injured after a twenty-car pile-up resulted from people trying to avoid hitting the
> woman, who was apparently convinced the rapture was occurring when she saw
> twelve people floating up into the air, and then passed a man on the side of
> the road who she believed was Jesus.
> "She started screaming `He's back! He's back!' and climbed out through the
> sunroof and jumped off the roof of the car," said Everet Williams, husband of
> 28-year-old Georgann Williams who was pronounced dead at the scene. "I was
> slowing down but she wouldn't wait till I stopped,"
> Williams said. She thought the rapture was happening and was convinced that
> Jesus was gonna lift her up into the sky," he went on to say.
> "This is the strangest thing I've seen since I've been on the force,"
> said
> Paul Madison, first officer on the scene. Madison questioned the man
> who looked like Jesus and discovered that he was on his way to a toga
> costume party, when the tarp covering the bed of his pickup truck came loose
> and released twelve blow-up sex dolls filled with helium, which then floated
> up
> into the sky.
> Ernie Jenkins, 32, of Fort Smith, who's been told by several of his
> friends that he looks like Jesus, pulled over and lifted his arms into the
> air in frustration and said "Come back," just as the Williams' car passed
> him, and Mrs. Williams was sure that it was Jesus lifting people up
> into heaven as they drove by him. "I think my wife loved Jesus more than
> she loved me," the widower said when asked why his wife would do such a
> thing.
> When asked for comments about the twelve sex dolls, Jenkins replied,
> "This is all just too weird for me. I never expected anything like
> this to happen."
>

Cheryl From Indy... THANKS Sometime things come to our minds when we least expect it. Someone suggested in a earlier posting that this is what we should call our group.

HORSE HANDS ACROSS AMERICA!
KEEP THE FAITH!

How sad about Mr. Dixon. What an amazing biography. It's his uncle for whom the facility was named that Barbaro is being treated in. I miss those wonderful old racing families who made up the long and storied history of racing that I grew up with.

Alex, Susan W., Sue W (are you two different people??), Laura, Faye and anyone else I missed, thank you for the info on laminitis vs. founder. I won't lose faith, I will think positively that if Dr. R uses the terms interchangeably in the case of this very special patient, that he knows his stuff ;)

I see there's another Jane here, so I'll sign as Jane in CT. (NANCY, you're in Hamden? I'm in Monroe...)

It was so nice to see Bobby and Dr. Dean even though the footage was much older (I think).

The piece ran about ten seconds, showed him moving in his stall (no sling) with Dr. Richardson, and reported that the right hind is healed enough to remove the cast but it won't be due to "swelling" in the left hind.

It did mention laminitis and that he was injured in the Preakness but, thankfully, showed not footage of the breakdown.

It was very upbeat altogether the tag line was "good news for Barbaro".

I sure do wish we had any recent photos of our boy.

Condolences to all who new Dr. Dixon.

Oops.

condolences to all who KNEW Dr. Dixon.

Linnie...I have now officially heard it all....

ALEX,

We're sorry to hear about Mr. Dixon. We'll include him in our thoughts and prayers.
Alex, you also posted an invitation if anyone wants to visit Fair Hill - I missed it, can you post it again?
Thanks as always OLLTB:-)

LINNIE,
I know how excited you are about the post card. I too donated to The Barbaro Fund and when I received the post card, I went out and bought a frame as well.

I thought it was very classy. Thank you NBC.

BARBARO - our dearest one...
We'll definitely plan a trip to come and see you and to personally thank everyone at NBC.
Will check in on you later.

TO ALL - in regard to the HR503, spoke with the WI reps this am, they will be giving us an idea of how their going to vote for us to post it here!!!!

God Bless,
Debra, WI

PLEASE HELP!!! Too UPSET to post, I'm "RileysGirl" at the following forum:

http://www.dmtc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3774&sid=e3dc04b3d4df0baa0489e806ce844087

email: jades4angels@msn.com

Take a look at this....

http://laminitis911.com/default.htm

I was reading up on laminitis just trying to better understand it and came across this. I wonder if this could prove to be true. Anyone familiar with laminitis, please comment.

First of all I want to say that the most important thing is that Barbaro gets better and gets healed. Secondly and I am hesitant to even talk about this but I will. When I got home the night of the Preekness race and I saw with horror Barbaro's breakdown I was so sad and then when they showed he had broken through the gate early. I was mad I really was I remember even saying out loud then why wasn't he scratched he should not have raced. I was upset with alot of people. Then I read a book about a horse named Ruffian. I learned alot about horse racing reading that book. Learned alot about the horses and alot about the people who work with the horses. One thing through out that book through every step of a horses life you learned was how much every person who came in contact with that horse loved that horse. Especially the special ones like Ruffian and Barbaro. I learned by reading that book about everything or at least alot of what goes into a horse racing and whether a horse races or not. There was a time in the book when they talked about how Ruffina had a splint but she ran anway they taped her up and she ran. Think about human athletes they do that from time to time ya tape it up and ya play anyway. Heck there was a football player once on the LA Rams Jack Youngblood broke his leg in a game went in got it taped up went back out there and played the rest of the game. Sometimes decisions are influenced by other outside things. Like the match race with Ruffian and with Foolish Pleasure. It was billed as she against he. Millions and millions of people wanted to see that race. Ruffian's trainer Frank he did not want her to run in that race. He wanted to wait til Fall to run her against the boys and he did not want it a one on one race. In those races both horses have to go all out the whole race. Her owners well they didn't really want to go against Frank's wishes but this was billed as such a huge race that well they felt they could not say no. Just think had they said no. Ruffian would not have died. But no one had anyway of knowing that she would get hurt.

Now I have no idea what happened at the Preekness other then our Barbaro broke down and now he is in a hospital fighting for his life. I still wish he had been scratched instead of running. But yet stop and think about that. We and nobody else knew that when he ran he would get hurt. We all wanted Barbaro to win the Preekness we all wanted Barbaro to be the next Triple Crown Winner. It would have been hard extremely hard for anyone to have scratched Barbaro because he broke through that gate. He was checked they said he was ok to race. Millions and millions of people wanted to see Barbaro run in the Preekness that day wanted to see him win. Sure looking back now we can say I wish they had scratched him. Just like Frank could look back and say I sure wish we had not ran Ruffian in that match race. But you never know how a race is going to end up til ya race it. I just want everyone who is part of Barbaro's team to know that I for one understand. I mean I don't know what happened who decided what but I understand it was never as simple as just scratching Barbaro from the Preekness. I was mad at first upset at first and yes those feelings were for the people who might have made those decisions the owners and the trainer. But after reading Burning from the Start about Ruffian and what happened there and how her people really did not want to race her in that match race but outside influence had alot to do with that decision. I understand now. I am no longer upset or mad at anyone. I hope my saying what I have said won't upset anyone I just wanted to explain my feelings on Barbaro.

My thoughts and my prayers are with Barbaro. My gratitude is so huge to the Jacksons his owners for giving Barbaro this chance this chance to live. God Bless Roy and Gretchen for loving this horse so. Michael Matz you are the best trainer a horse could possibly have. You and Peter you go and visit Barbaro every day. Your love for Barbaro is always present. Edgar Prado you love Barbaro also it was your quick thinking that saved Barbaro. God Bless you for that. I learned in reading about Ruffian how much every person involved with a horse loves that horse. That is why I want to know that the groomer and the hot-walker get to see Barbaro.

I love Barbaro. The nation loves Barbaro. People loved Ruffian. The nation loved Ruffian. We lost Ruffian we will not lose Barbaro!!!!!

I really would highly recommend to anyone who is interested in learning about horse racing to read Burning From the Start. Yes it is a sad story at the end. But the pages up til then will show you the love and caring that goes into these precious horses from the moment they are born.

Believe In Barbaro
Believe In Miracles
Belive in Dr. R

Again thank you to Roy and Gretchen Jackson for allowint Barbaro to live. Thank you to Michael Matz and to Peter Brette for being Barbaro's friends as well as trainers. I read about the pain that Frank went through with what happened to Ruffian. It helps me to understand all the pain and what you all are going through. But this story will have a happy ending. Barbaro is going to make it cause Barbaro is a fighter and he is strong and he is smart. He is smart God Bless Barbaro anyway he knew to hold his leg up he knew not to keep running on it. Ruffian God Bless Her she knew how to run and she just kept running and running even when she came out of the anesthesia.

I just wanted to share my feelings. I just want Barbaro to heal that is what I pray for and that is what I light candles for. Just like Barbaro I will not give up. I will be here for Barbaro and for the Jacksons and everyone else on team Barbaro til he walks out of that hospital and some day he will do that.

Hay again...I gotta go fix dinner...will check back later on...

Prayers for our boy, his connections, caregivers, the gangs @ TW & KF, Mike Rea & family, Mr. Dixon's family & friends, & all you other Barbaromaniacs...

Just read Linnie's post...and I guess it's really true that truth is stranger than fiction!..still shaking my head *LOL*

Sorry to hear about Mr. Dixon..sounds like he was much loved and will be greatly missed.

Hey sweetie pie...just want to say hi to you and I'd give you a hug and a scratch behind the ears if I could...keep on keeping on Barbaro baby..you are so loved!

HI JEFF, IT'S SO NICE TO HAVE AN INDY FRIEND!! HAVE YOU LIVED HERE LONG? :>)

LINNIE, IT'S FUNNY, I HAVE ANOTHER GOOD ONLINE FRIEND WE CALL LINNIE FROM UPSTATE NY. I LOVED THAT MOVIE SO MUCH-- I WAS SO HAPPY AND SHOCKED WHEN THEY GOT HER FILLY BACK. ALSO BIG KUDOS TO YOU FOR DONATING TO THE BARBARO FUND.

LOVE AND PRAYERS TO BOBBY AND EVERYONE-
CHERYL
INDY
:>)

Jeff-That is ok, I get that all the time at work, "how is your horse doing" since they witnessed me with tears flowing down my face three weeks ago behind my office dooor when the "L" word came up and I quietly sat here til my "backspace" button stuck from all the tears. They now know what a presence Barbaro is, and see and hear about it locally.Execpt for the insensitive compliance lawyer that sits in the office next to me who asked, "is he dead yet"..I will never forget that inhumane and lack of sensitivity comment. He has paid dearly of late for that one...as someone said here, never talk human stuff to him, he just does not get, dad of three kids, no pets though.

Oops again.

Mr. Dixon. He sounds like he was an extraordinary gentleman.

My apologies that my typing skills are so poor.

Linnie,
your posts have made me smile. Definately different smiles for each, but smiles are always good.

PLEASE HELP!!! Too UPSET to post, I'm "RileysGirl" at the following forum:

http://www.dmtc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3774&sid=e3dc04b3d4df0baa0489e806ce844087

email: jades4angels@msn.com

This is at DelMar!

Linnie...I have now officially heard it all....

Posted by: Pamela at August 2, 2006 10:24 PM

Yes, so have I, Pam ... but it's still funny, true or not! LOL

And welcome to Jeff/Indy, the 'lurker-turned-poster' ... always good to see a new 'face' here!

And to Debra in Wisconsin, YES, YES it was so very classy of NBC to send us these cards ... actually it's even better than a postcard because it's a regular half-fold greeting card with 4 sides. Anyway, it's so appreciated and thoughtful and I'm now looking at our Dear Bobby racing across that line and I keep envisioning him being healthy on ALL FOURS again ... racing or not, it doesn't matter one bit as long as he's happy and healthy and enjoying LIFE!!

Hi everyone...'
Pamela, I'm with you, and haven't seen a response yet to your question about claiming races....
anyone care to jump in and explain?

I'm having panic attack ...please tell me what to say to address the above posts. PLEASE. jades4angels@msn.com

for pamela that asked what claimers were...horses run in races where they have the best chance of winning, or picking up a piece of the purse (money) which usually is through 5th place.

they go as follows, most elite horses to not:
-stakes horses
-allowance horses
-claimers

claimers means that the horse is "for sale" during the race, and someone can put in a bid to purchase the horse before the race runs. Claiming prices normally range from $62,500, $50,000, $45000, $40,000, $32,000, $25,000 and below. in some cases, they run as low as $6,000 in "fair meets.

Can anyone else chime in and help?

OK ...I've been ignored since I began posting here and now this? I don't understand.

Well, I got a real surprise today. Went to my Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick's office hoping to see an aid or leave a message cause I never got a response to my e-mail. AND, the congressman was THERE. We spent a few minutes discussing the issue and he is a supporter of the bill and has been from the beginning. He also assured me that he would not be one of the representatives withdrawing his support. Told him the idea of maybe going to Washington and he said it wasn't a bad idea. And to keep him posted in that becomes a reality.

Feel like I got something accomplished today and maybe we CAN make a difference.

For those of you that didn't see my post of this morning, Karen from Las Vegas was kind enough to repost it at 10:15PM. Thanks, Karen.

And thanks to Jo Edwards who made sure it was posted during the day for new arrivals.

Just wanted to have an idea of how many would be interested in going to Washington before I call John Hettinger's public relations person.
Don't have a date and don't even know if it will happen but if it does, I would imagine it would be September 5 or 6th.

My deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Mr. Dixon. He will now live in their hearts forever. I will keep you in my prayers.

Linnie, I could just feel your excitment about the thank you card from New Bolton! How awesome is that!! This should definitely spark some donations! Payday is just around the corner!!

Mary Langkamp, I hope you can get to Las Vegas to see the white tigers. They are breathtakingly beautiful! The Mirage also has a dolphin habitat that is really cool. Come on out, we'd love to have ya!

LINNIE, IT'S FUNNY, I HAVE ANOTHER GOOD ONLINE FRIEND WE CALL LINNIE FROM UPSTATE NY. I LOVED THAT MOVIE SO MUCH-- I WAS SO HAPPY AND SHOCKED WHEN THEY GOT HER FILLY BACK. ALSO BIG KUDOS TO YOU FOR DONATING TO THE BARBARO FUND.

I just felt so helpless, Cheryl, that anything I could do made ME feel better, so donating to The Barbaro Fund was actually a selfish act, but I know it's also going to help other animals like Bobby, too.

My 'real' name is Linda but, as you can see, there are a lot of Lindas 'everywhere' so I 'adopted' Linnie instead and I like it!! Thanks!!

Deborah,
If you are asking how to respond to the jerk who commented on most of the signaturees being from women - tell him that is because women have hearts and actually care about the horse and not just the money involved in seeing them run.

Sorry if you have felt ignored.

Deborah,

Is that obnoxious person illiterate? It clearly says "The part of the turf where he broke down needed to be repaired," Dickinson said. "I wanted to repair it right, not quickly. There was no divot. The turf there was 'toupeed.' It was flipped back."

Linnie, I could just feel your excitment about the thank you card from New Bolton! How awesome is that!! This should definitely spark some donations! Payday is just around the corner!!

YES, YES, YES, Karen in Las Vegas ... and that's exactly WHY I posted what I did! It's a beautiful keepsake for a wonderful cause!!

Deborah,
What happend?

Debra, WI

Linnie,
your posts have made me smile. Definately different smiles for each, but smiles are always good.

Posted by: mish future vet tech St. Louis, MO at August 2, 2006 10:30 PM

Thank you, mish future vet tech ... it doesn't matter how the smiles arrive, as long as they do ... that's all that matters!! And this wonderful site and Bobby are giving me many many reasons to smile these days!!

sorry Deborah I went over and read what they said I would help you out but I am not sure what you should say either. I guess it is mostly women's signatures cause we here are mostly women.

Sorry that you feel ignored. It is somewhat clicky on here alot. I think if they answered people other then just each other people wouldn't get so upset about the chatting that goes on. I no longer care about the chatting and I just post what I want I usually post to Barbaro. Please stay here though people do read your post. I know how you feel. All are welcome here. We just need to be more considerate of making people feel they belong.

Thank you (((Laura))) and (((Brenda))) ...will reply to the insensitive and IGNORANT posts when I calm down.

Linda Lee wrote: .. great idea maybe Kennett Florist can help.>>

Yep, I can call Rachel. Maybe they can recommend a really good place or snoop around NBC and find out if our Doc R has a fave place. I think they'd probably have no problem getting the gift card and delivering it for us..They're really terrific people..They will set up a special account just for that..

>>> (Maybe we Bobby fans can sing to them outside the restaurant window. Envision that, a lot like the heifer being chased by the Doctor. Still can't get that out of my mind.)>>

LOL! I love it! Then again, I'm not in the mood to get arrested in PA..

OK, I'll call in the next few days - we still have lots of time...

>>HORSE HANDS ACROSS AMERICA!
KEEP THE FAITH!>>

AMEN!!

I watched the TODAY Show just now and that video with Dr. Richardson and Barbaro looks like another old piece. He has a cast on his laminitic foot, and in that piece he had no cast. Plus I saw that footage before. When are they going to show something new?

GOOD NIGHT BARBARO
HAVE A GOOD NIGHT AND SLEEP WELL SO YOU GET YOU STRENGTH.WILL CHECK ON YOU IN THE MORNING. LOVE YOU

BETTY AND BOB PHOENIX

Deborah... please, help me to understand...I went to the site and saw you posted a petition link...then someone posted a comment about the signers being all women ...blah blah blah...what is going on?

Deborah,

It is so cool that you are getting out there with the petition! Guess that obnoxious guy doesn't realize that more women vote than men too!

Please don't get me wrong, there are plenty of men who love and care for the horses and not just the money but that jerks comment about how most of the fans of racing are men is just ignorant. There are plenty of women racing fans, but perhaps there are MORE women who are there because they love the horses than there are men. And perhaps there are more men there that are interested in the money involved. I have no proof of this of course but someone commented on this site earlier that there were not too many men here -- why is that. Just a thought, not meant to start anything.

Hi, Jane:

Yes, Susan W and Sue W ARE two different people!!

It's hard to keep all the Susan's and Sue's straight sometimes!!

Barbaro fans here's the newly updated version of "Bobby's poem (for Bobby, his Jacksons, Mike rea & his family, Edgar, Michael, Team Barbaro at NBC, and Alex who makes it possible) Thanks for your inspirational support.

~~~~~Barbaro's Recovery Road~~~~~
by WM & CL, & Barbaro Jackson's Insight

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!
Eleven thousand strong daily visit 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 "Bobby" 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!
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
(www.campaignforbarbaro) Thanks Alex for helping us help you. We need more Barbaro Ambassadors folks. We have them from Wisconsin, Florida, and New Hampshire. We're still working on California and Maryland. Whatever talented gifts you have we need your support from the rest of the fifty states son contact Deb L. at www.campaignforbarbaro.com (contact section) and tell us your story why Barbaro Means SO MUCH TO YOU!!! Remember Barbaro's motto: Many hands make light work and while he recovers we're campaigning for him until we make a difference!!
Come aboard with us concerned people. A few from each of our 50 states can help achieve the impossible, living the dream of seeing Barbaro come back safely home!

Never mind Deborah...I have the right Jerk...I see...Yeah he was a real dud (not dude)...and the guy had an eyeball for an avatar...what is up with that...like he can dictate anything to anybody...

Thank you Alex for the Dan Hendricks interview. His thoughts about Barbaro are truly appreciated. Also, thank you for the Cozy Guy story. How sad but yet heartwarming. There are so many WONDERFUL horse owners and trainers.

My prayers for the Dixon family.

re: the horse slaughter ban. I mistakenly thought the vote would be to uphold the ban. But after reading the information provided today, it's possible that it won't happen. We must keep up the pressure and let our opinion be known - again & again. We must make sure that all those who oppose the ban know that they will get booted out of office next election.

Also - as a reminder - please check out the Petition about safer race track surfaces. If you can agree, please sign.

http://www.petitiononline.com/cares/petition.html

Janice

Sorry Deborah...you're not being ignored and it's far from clicky here...sometimes posts get missed or as in this case it takes a while to find out what's going on over there.

I'll go and check out what's upsetting you so much.

Jo

regarding the posters on the downside of racing claimers, you have obviously been sucked into the hollywood story....even arron spelling ran claimers, we all do, please, again don't start beating your chests, lamenting and wailing about what you don't know.

claimers means that the horse is "for sale" during the race, and someone can put in a bid to purchase the horse before the race runs. Claiming prices normally range from $62,500, $50,000, $45000, $40,000, $32,000, $25,000 and below. in some cases, they run as low as $6,000 in "fair meets.

OK, I just learned something new ... I didn't know that someone wanting to 'claim' a horse must put in a bid BEFORE the race. Well then, how can someone know if it WANTS to bid on a horse UNTIL they can watch him/her run in that race? What am I missing here because it seems 'backwards' to me. Enlighten me, please!!!! Thank you!!

Mary, Just catching up on posts. I also would love to know is Barbaro's hot walker and groom have been able to see him. I know they had to have spent a lot of quality time with him.

Also, anyone know why they lions and tigers are at NBC?

Deborah and Pamela,
Maybe that jack ass should stop making comments and just sign the petition (that is if he REALLY cares). How embarassing for him to have made such an ignorant comment.

G'morning Barbaroooooooooo!

g'morning, y'all!

Thanks, Alex, Eliza, Tim, for the updates!

sorry to read of Mr. Dixon's passing.

Deborah,

Don't take his posts personally..you are doing a great good deed for the sport and the athletes.

WWBD "What would Barbaro Do?"

Our little Chipper Nipper!

Brenda

Barbara Kerr ...would you please explain to me what a claiming race is...I watch horse racing all day...I see that there are claiming races...I have I good idea what they are, but would like an explanation from someone who knows...

SHELLEY A -
We all thank you for all you do.
You do work hard Shelley.
We appreciate you so...

Debra, WI

BARBARA KERR...I HOPE MY QUESTION TO YOU ISN'T LOST!

I WATCH CLAMING RACES SOME ON THE WEEKEND ON 602--THE HORSE RACING CHANNEL. I GOT THE IMPRESSION, THAT SOME WANT TO SELL THEIR HORSES FOR CHEAPER, BUT OTHERS WANT TO JUST RACE THEIR HORSES, HOPING TO WIN, RATHER THAN GETTING CLAIMED.-- SOMETHING LIKE THAT. I DON'T WATCH THE CLAIMING RACES AS CLOSELY, BUT A LOT OF THEM GO FOR PRETTY CHEAP WHICH IS SURPRISING - LIKE WAS SAID ABOVE -- $50,000 - 30,000. I WANT ONE!! :>)

LOVE AND PRAYERS FOR BOBBY,
CHERYL

TLC...how dare you...that is a blatant insult to jackasses everywhere...demand you use another insult...

FOR PAMELA ...

Barbara Kerr did respond:

"...claimers means that the horse is "for sale" during the race, and someone can put in a bid to purchase the horse before the race runs. Claiming prices normally range from $62,500, $50,000, $45000, $40,000, $32,000, $25,000 and below. in some cases, they run as low as $6,000 in "fair meets."

TO DEBORAH & ALSO MARY LANGKAMP - I really understand your feelings because I certainly don't feel like one of the "in crowd" either...but I stay and say what I feel JUST FOR THE LOVE OF BARBARO...maybe all the others who feel somewhat out of the clique should speak up...
However, in defense of others, there are an incredible amount of posts here and many (including me) can't possibly have time to read them all...and sometimes people who might actually respond to what you said aren't reading/posting at the time...that's happened to me several times, and also since I was home all day and read an incredible amount here, I found some answers to something I'd written long afterward...so I guess some people DO read everything. Too many messages, not enough time...and some folks to email each other to try to keep the site to the basis issues.
KEEP COMING BACK - BARBARO NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!
Nancy

Hola Barbaro !

Always thinking about you !

Pamela, you are right although I meant on the human kind of jackasses not the animal kind. How about "ignorant fool who wouldn;t know his ass from a hole in the ground"??

Better??? :)

TLC,

I'm skeptical about the information presented in the laminitis/911 website. First, I would be very concerned about the management of any barn that is reporting a 10% laminitis/founder rate. This is an extremely high percentage and leads me to believe that something is being mismanaged, such as the feeding program. Second, although I do believe nutritional supplements can assist hoof growth or repair, the website does not state what additional changes were made in the care/feeding of the horses such as feed products that are lower in protien or carbs or whether an experienced farrier had been contracted. Third, the fact that the amount of grain being fed was reduced, this in itself could very well have caused the decline in new founder cases as well as making the current foundered horses feel better. Fourth, the coffin bone will remodel to accomodate its new position within the hoof capsule with or without supplements. Additionally, the website states, "These were verified through tests taken in the field by a company as large as Purina." Why don't they give the actual company that did the testing?

Just my thoughts on the info...

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..

I am so lost...Thank you Barbara Kerr...I didn't see it posted...I usually lose posts when the last update comes up...

Linnie, I am having trouble understanding....you have to go slow...who puts up the money? I mean if you want to claim a horse, you put up a bid...and the horse doesn't win...are horses claimed no matter how they finish? I really don't know how it works...

Joyce,

Thank you for your input. There is so much information out there that sometimes it is hard to ascertain what is real. I guess the old adage "if it seems to good to be true, then it probably is" would most likely apply in this case.

Jo,

That was beautiful!!!

Barbaro Ruler of the Wind!!!!

Believe in Barbaro

Love,
MArla, Cody & Nic

Mary Langkamp, Thank you so much for understanding! I don't post often simply because I can't keep up with how quickly the board moves and admittedly, I have felt a bit of an "outsider." Bottom line is I've absolutely fallen in love with Barbaro and finally found a place here where updates are regularly posted ...for which I'm most thankful. I've also become extremely heart sick over the horrible breakdowns and greed in the industry. I'm doing everything within my reach to offer support and become an active voice and heart for the Thoroughbreds and those who truly love them. If and when I may get to know the members here, I'll offer the same love and support to them as well. I offer mine, and welcome the friendships of everyone!

PAMELA & DEBORAH, DID I MISS SOMETHING? DID SOMEONE SAY SOMETHING RUDE TO YOU GALS? MY EYES SUCK SO SOME OF THE LONG POSTS, I SKIM.

BARBARA, I KNOW CLAIMING RACES ARE GOOD IN MANY SITUATIONS. I'M SURE MANY OF THE HORSES GO ONTO BETTER HOMES, TRAINERS ETC... IT JUST SEEMS THERE ARE SO MANY CLAIMING RACES ON THE HORSE RACING CHANNEL.

LOVE & PRAYERS,
CHERYL

Nancy in CT...you are so a member of the Carrot Posse...

Wm & CL

The poem is delightful and yet very informative.
Thank you!!

Wish I had such talent.

Janice

Linnie

People who claim horses do their research in advance. They study the horses record and stats. The must put their claim in before the race. If there is more than one person trying to claim the same horse, they actually roll dice to see who wins...it's called "shaking" for it.

For those of you that are not that familiar, claiming races are the most common. They are the only place most horses can race with a chance of winning. Allowance races and stakes races are for better horses. Sometimes horses start in claimers and prove themselves to be more special and can move into allowance or stake races. And sometimes it goes the other way, horses start out in allowance or stakes races and can't compete so they move down to claimers.
Two of my horses run in claimers. It's where they belong and all I can do is cross my fingers and pray they don't get claimed.

Some people drop them down into cheaper claimers because they want to get rid of the horse.

I hope this helped a little.

Pamela???

Cheryl from Indy...I know, the posts are flying by...Brenda referred us to a forum where she posted our petition and some guy gave her a hard time...we just had her back, so to speak...

Deborah,

I think that the reason that there are so many women's signatures are on the petition is that it was started by someone here then posted here was the request for signatures.

Have you noticed that virtually everyone here is a woman? I know that when I forwarded the site to people it went primarily to women as most of my friends are lady types.

I would ask Alex what the feeling is amongst trainers, owners, jockeys, etc. and ask why they haven't signed if they are supportive of the switch.

Don't know what else to say but,

Go Barbaro! we love you and pray for your healing.

PAM, I THINK THE HORSES ARE CLAIMED NO MATTER WHAT- IF YOU PUT IN A BID AND WIN, THAT HORSE BABY IS YOURS!!! :>)

CHERYL

Hi TLC...my speed reading is failing me now...that is for sure...did you call?

Deborah,

Just to let you know - I post when I have the time and sometimes get a response and sometimes not. If you feel like an outsider - then I guess I'm one too.

Janice

TO DEBORAH & ALSO MARY LANGKAMP - I really understand your feelings because I certainly don't feel like one of the "in crowd" either...but I stay and say what I feel JUST FOR THE LOVE OF BARBARO...maybe all the others who feel somewhat out of the clique should speak up...
However, in defense of others, there are an incredible amount of posts here and many (including me) can't possibly have time to read them all...and sometimes people who might actually respond to what you said aren't reading/posting at the time...that's happened to me several times, and also since I was home all day and read an incredible amount here, I found some answers to something I'd written long afterward...so I guess some people DO read everything. Too many messages, not enough time...and some folks to email each other to try to keep the site to the basis issues.
KEEP COMING BACK - BARBARO NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!
Nancy

Posted by: Nancy in CT at August 2, 2006 10:57 PM

OK, I need to say something here that is being completely misunderstood ...

From what I can see, there are NO CLIQUES here on this site ... believe me I am VERY familiar with what they are and how they work, but that is NOT what is going on here at all.

We need to understand that some of the people who post here do so quite frequently during the day and evening and have, therefore, become friendly with others who do the same thing. That is NOT a clique ... that IS an exchange of friendly 'chat' on an open forum where EVERYONE ELSE is invited to participate.

If some people are INFREQUENT posters and 'read more than write', then there are times when they might 'feel' they are being 'ignored', but that is not the case; it's just that other posters are already involved in an exchange of dialogue.

Also, and this might sound 'harsh' but it's a fact ... we cannot be 'handholders' here and cater to each person's sensitivities or be made to feel guilty by manipulation of someone else. No one is ignoring ANYONE here, from what I have seen. This is one of THE friendliest most accepting groups of people on message boards, so let's not start an "Us vs. Them" situation, please.

If someone posts something that is of interest to you, JUMP IN, contribute, participate and post. But also remember that this site is getting HIT HARD and the posts are flying by fast and furiously at times ... not everyone is going to 'see' and respond to every single one of someone's posts. Plenty of mine have been overlooked NOT intentionally but by oversight and I'm sure I've done the same UNintentionally.

That's all I have to say ... PEACE, LOVE AND MAKE NICE!!

Pamela,

Here is some information on claiming races;

http://www.lrc.ky.gov/kar/811/001/035.htm

Sorry...Deborah...Yeesh...I am sorry...Deborah (not Brenda)...

PS- THEY AREN'T BABIES, DON'T WANT TO CONFUSE ANYONE- ON THE CLAMING BIT. I CALL ALL MY PETS "MY BABIES"!!

:>)

LOVE & PRAYERS,
CHERYL

DEBORAH, WE LOVE ALL BOBBY FANS HERE.

GOTTA RUN FOR NOW,

LOVE & PRAYERS,
CHERYL
:>)

Wow...Lynda...thank you...have marked it so I can read later...thank you so much...can barely keep up with posts...

Claiming races are part of the territory. All races have "conditions" and trainers read condition books for each track to find races for their horses. Conditions can include "mares and fillies 3 years old and up who have not won 2 races" or it could be have not won 2 races in 6 months - etc.

Owners or trainers looking for a new horse, will follow some horses careers, or will read the entries for each day, watch the horse they may want in the paddock, then put in a claiming slip. At the end of that race, the horse belongs to whomever claimed it (the previous owner gets the winnings if there are any and the "sale/claiming" price.) If the horse breaks down - the person who claimed it, still gets it. If more than one person puts in a claiming slip for the same horse, they draw numbers to see who gets the horse.

Claiming races are the most run races. They are not the high stakes races, but the way most trainers, owners, etc. make their living. Alot of excellent horses have run in claiming races - because those are the only "conditions" they met on their climb to the top. A trainer/owner just hopes their horse won't be claimed so that the horse can be eligible for better races with different "conditions".

The trick is to run the horse in a spot where he/she won't be claimed. For example - if the horse hasn't run in several months, and is run back in a cheap claiming race, people may not claim it because they think it is sore.

It gets more involved, but those are the basics. Claiming races are just part of the game/sport.

owners and trainers pick the races for their horses, they are called conditioning books (i think ,can't remember right now), it states how many wins the horse has to have to qualify to enter in the race, amount of times between wins, it's very well planned, and remember all, horse racing is a commodity business. you run horses where they have the best chance of picking up some purse money. we used to strategize with our trainer every two weeks when the book came out as to where we wanted to run our horses, sometime you have a good horse who is ousnd, you don't want to drop it in price, but see a chance to win, other times, you have to make the decision to determine if you're ready to let a horse go if someone picks it up. it's a business person's game. hope that helps and fr the most part, claimers make up about 80% of the card.

some of my best friends are claimers.

Pamela, Your welcome. I have a problem keeping up with all the posts too, so I wind up not posting much because I am too busy reading!

Another thought on the horse slaughter bill. I don't know if anyone has suggested this or not, but we should also contact our local news programs and radio stations. Doing so may help spread the word.

Gosh...finally got your comment...YES TLC...it was much better...LOL

God Bless Mr. Dixon. It sounds as though he was a wonderful man and did many wonderful things. What a legacy he leaves.

thanks, jd. good explanation of the positive side of this biz.

Pamela

If a horse is claimed, it doesn't matter the order of finish. If the horse wins, the old owner collects the purse money but no longer owns the horse....it immediately leaves with the new owner's trainer. Many people have lost their horses and then claimed them back!! It's a strange game and if you are new to it, can be very confusing to understand.

Deborah...the guy's obviously a (just deleted that, don't want Alex banning me from here!) an ignorant moron (and I'm being nice!)

Couple of the people over there seem to be missing the point! :-/

Jo

Hello Everyone - I just got home from work - I'm tired!!!

Bobby - a good report from KF - thanks girls!!!
Lions and Lioness - Bobby you must be so excited - maybe a bear and tiger will show up - the scene will be complete. xxoo and scratchies!

Aunty Sally

Pamela, just seeing if you were still here. Did you see my response to your comment about my jackass comment?? It was just another smart remark so you can ignore if you want.

People like that poster on the other site just make me so angry. Like I said, amybe he should just sign the petition and stop commenting - no one wants to hear negative commentary anyways. Besides, who care who signs the petiton (men or women) as long as it gets recognized as important.

Stepping off of my soapbox now

FOR PAMELA AND SHELLY A

Pam, I didn't know anymore than you do but Shelly just explained it perfectly .... please read her post addressed to me.

To Shelly ...

OK, thanks for the great explanation, but now I have another question ... you said that you run your horses in claiming races because "that's where they belong". I understand that part but then you said you "cross your fingers" that they don't get claimed.

So, are you saying that just BECAUSE you enter your horses in claiming races, they are AUTOMATICALLY up for sale, whether you want them to be or not? So, there is no way you can PREVENT your horses from being claimed if they're entered in a claiming race? Am I getting this?

If that's so, then I understand the movie "Dreamer" a little better and now realize why Ben Crane had to race Sonjador in that claiming race ... it was the only shot he had and he had to 'pray' that she wasn't claimed which, we all know, she WAS claimed and that's why "Cale" was so upset with her father.

Do I have all this down right?

Deborah-tell that poster that most men on the internet are usually looking at porn or Star Wars and not worrying about horses while they are surfing...hence more woman signing on online petition. ;-) (NOT YOU ALEX LOL)

Barbara Kerr...I like the "some of my best friends are claimers" sign off...I will tell you this...you cannot be a dummie and be a claimer...that is for sure...People in horse racing are smart as a whip...pardon the pun...You have to be to figure out all of these strategies...Even if you aren't a claimer...you still have to strategize which races to put your horse in ...how often to run the horse ...etc...Horse racing is turning out to be one of the most complex sports I have ever seen...

Alex, I want to echo Skyler's thoughts. I think it's awesome that you take the time to interview these people. I enjoy reading the posts immensely. You really have a cool life! Having said that, I hope you are able to keep cool through this heat wave. It's been awful and I live in northern Michigan!!

I had no idea about the claimer race thing til I watched Dreamer. In that movie it did say the claim has to be made before the race starts. That is why the dad thought it was safe that no one would claim a horse that had had a broken let. But are those just certain races??? Cause in that movie it also said that every horse every day is for sale. But does that mean even the big races like the Kentucky Derby or does that mean just claim races??

Now I'm wondering, Was the petition started by someone here?

My feeling on synthetic surfaces is simply that every other sport tries out the best and latest safety products available. Why should horse racing be exempt? Because the horses can't say, "hey that track is crap today and I ain't playing"?! Well then WE have to say it for them.

I am sick of the shoulder shrug and the "it's part of the game" answer from racing folks.

my 2 cents.

Laura in Key West....TREKIES...THAT'S IT!....LOLOLOLOL

I think you can set a claiming price for a horse, can't you? Then there is a less chance of the horse being claimed. I noticed that a couple of horses that Michael Matz has entered in claiming races had claiming prices over and above the purse money. I would assume most people wouldn't bother claiming a horse for that much unless they were desperate.

Nancy in CT ...thanks to you for being a friend! My thanks also to others who replied. OK, I'm going to gather my thoughts, stop crying and fretting and post the FACTS in reply to the heartless "man" at the DelMar forum. (calm down Deb, calm down) Thanks every"boardie"

....PS, the petition is posted all over the web and I sent it out to about 200 and counting!

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?

Mish...I don't understand the "part of the game" comment either...but most of the horse owners I have seen love their horses so much and watch over them better than they do their children...
Keep putting in those 2 cents...You got me thinkin'

yes, pamela horseracing is a complex sport. it's funded by very smart business women and men who love horses. the owners. all types from stakes and allowance winners to $10,000 claimers. thanks for putting it into perspective.

Linnie,

You got it! That's exactly what it means.

Anna, that is awesome!

Jo S
OurBelovedAngels

Barbara Kerr...do you know the answer to Lynda's question?

Pamela - where is the question, please repost.

Here is some info on the types of races:

Types of Horse Races

Horse Races come in several types, namely, stakes, handicap, allowance, claiming or maiden races. Each one of these have important differences in terms of the types of horses entered into the race, as well as how horse owners and trainers will decide to run their horse in the race.

Stakes races are those which occur annually, offer very large purses, and attract very high quality horses. Examples of stakes races include the Belmont Stakes and the Kentucky Derby.

Handicap races are such that the weights of the various jockeys are equalized through the use of lead weights. Many consider the weight that a horse is carrying to be one of the critical factors in handicapping races. Older, stronger horses are typically allowed to carry more weight than younger horses, and these differences are one of the many factors savvy handicappers take into account when choosing their winners.

Claiming races are far and away the most common type of race. In a claiming race, each horse is entered at a specific price, and may be purchased, or "claimed" by another owner. Claiming is one way in which competition between horses can be equalized. For example, an excellent horse which is valued at $20,000 will not run in a claiming race where the claiming price is $5,000 or less. Conversely, a horse with a low value (e.g., due to poor past performance) is unlikely to run in a race with a high claiming price, simply because it will be outclassed. In fact, it is unlikely that track officials would even allow such discrepancies to take place.

Allowance races are essentially non-claiming races, usually designed for horses which race infrequently.

Lastly, Maiden races are for those horses who have never won. Other conditions may be applied to maiden races as well, such as "Non winners in last 3 races." Maiden races are sometimes difficult to handicap because the entire field may consist of horses with minimal past performance histories. However, careful handicappers will spot maiden races which have a horse or two which has some history of winning relative to others in the race.

Barbara Kerr...I am getting hooked on horse racing...and the more I know, the more I love about it...I think if you don't know a lot about it, as was the case for me, it looks totally different than what it really is...if that makes sense...

Wow. This is the most time I've had to read or post since I found this site.

Very informative on claiming races. I had a basic knowledge that the horses were for sale but no details. When you see a say $4000 claiming race in a program does that mean $4000 buys any horse in the race?

Also, I am very unclear about Maiden races. I thought they were for horses who had not won a race but found out the horses racing may have won in a race. How does that work and what exactly is "breaking" your maiden?

Thanks for your time for anyone who answers.

HERE YOU GO BARBARA KERR

I think you can set a claiming price for a horse, can't you? Then there is a less chance of the horse being claimed. I noticed that a couple of horses that Michael Matz has entered in claiming races had claiming prices over and above the purse money. I would assume most people wouldn't bother claiming a horse for that much unless they were desperate.

Posted by: Lynda Pellitteri at August 2, 2006 11:15 PM

JANE IN CT - glad to see our little group of "Connecticut Crackpots" (bad girl, Nancy, speak for yourself) is growing. I think all the others are from further upstate so in Monroe you're definitely closest to me.

I dontated to the Barbaro Fund the first date it was posted and forgot to mention the lovely thank-you card! So much has happened since then that it slipped my mind.

I see something mentioned about a gift certificate - is that for Dr. D's birthday? The original message is off the post now, so we need occasional updates so as not to miss anything important - wish I had time to read everything every day!

GOOD NIGHT, SWEET BARBARO...it's too hot for jammies tonight. Keep cool and comfy, dream of meadows and mares, and GROW, HOOF, GROW. You are always such a source of wonder to me - you are much smarter than most human patients in terms of cooperating with what's best for you. God bless you always (and your people, too).
Nancy

Anna...that is so wonderful...our sweet Anna...
our thoughful Anna...

Claiming prices are set as part of the race "conditions" to add to my example of Mares and Fillies 3 yrs old and up who have not won 2 races, claiming 7500. 7500 is pretty much the price to claim the horse (there are other "conditions" which could make the price different depending on the horse's eligibilities). A Maiden Claiming race is a claiming race for horses who have never run a race.

The Kentucky Derby, etc. are not claiming races - they are stakes races.

If you go to any of the tracks websites, you can see what the card is for the day. You will see most of those races are claiming races.

It truly is a business, and it takes very smart and savvy business minds to do this day in and day out.

thanks, LoL, Pamela, I feel like a pampered puppy!

mish future vet tech-Yes members of this comment board started the synthetic track petition

ok can you guys answer me about when a horse can be scratched??? When I read the book about Ruffian it said in that book that a horse can not be scratched in a match race. Yet when I watched the movie Seabiscuit Mr. Howard talks about possibly scratching Biscuit because Red gets hurt. Well that confused me. Which is right the book or the movie???

Linnie,

You got it! That's exactly what it means.

Posted by: ShelleyA at August 2, 2006 11:17 PM

THANK YOU SHELLEY!!!! But I'm still learning here!!

Wow..until about an hour ago, I did not realize how much I depend on this site for Bobby.
My power actually blew out my Belkin Bulldog, all computers and my Linksys shut down..
I don't care.........I going to plug everything into anywhere ...Whoa back, Neo... LOL..before your comment.
How he has a hold of our hearts...

Love to Family,
Susan

TLC...Thank you ...I am not worthy...How do I print out your post...???? It is so easy to understand the races the way you put it...

Thank you, Pamela. I was wondering if anyone could answer that.

Mish

Maiden race is for horses that have never won. Breaking one's maiden means it won it's first race. They it must race in different condition.

There are a couple different kinds of maiden races but they all are just for horses that have never won a race yet. Some horses can run in maiden races for a long time until the first win. Winning a race is really NOT that easy!!

Gotta go for now.

Handsome Barbaro, have a wonderful evening, stay comfortable and cool. Eat some good dinner and have some yummy bed time snacks. You are never far from my thoughts and prayers and I will be back later to check in on you and help to tuck you in.
BIG hugs, kisses, ear scratches, nose rubs and MUCH LOVE!!!

I swear Lynda...I am so far behind in posts...I have a bad habit of reading from the bottom of the board up...I come to a post...answer and then lose my place...Today is really busy...lots of interesting discussions and issues...

Pamela, just copy and paste it into a word doc or something and then you should be able to print it out :)

Talk to you all later, stay cool everyone and try not to get too crazy in here. :)

TLC or ShelleyA...can you detail for me how a claiming race works...? How do the horses/money change hands?

Oops - meant "won a race" not "run a race"

Pamela, LOL! That happens to me also. I wish each post had a number too it. Then it would be easier!

Well I have to say goodnight to Barbaro now. Sweet dreams handsome.....another comfortable night.

I promised my daughter she could have the computer at 6:30.

Will see you all in the morning for the morning update. Everyone have a great night.

Believe in Barbaro
Believe in Miracles
Believe in Dr.R

Michael's miracle

Ok, now it's time to fix me something to eat. I bet that by the time I get back Alex will have us on UPDATE page 33 LOL.

PLEASE READ:

SOMEONE MENTIONED A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR DR. DEAN'S BIRTHDAY ... IF A 'COLLECTION' IS BEING TAKEN SOMEHOW, I'D LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE/PARTICIPATE ALSO!!

IT'S A WONDERFUL IDEA ....

THANKS ... LINNIE

Mary,
There has not been a match race since Ruffian.
I doubt, and some might disagree, there will never be one again.

A horse can be scratched for many reasons...sloppy track, not well, BUT that match race was highly touted and they even had that goofy song going on. Hey, if you feel it is not right , you can scratch.

There will NEVER be one again. And I pray there isn't. Match races are the worse thing in horse racing. Sorry, Seabiscuit lovers......

Love,
Susan

Pamela, my knowledge is really limited to "basic" and "overview" so I will lwt ShelleyA run with that one (no pun intented)

Really have to get out of here now, but it is soooo hard to leave :(

To Janice from Florida who posted 11:02 pm August 2, 2006

Your very welcome--Barbaro nods his head and gives you a wink!!!

Hope you will come aboard a make a difference saving magnificent LAEL (means Loyal) thoroughbred horses like Barbaro's friends from dangerous racing situations which can now be prevented with Synthetic surfaces for Horse & Jockey safety. We have to be Barbaro's voice to protect him and his companions. Thanks for your support and hope you'll sign petition online which you can see again at www.campaignforbarbaro.com in the mission page.

Light a candle tonight for Barbaro, Mike Rea, and Eugene Dixon's family. Again virtual candles can be lit for 48 hours at www.gratefulness.com Much apprecatiated and blessings to you and yours---

LINNIE - I'm restating the important part of my previous post to Deborah: "However, in defense of others, there are an incredible amount of posts here and many (including me) can't possibly have time to read them all...and sometimes people who might actually respond to what you said aren't reading/posting at the time...that's happened to me several times, and also since I was home all day and read an incredible amount here, I found some answers to something I'd written long afterward...so I guess some people DO read everything. Too many messages, not enough time" I speak only for myself, but the only hand I wish to hold is a hoof at New Bolton. You and I are certainly on the same track as far as traffic on this site. Since I can't check from work, I have to be content with what I see early am and in the evenings and reply to what specifically interests me...how many times I have wondered what I missed during the day, but it can't be helped. That's one thing I love about the NBC message board and the candle site - you express your feelings and there's no interchange...and FOR THE LOVE AND SUPPORT OF BARBARO there's a spot for all these media opportunities - aren't we lucky!
Nancy

Thanks to everyone here tonight.

It has been fun for me to be able to actually spend a little time here.

Now I really must go spend some quality time with my own little beasties.

I have an oldish kitty named Hector (rescued from the pound some 9 years ago) and sweet doggy girl, Alice (rescued from the streets 3ish years ago).
They have opened my heart in so many ways. I can never do enough for them.

Good night to all. Hug your furry babies!

Be well and happy Barbaro. GROW! HOOF GROW!

Oh Boy I hope this works...


I have been working on this ALL DAY! Okay, sorry I'm a little frazzled out. I sure hope someone can go check and make sure my links work. The Barbaro video is about 5 1/2 mgs. You may download this. There are NO Preakness pics--there are pics of Bobby in the hospital but I don't think anything that would warrant a warning.


Lyn if you want to email me write me at bobbysbabybrother@comcast.net.


I'm off to clean the kitchen!


MM

LMAO,,,I called Alie at Kennett...and asked her what was up for Friday...She said...not much, so I ordered Bobby a basket of little carrots...and SPEARMINT drops ....he doesn't like the peppermint ones, he is a man after my own heart.
Jazz also ordered one for all the other horses on the Shed Row. They don't get the attention,,but need love too.

So Spearmint it IS!!
Be strong, Brave Heart.

Susan

Pamela

If you are planning on claiming a horse, you must deposit the money into your track account with the track bookkeeper. They pay the old owner. All transactions are done by the track bookkeeper.

The horse belongs to the new owner as soon as the race begins. So when the race is over, the new trainer takes the horse back to it's new barn.

A few months ago my trainer and I claimed a horse. The next time she ran, she was claimed away from us. But I knew there was a good chance that was going to happen so I tried not to get to attached!

FOR NANCY ...

You wrote:

LINNIE - I'm restating the important part of my previous post to Deborah: "However, in defense of others, there are an incredible amount of posts here and many (including me) can't possibly have time to read them all...and sometimes people who might actually respond to what you said aren't reading/posting at the time...that's happened to me several times, and also since I was home all day and read an incredible amount here, I found some answers to something I'd written long afterward...so I guess some people DO read everything. Too many messages, not enough time" I speak only for myself, but the only hand I wish to hold is a hoof at New Bolton. You and I are certainly on the same track as far as traffic on this site. Since I can't check from work, I have to be content with what I see early am and in the evenings and reply to what specifically interests me...how many times I have wondered what I missed during the day, but it can't be helped. That's one thing I love about the NBC message board and the candle site - you express your feelings and there's no interchange...and FOR THE LOVE AND SUPPORT OF BARBARO there's a spot for all these media opportunities - aren't we lucky!
Nancy

Posted by: Nancy in CT at August 2, 2006 11:33 PM

I completely agree, Nancy, and we are all very very lucky! I've been sitting here 'glued' to this site for the last couple of hours, and the posts are flying so fast that I can't keep up with them myself and I know that I've missed some! LOL ... great for Tim and Alex but it wreaks havoc on my eyeballs! lOLOLOL

Good to see you here, Nancy!!

If you really want to support a cause, do a google search for New Holland horse slaughter or check this site:

http://equineprotectionnetwork.com/saveamericashorses/about.htm

Nancy in CT...I absolutely have missed tons of posts...Hope I didn't miss a question, guys...I am just too slow for this...

Susan W...I remember all of the talk when they held that stinking race...It seemed as if everyone thought it was a bad idea, but the race would go on anyway because of the money put down...

Margaret,

Thanks a lot! Now I'm in tears..............

I guess I have missed alot - what is a match race and why haven't they had one since Seabisquit???

ShelleyA...So, you have basically bought the horse despite what happens in the race? (If I am the buyer)...and (If I am the seller) the horse is sold before the race begins...ok, here comes the dumb question...is the race only a method for getting people together to buy/sell horses?

DebG. Like I said, it's tough. I probably am going to get booted from my PhillyEagles Admin because I keep this site up all day.
To be a hotwalker, groom , assistant trainer or trainer, or owner, you also have to go through an FBI search... Deb, tell me if this is still on..I remember being fingerprinted and photographed for hours.
Since I have been out of racing for awhile, not sure if they still go through this.
Love ya,
Susan

Wow lots of posts since I left. Gotta go because I am headed to Kentucky so I won't be posting for a few days.

Barbaro stay happy and healthy buddy! Grow some hoof.

Have a great week everyone!

If I hear on the news about strange people dressed up in funny costumes at NBC I'll know who it is!

Sally...my brain is fried...so many posts...I think a match race is one horse against another...that is it...the two race ( are matched)
against each other...no others...

Jo and Anna,
How lovely - again I am amazed at the talent exhibited by many Barbaro fans.

Wm & CL
Thanks - I appreciate Barbaro's approval. BTW, I'm No. 9 on the Petition.

Janice

BYE MARIE....BE CAREFUL...

Deborah, I've been away from a computer for a couple of hours and am just catching up with the posts. First thing I have to say is what a JERK, the eyeball guy!!! I would really like the jerk to explain what difference it could possibly make that there are more women's signatures than men's. Is he insinuating that the signatures of all woman don't count as much as they would if they were all men's signatures. WHAT AN IDIOT! So how about when we actually get somewhere with the petition, someone track the jerk down and show him what we "WOMEN" accomplished!

Secondly, I've been "out here" for weeks now, and usually post daily but am not an active "poster". Please don't feel ignored. Everyone one of us, whether we are active "chatters" or not, are all interested in what everyone here has to say. Sometimes though, it is hard to keep up with the posts when they at times come so fast and furious. But all your posts are important. Someone is reading them.
I, just like everyone else here, share a love and concern for a horse we've never even met. So that makes us all important members of this group whether we "talk" or not. We love Barbaro and it just helps me to sit back and read what all the other Barbaro lover's have to say, so I don't feel like the only "crazy" person out here.

Susan W.-- trying not to laugh out loud (LOL) since we had it happen to us, losing power this afternoon and not able to check on Bobby's status.

Back in to say HANG IN THERE GIRL, you'll be up and running soon...Call a friend or relative in another state if need be and they'll keep you posted (Barbaro's suggestion)!!!

Sally,
The last match race in history was Foolish Pleasure and Ruffian in the 70s.

The reason it will not happen again,, imagine two great horses, racing at a blistering pace.. and one breaks down. While it might have seemed like a brilliant idea ( Filly vs. Colt......Kentucky Derby vs. Oaks...) it turned out horribly.

The bad thing about that was Ruffian REFUSED to be beaten, she never was, and wouldn't let him beat her. Some have posted her legend....When she ran......

I don't want to apply that to Bobby...he is alive and biting.....

Love...
Susan

Bit of History

Fitz Eugene Dixon was the grandson of George D. Widener (sound familiar/NBC), who owned the Philadelphia Traction Company, responsible for building most of the trolley tracks in Philadelphia and other large cities in the late 1890's.

George D. Widener, and his son, Harry, went down with the Titanic on April 15, 1912. His remaining children, William and a daughter, Ellen, survived. Mr. Dixon was the son of Ellen (Widener) Dixon.

Mr. Dixon was prominent in the Pennsylvania Racing Authority and at one time, owned the 76er's and kept horses in training with Michael Matz at Fairhill.

It has been a tough year for Michael and Fairhill.

I thought the connection of Bobby and the Titanic was rather interesting.

Condolences to all connected and hoping that the brave fight of Bobby and his recovery will comfort those who feel