Good morning, FsOB, I can't even summon up my usual "hiya" for you. I am simply heartsick to have learned this AM of George Washington's passing. We saw a tiny bit of racing from Monmouth on the TV while at lunch and I felt the worst premonition that animals and possibly people would die senselessly on Sat. Forgive my saying so, but I think racing there should've been cancelled that day. My thanks to Harriette for sending her lovely poem and to Martita for her eloquence. Peace to each of you on another sad Monday. Robyn

Blessings to all.

I am having great difficulty reconciling my love for horses and my support of horse racing.

I am also quite disgusted by the announcer's claim of "a great day of racing" at the end of the broadcast. I know they are afraid to face or show the sad underbelly of the sport but a tragedy had occurred. A favorite had died. Don't just brush it under the rug or MORE IMPORTANTLY, refrain from showing any respect.

I'm just George Washington's connections ran him in the race. He wasn't even good on dirt.

horse lover. disenchanted fan of racing,

mrs mish

oops.

sad his people ran him is what I meant.

Blessings to all great and small.

Thank you Shelley for posting the article by Greg Wood last night. I totally agree with everything he said. It is now up the the Breeders Cup selection committee to do the right thing and award the 2009 races to Woddbine with its synthetic track. The sport of horseracing wil continue to lose fans if it doesn't start to change immediately. What other sport ignores the safety of its athletes? I have a love/hate relation with this sport. It can be beautiful watching magnificent horses running and doing what they love to do. But for the sport to not try to make racing surfaces safer for jockeys and horses is despicable right along with the way ESPEN treated the passong of George Washington.

We owe it to Barbaro, George Wahington, and to every horse or jockey who has died on the track, to make it as safe a sport as possible.

RIP beautiful, couragous George Washington. You were loved and respected by your fans, if not by your sport.

Good Monday morning FOBs,

As sad as we all feel about the loss of George Washington (and I'm really hurting), we must continue our fight to end horse slaughter. Every week our horses face the horror of death in the slaughterhouse, whether in Mexico or Canada. We can't change what happened to GW but we can change the future of many of our American horses by removing horse slaughter as an option to those who want to make a quick buck or who don't want to be bothered caring for their horse.

Janice
A forever FOB

And while Curlin stood in the Winners Circle
And his trainers beamed with pride
Alone behind a curtain
George Washington Died

RIP George Washington

I've been a fan of George & am deeply sorrowed at his loss...the world's loss. So gorgeous, so talented, so loved...I'll miss you George. See you in Heaven. Godspeed.

Another disenchanted racing fan.

A very sad morning for all of us. Like all of you, I'm still shell-shocked.

I only have two things to say to all: Continue, please, with our phone calls, letters, faxes, emails. Let's honor George with doing all we can to end the horrible things happening to our horses.

And please retire Curlin. He's done enough. It's time for him to rest and have a relaxing life where he'll be safe.

Good Morning Barbaro

Another close friend has entered heaven's gates, George Washington...Please show him the way Barbaro, with so much sadness in our hearts, wondering why this even happened, so many questions, and not any answers.

We love you so much Barbaro, and help us by nudging us forward to get this bill passed and save your brothers and sisters.

Good Morning Family/Fans of Barbaro

Money, power, greed...fax, email, and call.

I am so saddened about George Washington (what a beautiful horse), and cannot not understand why the owners raced him, especially in the conditions of the track....but God knows.

Please let us get this bill passed quickly. Jane Goodall, who has love for animals was on animal planet last night...she said NEVER GIVE UP, ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE....AND WE ARE HUGE, THE FOBS...WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Remember the rescues, the ones suffering human or animal, our wildlife, our Fallen Angels, and each other.

FOBS...have heart, they have love, they have compassion, and they GET IT!

Have a very productive day...time is running out!

####
Thank you Alex...for all you do for us.
Thank you Tim...keeping us informed about Fair Hill.
Our Fallen Angels...we are here, moving forward.

###Skyler, I agree with you. I have been behind Curlin all season, he has earned his retirement.

Today is the 29th. I will make my laminitis donation in memory of both George Washington and Barbaro. Linked by tragedy.

####
Skyler and Harriette....I AGREE 100 PERCENT...RETIRE CURLIN....But will they??????

Alex -
I know this has been a terrible weekend for you (and for all of us). I want to tell you how very sorry and saddened I am about George Washington. And I know this hit you very hard which couldn't be helped... Whenever we lose a companion, we just lose a part of our ourselves....

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam

Good Morning Sweet Barbaro in Heaven!

Good morning Bobby's Lil Angel, Spirit, Jonah, Rosie, Misty and all the fabulous animals at MHR.

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!

For Barbaro, for Fitch, for Apache, for Ho'pats and all horses.

Ro & Brady

###Thank you all for expressing the emotions and heartache of this tragedy. I have no words, just tears.

RIP George Washington.

Judy

Mondays for us are truly sad and this one is especailly so as we all mourn the loss of George Washington. Thank you Alex, for posting Donna's comments this morning. It helps to know that the crowd was respectful and that the dignity of George was preserved. It is the loyal fans that always come through. George, like Barbaro, was the people's horse.

DeborahM23

Monday morning blues,
What a sad weekend. RIP George Washington, my condolences go out to the Jackson's. Mr and Mrs. Jackson I am so sorry for the loss of Grorge Washington.I hope you will both be OK.

Good Morning Barbaro,
I love you sweetie.

Another disenchanted racing fan. Enough is enough.

Morning All!

Here's a good article and picture in today's Chicago Tribune about that horrible trailer accident in the suburbs Saturday night. Now being reported that it was clearly illegal, which we already know, of course. I hope these criminals are caught and locked up.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-horse_weboct29,1,3813887.story

No matter what people think about Curlin's owners, you've got to be impressed with his race this weekend. He looked amazing. It's so sad the victory will forever be marred by the breakdown of George. I so wish George hadn't been entered. I feel like we all grew to know him because of Alex and Sue McMullen.

Rest in Peace George Washington.

It would have been in the best interest of horse racing to have at the very least, postponed the Breeders Cup races. What better way of saying that Racing actually cares about the safety of the horses and jockeys. I thought racing was promoting track safety. It's quite obvious that it's STILL all about the money. Shame on the organizers of the Breeders Cup for allowing the races to be run in those conditions. Shame on the owners for putting their horses (PROPERTIES)in harms way.
We are all trying to end slaughter, cure laminitis, stop animal abuse, and working for track safety. In my opinion, putting a horse in that situation, is no better than slaughter. It's still a cruel ending, only done with a needle, instead of a CAPTIVE BOLT OR A KNIFE, behind a curtain.....JUST ONE OR TWO HORSES EVERY NOW AND THEN. Somebody please explain to me what the HELL the difference is.

Alex, I'm sorry to come back this way. I respect your site as a horse racing site. It is probably best I stay away.

## Curlin and Rags have been my two favorite horses this year.. I won a LOT of chocolate from Cal on Curlin back in the fun days..
Now, I want Curlin safely retired and I don't want Rags ever to race again either. She proved herself, I have nightmares of another Ruffian if they bring her back to racing..

Chicago tribune

Plan to fax this to Congress, and ask for the transport of horses too stop. All the horses young, not old not sick!

####
Monday's are always emotional to us....and the rest of my days...will be...
Cal...I think Alex understands that we are all upset and hurt...because I know Alex is too about George Washington's death.

Off the record, Sunday I was driving and a little dog got hit by a car....I turned around quickly to see if I could help....got out of the vehicle and started waving people down to help me, car stopped middle of road and me outside waving...people passed by except a lady and her children going to church...anyway, sad to say the little dog died....we called 911 and they said they would pick it up today????

THANK GOD FOR THIS SITE...WE HAVE LOVE AND COMPASSION!

RIP Gorgeous George. We loved you so!

When he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night,
And pay no worship to the garish sun.
- Shakespeare

Forgot to say one more thing.
Wouldn't it be great if we could only light candles for the horses that have passed on because of old age like John Henry, instead of 3 to 8 year olds such as Barbaro, Pine Island, George Washington, and countless others.

DO I FEEL BETTER. NO I DON'T

Let's end slaughter, and end the cruelty.

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION?

LET'S SAVE OUR HORSES?

Morning skritches to the BBH, Sir JH, Gorgeous George and all of their frens in Equine Heaven...

Let's do it for them:

MORNING REPOST SHELLEYA, DEBRA WI

Strategy for October 29

Unfortunately, this weekend turned out to be very sad. The devastating loss of George Washington has left most of us feeling lost and helpless. Please make your calls this week in honor of this wonderful, gifted horse that meant so much to so many.

Remember….these calls are to gain co-sponsors and support for HR503 and S311. As difficult as it is, please concentrate on the transport of the horses to slaughter more than the conditions in Mexico. We can’t let anyone who is not well informed come to the conclusion that it would be better to have the plants in this country because of the conditions in Mexico.

The only way we will win this battle is with more awareness. We now know from our poll that we have a lot of support in the senate. This is a chance to get the rest of the undecided senators on board. Now that the plants have ceased operation in this county, we must grab this opportunity to push for legislation that will end the transport of horses to slaughter. Use this time wisely…..we are at a critical point and actually have a chance to make a difference!! Those who voted in support of the Ensign-Byrd Amendment Senate (2005) but have not yet cosponsored the bills

Barack Obama - IL Phone: 202- 224-2854 Fax: 202- 228-4260 Aide: Amrit Mehra

Richard G. Lugar - IN Phone: 202-224-4814 Fax: 202-228-0360

David Vitter – LA Phone: 202-224-4623 Fax: 202-228-5061 Aide: Chris Stanley

Norm Coleman – MN Phone: 202-224-5641 Fax: 202-224-1152

Saxby Chambliss – GA Phone: 202-224-3521 Fax: 202-224-0103

Cosponsored the bill last year

Mel Martinez - FL Phone: 202-224-3041 Fax: 202-228-5171 Aide: Frank Walker

New to the Senate

Bob Corker R- TN Phone: 202-224-3344 ] Fax: 202-228-1264 Aide: Ashley Horning

Remember, WE ARE BARBARO’S VOICE…..let it be heard!!

Shelley and Debra

Posted by: ShelleyA at October 29, 2007 2:43 AM

####

Debbie, thanks for your blue link expertise!

I don't know why my last post had question marks.
Trying again.

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION®

LET'S SAVE OUR HORSES®

###Cal, do not stay away. You are simply and plainly expressing how many of us feel.

In racing as in all things, there are those of us who "get it" and those who are only in it for the money. Too bad "heart" does not take priority more often.

First time I ever got two A's in one day. I'll try one more time.

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION®

LET'S SAVE OUR HORSES®

### Cal, good to see you here

Alex, have you spoken or heard from Jeannine Edwards since Saturday's tragedy...just wondering her take on ESPN's coverage...

An "A" with a hat on it? Probably a dunce cap, no doubt.

####
LET US HONOR GEORGE WASHINGTON...
Get this anti-horse slaughter bill passed.
Save horses
Help with rescues in any way...they need us....
PLEASE.

###Cal, please don't stay away, we've missed you here.

Judy

I am just so saddend by the weekends tragic loss of George Washington. I love to watch horse racing and I get very excited when it is a race day, but anymore, I can hardly stand to watch it. I remember thinking just before the last race, " Thank goodness we had a successful day of racing with no injuries" then it happend! I was in utter shock!
I will miss you George Washington, my heart broke for you.

FOB4LIFE!!!

###
CAL - I, too, respect Alex and the fact that this is a horseracing site; however, I also agree with EVERY WORD you said!

ROBIN WEST - thanks for one of my favorite Shakespeare quotes this morning...and so appropriate for the late lamented GEORGE WASHINGTON!

Nancy

Cal,

Please don't go away! We need you in our fight to end slaughter and to be our friend and cheerleader. We missed you. Glad to see you back.

My calls today with be in honor of Barbaro, George Washington, and the horses in the trailer accident in Illinois.

We must never give up.

#####
Hay Fobs...Can we save those precious ones left behind in that terrible trailer accident....????

Golden Halo
Turn To
The Creator
God
The Teacher
Jesus
The Angels
The Wings Of Support
8 Rainbows
Barbaro
The Most Beautiful Rainbow
Secretariat
The Heart Of The Rainbow
The Angel Horses
Connected
To Each Other
And It Leads To........
The Famblee Of Angels
The Hearts Of Love
With Each Other
Always
We Are On A Very Special Journey
Walking On A Rainbow
Yellow Road
Glowing........

Affirmed

Cal,
Welcome back :) its great to see you please stay with us. We have missed you,you are a part of the famblee.

I saw this and wanted to post it.
Here is the update on that horrible accident.
Mon Oct 29, 2007 6:50 am (PST)
Why would anybody put horses or any animal for that matter on a top deck??? That just seems...well....wrong...

i beleive:

transporting horses on the top deck (which this driver did ) is illegal - PERIOD

transporting in double decker direct to slaughter ( without using top deck) is legal

transporting to slaughter holding pens ( in the U.S near the borders set up with your tax dollars) or to rodeos etc.. is not illegal -

Mary D. Martin
A stupid man's report of what a clever man says is never accurate because he unconsciously translates what he hears into something he can understand. -- Bertrand Russell

A few thoughts I've had this weekend while pondering the loss of George Washington and the trailer accident.

I don't know the average lifespan of a horse but I KNOW horses at MHR in their 30's. One in particular is 39 and doing really well for his age. What is the average lifespan of a race horse? 2, 3, 4, 8 or 9. Depending on whether they die on the track or go to slaughter. I understand many go to breeding and many are retrained as sport horses etc, but so many die so young. It breaks my heart.

Rest In Peace Gorgeous George. You were loved by many.

My understanding of the trailer accident is that a double decker was loaded with 58? Draft yearlings. 46 or 48 survived. I'm assuming these babies were headed to a Canadian slaughterhouse because they were going from Illinois to Minnesota. For all we know they may have been babies who were to be shipped alive to Japan.

We need to use this trajedy to our advantage. We need to copy articles, attach letters and send these off to the legislators and piggy back on the momentum stirred up from the Mexico video, etc.

Cal.....stay here with your famblee. You have been missed. Yes it's different but we have work to do.

Welcome Back Angel Cal.

My Love To You.

Affirmed

cathypotter,
You are right about the accident. A friend of mine has a hores that is in their forties,doing well.We have one at the rescue who is either in her thirties or forties. She lookd good and has a good time grazing. Hopefully this helps some

####
Cathy Potter...Good morning..

Yes my heart has shattered in a million pieces for the lost of George Washington....
Yes...my heart is broken over this trailer accident...

BUT...SOMETHING GOOD COMES OUT OF SOMETHING BAD....While the news is hot on the plate...we FOBS have to keep it hot....Thank you...we need to follow and make headway. Stop this horse slaughter and transportation of beautiful creatures...the Horse.

RIP George, you will be missed!

Is there any way we could raise money to rescue the horses who survived the trailer accident? I know the FOB's can do it. We should do it for George Washington, we should do it for Barbaro.

Good Morning FOB's and ALex

I am too saddened about Gorgeous George Washington. I was very upset when I saw that he was in the lineup...I am not an expert but I felt this race on dirt or mud as the case was instead of turf was a bad move. More significantly since he had been in retirement. The owners and trainer must be sick in their hearts that they made the decision to run him in the US.
I loved him and will miss him.

However.........I also love Curlin and I am ecstatic that he won and thereby... possibly get Horse of the Year....He's my "Baby Huey"!!! Congratulations to Robby Albarado and to Steve Asmussen and especially to Curlin!!

Bobbycakes my Spirit horse take good care of George.

Rest in Peace, George Washington. My heart aches for your pain on race day. Another fren joined Barbaro on Saturday...

Still very upset about George Washington. However, we must go forward with the rescue of our beautiful horses. We are all they have. ### was wondering we need exposure in the press (or our cause does) and havent seemed to be able to get it. We are a very unusual group of people. We are not an official organaziation and no one hols any office, etc. We just banded together for our cause. Does anyone think we could somehow get a write up on the FOBs in the AP? How would we go about that? It is not for us but we could bring everything out about the plight of our horses in the article. well, I dont know. Just a thought.

And Cal............

Let's light a candle for:
Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby Winner, the 1987 Breeders' Cup Classic Winner, and the 1987 Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year............ who went without any fanfare to a slaughter house in Japan in 2002.

today's extra HAHS list w/b a little late today - will post ASAP

Meanwhile, while waiting for HAHS list, after you're finished with the ABR Strategy list and your State Group Leader's instructions, you can go here

http://forums.prospero.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=15321.3

to access the AWI/SAPL target list of Senators.

#########
Haven't finished Martita's wonderful GW post yet - scanning last evening's Comments while waiting for access to the HAHS list - but must quote this snippet - it's in the "gee I wish I'd said that" category and I couldn't agree more.

excerpt from post by martita goshen at October 29, 2007 5:27 AM

.no, it should not have happened.
but
THAT IT DID

WAS ENOUGH PUNISHMENT TO ALL INVOLVED.

HOW MY HEART ACHES FOR HIS PEOPLE NOW.

i can not stand in judgement of people i dont know
[end of excerpt]

PLEASE let's lean on the legislators today.

DO IT FOR GEORGE and JOHN and BARBARO
and for the ONEs we never got to know

STILL LIVING PROOF OF THE LIVING TRUTH

Ferdinand candles.

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

####
Cal...it is good to see you, Stu, and Harriette postings and D'Anne...and all of you that I love so much...the FOBS.

Alex...you are in my heart and prayers and all that is involved with Gorgeous George...and was he a beauty!!!!

Like everyone else I'm just heartsick about George Washington. I loved Curlin's win and he was my pick! But,now I don't know if I can watch horse racing again. George did not deserve to die on a muddy track in New Jersey. If only he'd been left in retirement. God Bless his soul and may he rest in peace, but he's gone much to early and for what reason. These conditions were all so new to him.

I love you Barbaro always an forever.

Joe at TB Friends

Ponona California 653 thoroughtbred horses in auction, half are pregnant mares. Killbuyer there waiting. I am ill!

###I took a long walk this morning--I do some of my best thinking while I am "alternating feet"--and I came to these two conclusions:

1) I have never been able to warm up to Jeanine Edwards. There has always been "something about her" that has bothered me, something besides her eye makeup and her dentition.

After last Saturday, I have decided I am not one of her fans. She is the self-important legend in her own mind--the "intrepid reporter" and "woman in a man's world" hot on the hot story. I wasn't wild about the way she interviewed Dr Dean, asking questions that bordered on the insensitive, designed, in my opinion, to get him to "react." He is a sensitive man, and he GETS it. She did what she did because she DOESN'T get it--and I doubt now that she ever will.

Here's what I bet: Her "take" on ESPN's coverage of the Breeders' Cup races will be limited ONLY to her own participation. She will love every word that came out of her mouth and have no opinion of anything anyone else said because she's still viewing her own performance and not had the chance to see the rest of the show.

2) There are basically two kinds of trainers and connections involved in Thoroughbred: Those with class and a clue--and those with neither.

We have seen examples of both kinds over and over, haven't we? Had the Intrepid Reporter from ESPN had a clue, she would have asked for a reaction from the winning trainer and owners (the ones not in jail, that is) regarding their reaction to the tragedy--because they lacked the class to mention it on their own. Her question would have been thoughtless, most probably--"what do you think of the horse that died?" or something equally as incisive--but at least she would have demonstrated sje had a clue.

She did not, however.

As I said a day or so ago, we have to remember to separate our feelings about the horse from our feelings about the owners. The horse has no choice in who runs his career. Curlin is a horse with a great deal of talent and has done remarkably well in a short period of time, but that does not mean that his track record (no pun intended) has much to do with his trainer or the people who pay the bills.

Curlin is also the spitting image of the OTTB in my barn right now.

If he is named Eclipse Award Horse of the Year, his honors will not add class to the people who surround him. They will cluck and goo and make a lot of noises about how happy they are, just as they did at Monmouth Park.

But for those with class, the words will ring hollow. No one will state the obvious--the classy and "clued in" will allow these connections to blather away and think they have "made it."

But they will be wrong.

Kay - want to say BRAVO for expressing your thoughts ..... without fanfare or frills. You covered alot of ground here ...... without big deal emotions ..... and I am grateful for your insights and clarity.

Sherry

Kay
Good post!
May I add.......And while they blather away and think they have "made it":.......the jingle of 5 million rings in their pockets!!!

Kay and D'Anne,
Very well said and how true.

###
KAY, I didn't think it was possible to make me angrier, but you've certainly done it. That being said, Bravo on your last post.
I was supposed to hit the my road after first post.

I'll try one more time...

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION ®

LET'S SAVE OUR HORSES ®

MO Horse Heroes/GW Tribute

If you would like to donate to a worthy cause in honor of George Washington, may I suggest the MO Horse Heroes. The FOB website is still open for the First Anniversary Fundraiser.

If you donate in George's memory, email me at
jroe19@adelphia.net and I will add your name and state to the card I am creating for the Jacksons.

It will have George's photo on it and be Celtic themed since he spent most of his four years in Ireland. I will include an Irish blessing as well.

Let's take this terrible tragedy and turn it into something positive for a group of horses that withstood their own tragedies. We can all learn from the courage that horses possess.

Rosemary

Hay Cal,
Should we assume you are staying with us? Pleeeeease!

### KAY,tell it like it is, Sister, Amen

Found these interesting comments re:
George Washington...

excerpted from:
Tragic end to forgettable Breeders' Cup
PETER ALLISON AT MONMOUTH PARK
The Scotsman Mon 29 Oct 2007

"We always knew that soft ground could be a problem to him," O'Brien said. "I thought I had Dylan near his best, but he was hating every second of it. He got the trip I expected, but he just laboured in the ground."

Dylan Thomas's jockey Johnny Murtagh underlined O'Brien's view when he said: "He was losing his footing all the time and could never get competitive."

Murtagh added as he pointed to his mud-covered silks: "It was not turf racing. He was spinning his wheels out there. He even hated the warm-up and this is a horse who loves his racing. We had no chance."

Defending champion Red Rocks had to settle for third place for Brian Meehan under Frankie Dettori as Shamdinan took second, seven lengths behind English Channel.

Meehan was disappointed with the ground and said: "Frankie said when he pulled him to the outside to make his run it was too late. He was stuck on the rail where the ground was very bad. Maybe they should have thought about providing some fresh ground."

Tragic end to forgettable Breeders' Cup

EXTRA Monday 10/29 National Target List (HAHS)

Here's something to add to ALL your contacts please - and the 800 numbers for your convenience on all your calls.

IMO - convey the website www.vetsforequinewelfare.org to all your contacts - ask them to look at PR dated 10/9. Tell them to look for a copy of PR that should have arrived at their offices recently.

If long distance charges are a problem, use these DC 800 numbers and ask for the legislators by name (or ask for extension, last 5 numbers of each legislator's office phone).

800-828-0498

800-459-1887

800-614-2803

You know the drill - don't address this list until AFTER you have followed today's ABR Strategy - and the instructions of your Group Leader (and if you don't have one, get one, or become one!) - contact our intrepid State Group co-ordinator, Stephanie Breaux sbreaux1@verizon.net

AND use the CURRENT/NEW Talking Points from ABR Strategy when contacting this extra HAHS list as well as when contacting the ABR daily lists of Senators: (NOTE NEW SUGGESTION/CAVEAT FROM ABR STRATEGY, JUST BEFORE THE LIST OF SENATORS.)

1. Let [the legislators] know that two of the slaughter houses in this country are closed permanently [since January], and the third (Cavel) has lost their appeal and [is now also closed]. It is URGENT that we now get this legislation passed to STOP THE TRANSPORT of horses to Canada and Mexico. It's VERY important that you stress the cruel and inhumane way these horses are transported. Now is the time to focus on the fact that closing down our slaughter houses is NOT enough but that we must pass this FEDERAL legislation to stop the transport of American horses for slaughter.

2. Let your Senators know that we NEED them as co-sponsors for S311 to get this on the calendar and to the floor for a vote.

3. Tell your Congressman that we need their cosponsorship for HR503 to get this bill out of committee and to the floor for a vote.

4. Dispel the "unwanted" horse theory. Read John Holland's information for more talking points.

5. Closing of all three slaughter houses in the United States helps to reinforce our efforts. We can now dispel the idea that American jobs will be lost due to the end of slaughter. Only Mexico and Canada will now profit from OUR horses being slaughtered!! This is a very important point and one that you should all make when talking to your legislators.

Rhetorial Question Du Jour:

ANY EXTRA TIME/ENERGY/PASSION FOR THE HORSES?
Here is today's (Monday 10/29) extra National Target List from HAHS (Humanity Against Horse Slaughter). These legislators are targeted by other groups on specific days, so our voices add to the impact.

Don't forget to mention S 311, ask them to cosponsor - and please use the Talking Points from the current/new ABR Strategy (posted above), reasons why to support the end of horse slaughter and export for slaughter NOW.

Changed Circumstances call for a Fresh Look with an Open Mind.

The closure of Cavel is a HUGE changed circumstance.

PLEASE NOTE: Per the ongoing ABR national strategy "...[I]t is important when you make your calls, you request they support and VOTE YES for ANY legislative measure that will ban horse slaughter and export for slaughter. In addition to the Daily Call List, please contact your own senators and representative with this message."

adding this CAVEAT from recent ABR Strategy:
"Remember…….these calls are to gain co-sponsors and support for HR503 and S311. As difficult as it is, please concentrate on the transport of the horses to slaughter more than the conditions in Mexico. We can’t let anyone who in not well informed come to the conclusion that it would be better to have the plants in this country because of the conditions in Mexico."

Prior HS History: Senators on the top part of today's list voted for Ensign-Byrd AgAppAm (2005).

The add’l Senators are from the AWI/SAPL Target list. (Note - two of those on that list, also frequently on the ABR daily strategy lists, were among the four Senators who signed up to cosponsor on 10/18.) This is "the special contact list provided by our lobbyists," quoting from Daniel at HAHS. [btw link to the latest AWI/SAPL target list used by HAHS is at DB message 15321.3]

OREGON
Senator Ron Wyden
Fax: 202-228-2717 Phone: 202-224-5244
230 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-3703

Senator Gordon Smith
Fax: 202-228-3997 Phone: 202-224-3753
404 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-3704

SOUTH CAROLINA
Senator James DeMint
Fax: 202-228-5143 Phone: 202-224-6121
340 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-4002

TENNESSEE
Senator Lamar Alexander
Fax: 202-228-3398 Phone: 202-224-4944
455 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-4204

TEXAS
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
Fax: 202-224-0776 Phone: 202-224-5922
284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-4302

--- SPECIAL CONTACT LIST ---

ARIZONA
Senator Jon Kyl
Fax: 202-224-2207 Phone: 202-224-4521
730 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-0304

GEORGIA
Senator Saxby Chambliss
Fax: 202-224-0103 Phone: 202-224-3521
416 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-1005

Senator Johnny Isakson
Fax: 202-228-0724 Phone: 202-224-3643
120 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-1004

NEBRASKA
Senator Chuck Hagel
Fax: 202-224-5213 Phone: 202-224-4224
248 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-2704

And when you finish this list, if you still want to do more, you may want to get additional targets from the AWI/SAPL target list that is the source for the "special" lists included lately with the HAHS lists. DB message 15321.3

Please post at this DB thread

http://forums.prospero.com/AlexBrown/messages?msg=16350.1

and/or at ABR Comments if you have any further info about these legislators; and please post any feedback re your contacts today.

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR THE HORSES! GO GET EM.

DO IT FOR GEORGE and JOHN and BARBARO
and for the ONEs we never got to know . . .

STILL LIVING PROOF OF THE LIVING TRUTH

Hope Peace Love Music & RESPECT - CJ the craziest catlady (Blackie's Mother Forever & Pleasure's & Shona's Aunt) in Hammond IN, f/k/a CJ of T Bar J (Elgin IL)

###
The Pomona auction with the TB broodmares: This is what Tranquility Farm's Web site (www.tranquilityfarmtbs.org) is talking about. Breeding farms shutting down because there is no market for the babies.

###This is when I wish I had the winning Lotto ticket.

Alex, as you leave Lexington, I hope you will think of us as a friendly place. Y'all come back now y'hear?!

FOB's - I was so looking forward to the Breeders Cup this year and it was a total disaster from the weather, to the track but most especially for Dear George Washington.

I know everyone on this list is upset and suffering but we need to send letters to the NTRA, the Breeders Cup, the Blood Horse, the Thoroughbred Times and whomever else you can think of to stop the crazy non-sense. Let's get serious about track safety, massive penalties to drug pushers and venom users and so forth. Let's take our anger and pain and put pressure on the industry to CLEAN UP THEIR ACT or we walk on horse racing.

God save George Washington, Barbaro and their fellow equines
and to heck with the industry unless they get serious about safety.

David

Should have been more specific as to
comments re: conditions at Monmouth Saturday...

Breeders Cup day has always brought back terrible memories for me as a longtime racing fan. Brave George Washington joins Go for Wand, Mr. Nickerson, Landseer, Fanfair, Exogenous and Pine Island that have left us on racing's biggest day. I hope we can honor their bravery by demanding that Congress wake up and keep our horses from continuing to suffer to and in foreign slaughter houses.

I would like to mention I have the utmost respect for the owner and trainer of After Market. He was the morning line favorite for the Turf Mile and they scratched him Saturday morning. Just as his owners scratched him after shipping him from California to Arlington for the Arlington Million for the same reason. They stated on Saturday morning that with the soft turf at Monmouth, they would not take a chance on him getting hurt on a surface he might not be comfortable on. They had a great chance to win a huge purse but were not willing to take a chance on their horse getting hurt. Kudos to them.

Barm m - WHO is the owner/trainer of "After Market ??" Thanks ............. I would like to send them a note.

Sherry

Sorry, correction on one horse I mentioned is Funfair. Typing thru tears is difficult.

HONORING THE LEGACY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON

My FOB Family and "Frens" ...

I know that we are all reeling from Saturday's horrific tragedy to George Washington in the Breeders' Cup Classic. We have questions and we're not getting the answers we seek, at least not the answers that will assuage our pain and give sense to a senseless 'accident' that should never have happened. We are hurt, we are angry, we feel helpless, hopeless and powerless ... but there is something that we can all do in honor of three great and courageous champions .... Barbaro, Gretchen and Roy Jackson and our newly fallen hero, George Washington.

I would like to offer the following suggestion and hope you will join me:

Today is October 29 ... As some of you may know, we have an ongoing $29 on the 29th campaign in honor of Barbaro who was born April 29 and left us on January 29 ... many of us have been donating $29 on the 29th of each month since January 29th of this year "In Honor Of" ... and we can choose whoever we want as the 'honoree' of that donation. Barbaro died from laminitis, so it would be a great honor to Barbaro and to George Washington if we could all donate $29 today, the 29th of October, in honor of George Washington to the Laminitis Research Fund at UPenn. If you prefer, you can donate to the Barbaro Memorial Fund or the Friends of New Bolton ... in honor of two great champions and the loving, compassionate Jacksons.

George Washington's life came to an abrupt end on Saturday, October 27, just 2 days prior to the 29th of the month, so this is an ideal opportunity to honor this great Champion.

Let's transform our anger, grief and sadness into creating a long-lasting legacy to memorialize and commemorate the life of George Washington. Let's do something positive ... GIVE $29 in honor of Gretchen and Roy Jackson, Barbaro and a Great Champion who gave his life on the racetrack so that others might live theirs ... George Washington.

Here is the online link to donate by credit card:

http://www.vet.upenn.edu/giving/giving_ways.html

Thank you all for your generosity of spirit, warmth of heart and depth of soul ...

Love and Peace to All ...

Linnie

I'm sorry, but they knew the track was dirt when they entered G.W.

as for the slaughter and those who refuse to comment publicly, I think it would be awesome if, just once, during a big meet with ads by Coolmore, Bessemer Trust, and Emerites and such...we could run an ad of our own.

AFTER MARKET (USA) dkb/br. H, 2003 DP = 7-5-10-0-0 (22) DI = 3.40 CD = 0.86 - 13 Starts, 8 Wins, 1 Places, 0 Shows Career Earnings: $903,685

Owner: Mr. & Mrs. Martin Wygod
Breeder: Mr. & Mrs. Martin Wygod
State Bred: KY
Winnings: 13 Starts: 8 - 1 - 0, $903,685

At 3:
Won Racing Hall of Fame S. (G2,9FT), Lexington S. (G3,9FT)
At 4:
Won Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (G1,10FT), Eddie Read H. (G1,9FT), Del Mar H. (G2,11FT), Inglewood H. (G3,8.5FT)
2nd Kelso H. (G2,8FT)

Foaled February 9, 2003.
To enter stud at Lane's End Farm, 2008.
#####################
Didn't say who his trainer is.
Gee we could do with out so much breeding.

I haven't posted here for a while but am still around a lot. I left for a bit because of heartbreak but the pull of the majestic horse and the great people and things that have been accomplished here continued to call me back. I wonder sometimes about my strength when something like Saturday happens. It tears at my heart and I have a difficult time looking at the pictures taken of G.W. just before his tragic end.

Bless all of you who do so much great work to end horse slaughter, to make racing safer, and to provide awareness to the public even in the face of heartbreak. You are so much stronger than me.

### More examples of people with their priorities all wopperjawed:

Excerpt from the Bloodhorse article Alex cited above--from the author, NOT the Irish trainer:

"After this year's Breeders' Cup, run on a sloppy dirt surface, officials said they were pleased with the way the Monmouth surface performed given about three inches of rain in three days. There were no other injuries reported during the first two-day Breeders' Cup Oct. 26-27."

So, officials were pleased with the surface and the Breeder's Cup only "lost one," and that makes everything okay.

To use someone's expression: FEH.

Double FEH!

Double FEH!

Sorry for the double post! Puter acting up.

Ro & Brady

####
Equine Heaven....Gorgeous George is strolling in heaven with his dad Danehill.....

The 29th of the month is so hard...we all have heavy hearts....

The iron is hot...my frens....we have alot going...we had a trailer wreck full of Barbaro's brothers and sisters....tbfriends says big auction over 600 hundred horses....

I think ESPN...or someone should start helping us advertise about stop horse slaughter...help these rescues....

My heart will never mend...losing Barbaro, but seems like it has shattered in millions of pieces all over again with George Washington.....

Let us join together and know we are united as one...and we will be heard, and we will put a stop to slaughter, cure laminitis, help rescues, and make the tracks safe for the horses and riders.

I just posted this on the ABF, probably hokey, but it kept going through my head last night.

Oh Georgie boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Georgie boy, oh Georgie boy, I love you so.

And I will come, when all the flowers are dying
And I feel dead, as dead I well may be
I will come and find the place where you are lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for thee.

And I shall hear, tho' soft you gallop above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me
I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.

I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.

Has anyone heard if there is going to be an memorial service for George Washington? Maybe the FOBs can send something. What a cruel thing to do to a turf horse. ###The ESPN announcer saying what a great day for racing would bee like (well for me as many people say people are more important than horses) at the end of the super bowl saying "what a great day for football-we only had one fatility". ###surely they will retire Curlin as he is sure to get horse of the year and he deserves it. Anymore it makes me nervous when they dont work out as studs or broodmares as I always think of Ferninand, etc. What great owners John Henry had. They all deserve that. They give so much is it too much for them to have a happy retirement? well, have mispelled word and typing errors but I am upset. Oh yeah, since George Washington was not a successful stud he came out of retirement. Has to pay for his keep you know. I will close now before I get even more deranged.

Here's my recent letter to all my DC contacts. I am going to DC next week and have meetings set with senators and Chiefs Of Staff. They have this letter and this will be discussed!

The horse slaughter industry has deteriorated into an underworld of crime. The remnants of this industry is fueled by greed and broken laws. And the latest incident is a showcase of what is going on behind the scenes. Over the weekend 59 Belgian draft horses were being transported in a double-deck trailer made for cattle and pigs. Illegal. As we I write this e-mail authorities are compiling all the broken laws and violations in this incident.

This has been going on for years. Stolen horses, equine bought under false pretenses at auctions, slaughterhouses slaughtering baby horses. Twice this last summer at the slaughterhouse, Cavel International in DeKalb, Illinois, pregnant mares gave birth to their foals on the kill floor. It is illegal for slaughterhouses to accept pregnant mares. Yet...................twice!

The three slaughterhouses owned by Belgian companies are shut down. They will not re-open anywhere in the US as they have their finger on the pulse of the sentiment of the American public: no more horse slaughtering! They would not be able to re-open in any state anyway as they would never pass any state's EPA standards. Their long history of water pollution is well documented in court cases. In fact, Dallas Crown in Kaufman, Tx. was ordered shut down by the courts because they were deemed a public health hazard.

So the questions:
Where do we go from here? No one is running a horse slaughter industry. The result is criminal activity that is running rampant with people who ignore our laws. I can provide so many pages of documentation it will make you ill.

Our horses are being transported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. There is no problem in crossing our porous borders. In Mexico our horses are stabbed in the back repeatedly until their spine is severed. When that happens, they fall and a chain is wrapped around one leg, they are lifted into the air and have their throat slit to bleed out. All while alive. Do we allow this to continue?

This is not the result of the three US horse slaughtering plants being shut down. This has been going on for years. But our horses are being transported in record numbers to Mexico and Canada. In illegal rigs.

Where do we go from here? Who's going to run a horse slaughtering industry because of the "perceived" problem of over-population? The government? A US corporation? What are we doing here?

We have proven conclusively that there is not a 90,000 unwanted horses issue. The pipelines that identify where the horses come from that fuel the slaughter industry are drying up. I'll detail if you want. In short, there are under 10,000 horses that will require stewardship once a horse slaughter ban is enacted. And I have been providing to my DC contacts the infrastructures that are being put in place on many fronts that will provide that stewardship. The horse racing industry has initiated many new programs for injured and retired race horses. I am personally involved in a model program out of Phoenix and Turf Paradise. Their program is so sound it will act as the model for all race tracks. Last month I presented the program to Randy Sampson, owner of Canterbury Park, and his key employees. They embraced the program and it will begin next year. And Mr. Sampson has matched the funds required to implement the program.

New rescue ranches all over the country are opening up. I can send you statements from veterinarians who are supporting the new rescues as they explain in press releases ".................a surge in new horse rescues and sanctuaries."

Corporate America has become involved with the new rescues donating food, medicine and other essentials to ensure the long term success of these rescues.

Private citizens forming groups such as Fans Of Barbaro have stepped up with incredible efforts to save and fund horses. Fans Of Barbaro this year has raised over $650,000 and saved over 1400 horses. I will emphasize: this is only one group!

What are doing? Where do we go from here? The American people overwhelmingly have spoken against this insidious practice. The Belgians will not re-open on our soil. The horse slaughter industry has shrunk to an underworld of crime. The American people, Corporate America and the horse racing industry are all hard at work providing the welfare for horses in need. We accept this responsibility whole-heartedly. But we are fighting against illegal activities that destroy the lives of a species that helped us build this nation, today serves us in police departments across the US. And, a very big And, horses are serving our soldiers who have returned from Iraq & Afghanistan in hippotherapy programs. These are soldiers who have lost an arm or a leg and are being rehabilitated through the movement of horses. They are serving our finest, our bravest.

It is time for this to stop. Our horses are literrally being butchered in Mexico with knives. By illegal transport and aquistion.

There is more than the issue of horse slaughter here. It is also about us as a nation. Are we going to let this continue? Meaning is this all we are capable of? I believe we are capable of so much more. We promote ourselves as a compassionate nation. And the examples above about the people and corporations stepping up and taking responsibility for the horses proves exactly that.

But so much of this is negated in the fact we have to continually fight against a stealth enemy, killer buyers, who cloak themselves from the laws of our nation.

Passing S. 311 will end the transport of our horses across our borders. This is a major step in that it will allow us to live up to our responsibility as caretakers of this planet in which we protect and nurture life. Not kill it!

Sincerely,
Daryl Smoliak

AFTERNOON REPOST

Strategy for October 29

Unfortunately, this weekend turned out to be very sad. The devastating loss of George Washington has left most of us feeling lost and helpless. Please make your calls this week in honor of this wonderful, gifted horse that meant so much to so many.

Remember….these calls are to gain co-sponsors and support for HR503 and S311. As difficult as it is, please concentrate on the transport of the horses to slaughter more than the conditions in Mexico. We can’t let anyone who is not well informed come to the conclusion that it would be better to have the plants in this country because of the conditions in Mexico.

The only way we will win this battle is with more awareness. We now know from our poll that we have a lot of support in the senate. This is a chance to get the rest of the undecided senators on board. Now that the plants have ceased operation in this county, we must grab this opportunity to push for legislation that will end the transport of horses to slaughter. Use this time wisely…..we are at a critical point and actually have a chance to make a difference!! Those who voted in support of the Ensign-Byrd Amendment Senate (2005) but have not yet cosponsored the bills

Barack Obama - IL Phone: 202- 224-2854 Fax: 202- 228-4260 Aide: Amrit Mehra

Richard G. Lugar - IN Phone: 202-224-4814 Fax: 202-228-0360

David Vitter – LA Phone: 202-224-4623 Fax: 202-228-5061 Aide: Chris Stanley

Norm Coleman – MN Phone: 202-224-5641 Fax: 202-224-1152

Saxby Chambliss – GA Phone: 202-224-3521 Fax: 202-224-0103

Cosponsored the bill last year

Mel Martinez - FL Phone: 202-224-3041 Fax: 202-228-5171 Aide: Frank Walker

New to the Senate

Bob Corker R- TN Phone: 202-224-3344 ] Fax: 202-228-1264 Aide: Ashley Horning

Remember, WE ARE BARBARO’S VOICE…..let it be heard!!

Shelley and Debra

Posted by: ShelleyA at October 29, 2007 2:43 AM

Christian,
I can't believe they said what they did how sad is this that poor horse. I hope they pay for what they did.

I need some confirmation on this. I had always heard that horses do not do good slip and fall in mud. Is this true? if so whay would they have the Breeders Cup on a wet muddy track? I was unable to watch but saw pictures. I am devistated over what was done and what happened to that poor horse. Are they stupid or something?

Sherry and Debbie in LA - After Market is trained by John Sheriffs. I got to know this horse when he was trained by Bill Mott in Florida. He is out of Storm Cat by the wonderful mare Tranquility Lake.

By the way Woodlander, who ran 4th in the same race (Grade 2 Kelso) as After Market on 9/22, lost his life in the darkness and slop at the Meadowlands a week ago Friday night. He was a turf horse racing on the slop for the first time.

###Renee.. We finally had rain as Alex posted last week here in KY. The path leading from my barn thru the woods to the fields was probably much like the track at Monmouth. The horses were sliding and slipping trying to walk the path, so was I, and I had on rubber shoes. The horses had NO shoes on, which was better than having iron skiis on.

I walked them the long way around down the driveway to the field to keep them from having a risk of getting hurt. So yes, in my opinion horses do indeed slip and slide..

####
Daryl...wonderful and to the point...I and we wish you the very best in getting DC hearing us and stop this nightmare...thank you.

###Just a thought......where are all the high profile people that support anti slaughter????Why arent Willie Nelson, Bo Derek, etc. showing up.

All the phone calls in the world to the senators and reps, etc. nothing seems to be helping anymore. Are we actually making any progress.

In this world of Paris Hilton, B. Spears, etc...what do we have to do to get media attention.

Now we have this terrible accident in Illinois with the horse trailer overturned....are we going to be able to get any exposure for the position to end horses being transported for slaughter in Canada and Mexico.

I am starting to think the only way to get people to take notice is to do something really drastic.....something that will get the country to take notice. I am not trying to promote something violent or illegal. But, really, what in the world will it take.

Thank you. Ellie az.

Thank you Harriette.

Renee-

I should clarify again that the comments
I posted earlier were about the track conditions Saturday, but made in reference to Dylan Thomas' efforts specifically... I realized after rereading that I implied they were about GW...

I certainly think the assessment of the track conditions made in those quotes did apply to him
as well (unfortunately).

Your guess is as good as mine about why the choice was made to run in those conditions...

ellymae43,
Maybe we all need to take our underware off tatoo our butts with anti slaughter and have our lips puffed up with a drink...it will get attention. It is a very sad state of affairs that this country has stooped to Britney and...When there is a real issue here about life and death of the innocent horses.

Christian,
I understood. Thanks :)

Mike C. I absolutely hate that you were right with your post last Friday afternoon. What a terrible thing to be right about.

Goodnight Barbaro

Today is a very hard day...the 29th of the month...but Barbaro with you by our side...how can we lose...thank you for your inspiration, your guidance and your fight. NEVER GIVE UP, NOR SHALL WE...we love you!

Goodnight Famblee/Fans of Barbaro

We are a family, we are united, and we are not giving up. Today is hard, but we FOBS know how to pick up the pieces and fight even harder. We have horses to save, many are at the feedlots now, we have horses to save that have been beaten and frighten by the trailer wreck..we can do this.

Please call, fax, email...the clocks are ticking away. We have to be heard. We can come up with plans, schemes whatever it takes. Our federal government has to hear us, they work for us, we the people.

Remember the rescues, the ones suffering human or animal, the wildlife, our Fallen Angels, and our beautiful family, the FOBS.

Have a bless evening...and prayers to all.

####
Thank you Alex...where would we be without you.
Thank you Tim.
Our Fallen Angels...we are picking up momentum...we are here, and we are moving on.

###
DARYL - what an extraordinary letter! And it's all TRUE and VERIFIABLE, which "should" make more of an impact...let us pray that someone will listen and, more importantly, will actually HEAR!

Alex, I'm so very sorry for the lose of George Washington. Please let everyone in your county know how saddened we are here in the U.S. He was so beautiful and such a wonderful champion. I just can't stop crying and am sick to my stomach just as I was on the day Barbaro left us. God Bless all our beautiful horses.

Here we are on the 29th again and all he** is breaking loose. How do we make the 29 a positive day? I wish we could turn it around somehow.

Penny,
What a beautiful post you really touched my heart. Thank you.

###Darryl, once again you have written a very moving and well written letter. I pray the officials read it and act on it and bring HS to a standstill.

May I promote you for President?

Good night George Washington (Gorgeous), RIP dear boy and run free with the sun on your back and the turf soft under your feet.

And, good night sweet prince Barbaro 9 months since you left us but never forgotten.

Judy

I've never posted before but have been following this site since I first heard of it due to our beloved Barbaro. I am not a horse owner but love to watch them at shows and I used to like to watch them race but no more. My heart goes out to the Jacksons. Who would believe that in such a short time two beautiful horses they bred would be gone. When will the industry wake up? What kind of sport treats its athletes and jockeys this way? If they want to attract a larger audience they must look at how they breed them, the surface they race on, ban drugs and start to put horses and people who ride and tend them first!

##########################################
Prayers needed for Fran, this post is from De on the DB. Scarlett is Alex's horse, he paid her ransum De is taking care of her. Fran saved the mare Gracie along with the 2 geldings

I just wanted to let everyone know that our local newspaper is going to do an article on Scarlett, Gracie and the two geldings. We want to get our message out about horse slaughter and where some TBs end up when they can't hit their mark. Everyone down here are QH people so TBs in this area is pretty big.

We had an appt for them to come out tomorrow but Fran was just transported to Baptist hospital. She got her arm caught in an auger. PLEASE PLEASE pray that she is going to be okay. She was trying to drill holes for the fence for the rescue. :-(

####
Marie
Glad to see your post, and your right!

Good night Barbaro Nation,
Time to put this day to rest. I hope you all have a good evening.

Marie,
Welcome!

Good night Sweet spirit. I love you and miss you.

Alex,
Have a good night.

George Washington, I know you are OK, you are with Barbaro. God Bless you both, and the rest of the glorious herd above.

I have written my thoughts about George Washington
already but I would like to say

## to all the Brits here ~~ Alex, Liz U.K., and the others I can't name ~ ~

I am so dreadfully sorry about what happened to
the gorgeous George. He deserved a better fate.
Although he was bred by Lael, he was a fine
English gentleman- you could see it in his bearing.
The British, and the world, lost a great horse.

## Daryl Smoliak,

Your letter is first class, and maybe it will shake some closed brains loose in D.C. when you present it. God bless you and your trip there, and may they listen !

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?page=contact/espntv

Please use the link above to protest the callous coverage of the loss of George Washington!

Instead of crying about this tragedy, today I decided to make a difference. Boxcar and I rescued a TB at New Holland who, amazingly, turned out to be named Mt. Washington. He had earned more than $167,000 in his career.....and mostly on TURF!! Talk about coincidence.....I think not.

He is at MidAtlantic Resuce. Mt. Washington would not have been surrounded by people who loved him at the end. Now he will. Hopefully, that end will not come for a very long time. This was my way to honor the great George Washington!!

I hope many of you will transfer your anger into something constructive that will make a difference to our beloved horses. It will make you feel a whole lot better and be a wonderful tribute to a most fabulous horse.

RIP Gorgeous George Washington

HI ALL!

I haven't posted in a while but the tragic death of George Washington brought back such bad memories that I wanted to be in a place where people understood - so here I am, seeking some sort of solace. Perhaps the only way to achieve this is to continue our fight to end the slaughter. We may not have control over the ones that race, but at least by winning that fight we'll be saving hundreds from a horrible death and an untimely demise.

### Alex - I'm so sorry, I know you're hurting.

### Daryl - GO GET 'EM!!!! I'm with you all the way, you know that!

Mercy

I am on a timer here at the L.pool Public library,
And I'm already crying again...I have to push this note out to all who love horses, all who plan their breedeings and wait 11 months and then, if they are lucky, very lucky, the wind up with a Barbaro or a Geo. Washington.

But then, to fly in the face to logic and take that horse across the Pond, and race him on a slop track--not turf by any stretch of the imagination--dear god. To risk everything for what?

This horse was SAFE. He was safe and retired in Ireland. And now he's gone forever. And all the platitudes about "that's juts horse racing," and "maybe he took a bad stap."

WHen will we stop this and take greater care of these atheletes? When will we smart enough to retire them and just let them live and reproduce...

Greed.
Greed. Greed.
I am sick at heart at the loss of this great Irish horse. Why did I watch that damned race.

I have to get out of here, or my library friends whyo know me well from another life will have to sop me up with a giant spongue and wring me out in my car.

I am sick at heart. Once again.

My most heartfelt sympathies to Geroge Washington's connections in Ireland. jonna

Well Done Shelley & Congratulations.

You are a woman who "walks the walk".

I don't hate horseracing but for a very, very long time I've had a very hard time watching. I prefer the replay after knowing all came home safely. I agree, let's take our hurt and do something constructive. Let's take our anger over the double decker accident and use it to our advantage. Legislators need to see the very ugly side of transport because let's face it, that's what HR503 & S311 are all about.

MT. WASHINGTON (USA) gr. C, 2001 DP = 2-0-3-1-0 (6) DI = 1.40 CD = 0.50 - 36 Starts, 3 Wins, 8 Places, 6 Shows

Great job Shelley & Congratulations
Is this him, he is a gray? That is wonderful.

Hi Everyone,

Like Mercy, I haven't posted in awhile, but just wanted to say that you are all in my thoughts after all the horrible events of this past weekend. Bless George Washington and all who loved him and bless those poor Belgian babies. I know we will do everything in our power to save them and prevent others from suffering that same fate. Keep fighting the good fight, FOBs.

My prayers for Fran. Debbie - please keep us updated about her condition.

Janice
A forever FOB

Debbie LA

Yes, he's a grey but that record isn't up to date. He had 43 starts with 5 wins, 10 seconds and 8 thirds. He ran his last race on September 26 at Charlestown.
He's beautiful!! And I didn't learn his name until after I got home!

Talk about coincidence.....I think not.

regarding Post by ShelleyA at October 29, 2007 10:51 PM

######## OY I am KVELLING MIT NACHAS for you and Mr. Boxcar and Mt. Washington. Can't wait for more particulars. What a great thing to do, and I love the way you tell us about it.

(btw my Illinois-bred OTTB (RIP) known as George, raced as Washington Leader. Dead ringer for Street Sense.)

########
Mercy, Cal, other long-"lost" and new people - so glad you all are here and visible.

Please Pray for Fran who was transported to Baptist hospital. She got her arm caught in an auger. PLEASE PLEASE pray that she is going to be okay. She was trying to drill holes for the fence for the rescue.
No news yet!

Hay, FOB's!

###
ShelleyA, you did a beautiful thing with Mt. Washington - talk of synchronicity. Do you have any pictures of him yet? Would love to see him...hugs to your horses as well.

###
Daryl S - wonderful letter.

###
It was a cool day up at the ranch today...put Stormy's brand new blanket on him today...he didn't mind it one bit...he's being very affectionate the last few days. Windy and I are discussing his healing abilities. Illusion just looked gorgeous today. Won't see them till Friday.

Must go...am exhausted. Take care, everybody.

Healing, Love, Peace,
ONS,
Lyn Gilbert

I rarely come here anymore. Not because I don't love to be a part of the FOB's, but because I hear about sad events, like George Washington's tragedy. I was much happier being in the dark. After what happened to Bobby, I would never watch a race again.

I still hurt over Bobby and think I probably always will.

These poor animals are not allowed to just lead happy, peaceful lives. How would we feel if someone took us and trained us to run, or bark, or give a paw or round up cattle, etc.

I know, I know, some of this is necessary in life, but too many animals are lost for reasons that have nothing to do with necessity.

I hope they are all in heaven and, although I, too, want to go to heaven, I would gladly give up my place to insure another one of them go there.

God bless you, Bobby, and you too, George Washington. And God bless those of you who write in and want to see things changed.

KATHY J.

And that was 1 time I WISH I was wrong..

I and I said before the race to my wife, looks like were going to make it thru without a hitch.
I should have shut up.

Alot of people are saying it was a forgettable Breeders Cup.
I know it ended in tragedy, but this crop of 3 year olds, specifically STREET SENSE, CURLIN and HARD SPUN was the best in Decades.
To not give them the credit they deserve is wrong.
HARD SPUN doesn't get the credit he deserves as a racehorse. To do what he did, run different distances from 7F to 1 1/4 MI. and do it they way he did was spectacular at the least.
And STREET SENSE AND CURLIN in many other years would have got the "super " horse labels but the competition between themselves denied themselves of the status.

So don't begrudge the horses that ran Saturday.
My question is WHY did George run on the dirt and not the turf and why on the bad surface???

He had no stud value to enhance on the dirt, his better surface is grass, so why?
When O' Brien answers that we can all rest easier.

And I for 1 am PRAYING CURLIN runs next year.
The game NEEDS CURLIN to run next year.
The game needs a star, and he is IT.

I'm glad he's able to physically because, SMARTY JONES, AFLEET ALEX AND BARBARO couldn't, all due to injury.
He's as sound as could be, so enjoy HIM and let HIM enjoy himself.

Just imagine the rivalry these 3 great horses could of had for 2 or 3 more years if allowed.

As in the case of ol' John-
TOO BAD THEY WEREN'T GELDED....

### Shelley A..what a wonderful thing to do in George Washington's memory, brings tears
As I've said all my life..there are no coincidences and the horse's name you rescued proves that once again...

BRAVO SHELLY..

SORRY I didn't get to see you Friday.
Perhaps a day at PHILLY PARK.

Shelley A. and Mr. Boxcar...way to walk the walk and trot the trot! No coincidence at all!

Please send up some prayers, good thoughts, or whatever it is you've got to give for De's friend Fran. They are in the beginning stages of a brand new Horse Rescue operation in NC.

Cal...nice to see you! Your new horse is lovely, by the way.

Gloria from Illinois spent a couple of days with me and it was wonderful. She is a super person and we really got a chance to know each other. She came here Sunday (cause she had been to Breeder's Cup) and we spend the afternoon at the barn. She got a chance to meet my "Big Three" (well, okay my two and a half!!) and also spent a lot of time talking to my trainer, Dee.
After careful coaching, she was able to avoid getting her head bitten off by Mr Boxcar who was "on" for his company. Nickel (who we expect to make his debut in a few weeks) was a sweetheart and, of course, Alibi was his usual silly self. It seems his girlfriend has given him the boot and they had to move her stall because she was so angry with him that she kept kicking the wall between them. LOL Poor Alibi...he just can't win!!
Today Gloria went with me to New Holland where she got a chance to see what goes on in the "trenches" and learned a lot from Bev of MidAtlantic Rescue.
She's on a plane for the trip home now but I'm sure you will be hearing from her soon. She took some great pictures and it was a wonderful visit.

YOU GO SHELLEY AND OF COURSE THE HANDSOME MR. BOXCAR TOO.... PROUD TO KNOW YOU!

Ro & Brady

My heart is breaking over another tragedy. Rest in peace George Washington.

Could Polytrack could have prevented this sad end?

After meeting Edgar Prado at the 2007 Kentucky Derby we ended up being pen pals so to speak. He wanted me to thank all FOBs for the get well cards and baskets. Like MikeC said, he was very sad and upset seeing the incident with George Washington. He was sitting at the 1/16 pole with some friends when it happened. Anyway, I thought a thank you from Edgar would brighten everyone's day.

Alot of people are saying it was a forgettable Breeders Cup. I know it ended in tragedy, but this crop of 3 year olds, specifically STREET SENSE, CURLIN and HARD SPUN was the best in Decades.

To not give them the credit they deserve is wrong. HARD SPUN doesn't get the credit he deserves as a racehorse. To do what he did, run different distances from 7F to 1 1/4 MI. and do it they way he did was spectacular at the least.

And STREET SENSE AND CURLIN in many other years would have got the "super " horse labels but the competition between themselves denied themselves of the status.

So don't begrudge the horses that ran Saturday.
My question is WHY did George run on the dirt and not the turf and why on the bad surface???

He had no stud value to enhance on the dirt, his better surface is grass, so why? When O' Brien answers that we can all rest easier.

Posted by: mike c at October 30, 2007 12:07 AM

mike c-

I couldn't agree with you more.
It is such a shame that the accomplishments of three immensly talented horses should be overshadowed by the unnecessary death of another...

Hard Spun has the qualities that I would be looking for in a sire... glad he finished his career safely but sad never to see him race again.

All My Love To You Angels Here Tonight. My
Prayers Continue.

The Very Special Horse That I Dedicate To You
Is Rainbow Halo.

A Wonder: A Horse Named Angel Appeared On Top
Of The Screen.

Affirmed

Shelley A.

What a wonderful thing to do (with Boxcar's help, of course) to honor the memory of George Washington. And the name - astonishing. Hope you can post pictures of him.

Janice
A forever FOB

Jan

Believe it or not, I forgot to take pictures of him today!! But Bev is going to take some in the next day or two.

Hiya, FsOB! First of all, I hope that our hero Alex is getting nicely settled in Louisville (which is where I was born in 1955). Alex, please try to take a walk around the campus of the Univ. of Louisville. Old Campus has lots of character and it is very close to Churchill Downs. Blessings to you for your repeated, albeit unanswered, calls to the NTRA to ask their position on the slaughter of horses in North America.

It is very comforting to see so many "old friends" here on the Board today, including Sheila, Mercy, & Nancy Kayser. I am still so shocked that Gorgeous George Washington died in such a painful and unnecessary manner. Alex, I am very grateful for your posting the photo of this stunningly beautiful creature who, like Barbaro, left us without having sired any offspring. How fitting was Robin West's quote from Shaespeare's play "Romeo & Juliet". I am old enough to remember Bobby Kennedy's recitation of that stanza in 1964 in memory of his brother. (Very fitting for a horse who spent much of his life in Ireland.) And Laura in Key West, how appropos to see your "Oh, Georgie Boy" in memoriam. May each of us try to find some peace tonight. RMH

#### To Skyler, Cal, Jonnagrey, Shirley in KY, CathyPotter, David Aull, and Dawn in Omaha - I share your sentiments and my heart aches tonight, too.
To Daryl Smoliak, what a fabulous letter! Why can't you and Joe from TB Friends run for President and Vice President? You'd get my vote over any and all of the others!
To Shelley A.: I agree with our friend here who said "there are no accidents". Amazing that you rescued a horse named "Mt. Washington"! Kudos to you for your actions today.
To Debbie L.A.: Very sorry that Fran sustained what sounds like a dangerous injury to her arm. Please let us know how she's doing when you get some word, OK? ####

Have only read the first few posts so far, but I saw a familiar name too long gone, and wanted to shout out to Mrs. Mish. Great to see you again, and congratulations on your nuptials!!

### Here are a few prayers for Fran, that her arm is okay and that she didn't break the auger

(:0D)

Seriously, {{{Fran}}}

###I wrote to ESPN. Got the "Feh" letter in response. I'm sure the letters go into the big cyber roundfile in the sky (or cyberspace) and nothing will come of it.

###Have a good night everyone and congratulations on another productive day. Onward--to another productive day tomorrow.

We WILL win. Perhaps these killer buyers will realize they aren't making any money with the price of fuel for their rigs--and they will find another crappy way to make a few bucks...to paraphrase Joe.

Track tragedy a flashback for Jacksons
By DICK JERARDI

jerardd@phillynews.com

OCEANPORT, N.J. - As Curlin was being led into the winner's circle after the colt won the Breeders' Cup Classic Saturday at Monmouth Park, about 100 yards down the stretch a large screen was being put up to shield the public as a wonderful race horse was about to be put down.
Irish-bred George Washington was a superstar grass miler in Great Britain last year. For reasons that are still not clear, his connections decided to run the colt in the 2006 Classic at Churchill Downs, his first start on dirt. George finished sixth, was promptly retired and sent off to stud.

The colt was unretired after fertility problems and sent back to the track. The colt had a good year, but did not win in three starts and appeared slightly off his best form.

It had to be a haunting flashback for Barbaro's owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson when they heard about George Washington. They were watching the races on television at their Chester County home, but none of the damage was shown on TV. At the track, you could see George Washington's right front hoof just dangling there, the result of what Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith called "an open fracture of the cannon bone in the right front fetlock [ankle] joint." He also called it "a hopeless injury as far as repair."

The Jacksons bred George Washington before selling the colt for $2.2 million as a yearling to current owners John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, three major players in European racing who have had major success.

On the morning of May 6, 2006, the day Barbaro would win the Derby, George Washington won the Group I 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. It was one of the great days for any breeder ever. George Washington was born a few months before Barbaro in 2003. Now, both are gone in 2007.

"It's just sickening no matter whose horse it is," Gretchen Jackson said yesterday. "It's really sad."

Since Barbaro's devastating injury in the 2006 Preakness that eventually caused the colt to be euthanized in January, Gretchen has become very active in a myriad of horse causes, especially the ending of horse slaughter in America.

The Jacksons had thought about going to Monmouth Saturday, just to see George Washington.

"We hadn't seen him for a while," Gretchen said. "Thought it would be fun to see him again."

They chose not to go and were happy they didn't.

"I just wish racing could never experience this," Gretchen said.

But it happened - again. And why George Washington was brought to America and allowed to race on a sloppy track that he had surely never experienced in a race he could not win is a question as open as the devastating injury that caused his death. *

BRAVO TO MR. BOXCAR, and of course to mama Shelley, but I'm partial to greys :) - Mr. Boxcar is becoming the "Good Will Ambassador" for horse rescue!

#####Could someone in the Phoenix area try to find out the status of a broadcast scheduled for this Thursday 11/1 at 5pm.

It is re kill buyers and horse slaughter here in arizona.

I am having trouble getting into their website to get a contact #. Would like to know if this will be available to other channels.

I think they are a private channel, not ABC

Thanks for your help. Ellie az

LIGHT ONE FOR BARBARO

It's been NINE long months, dear people - please light a candle for our beloved Barbaro!

Strategy for Tuesday October 30

Unfortunately, this weekend turned out to be very sad. The devastating loss of George Washington. And the tragic double decker trailer accident in Illinois that took the lives of several horses that were being transported under the most inhumane conditions. Please make your calls this week in honor of George Washington and for these nameless horses that died without the love and care they so deserved. Also, for the survivors of this horror….may they find peace and live free of fear and distress.

Remember….these calls are to gain co-sponsors and support for HR503 and S311. As difficult as it is, please concentrate on the transport of the horses to slaughter more than the conditions in Mexico. We can’t let anyone who is not well informed come to the conclusion that it would be better to have the plants in this country because of the conditions in Mexico.

The only way we will win this battle is with more awareness. We now know from our poll that we have a lot of support in the senate. This is a chance to get the rest of the undecided senators on board. Now that the plants have ceased operation in this county, we must grab this opportunity to push for legislation that will end the transport of horses to slaughter. Use this time wisely…..we are at a critical point and actually have a chance to make a difference!!

Those who voted in support of the Ensign-Byrd Amendment Senate (2005) but have not yet cosponsored the bills

Tom Harkin (IA) ph: 202-224-3254 fax: 202-224-9369

Orrin Hatch (UT) ph: 202-224-5251 fax: 202-224-6331

Johnny Isakson (GA) ph: 202-224-3643 fax: 202-228-0724

John Kyl (R/AZ) ph: 202-224-4521 fax: 202-224-2207

Jim Bunning (KY) ph: 202-224-4343 fax: 202-228-1373

Mitch McConnell - KY Phone : 202-224-2541 Fax : 202-224-2499

Judd Gregg - NH Phone : 202-224-3324 Fax : 202-224-4952 Aide Tim Litzon

Remember, WE ARE BARBARO’S VOICE…..let it be heard!!

Shelley and Debra

Want to see the Barbaro effect?????

Go to the discussion board and look at the pciture of the spearmints in post 251 of the thread labelled: Another Trailer Wreck. It is under anti-slaughter issues.
Then read what two amazing FOB's told Chicago area reporters about the FOB's and Barbaro's legacy. There are more pictures.

##MJ
Thanks for posting the Dick Jerardi Phila Inquirer article....I agree with him....why the decision to run George at all in the Classic when he was a turf miler? And then, when the track turned up in such deplorable condition why not scratch him out of the race? Why are none of the UK press questioning any of this? If they are I wish someone could point out the article to me...I have spent some time on google reviewing the commentary...it seems that along with appropriate tributes to George W they are starting to criticize our dirt tracks instead...fine...I understand and respect that debate....but if they all considered George W a national treasure then how about some scrutiny of the Magnier's & O'Brien's decision to let him run in that slop???

###MJ, you are so correct. The Barbaro Effect with peppermints, a beanie baby and all those flowers and carrots.

Once people see that they cannot "fly under the radar" any longer (or they take their OWN lives in their hands if they do so), perhaps that will have as big an effect on their choice of vocation as the cost of fuel for their rigs (which I mentioned in an earlier post this evening--or maybe it was tomorrow morning. This GMT timestamp. I can never get used to it ;o)

I've ben saying exactly what Dick has said since Saturday.

dang it Alex.....Your guy beat up my Broncos. first play in overtime....GEEEEZ he's good :)