Congratulations to Street Sense. Great race by Hard Spun. Glad everyone crossed the finish safely.

Good Morning Sweet Barbaro in Heaven!!!!!!!

Good morning Rosie, Bobby's Lil Angel and Misty.

Barbaro thanks for watching over your brothers and sisters yesteray and keeping them safe.

Ro & Brady

Good Morning My Precious Barbaro! What a beautiful tribute to you last night - I cried all over again! Love you.

I Love You Barbaro. I Love You The Connections. I Love You Angels. You Are In My Heart So, So, So,So,So,So,So,So,So.

Aren't we a bunch. 9:28 est and no one's posted but 4 understandable and one questionable...I think we all just want to pull the covers over our little heads...and are grateful that we got through the day.
Just looked at the pix jeannine took of the jacksons among others...Gretchen looks so beautiful, so put-together . And SO brave. Roy too...but, ah well...as Matz said, they DID have him....

I have no idea what I will do today. It's sunny and mild out, and unfortunately that isn't my mood...I'll be better once i get back on the phone and bedeviil all those legislators. Sigh. Thank you Barbaro, for getting me through May 5th, 2007.

Barbaro Is The Beautiful Rainbow And He Lives. Also, He Lives In BB2. Also, Speaks Through Nicanor.

When Nicanor Neighs. All Will Listen.

I Feel It.

My Love.

Affirmed.

i just wanted to comment on the beautiful documentary NBS sports presented on "Barbaro, A Nation's Horse". My tears flowed also. The beautiful images that were portrayedof Barbaro and the interviews with the Jacksons, Michael Matz and of course with Dr. Dean Richardson were fabulous. At the end a image was shown of Barbaro's baby brother that was just born in April. He certainly resembles Barbaro in every way.....
F.O.B forever......

Congrats to Street Sense....I am so proud of him. An incredibly brave race by all, and I am so very grateful that everyone had a safe trip across.

It was a bittersweet day, however, for many of us, I believe. I feel as tho something is now gone, again. A certain finality I can't quite put my finger on.

But...

Life goes on.

Thank you, brother Barbaro, for shining your protection down on your brave brothers who competed in yesterday's Derby! I look forward to hearing that they all came out of the race in good shape!

Jane posted last night that she thought Street Sense went to his knees coming out of the gate. Actually what happened is that he went half-way to his knees, just like our beloved Barbaro did last year! So here is my idea of how Barbaro has taught other horses to win: go half-way to your knees just out of the gate - a slight bow to honor your competitors - and then get right up and BLOW THEM OUT OF THE WATER!

My congratulations also to Hard Spun for really hanging tough after coming out so fast...he nearly did it with that glorious pink #8 saddle cloth! No debating, however, that Calvin Bo-rail executed a perfect ride for Street Sense!

I've never wagered in my life, but I bet both Street Sense and Hard Spun across the board (cost me $12) and ended up winning $39.60! Beginner's luck, I guess...$20. of my winnings will go to sponsor another HSMO horse for Mrs. Jackson's Mother's Day tribute!

It was a tough, emotional day yesterday, and I congratulate all the FOBs for hanging together, for surviving the day (thanks, Alex, for keeping the "door to our home" unlocked last night - we really needed to be here)...and now it's back to the phones and the fax machines - WE NEED MORE SPONSORS to bring the anti-slaughter legislation out for a vote and VICTORY FOR THE HORSES!

I love you, sweet Barbaro!

Nancy

Good morning, Barbaro! We will love you always -- you are always in our hearts.

Good morning, Alex and all the Fans of Barbaro!
Congratulations to Street Sense and thank God for a safe race!

I uploaded a video slideshow of Barbaro's Birthday Celebration at Lone Star Park in Texas.

I dedicate it with love to Alex Brown with extreme gratitude for bringing us all together for the love of Barbaro and his magnificent fellow creatures everywhere.

###
Therese

"...I feel as tho something is now gone, again. A certain finality I can't quite put my finger on."

Exactly how I am feeling. Unsettling....
jan

And everyone came home safe!

Without Barbaro's influence, would we have Derby contenders trained on synthetic tracks?

The documentary had me in tears several times- but what this magnificent creature gifted us and his equine brethren with is irreplaceable.

p.s. About the Lone Star Park video, I'm the one in the white tank top (in a couple of slides), and it was my first time ever to go to a horseracing track! I would have never known such an experience had I not fallen in love with a certain horse named Barbaro. Thank you, Barbaro! I love you always!

Street Sense Is Related To Barbaro.

Some Members Of Their Family: Flower Bowl, Flower Bed, Bold Ruler, Halo, Hail To Reason, Northern Dancer, Broadway.

It Helps A Lot To Be Related. It Is The Connection.

Barbaro Is The Highest Flower Of Them All.

My Love.

Affirmed.

Dear Fans of Barbaro:

What a beautiful documentary of our Barbaro. The tears flowed from 8-9pm..and even this morning. I just want him back with us, but know he is near always.

Words cannot describe the spirit of Barbaro...but you can feel his presence everywhere.

Congrats to Street Sense...and like me, one of the other FOB's thought that the way Street Sense found the opening close to the end of the race, that it just seemed as if Barbaro...lead him thru the pack and onto victory!

Barbaro is very much ALIVE!!!!

Love to all,
Debra Barton
OH

### Dee Wow!!!!!!! Trippy.......

Fans of Babaro....I hope all of you have a safe and wonderful Sunday.... I love you all........

Angel Barbaro.......

BARBARO never died..... He is on vacation....We will all see him soon........ The older we get, the closer we are to seeing him :-)

Won't it be nice to ride him??????? :-)

Now I am crying through the Lone Star Park photo slide show! It is wonderful.

I thought I was done yesterday. These next few weeks are going to be so difficult. However, I renew my vow to build Barbaro's leagacy.

FOB forever

######
Dee,

I love your post about Nicanor. You give me hope.

### Dvori,
Thanks for sharing the Lone Star Park video. Looks like the group had a fabulous time.

Carol

I Love You So,So,So,So,So,So,So,So,So,So Angels Nina And M.J. It Is True That Barbaro's Spirit Us So,So,So,So,So,So,So,So,So Strong And He Lives.

My Love.

Affirmed.

# Good morning FOBs and Angel Barbaro.

The Derby was a mixture of emotions...both exciting and sad. Street Sense gave us a thrill -and thank God they all crossed the line safely!

But the event also heightened my sadness that Barbaro is physically gone ... cut down before his prime and never having had the chance to show us all those 'gears' (something, I think, that will haunt Peter Brett for a long time).

And Zast's article (MSNBC) gives me a feeling of uneasiness. Maybe I'm afraid people will forget about Barbaro because the media will have forgotten him, just like they ignored his achievements when voting on the Eclipse Awards because they failed to get the big picture.

I don't know. I'm just in a funk right now.

Sunday morning (psychic) skritches and congrats to our undefeated champion Big Boss Horse of Forever, winner of yesterday's Celestial Derby - Run for the Rainbows yesterday. That was some stiff competition!!!!!! Sunday morning earthly skritches and congrats to Street Sense...! And Hard Spun...and Curlin!

####
FsOB
Just remember: Without Barbaro, we wouldn't be here. Or as Equine Heaven so eloquently put it on Barbaro's Happy Birthday card:
"One lives in the world's memory only by what they have done on the world's behalf."

Think about how many times during the course of yesterday's coverage -- and the run up to yesterday's coverage -- Barbaro was mentioned. If that isn't a legacy, we don't know what qualifies.

Friarly recommendation: Pay www.equine-heaven.com a visit whenever you're particularly missing the BBH. Then look in Nicanor's eyes...then look at the new little one galloping about. It's a circle of life thing...

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

Good morning everyone,

For all of you in the path of these violent storms in the midwest, be safe. Flooding is once again a concern in my neck of the woods after a night of nothing but torrential rain.

I hope a certain horse in my life doesn't have to take a scary van ride anytime soon to go to "camp" to escape any rising rivers. If he does though, rest assured I will be with him on that van from the moment he steps onto it until he gets off at the place he'll stay temporarily should he need to be evacuated.

Speaking of scary van rides, let's all get up tomorrow and attack the week with a vengeance. Make those calls, send the faxes/e-mails, do all you can to gain more co-sponsors for our cause.

Watch for directives from Shelley and Debra this week and let's end this horrible practice.

Do it for Barbaro.

######
Sarah,

I saw that Zast article last night and I got so upset. I am going to write him and NBC a very professional complaint letter saying how he could have written that entire thing and not given onenegative statement about Barbaro. He did it for the headlines. What a horrible thing to say about a dead horse. Really, the racing industry itself just thinks one horse easily replaces another. They need to respect the animals they have.

Bottom-line, I am still here today and I still love Barbaro. Street Sense and his win changes none of that. They are two seperate things.

Sarah, people won't forget about Barbaro because we won't let them!!

Dvori, Thanks for the pictures of the celebration at Lone Star Park. It is a great feeling to see all the different groups that gathered in the same spirit that day.
Wendy & Jeannine, Thanks also for the Derby pictures!

Congrats to Street Sense and Calvin Borel, Carl Nafziger and Jim Tafel! Well deserved, and exciting to say the least. Hard Spun also ran a great race. Best of all, everyone came home safe.

ILLINOIS PEOPLE!! Please join the calling group that Colleen has so graciously stepped up to lead. We need more of you now!!! Let's keep putting our love of Barbaro into action. Please email w.szara@comcast.net if you are willing to help call...this week is super important!

# Friar: Thanks for those cheerful thoughts!
On a lighter note, part of Barbaro's legacy is....I actually "knew" the majority of the Derby contenders!! That was a first for me!

## MJ: Zast, himself, called his words 'heretical .' So I'm not sure what his point was, or what he was trying to do. It just made me sad to read.

## Skyler: You're right! We won't let them forget!

###
SarahFromNC
regarding your post about people forgetting Barbaro (media,etc)

Maybe Sarah this is where the FOBs can be of help by continuing with our efforts to stop horse slaughter, raise awareness and monies for the Barbaro and Laminitis Funds all in the name of Barbaro. If we continue to do good works, stay united, keep our focus, and be diligent to do this work in honor of Barbaro, then I think we can help keep Barbaro's memory alive.
jan

I thought Hard Spun ran his heart out. Just so glad they were all safe. Congrats to the winner.

# jan....you're right!

Everyone, especially Sarah, look at this article..can someone make it Blue? It is about our Boy"s day at the Derby and it is Wonderful!!!

http://www.kentucky.com/304/story/62239.html

Ann Marie,

I agree with you about the documentary. It was so emotional and Bobby looked so beautiful. I went through a box of kleenex. His baby brother at the end was wonderful.

Another nice day here....

Patti
IL

I have read a few messages referring to Alex leaving. Alex where are you going? If this is true I wish you well but will surely miss going to your website everyday. I got hooked on your site right after Barbaro's injury and continue everyday to read your timely, accurate and personal insights.

I just read from the Fox Hill Farms site that Hard Spun came out of the race in great shape and they are planning on the Preakness. Go Hard Spun!

# MJ Thank you! Yes, that was very uplifting!!

Okay FOBs...let's put our collective heads together. Yesterday was so bittersweet and sad for many of us. The Preakness is going to be 100x as hard I would bet.
So.....
What are your thoughts of something positive that we could do during the week of the Preakness to celebrate Barbaro? I'm thinking that doing something positive might also help to ease a little of the pain for Barbaro's connections.
Let's get the FOBs into action...
jan

## jan...good idea. Yes, as sad as yesterday was - the Preakness is going to be especially emotional.

Blue linked for you MJ

Our Boy's Day at the Derby

Good idea Jan,

Maybe we should do our $29.00 donations at the time of the Preakness instead of on the 29th. You know everyone send them in on that day. Just a thought.

Also, does anyone know how we can get a hold of these in memory of Barbaro envelopes that the US postal service had at the Dreby yesterday? They are mentioned in the article I posted the link to above.

##
Sarah
After viewing the Barbaro documentary, I cannot imagine how hard the week of the Preakness will be for the Jacksons, Michael Matz, Peter, Dr. Richardson, everyone at New Bolton Center, on and on...
To me it is unimaginable...
jan

###Skyler, hope you got my diary and I sure hope the violent storms don't make joe the horse have to take another scary ride. He won't be scared with you, tho, God bless you both.

###Nina, Amen, we will see Barbaro again!!

Thank you for your great interest in Barbaro's story, if you will send me your

E-Mail address, first and last name to dletell01@yahoo.com I will send you

an Electronic Post Card of my book cover, which depicts

Barbaro's greatest moment, as he virtually demolished the strongest Derby field in last thirty-five years,

on his way to the greatest Kentucky Derby winning margin in the last sixty years. My book is

"Barbaro and Other Inspiring Horses" Go to google, and type-in

Publish America, go to their online bookstore

and type-in 1-4241-7851-7 or the book title, and it will bring up my book order form.

Thanks, David Letell

Jo at TB Friends

Good morning everyone. Glad to see everyone starting to chime in. We made it.

### VERNA Are you okay?

### NINA Did your dad watch the documentary?

Have a great day everyone. Barbaro in hevvin - thank you for getting them all home safely.

##
MJ
Thanks for the article! I was thinking the same thing...how do we get a hold of the In Memory of Barbaro envelopes..

$29 donation to the Laminitis Fund on Preakness race day would be very fitting.
jan

Hello Barbaro Nation. I work in master control at an NBC Affliate station and last week I cried the whole time that hockey ran over and then I cried the whole hour that the special aired last night. Barbaro should still be here making beautiful champions. I wish his baby brothers the best of luck and look forward hopfully, to see their work in the future.
Congratulations to Street Sense. He ran a wonderful race and after 2 minutes I could let out my breath when all horses crossed the line safely.
Missing the big boy still. K in MT

Forget Barbaro NEVER !!!!!!!!!!

HE IS WITH US FOREVER !!!!!!!!!

Affirmed.

Does anybody know if we can purchase the "riding with Barbaro" bracelets???

Good morning, my Beloved Angel Boys.

Good morning, Barbaro Nation. I too feel unsettled today. Yesterday was very emotional. I think Preakness Day is going to be even more so. But I also know we will all get through it, together.

As for Senor Zast, he wants attention. He's trying to make controversy to get attention. He's also very wrong. The Barbaro Momentum is still growing. We are a force to be reckoned with. We won't stop after the slaughter ban passes; we'll have a lot of work to do to support rescues and for laminitis research.

Barbaro's Derby record still stands. It took 60 years for Barbaro to come along and win by more than six lengths, after Assault's Derby. As impressive as SS was yesterday, he didn't beat Barbaro's winning margin or time. He didn't capture the world's hearts the way Barbaro did. After Hard Spun's performance, and seeing Curlin's potential, I would say a Triple Crown is less likely this year than last year. This is not to take away from SS; I'm just refuting Zast's statements that this year's Derby winner has displaced Barbaro, just like that.

Enough ranting for now; I need coffee.

Joe and Skyler, I hope you stay safe and don't have to ride in the big truck. I hope all the horses in the potential flood zones stay safe, for I fear not everyone can leave and go to camp.

Halo

4 Letter Word.

God Loves Barbaro So.

Angels Do Halo Around The B.

God Loves Angels.

Affirmed.

###
Julie L
bracelets can be purchased at
www.ridingwithbarbaro.org

jan

####

Thank you Jan!

THanks for the update on Hard Spun Alex. Glad he made another quick recovery from another all-out effort. What a horse!

###

Jan--Was it you who suggested we do something the week of the Preakness in honor of our boy? I think it was you????

What if we each choose a Horse Rescue Facility during that week, and donate whatever we can to help them out? We could each put together a kind of "from the heart", not too long, letter to go along with our donation describing how each of us feels/felt about Barbaro? How does that idea sound to you all???? It sounds to me like a good way to honor him during that week...and let others know of his Legacy continuing? That way, we don't 'mess' with the $29.00 on the 29th Laminitis Donations....just a thought.

Jan--by the way....how has the "Horsey Til End of the Year" project been unfolding? I love to hear about all that:)

Must run ..... will check back later on....

Friar Tuck--LOVED your "Circle of Life Kind of Thing" Good Job!!

Lynne-Barbaro's Forever Friend in CA

Top three headed to Preakness
By Jennie Rees
jrees@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

The top three finishers of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby appear headed to the May 19 Preakness Stakes as long as they come out of the race well, their trainers said this morning.

Carl Nafzger, who won his second Derby when Street Sense and jockey Calvin Borel came from 19th to chase down front-running Hard Spun for a 2-1/4-length victory, said he didn’t want to talk about the Preakness until he had a chance to first speak with owner Jim Tafel. But then he said if all went well the colt “most likely” would advance to the Triple’s Crown second leg.

Street Sense jogged a mile at Churchill Downs today, perhaps the first Derby winner to go to the track the day after since 1990, when Nafzger won with Unbridled. Though unconventional, that is Nafzger’s habit with all his horses, believing the light training helps get out stiffness. Street Sense now will not train for a few days.

Larry Jones, who is stabled 50 miles away from Pimlico at Delaware Park, said Hard Spun will point toward the 1 3/16-mile Preakness. “This is Calvin country. We’re now going to Pino country,” he said with a laugh, referring to jockey Mario Pino, who is the winningest rider all time in Maryland.

Trainer Steve Asmussen said Curlin looked fine this morning. “I was very proud of him to get up to third late,” he said. “… Street Sense came from behind him and Hard Spun was in front of him. I think it was an excellently run Derby, and we were third.”

He said the Preakness “will be considered,” but that he wants to see how Curlin does when he resumes training Wednesday and to talk to the owners before committing.

Trainer Todd Pletcher, whose best finish with his record-tying quintet was sixth-place Circular Quay, said none of his Derby horses will attempt the Preakness. He will run Santa Anita Derby runner-up King of the Roxy.

Other horses expected to contest the Preakness include Chelokee, the Florida Derby third-place finisher; Coolmore Lexington winner Slew’s Tizzy; Federico Tesio winner Xchanger; and one or both of the D. Wayne Lukas-trained Derby Trial winner Flying First Class and Lexington runner-up Starbase. C.P. West, trained by Nick Zito, will go in either the Preakness or the Barbaro Stakes on the undercard. The Barbaro Stakes, named for last year’s Derby winner who suffered catastrophic leg fractures in the Preakness, formerly was the Sir Barton Stakes.

#######
Christian,

Thank you!

ALEX-
I forget to tell you how much I appreciated you leaving the board open last night. It was a real sweet offering to us poor souls who viewed the Barbaro doc and had noone at home to identify with.

THANK YOU- I LOVE YOU! (though not in the weird stalking type way -alright?) YOU are our ROCK, OUR FOUNDATION

Prayers for all creatures great and small

###
Susan E

Thanks for the article. I wonder if Edgar will ride King of the Roxy again....or maybe Chelokee??

Sorry to get onto the HS issue here, but we really need to get young people interested in horses. The quarter horse breed dumps more horses into the pipelines than any other breed. We need to go after them about over breeding. While they are over breeding, there are MANY older horses who would be excellent for younger kids just starting out. Somehow, we have to figure out a way to get more kids and families into programs such as 4H. They are actually dying out in some places in the country. As kids turn to video games and hand held devices, their interests in other things drop.

I will be working on this, and will try to start a discussion on the forum, but I will need your input and ideas.

I was on here LATE last night, also. I'd like to give Alex a special "Thank you." for staying "open" for all of us on the west coast. We did a lot of crying together and it was very therapeutic!

Yesterday was VERY difficult. I'm going to try to pull myself up by the boot straps today. I will still cry a little, but I'm exhausted from crying all day yesterday.

God bless all of you and Hail to our Precious Barbaro. I miss you SO much. (There go the tears again.)

"Barbaro's Derby record still stands. It took 60 years for Barbaro to come along and win by more than six lengths, after Assault's Derby. As impressive as SS was yesterday, he didn't beat Barbaro's winning margin or time. He didn't capture the world's hearts the way Barbaro did. After Hard Spun's performance, and seeing Curlin's potential, I would say a Triple Crown is less likely this year than last year. This is not to take away from SS; I'm just refuting Zast's statements that this year's Derby winner has displaced Barbaro, just like that."

Thank you Susan E-

You expressed my feelings exactly. I'm not ready for any horse to surpass Barbaro's accomplishments
on the racetrack (yet)... and taking nothing away from Street Sense, I don't see it happening this year either, and I'm thankful. It will be easier to take a year or two from now...

hmmm... Nicanor in 2009 perhaps?

Take care Susan-
Christian

me too, me too, me too: all of it.
And now I have to go to a baby shower....uch. (I LOVE babies...it's all that other stuff...too much like a wedding shower.)

I may have to sit down next to the cake with a large fork--there's gonna be a cake, right?--and eat till I fall over....my dear friend's daughter is the Mommy, so she'll forgive me...and I even have a ride to the EVENT...tried to crash, but didn't work. The new greyhound, Shiloh, lay right next to me, and his upright ear looked like a black calla lily. What a sweet soul he is.

Feeling that disconnected feeling I think Susan mentioned. Dear God let me get on with this day in good spirits, and not thinking all day long: iwanthimbackiwanthimbackiwanthimback.....

OK: Onward (I am so grateful for all of you. I know that no scoffage will be aimed at this whiny post of mine. Sorry Lynne: It's just the way it's playing out....I hope you go to see your Frens today.)

Any Given Saturday must be thinking - what can I do to make him like me? Street Sense was taking no prisoners, and when that little hole developed AGS and Gomez got knocked off their feet. These two horses have had some interesting battles this year. For awhile it appeared Hard Spun just might steal it. Very impressed with his race. Congratulations to all the Street Sense connections, what a magnificent performance.

Sylvia

####Lynne, your bracelet is in the mail!!

****
Christian...THANKS for bluelinking that article by Amy Wilson...I REALLY NEEDED TO READ THAT !!! They didn't show that on the TV...THANKS AGAIN!!!

HI AGAIN DEAR FAMILY...

I'm off to host my piano students recital. OY.

I like the idea of laminitis fund donations on Preakness Day...

MISSING BARBARO MORE THAN EVER.............

*****

Maribel-

You're welcome, but thank MJ...
she posted the article (which was great)
and I just practiced making it blue.
Always happy when that operation works lol...

Thought the doc. on Barbaro was very good. I was touched when Mrs. Jackson said at the end she kissed and hugged and told Barbaro goodbye. Barbaro was loved so much and I think he knew at the end how much he was loved and had all his caring and loving people around him. We must work hard for the horses that have noone to love them and care for them. It is what Barbaros legacy is.

####
Kathie in MT
We cried the whole time with you.
Glad your here with us.

###
jonna
I like your style!!!
jan

Alex,

Hopefully, you can catch up with Barclay Tagg and inquire after NoBiz. I love NoBiz, he was my pick. Interested in an after Derby report. Thanks.

Cathy

Hello, all!

I, too, had that disconnected feeling yesterday. I congratulate Calvin Borel and Street Sense and his connections, but somehow as the afternoon got closer to the Derby itself, I almost just wanted it to be over.

I am so grateful that all the horses were safe. As I watched Hard Spun, for awhile it felt as if the race were in suspended animation--my eyes fixed on the #8 saddlecloth as Hard Spun was out in front and then I looked at my Barbaro beanie, and then back at the screen, and I thought--yup, he's up there pulling the strings, sending those of us who "get it" a little wink.
It was perfect.

Thanks to Jeannine and Wendy for the photos, and Alex for everything. It struck me how Tom Hammond promoted the documentary THREE times during the show. It felt as if he didn't want to let go of Barbaro either. Whatever any writer says, Barbaro's legacy surpasses that of any earthly racing achievement. He's simply in a league of his own.

The Preakness will be even tougher if Chelokee runs. Imagine how Michael will feel. How much heartbreak can the human heart take? It would be wonderful if he won that race. I just know it's going to be especially tough for all of us who love Barbaro until after the Preakness is over.

Here is one of my favorites. It brought me to tears (again!), but only because I'm feeling so emotional. It's really a HAPPY video (Budweiser.) I have them ALL saved in my favorites in Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRr_bgcoAZI

Enjoy! (As I've mentioned before, I don't use the blue ink because it gets all over my fingers!)

Following is a poem I was given at the funeral recently of a dear friend.

I feel it speaks for our beloved Barbaro too.

Know that as we all grieve, once again, and miss him more than ever, during this Kentucky Derby weekend our courageous, beautiful, much loved Barbaro is with us in spirit as he runs free.

I AM FREE

Don't grieve for me, for now I am free.
I am following the path God has laid you see.
I took his hand when I heard him call.
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and peace to thee
God wanted me now; He set me free.

I will always love you, Big Boy, and will keep you in my heart forever. Missing you.......

Another way to honor Barbaro during the much-dreaded Preakness week...since the NTRA has designated all the Triple Crown Races "Barbaro Days" for their fundraiser, when I made my donation yesterday I decided to divide it in thirds...one third yesterday, one third on Preakness day, and one third on Belmont day, in honor of our beloved Barbaro, who we know in our hearts would have been a Triple Crown Champion!

###
JULIE L - great to see you back!

Nancy

Piano recitals and baby showers. Stall mucking-out, hauls to be completed for horses rescued when we weren't even looking. Tuscon--already has a home to go to. Sweet red face, big mushy eyes.

How he ran over to his rescuers when they came to visit the feedlot...
They could not walk away from Tuscon, god bless them...and then we FoBs did what we do: gave what we could to get Tuscon his freedom..and HELLO?! Miracle. All due to Barbaro, IMHO.

I cannot get over the Jacksons...they are so honorable. The only other people who spring to mind when this word comes to me is the basic Barbaro team. They honored that horse and his legacy in everything they did--and continue to do so...

I am glad I was not at Delpark for one reason. I think I would have crumpled--fainted dead away--when Mrs. Gretchen Jackson knelt before the FoBs and gave thanks...Unbelievable. They are people cut from different cloth, of an era that just isn't here anymore. They have grace, a very rare commodity in human being these days. And dearly wish I could do more for them than I can.

As she said, "Certainly, grief is the price we pay for love...."

SO there you have it. That disconnected feeling, wanting to eat an entire kitchy baby shower cake, it's all part of the grief. And god bless us for
working at our tasks while we go through the grief.

Another Monday tomorrow. Another day to imagine the scene at NBC... (I am not the only one to notice the nurses and techs in the January 29 press conference from last night's docu, mopping at their eyes..)It's all too familiar and easy to see in the minds of those of us who work in animal rescue of any kind. The last loving gift we give our dear companions. Safety. Peace. Freedom.

OK I have to stop....thanks for letting me get this out today. I promise tomorrow I'll be fairly twinkling with good-will and willingness. Love to all: j

####
Jonnna, Go pig out on that cake, and eat some for me!

ONE LAST THING, MY DEARS: How i love this poem. I hope it will resonate as much for you as it does for me...

i carry your heart with me
#######
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)

i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings

I check in every day, but almost never post -- but it's good to know you are all here.
Yesterday was a tough day for all of us -- I wish we had seen an update on Barbaro as the Triple Crown winner and now standing at stud -- but it was not to be. The Preakness will be so difficult to watch this year.
The NBC show was heart-wrenching -- particularly the last shot of his new baby brother -- and the note of the date of the 2010 Derby.
Thank you Alex for this site -- and thank you FOBs for all the good you do.

# Good article ... sorry, I can't do that blue thingy ..

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.eisenberg05may05,0,2667483.column?coll=bal-sports-headlines

And now I'm really off to a recital....

The weekend before Barbaro left us I had dreams that we would lose him. The fact that we were not getting updates (ACD,etc) had me concerned and I hoped that that was the reason for the dreams.

Monday 1/29 came and I logged on to the internet only to see the headline that had appeared in my dreams for the prior 2 nights. I was in shock and in immense pain. He had been my rock; his courage and strength saw me thru surgery and the first several chemo treatments. When I started to falter, Linnie, Cheryl, Annie and many other FOB’s all reminded me that if Barbaro could do it, so could I. How was I to go on?

I read why the decision was made and I agreed that it was the right decision. But, God, that didn’t make it any easier.

I was in pain – but I didn’t cry. Everytime I looked at his picture or read articles about him – I hurt, but I still didn’t cry.

That is, until last night.

I watched his documentary, and the tears flowed. It was good to cry – they were tears of joy at seeing him in his finest moment, and tears of sorrow for his worst. They were tears of hope for his youngest brother and tears of compassion for the Jacksons, Dr Richardson, Michael Matz and the rest of Team Barbaro.

Barbaro – though your physical body is gone, your spirit lives on in every soul you have touched.

Vaya con Dios Sweet Boy -

##
Karen
Welcome!
and Thanks for coming out of the shadows to post... We need everyone..especially this weekend
jan

##
Barb
I like very much what you said about finding ways to reach young people. I feel this is extremely important and another way to expand the Barbaro effect. You are absolutely correct that in areas of the country 4-H has died out or become very diminished.
Thank you!
jan

####
Linda H, That got the tears going again! I may as well give it up as a "lost" weekend. I can't get anything done. Too emotional.
So glad to see you posting.

Hello All,

Does anyone know about Alex's retirement plans? He commented on it last week as "pending retirement" and that it would be announced shortly...has it? I check the site daily but do not have time to go thru all of the comments...I would appreciate an update if there is one at this time...otherwise will continue to watch the updates.

####
jan, I'll try to get over to the forum to get a thread started. We REALLY need to get the young folk back into horses. I SWEAR it is my anti-drug. My kids have been so BUSY with the horses, that they have NO time to get bored, or into drugs.

Thanks for the support.

### Donna W.
I am pretty sure someone on the db asked him and he said June. I know it is his life, but I will miss him. So considerate of him to leave comments up last night.

Has anyone heard from Verna today?

Jonna - go girl!

Lovely, lovely day and race! I couldn't believe the weather held up - just perfect. I was able to get a couple of bets in by Phonebet so thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. I couldnt make up my mind between Curlin (Thank you, Alex) and Hardspun, so bet them both and made a little profit. Curlin is a gorgeous colt; I couln't believe how mature he is...it will be interesting to see how he takes the Belmont. The Preakness, oh my, should really be a show with several colts having a chance at that distance. My heart is still with Hardspun - I didn't think I had any tears left, but seeing that #8 flying around the track in the lead...oh well. He's going to be a great one to watch.

Love to all,
Peg

###Kathy in SC

Thanks for the info...I will continue to follow the site as long as it's here and wish the best for Alex.

###
Good morning, beautiful boy. Good morning, family. Does anyone know Ken Z.'s email address? If so, could you send it to me at jdsun@comcast.net? I'd like to order a Barbaro cartoon T-shirt, if they are still available.

Thank you.

Jackie in VA
FOB forever

##
Jackie
You've got mail!
jan

###
Thank you, Jan!!!

Jackie in VA
FOB forever

*****Good Sunday FOB'S. An emotional weekend for us all, for sure. If anyone has a moment to light a candle or say a prayer for a dear friend of mine. She just called to tell me that her little Pomeranian, Crystal, died this morning after giving birth to two puppies yesterday. Crystal was the sweetest little girl.....The puppies are tiny, but I could hear them crying in the background. Hopefully they will survive. She is tube feeding them now as no foster Mom's are available......

So glad for a safe trip for all the horses yesterday, and again for the great performances by Street Sense, Hard Spun and Curlin. Our B was certainly honored on Derby Day and so close in everyone's thoughts.

###
JANE - I am so sorry for your friend...I just love Poms, sweetest little doggies! Do they know what happened to Crystal? And how are the tiny babies adjusting to bottle feedings?

REST IN PEACE, SWEET CRYSTAL...Big brother Barbaro and all our furbabies have surely given you a warm welcome just across the Rainbow Bridge.

NANCY

Heard A Song Today In Church "Lean On Me."

Thought Of Barbaro.

Thought Of You Angels.

Could Someone Print The Lyrics ?

My Love.

Affirmed.

####

Nancy, They don't know what happened, my friend, Shauna, is an experienced breeder and never had this happen, everyone is crying, including the vet...poor Crystal just had no strength and her lungs filled with fluid. I am hugging my own little Poms and so hoping Crystal's little ones can make it for her memory. I also thought that our B was there to greet her this morning and to comfort her for leaving her babies behind. Just so sad, more tears this weekend. Let's hope for a good outcome. Thank you for your concern.

##
Barb
Another point...think about how the Barbaro documentary begins with the opening scenes of children writing to Barbaro.
I know the response I have seen from my students. Barbaro and I would say horses, can really speak to kids.
I think your focus is right on!
jan

Chelokee Is Related To Halo.

I Love Halos.

Affirmed.

##
Jane
OH NO! I'm so sorry...... :(
jan

####
Thank you Jan, so very kind.....

Rest in peace, little Crystal. I'll bet there's a job waiting for you in Equine Heaven, across the bridge.

My Heart And Prayers Go Out To You Angel Jane For Cystal.

My Love.

Affirmed.

Good morning(West coast)/afternoon (East coast family -

Love to all, and hugs ((())) for making it through a very hard day.

### Donna W - I think we all hit the panic button when we saw that post regarding Alex's retirement. However, I followed it the day it appeared, and Mr. Brown was quite firm on the fact that he would not leave us adrift. As I understand it, he will be sure we have a forum to address horse slaughter and rescue, and has been seeking solutions to the problem. He seems to be one heck of a problem solver, so I leave my fate here comfortably in his governance.

###
jonna - You are not whining. You are just saying what everyone feels to some extent. Be at peace, girl, and enjoy Shiloh's redemption. How lovely for that old fella to be safe, and that's due to you in no small part. (Not to mention, of course, the rest of the clan!)

### Susan E - Thank you for your heartfelt and thoughtful post. It is firm in my mind that nobody who saw the Boss Hoss in the stretch in his Derby will ever forget it, and I believe his place is assured.

I will contribute to a rescue facility on Preakness day. I think that, or a contribution to laminitis, is the best thing we can do to honor the Bay. I will also continue to lobby my family and friends to take part in an all-out assault on legislators at both the state and federal levels.

I was happy that Street Sense AND Hard Spun ran such a terrific race, and that Curlin got in on the action as well. Where B. was glamor, (Paul Newman, Brad Pitt), I see Street Sense as a working man's horse. Brown. Plain. VERY professional, very self-possessed. And I cannot emphasize enough how much Hard Spun impressed me in defeat. Danged horse had no notion of stopping... A lot of heart out there yesterday for all to see. If Chelokee is truly in the Preakness, I'm going to be in a hideous schizophrenic zone, not knowing what to wish for!

Now I have to go read last night's posts, and then continue nailing up 20' x 25' sheets of visqueen, preparatory to the roofers coming to make my life Hell, but keep me dry next winter. And that's the easy part. It's when they tear the bathroom apart and we have no place to shower for a week that it's going to be difficult. I sure wish I were going to a shower or a piano recital instead. My husband, as I have mentioned before, is a former Marine, and everything we undertake is a "mission". On the good side, I asked him to join the California calling group, and he takes on making the calls in the same spirit, so it's a good thing. Just a little wearing on a daily basis...

Again, I love you all. You are all such transcendently good souls, and restore my faith in the questionable undertaking described as humanity. Thank you for being here.

Love and comfort to all in need, four-legged and two-legged, and have a Barbaro day, courage and kindness.

- Jean

A RE-POST OF A RE-POST FROM THE DB ON THE MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE FOR THE MO ACCIDENT HORSES:

BTW - Support of these horses addresses Anti-Slaughter and Horse Rescue AND IS A TRIBUTE FOR EVERYONE'S FAVORITE MOM ON MOTHER'S DAY - MRS JACKSON!!!

You can contribute $5.00 or $50.00, you decide. You don't have to over-extend yourself to be part of the fun!

But thehe deadline to be included is TOMORROW, so please HURRY!!!!!!!

Hi, Rosemary,

On Derby Day I decided to spend my money on a couple more sponsorships. I'm a lousy "bettor" anyway.....P.O.ed when I loose, ungracious when I win. So, this way I can help someone else WIN - the MO horses.....that works for me!

So anyway, I added Liberty - she was how I first learned about the accident (I saw the picture of Liberty being "loved on" by a young volunteer on the morning after the hellish night those horses lived through). I was at first drawn to the angelic face of the young girl, but then I saw the look on Liberty's face. It spoke to me. It still does. It said, "OH, thank God, someone does care about me and I am safe now." Both the girl and Liberty had their eyes closed - they looked so peaceful. I have a copy of the picture, but I don't need it.....I can see it clearly in my mind's eye. I wish I could have hugged that special girl and that special horse, too.

(Portion edited out)

Don't worry about me spending too much, Rosemary. I only wish I could make larger "pledges". I pace myself. (No pun intended - the harness race fans understand!) But, I have a committment to these horses and will be here for the Father's Day tribute, too (and beyond).

(Portion edited out)

Thanks for everything YOU do for these gifts of fate, these gifts of kismet, these gifts of KARMA! - these MO horses (and new baby Twister - TWIST OF FATE!).

*************************************************

Please join in the tribute by going to
www.hsmo.org/fansofbarbaro
then go to the thread on the DB so that Rosemary can get the info. she needs from you.

Posted by: Glenda in NE PA at May 5, 2007 11:55 PM

Jean Nolan:
My husband is a "former" marine too - I learned shortly after marriage that they are NEVER EX Marines!

###########

FIRST OF ALL ... I NOTICED THAT THIS HADN'T BEEN POSTED YET, SO ...

A VERY VERY VERY VERY DESERVING HAPPY AND HEALTHY BIRTHDAY TO OUR OWN LINDA H!!! TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY AND TODAY WOULD HAVE BEEN MY OWN FATHER'S 97TH BIRTHDAY ... HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA AND DAD!!
###############

Linda, reading your post really brought it all home for me because I know how we all felt that abyssmal weekend leading up to January 29th ... a crunching devastation of the heart that was powerfully strong, deep and all too memorable. We all feared what was coming, yet we all knew though we were afraid to even whisper it to ourselves ... we knew.

Even though I was fortunate enough to watch the NBC documentary in the private screening Alex arranged for us at DelPark a week ago today, I wasn't prepared for the upheaval of my own emotions when I watched it again last night in the privacy of my own home with no one watching my reactions but very own shadow. The pounding tears that overflowed in my heart was like the incessant pounding of an anvil ... and the beating got louder and louder ... the tears became a welcome 'release' and cleansing of the tension that had been building without my awareness until last night at 8 PM.

I was 'fine' during the festivities of yesterday because I looked at the Derby as Barbaro's finest shining hour and he was gloriously triumphant on the track that day. If he had lived to this day, he would have had to pass on the Kentucky Derby torch and mantle to his successor yesterday, and that was inevitable. So I am delighted with Street Sense's win and thrilled for all his connections ... it was a joyous moment for me. But last night was something quite different from 8 to 9 PM and then I cried oceans of tears afterward, still in denial and disbelief, and still asking "Why, Barbaro, Why?"

Intellectually I KNOW why, but emotionally I was as dazed and confused and frustrated as I was on January 29th ... and I still wanted the answer that my heart needed ... "Why?"

As I look ahead to the Preakness, I know without a doubt that THAT day will be almost unbearable for me and for all of us here ... the horror will come flooding back the moment the beginning of this race begins ... the 'ghost' of Barbaro will be seen by all of us, I'm sure ... it won't be easy ... it will be painful ... hopefully, it will be cathartic in some strange way.

################################

I've read the posts asking for something we can "do" on May 19 in honor of Barbaro, and some have mentioned making their $29 donation to the laminitis fund on that date instead of waiting until the 29th of the month. If you would like to do that, of course that is your choice and, either way, those monies will get to the right place. But I have an alternate suggestion that you all might be open to ...

I still maintain that if it was not for the "Laminitis Dragon" that slayed our Barbaro, he would be alive and living on some beautiful Kentucky farm, grazing in the bluegrass and sunshine and enjoying life. For me, there is one culprit in all of this, and that is laminitis, and for me, I am focused like a laser beam on destroying its very existence. We can only do that with research and education which, as we all know, costs lots of money.

So, if you are inclined and want to give to laminitis research fund on the day of the Preakness in loving memory and honor of our beloved Barbaro, here's what I propose and suggest.

It won't take a lot of our dollars to make a difference on that date so that we will still be able to give our $29 on the 29th of this month as always, but we can donate $6.00 in honor of Barbaro's Post Position in the Preakness in the year 2006 and in honor of his 6 1/2 length win in the Derby!

So, by donating just $6.00 to the laminitis fund on May 19, you will honor Barbaro three ways ... his post position # in The Preakness, the year he won the Derby - 06 - and the # of lengths he won the Derby by ( I know it was 6 1/2 but just rounding off here!) In this way, if you still want to honor him via other ways; i.e. horse rescue, sponsoring, etc., you can still do that, too because $6.00 is very affordable to all of us!!

So ... are we all in?

Happy Birthday, Linda H !

Linnie, I'm in!

ALSO ...

If some of you want to do a "triple", then feel free to donate $18 to laminitis research in honor of Barbaro on Preakness Day ... $6.00 for post position, $6.00 for the year ending in "06", and $6.00 for the # of lengths he won the Derby by ... or any combination ... either $6.00, $12.00 or $18.00 ... Win/Place/Show!!

The options are yours, the choices all get donations to laminitis research ...

As for me ... definitely doing the Triple on May 19 and will donate $18 to laminitis research in honor of our "Bobby!!"

Linnie- Count on me!!!
jan

Rest in peace, Crystal. Your puppies will be loved and well cared for. Bless you.

Hi All: Yesterday was rough. I cried from 4:30pm on. Every time they mentioned Barbaro or showed him I just fell apart. When the horses came out under his name I really lost it. Poor Edgar they showed the race while he was in the jock's room and he just looked so sad. I cried again. The race went off. I cried again. #8 in the front I cried again. At 8pm I watched the special. Forget about it. I cried from beginning to end. I told my husband, I don't think I'll ever get over Barbaro. He agreed. I saw a tear in his eyes as well watching the special. He told me If I'm like this with a horse I never met, what would I be like if God forbid anything happened to one of my own. I can't even imagine.

Today I woke up and I felt okay. Then I come on the computer and I open an email from one of my partners. It's a loving tribute to Barbaro. I had to come to you guys. I can't take it. This is just so horrible and so unfair. Bobby should still be here. He should be home with the Jacksons. Edgar should be able to visit him and give him hugs and scratches. Michael Matz should be able to go see him whenever he wants. He should be out grazing in the sun. Dr. Richardson should be talking about the success he had with saving this magnificent horse. I can't stop crying now. What am I going to do?

to all beloved fans of Barbaro

fine pink and yellow dust..
on this first sunday, AFTER--
the winds shake the new blossoms all over the place..the sun plays a
game ,in and out..
history .there is new history but Barbaro and eduardo
and all the other hearts
that groomed him
in so many different ways
..shine connected to some invisible force
.
i am thrilled such worthy horse won the derby--they are all
special..the half blind storm in maine..?
and as if recognizing Barbaro;s true gritt , came from the 19th position to get the job done.
.the trio that stood in the winning circle-
there surely were mates of Barbaro;s own legacy ..the mud thick.
.the rain reminding us of our own tears
that feel endless as we shake our heads in disbelief to have been so
close and to loose so much
and yet GAINED SO MUCH i scream o the .,.the wind, in its sacred
pulsings

reaffirms that there is a divine force very present in how all this is
weaving out..
as gretchen jackson said
in the special last night.''.there has to be something truly wonderful
at the end of this one.
.i mean really magnificent..
orchestrating what it divines.

.that if i can let go long enough to hear and watch it all again..i see
maybe Barbaro knew his time was being changed..and he burst out of the
gate so wanting to get it done..get it done.. to get it done.
.to run against the inevitable that he knew somewhere in that magnificent heart of his ..his deep
soul going to take it to the top.face it he did not want to leave or
die or surrender....we saw that

what if he was watching to see how how we are converting his
tragedy..of loosing him??in the physical?

how we define this great loss
..how are we all measuring up?
look just look how magnificent ..the field..of giving..and creating
and of hearing those voiceless
he whinnied and thundered for
....
i will bow my head in thanks for being here at this time and place.
.to bear witness to greatness that touched my life
and clearly now defines it in all ways.
.
THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES ..THERE ARE NO CELESTIAL FLAWS.
.let me just bow my head in thanks
to hear the call
we have just begun and i am not even at the first turn..
the posting on the forum by jake levine
intricate leaves,
spanish florid tiles of pastels and reds and browns of that chestnut
red dark brown of Barbaro..

an outpouring of beautiful spanish in which the writer feels the
muscles and fiber of this great pantheon creature
that graced our time
..
that the writer
cared to craft their thoughts so carefully
is splendid
maybe .someone could send it to EDUARDO--

him

..somehow i can feel the words ..so heartfelt..they are doing their
job..
oh yes. Barbaro;s record

is still in tact.

to make a bridge to the preakness yet be in the now..

yes..re birth..
the courage on display..to learn from
hearts open ,broken and healing
with deep signatures..muscles and ligaments ,rivers and streams..
making it all so worth

the journey
his record still stands..

he did everything to his best
so may i
so may we
so may us
all go on.
.with the wound open
raw--still forever..
..proud to serve.the jacksons,...edgar prado ,dr richardson ,michael
matz,peter brett alex brown..jeannine edwards.--mike jensen--so many
part of the weave..

in the light
i bow my head then look upward
to hear his hooves racing racing free in the velvet green and blue
in the light
of his heart
in tact

his soul
luminous..
for all to touch
in the light
waiting for the world to change?
no
we change it
now
in the light

martita

##
Lorraine
You just stated what so many of us are feeling....
I do not have any answers and I'm even having a hard time finding words of comfort. How's this for being no help whatsoever?
All I can say is I agree with you. Barbaro should be here
Lorraine, you are among friends
jan

#######

Thanks to my fellow Connecticut FOB's and others who sent a kind word for Crystal, the Pom who died today after giving birth. She is with our B now and hopefully he is showing her around the Bridge. My heart just aches for her owner, I can't imagine having those two little ones to care for sans a Mom, just say a prayer they can survive. You are the best......

######
Thank you Jan. I know I'm not alone in this and I know there are no words to say to make things better. It hurts so unbelievably much. I've never, ever felt this bad. He was just so special.

I think I'm going to have to plan a trip to see my horses. They're only in New Jersey so I don't have to go very far. Maybe I'll go on Preakness day. I don't think I want to see that race right now.

Anyway, thanks for the support and you take care too.

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)

i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings

Martita:
THANKYOU!!!! your words are always so inspiring....your words always bring light in cloudy days...
JennyPR

##########
Linnie and Barb:

Thanks for the birthday wishes. I don't even care how old I am anymore - just that I'm still here

###Martita, YOU GET IT!!!!!!

####Linnie, I will join your May 19 tribute for the Preakness...but I have to tell you using the the three examples of 6-6-6- are not my favorite numbers..Barbaro surely is a holy horse on a mission..the triple 6 are numbers from the antichrist,the devil himself..which means I will have to go for the double or triple !

Happy Birthday Linda H! Tears free alot, I am so happy you came through your rough times.Good job lady!!!!!

Jane I am so sorry for your loss my CT friend.

I just made it back to WA from my trip to the Kentucky Derby! I bet on Street Sense while there so I'm a little richer too.

I wanted to tell all FOB's that I was able to meet Edgar Prado on Kentucky Oaks day. He was just leaving the paddock area after race 9 and coming back to the jockey room. They rope off the section and I just happen to be the first person standing there as the jockeys came. I saw Edgar and stopped him. I shook his hand and said "I'm a huge Barbaro fan". He then leaned in and gave a kiss to side of my cheek as they do in England to greet someone. I told him "thank you for what he did with Barbaro" He looked into my eyes with a sense of complete understanding.

My trip to the Derby for Barbaro came full circle when I was able to meet the Jackson's at the book signing they had. I brought the same book with me that I had Leonard Lusky sign at Barbaro's birthday celebration. Ms. Jackson even started writing "Leonard's" name as she was reading what he had wrote me. She then laughed and said "boy, I really screwed that up didn't I?" I told her I didn't care, I was just happy to meet them. I told them I was an FOB from WA state and that I had also flown out for Barbaro's birthday. Roy and Gretchen were both so happy. Roy even asked me what part of Washington state I lived in.

After meeting Michael Matz last weekend at Fair Hill, I feel like everything that is Barbaro came full circle for me.

I just wanted to share my experience with all FOBs. I have more exciting things to share and will write more later.

Ashley

Sorrow for the pom puppies and their human mom, gladness for Linda's birthday....we're getting through the Day After the Derby. Little by little. I am so grateful for all of you....lorraine, barb, linnie, martita...all of us. Baby steps, little by little, we'll get past these "landmarks," "benchmarks." whatever you want to call them.

Think about Nicanor. Think about what Edgar said about La Ville Rouge 2006 (aka: BB2) We have something to look forward to...dreams to spin.

We'll all be OK: we have to be: we have so very much to do and time is short....

Thank you Renee

It's nice to see you back!

(Oops: sorry: La Ville Rouge 2007!)

## Ashley....wow, how totally awesome for you!

I have a question. Is Nicanor also a full brother to Barbaro? I don't remember seeing any pictures of him. The new baby looks like the second coming. Did you see him at the end of the NBC show? 2010, I hope so. We need something to strive for. Maybe he'll help ease the pain.

##
Ashley
Your account of meeting Edgar is wonderful!
Thanks for sharing!
jan

###
LORRAINE - yes, Nicanor and the new foals are both full brothers to Barbaro - Dynaformer and La Ville Rouge sure make beautiful babies!

Nancy

OOPS, that should be new FOAL, not foals...

####

Ashley
Thanks shareing you experience with all of us FOBs. And have more exciting things to share, can't wait.
A kiss from Prodo how cool.

Nicanor and Baby B

Mill Ridge farm

Prado will celebrate his 40th birthday on June 12, three days after the Belmont Stakes.

####Linnie, I will join your May 19 tribute for the Preakness...but I have to tell you using the the three examples of 6-6-6- are not my favorite numbers..Barbaro surely is a holy horse on a mission..the triple 6 are numbers from the antichrist,the devil himself..which means I will have to go for the double or triple !

Posted by: Harriette Brillianthawk at May 6, 2007 10:25 PM
##############

I understand, Harriette, but I don't believe in an "antichrist" or in a "devil himself" ... not anymore ... so the triple 6s don't affect me in the least. My father's birthday was on the 6th ... my birthday is on the 6th and Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby on the 6th ... Barbaro's post position was #6 in The Preakness, he won the Derby by 6 lengths (give or take) in the year of 06 ... this was a very good 'omen' for our boy and superstitious leanings don't have a place in my life, religious or otherwise. But to each his/her own beliefs ... and I respect them all. If you contribute either $12/18 to the laminitis fund on May 19, then I am grateful for the blessings you bestow on our beloved Barbaro. That's all that matters to me ... for Barbaro!!

**** Three horses have safe new homes***

Dear FOB's, I think I can make you smile today. At the end of February, my boyfriend got a call from his aunt regarding a horse that had been left in her pasture. He went to see. A man had left a beautiful appaloosa 11 months before. He told her he needed a place for a couple weeks, and would pay her. She is 82, frail, and lives alone. She never got a dime for the boarding of the horse. The horse was skin and bones. We had a hard freeze here in November, and everything edible was killed off in the pasture. We checked on the owner and found he moved 1000 miles away.I personally had never seen worse, but I have seen worse looking pictures. Presto chango, "Chance" came home with us. The vets said at the time he needed 350 more pounds. He has gained 100 so far, and he is looking good. He is chestnut with a white blanket.
There were 2 other horses in the pasture. They were not in as bad of shape weight wise, but the mare (an appy also) has some pretty scary looking feet. Her daughter has some kind of lump on her face, and not great feet either. Someone was paying board on these two, so they had to stay put. We have taken them hay a few times. My boyfriend starting looking around for someone to give these two a home also, as we are full to bursting. He found a GOOD home for them. He approached the owner today, and he is letting them go for board money owed - $240.00. Can you imagine. Didn't care about their feet or anything. They are going to a great place, where they will receive the care and love they derserve.
Three horses for $240.00. What a world we live in. Chances original owner came back looking for him a couple weeks ago. We quoted the vet bills, and he said you can have him.

So three of Bobby Jackson's sad and neglected frens are safe and sound. I thought you would like to know.

Kathy

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Ashley,

The story of meeting Edgar brought tears to my eyes. Laughter came when I read the story about meeting the Jacksons. I just love them, especially Mrs. J. Did they have many people in line to sign their Derby books?

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Linnie,

I was so hoping you would come on and pick up on the idea I put out about donating to Laminitis on Preakness day. Whoever said we needed to do something to mark the day was so right! I knew you would know what to do. Even though $6.00 may not seem like much, if we all did it = lots of money!

May 19th.

9 - 1 = 8

8 Is Barbaro.

18

8 -1 = 7

7 Letters In Barbaro's Name.

He Is Love.

Angel Linnie My Love.

Affirmed.

Edger Prodo

Sorry if this is a repost, it's new to me!

###
KATHY IN SC - thanks so much for the "feel-good" story about the 3 horses you saved! After a weekend full of such emotional stress, it was a delight to read your story!

Nancy

Edgar Prado Sorry I missed up on his name

MJ-

Yes the line was long. I waited over an hour and I thought I got there on time. I saw a couple of FOBs in line in front of me all decked out in Lael colors with a Barbaro beanie baby and some signs. The Jackson's were so gracious to not JUST sign the books but to talk a bit with people too. I wanted to be able to tell them about coming to Deleware (for Barbaro's b-day)and they listened and talked to me in return. It was very special.

I also saw lots of people with Barbaro hats at the Derby. The Riding with Barbaro wrist bands seemed to be selling too. There was a life size replica of Barbaro in the Kentucky Derby Museuam with Edgar on top (it wasn't to full scale but close). I got my picture next to him holding his reins. I'll have to try and get it up for you all. The movie at the museaum was really neat too because the screen was a full 360 degree view. The end had Barbaro's victory all over. It gave us all chills and people were clapping at the end.

Ashley

Wonderful ending to a sad story! Thank you Kathy in SC!

###

THANKS ALEX, WENDY, AND JEANNINE FOR THE GREAT PHOTOS!! WHAT A FUN DAY YESTERDAY!!! :>)

LUV,
CHERYL G

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Linnie,

I was so hoping you would come on and pick up on the idea I put out about donating to Laminitis on Preakness day. Whoever said we needed to do something to mark the day was so right! I knew you would know what to do. Even though $6.00 may not seem like much, if we all did it = lots of money!

Posted by: MJ at May 6, 2007 11:31 PM
#############

MJ ... I am so grateful for your original post ... and I always believe it's best to consider and serve the interests of everyone. When I read your post and then those that followed 'looking' for something special to do for Preakness Day, I just needed to make that connection in my own mind/heart/soul. When I did that, I "knew" that it was a good thing for everyone to get involved on the grass roots level. But you kindled the flame, MJ ... and I thank you for that because I know that you represent the feelings of everyone here and then I understood what I needed to do ...

Thank you ... thank everyone!! God bless!!

Dvori
The video of Barbaro's Birthday Celebration at Lone Star Park in Texas.
Thank you, it made me cry! Wonderful video
Thanks again!

Martita, Martita. A big bay muse was surely guiding your fingers on the keyboard today.

Lorraine, we know. We know. (((( Lorraine, all of us ))))

Ashley...! You hit the trifecta! Don't ever wash your face where Edgar kissed you. How deep Edgar's love for Barbaro runs. And you met the Jacksons and Michael....have your feet touched the ground yet? Did you float above and ahead of your plane returning to WA?

Ashley,
What a great weekend you had. Nice memories for a lifetime, and a great story to be told in the future about the great Barbaro Team.

################
May 19th.

9 - 1 = 8

8 Is Barbaro.

18

8 -1 = 7

7 Letters In Barbaro's Name.

He Is Love.

Angel Linnie My Love.

Affirmed.

Posted by: Dee Mirich at May 6, 2007 11:39 PM
###########

Hi Dee ... I look at it just a little differently from a numerology standpoint:

5/19= 5+1+9 =15
1+5=6

The #6 emerges again, at least for me.

FOB Vicki T. sent me this link to a website which lists an impressive string of owners of Derby winners who have sent a letter to Congress in support of the slaughter ban. I don't know how to blue link, but I know some famblee member here will do it! Thanking you in advance.

There's a comment section, too.

http://www.care2.com/news/member/674464959/367748

Sad news about Amy Tryon's gorgeous mount Le Samurai
who had to be put down after an injury in the
Rolex Three Day Event last week...

Rip Sparky

Derby Winner sent a letter to Congress

Thanks Susan E.

Yes, it was an amazing weekend. And considering we had to get up at 4:00 am EST to get to the airport, technically I haven't washed my face since Derby day yesterday!

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Ashley,

Thanks for the info, especially how big Barbaro was at the Derby!

Cool, Edgar has some deep dark eyes! They talk to you!

Hiya, FsOB! Thanks to Alex for posting Jeannine Edwards' Derby photos and those of Wendy as well. Mrs. Jackson looked resplendent in her blue ensemble, what quiet dignity and grace she possesses. Truly a great lady in the old-fashioned, courtly sense of the expression.

I have been thinking of all you over the past few days. Brent had purchased the blue "Riding with Barbaro" bracelets for our Derby party guests. He is truly a prince among men, my Brent is. We had our Breyer model of Barbaro in a prominent place in the great room, so that as people came up the stairs they saw him. Lou Ann, I had your lovely notecard next to him, as well as a vase of red roses from my dear next door neighbour, and a Mexican prayer candle.

Brent & I were able to see the last fifteen minutes of the NBC special when our final guests left. What to say, as long as I live, I'll never forget this horse's spirit. I believe in reincarnation and hope that his spirit may manifest again while we are all on this earth.

Sending thoughts of peace to each of you today, RMH

#### Martita, thanks for your lovely poem today.
To Linda H.: Wishing you a splendid birthday this year and many, many more to come, dear paisana!
To Jane in CT: My sympathies upon your friend's dog's passing away following whelping. So sad for the pups....
To Ashley, what an awesome experience it must have been to have spoken to Edgar P!
To Kathy in SC: Great work and kudos to you and your boyfriend for saving the three horses.
To Shirley R.: May your Mother's carotid endarectomy proceed smoothly tomorrow.
To Barb M.: Glad to hear that Nala and Over Enough are having steady recoveries.
To Dora J. Crow: I thought of you, dear buddy, as I frantically rolled out Bourbon Balls yesterday AM.
To Lorraine, yes, I am very tired today, too. I hope that your time with your horses helped. I took a long walk after Nikita decided that she wanted to come home. Being outdoors helps me & I hope that it did for you as well. Our Barbaro will be remembered for many, many years to come. Please rest assured of that! ####

### Ashley, I am so happy for you,(a bit envious in a good way)You had the experinece of a lifetime with the Celebration, the Jacksons & Edgar!!!!!! Thank you for sharing your what had to be a very emotional time. My repect for Edgar keeps growing, what a wonderful man!!

### Linnie, Yes , raising the money is all that matters, I agree !! We must help find a cure for laminitis in honor of your Secretariat and Barbaro and even my six babies out in the field ,joe and horse, Cloud,Spunky & Punky, Rosie and Lil Angel, Hope and our own Laurie H !!!and all who fallen from this dreadful condition.

My Love To Angel Linnie. You Are A Great Teacher. And Numerology. I Get It.

Also, 15 5 - 1 = 4 Barbaro's Age.

It Is 6. You Know. Preakness.

Barbaro's Health.

Barbaro Is In The Angels Heart.

Defeat This Lamintis.

It Needs To Be No More.

My Love.

Affirmed.

Did anyone else see the blurb that The Jacksons actually ended up with Edgar Prado's red and White Saddle? The guy from the Jockey Fund paid 220 thousand and then the Jacksons approached him and offered to pay an addtional 80 thousand to go to the Jockey Fund!! This was in my paper today. So they have Edgars saddle now too! And three hundred thousand goes to the disabled Jockey FUND!!!!!!!! Jacksons are a class act!!! But us FOB already know that !!!! Very cool

Leslie in MN

Nice Derby for the first 3 finishers. HARD SPUN ran a heck of a race, maybe the best even in defeat. Ran good pace times and still held on. Hats off to all 3.
Looking forward to CHELOKEE tossing his hat into the ring in 2 weeks.
And running 3rd in the Derby for CURLIN will only make him better.He will be heard from in a big way for quite some time.

No BARBARO like performances yesterday.

LONG LIVE BARBARO- HIS LEGEND IS ETERNAL.

Maybe Mr. Pletcher should try for 10 entries next year. Or perhaps just run his own derby down on his Ocala farm for only his trained horses. He wont lose that derby.

Happy Sunday, all angels on this site....

LINDA H. one more HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

JONNA, I love your down to earth passion. Eat that cake! ee cummings is helpful today.

DEE and LINNIE, numerologists DIVINE.

MARTITA, I am with you.. I have gotten similar messages in meditation about Barbaro coming out of the gate early, inmpatient to get this sage started.

PAM, much love to your heart..so sorry about your loss.

ASHLEY, thanks for the great people accounts. You do have a full circle and it fills my heart too.

LORRAINE, kiss those horses for me.

Hugs to all of you, dear ones,
Shirley
California

Leslie in MN --
Here's an excerpt from the Bloodhorse article that Alex linked to yesterday. It gives a very different version of the donation situation:

"The Jacksons paid the purchase price of $220,000 while Manley decided to make a personal donation of $80,000 to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund, bringing the total raised for the fund to $300,000."

http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38792

#######
Robyn (my paisana!) and Shirley

Thank you for your birthday wishes. This year WILL be better than last!

### Linnie, Yes , raising the money is all that matters, I agree !! We must help find a cure for laminitis in honor of your Secretariat and Barbaro and even my six babies out in the field ,joe and horse, Cloud,Spunky & Punky, Rosie and Lil Angel, Hope and our own Laurie H !!!and all who fallen from this dreadful condition.

Posted by: Harriette Brillianthawk at May 7, 2007 12:27 AM

###################

Couldn't agree more ... all the horsey babies out there who might one day be susceptible .. we must protect them all as well as we can ...

For me, truthfully, it IS about Secretariat and Barbaro ... but whatever the motivation is doesn't matter as long as our horsey babies prosper and reap the benefits of our passion to END THIS DISEASE CALLED LAMINITIS!! END IT FOR GOOD!

Yes Mike, Hard Spun looked awesome. I couldn't decide between him or Street Sense but ended up going with Street Sense on derby day. After watching the replay over and over Hard Spun really impressed me. How do you think he'll be in 2 weeks?

Ashley

My Love To Angel Linnie. You Are A Great Teacher. And Numerology. I Get It.

Also, 15 5 - 1 = 4 Barbaro's Age.

It Is 6. You Know. Preakness.

Barbaro's Health.

Barbaro Is In The Angels Heart.

Defeat This Lamintis.

It Needs To Be No More.

My Love.

Affirmed.

Posted by: Dee Mirich at May 7, 2007 12:31 AM

############

The only difference between us, Dee, is that you employ the "-" while I just use the "+" ... I didn't realize that you could 'subtract' in numerology ... I thought it was all about "addition" of the numbers but I could be mistaken about this ... lead and teach on, Dee!!

Wow! After seeing Wendy's pictures from the derby, she's the FOB I saw in line ahead of me when getting the Jackson's signature at the book signing.

Ashley

A VERY happy and special birthday to Linda H. Linda, you've got heart, class, and you have shown us all how to go the distance and never quit.

Thanks, Debbie, for the blue link!

Run free and jump high on the other side of the bridge, Sparky. Too soon.

Robyn--love your Derby party post. I am very fond of bourbon balls, but hearing about them makes me laugh. Many years ago, during the Christmas season, several large tins of bourbon balls appeared in our office. One afternoon I couldn't find either secretary anywhere. Eventually I turned the corner into the kitchenette, where I found them kneeling next to a table and cramming bourbon balls into their mouths with both hands while giggling insanely.

I did my own typing that day.

I Love You Angel Linnie. You Are In My Heart. And I Love To Learn From Another.

Affirmed.

***ATTENTION FOBs***

***LAST CALL FOR BARBARO CARTOON SHIRTS***

*** "We Get It!"

The demand for T-Shirts, the same shirt worn by
Eduardo, Big B's groom, at last Sunday's Celebration in Delaware has been overwhelming.

As such, only very limited quantities remain.

I will be closing out Orders by 12 midnite this evening, EDT.

Thank you, all, for keeping the spirit of Barbaro alive as we all desperately seek a cure for the dreaded disease of laminitis.

Ken Z

Believe in Barbaro!!

Another beautiful creature has crossed the Rainbow Bridge...Wilbur, the absolutely gorgeous turkey who lived at Miracle Horse Rescue, died today and was buried beneath his favorite pine tree. For those of you followed Rosie's exploits on the foal cam, you will doubtless remember Wilbur - a fine, handsome fellow he was!

Wilbur, watch for a beautiful canary named Jules...he will sing you a tune as you cross into eternity!

Nancy

Oh, NANCY,,,,,,NOOOOOOO

Was Wilbur ill?