Alex's 'The Sport Vs. The Business'.

See 'Barbaro Update 587' for a link.

Nice piece. Be sure to read it.

Hiya, FsOB! I loved Alex's blog about "The Sport Versus the Business". TGIF on many levels. May each of you have a safe & productive Friday. And may tomorrow's Preakness bring all its horses and jockeys home safely. Peace, RMH

#### Barb, has someone spoken to Anne Brennan to confirm that she wants and is able to keep/board a pony for Erin? Any details which you might provide today or over the weekend would be greatly appreciated. ####

Greetings from Hanoi, VietNam.

Alex, your site and blog have been read all across Southeastern Asia, in the Phillipines, Singapore, Indonesia, and now VietNam. It has helped keep me sane over a difficult two and a half weeks. It has made me feel like I was "home" when I was here.

Thank you for all you do and for this wonderful place.

Lisa (on her way home to Colorado, finally)

Morning skritches to the BBH, Sir JH, Gorgeous George, Belle, and the rest of the stellar gang in Equine Heaven.

For them:

MORNING POST, ShelleyA, Debra, WI/AAHS:

STRATEGY FOR FRIDAY MAY 16

Both the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid (D-NV), have the power to bring the bill up for consideration in their respective chambers, therefore it is vital that as many people as possible, both at the grassroots level and internally within Congress, insist that the House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader do everything in their power to afford the bills legislative due process and bring them immediately to the floor for a vote.

Speaker of the House - Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
DC Phone: 202-225-4965 Fax:202-225-4188
Email: sf.nancy@mail.house.gov

Senate Majority Leader - Harry Reid (D-NV)
DC Phone: 202-224-3542 Fax:202-224-7327
Email: http://reid.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm

It is our understanding that more co sponsors would certainly facilitate our efforts with Speaker of the House Pelosi and draw the much needed attention to this legislation. For this reason, we will be posting the names of Representatives that we will be targeting.

However, this is FREE FOR ALL FRIDAY!! The day for you to go back over your lists and call those you may have missed. Or to give another call to someone that you think is close and just needs that extra push to come join us!
Please continue to gather information from your calls and pass that information on to us via email through the DB.

Finally, please mention Americans Against Horse Slaughter when making your calls and remind them that we are a non funded, grassroots group of people from across the country brought together for the sole purpose of passing this legislation. It is important that they know we have NO OTHER agenda.

We are BARBARO'S VOICE Let it be heard!!

Shelley and Deb

Posted by: ShelleyA at May 16, 2008 12:22 AM

Cheers,
Friar Tuck

Good article in today's New York Times Art & Design Section..
Exhibition : The Horse
Man's Best Friend : Hoofed Department

Sorry don't know how to blue link..but it follows horses through history..where would we be without the horse...

Please read this awful article, titled:

Losing Racehorses in Puerto Rico Condemned to DEATH.

I can't copy it but here's the link:

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-world-latinamerica/20080516/Puerto.Rico.Killing.Racehorses/

We are sending loving thoughts to little Erin this morning - and of course, to her family.

Daphne and Pee

To the horses and riders in the Preakness, God bless and have a safe ride. Please, not another tragedy. Failure is not an option!!

Happy Friday FOBs - TGIF,

Great article Alex. Let's hope those who have clout in the horse industry finally "get it". I know the FOBs will continue to make noise until they do. Thank you FOBs.

Enjoy your day and your weekend.

Janice
A forever FOB

####
Alex
Great column: once again, urging that change come from within. The last sentence was downright pithy.
Excellent!

An end to yet another totally stressful and sad week. No wonder people are nuking out.

Safe rides to all who set feet on the tracks of America. God knows they will need it.

(Can't wait to hear how the El Paso rescue went...
thanks so much to all who pitched in on this one...)

Off to make the donuts then off to the Feed Mill for Dogfood....
yumyum

Love to the Brennans.

Hay, FOB's!

###
To those working for the pony for Erin...can she be transported? I'm offering to meet the family at the ranch and let her meet Windy, Stormy and Illusion. Ranch is outside REading, PA. Let me know.

Healing, Love, Peace
ONS
Padme

Thank you for your article Alex - we are definitely on the same page. It is very sad to see what in a short time, appears to be a flash of brilliance, remain just that, a flash, not a lasting beacon for the future of the breed and the sport.

Peg

This morning's New York Times has an article on a new exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History on the interactions between horses and humans. Many good phrases in it, including one that states that it is difficult to think of any human activity untouched by the powers of the horse.

I can't bluelink, but perhaps someone else can:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/arts/design/16hors.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Good Morning All,

Barbaro you live in my Heart.

Sending love and prayers to Erin and her family.

Good morning wonderful creatures at MHR.
FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!

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

Ro & Brady

Erin Pony = I am thinking a good "old" horse gelding myself. And we don't know if Anne has a place to keep a horse? We don't know she may live in a place where horses are not zoned

Mike Rea rides in Pa. at the home of? Can't remember her name The Extreme home Makeover! Who helps children? She make could take a horse over too Erin’s. Are Erin to her to the barn?
I would like to help do this for Erin, can send a little money to help. And it maybe good for Mike to help, maybe take his mind off his troubles. Just thinking out loud here,
Yes I tried to find it on the TB LOL.

American Museum of Natural History

Hope the bluelink works Flicka.

There stands beautiful Jerri:
silver and bronze in the rising Nevada sun.

Sending prayer for her continued good health
and for the patience and peace of her caretakers
while they await the glorious day when NELLIE'S grand-colt/filly join her mother to live a wonderful life at MHR.

Bless all the Watchers, bless the Chikum Brigade who are determined to keep that pen FLUFFED to within a inch of its life...and I wonder where Wilbur Jr. Is cooling his heels????

Alex, great artical, well said.

####
Jonna,

Wilbur, Jr. and the turkettes have been placed. Jerri and Apple didn't like his strutting around and it wasn't safe for him, so Stephanie and Rob gave them away. Rob sees them every 6-8 weeks when he goes to do the feet of the horse(s).

Ro & Brady

Make that DB not TB, LOL.
sorry

thanks Ro:
I am sure Steph did not what him to meet the fate of his predecessor. Pressed Turkey: ew.

I do kinda miss Wilbur antics...turkeys are just plain crazed. We have lots of wild turkeys here abouts, and in the winter, it is just a hoot to see them roosting in the trees. It just looks....so wrong.

Best to all: j

Good Morning everyone,
Let me start with an FOB sent me two personal emails that I took very seriousley. This FOB has health issues and had a stroke in the past. My email was not scary as stated by someone.I did what was right at the time! This was not a hoax as stated also. Maybe the person who made the statements should take a look at herself. How shallow to make assumptions when someone is ill. At least I called and reacted.

Good Morning Barbaro,
I love you Big Bay Boss Horse.

Alex,
Great article as always.

Erin, prayers and white light being sent to you darling. God please wrap her in your arms and hold her tight.

Hi all,

I'm pretty sure what Nancy in CT (she's working with Rachel from Kennett Florist) is trying to arrange is for a pony to VISIT Erin at their home this coming Sunday afternoon. No plans to actually try to buy a pony for her for them to keep. Just wanted to clarify that so it doesn't get too confusing!

Padme, I don't think Erin is strong enough to travel away from home right now, I am basing that on speaking directly to "MoMo" (Erin's grandmother) yesterday. But, to absolutely clarify that you could check directly with Rachel.

Nancy in CT was hoping there was an FOB with a pony that lived close enough to the Brennan's to make a quick trip there Sunday with a pony to visit Erin. If there isn't an FOB nearby that can do that, Nancy is also checking the area around the Brennan's sto see if there is a riding or lesson stable nearby that might be willing to bring a pony to see Erin.

We can keep checking the DB to see what Nancy finds out, thanks everyone!

Linda J., Minneapolis

Losing Racehorses in Puerto Rico Condemned To Die

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-world-latinamerica/20080516/Puerto.Rico.Killing.Racehorses/

It appears as if Erin has been taken care of...see
this on the DB...ERIN

Not certain if plans have been finalized yet.

Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever

((((((((((((((Renee))))))))))))))
You did good. That was scary. I think we ought to pursue the concept of a central "call" file so that if I have a frakkin stroke tomorrow, and can send out a minimal or confused message to the ABR, Lucy, for instance--who lives just across town, could alert my sister or just plain call in a 911 (after alerting one of my gh friends to make sure someone can make them safe in the meanwhile....)

That definatley gave me a little heart thump.
Glad this person is OK now.

chrisbyers,
Thank you for the article. I believe these horses if sound could be used as therapy horses. Of course they tend to be high strung on the track, but not all. Retirement is different and a much quieter life.
If they are worked with in the right way they would make wonderful therapy horses. I have a friend that does just that.

(((((((((jonna,)))))))))))) my fren,
I was thinking the same thing last night on the way home. Great minds think alike. :)

It is good for those who do not have family also. We are each ohters famblee. Lets get that going.

Thank you for your support. I follow my intuition, it has been very good to me so far.

Robyn and all,

I posted for Nancy in CT about the pony for Erin, and yes, I believe Nancy has made all the arrnagements. I know she talked with Rachel.

If you have any questions, please talk to Nancy. I only agreed to post for her.

I think it is very exciting, though!

Dear Famblee, I am thinking of all of us today. This weekend begins our second year of operation here. The 'Peoples at the Fences', ever vigilant. The horses know. They are still counting on us. Even though we need to step back now and again.

Thanks Alex. Like all of us, I'm sure you have a few more grey hairs and wrinkles by now. And a couple of chewed finger nails.

I have blossomed into a fearful twit these past 2 weeks. I'm working on it. Never too far away.

Love to this dear Famblee.

WHAT'S THIS!!!??? I just saw the last few posts (have not been "on board" at all yet this morning, working on emails) -- A PONY FOR ERIN, is that what's happening? Count me in, whatever it is. Will catch up later.

Came here to crosspost something I just read and responded to at the HAHS Group site - IMO this is an important thing to do.

HBO WANTS TO HEAR FROM US

crossposting excerpt from post at HAHS site

... just got off the phone with an HBO representative. I called to let them know how greatful we are for their interest in this subject
of horse slaughter and to let them know how important it is to get more exposure. They ENCOURAGE & WELCOME our calls! If we can convince
HBO that there is enough public interest (and outrage) over the recent HBO airing exposing the vicious cycle these horses are caught up in and there most common tragic ends,.....maybe they might want to explore the issue a little more, maybe even do a documentary? We should all BOMBARD HBO SPORTS requesting further information and exposure on the subject. Tell them how important you think it is that this information be widely publicised because America NEEDS TO KNOW!

Here is a link to their website;

http://www.hbo.com/docs/

And here is the telephone number of HBO's Customer Affairs Dept., where you can call them Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm ET;

(212) 512 - 1208

I have spoken to the HBO reps at this number and they have already received some calls asking for more exposure on this subject, and the good news is that HBO is ENCOURAGING & WELCOMING our calls so lets get to it and let them know you think this subject needs more exposure. Tell them you would LOVE to see a DOCUMENTARY on the subject of horse slaughter. [end excerpt from HAHS post]

To which I responded at the HAHS site:

Thank you - I really appreciate this info, it zapped me into calling. I spoke with a live person rather than lvg a msg and said basically I wanted to encourage them to (1) do a longer more in-dapth piece on HS beyond the TB industry - told her to write down the initials P M U, for example - and (2) give details re how people can contact their legislators in support of the pending federal legislation. I suggested that they ADD AN UPDATE to the present show when they air it in reruns, re specifics re that; also suggested they PUT INFO ON THEIR WEBSITE how to support the bills. She sounded very supportive. Again, thanks.

I encourage everybody to call HBO and tell them something like the above.

THANK YOU ALL for all that you do for the Horses.

CJ in Hammond IN (not the CJ to whose post I am replying)

(((((((((((((((((Margie)))))))))))))))))))))

Hang in there my fren. We are here for you if you need us. Don't feel bad I am going to the rescue tomorrow and will be there during the derby hugging a beautiful horse and giving kisses with peppermints. I will make sure a few have your name on it.

And I just read Harriette's May 16th Devotional. Perfect for today. I'm sure it will get posted here shortly. It fits us perfectly.

Horse Auction Operators Deal with Down Market
by: Pat Raia
May 14 2008, Article # 11870
Print Email Republish Link RSS ShareThis

In a glutted market where some horses can be had for as little as $2, auctioneer Tim Jennings is trying to convince horse owners it's still a good time to sell their animals.

"We're telling people to compare how much they're spending on the horse with the potential sale price," said Jennings, president and director of marketing for Professional Auction Sales, Inc., a consignment sale firm in Berryville, Va. "It's a marketing campaign for us."

Jennings' pitch is just one way horse sale operators are coping with a downward spiraling market.

"The high cost of fuel, and cost of living, and the end of the slaughter market is just killing us," said Joyce Youngker, co-owner of the Youngker Quarter Horse Ranch in Perkins, Okla. "There are some lower-end horses in the marketplace that would have gone to slaughter that you can't even give away. Also, people can't afford to buy even inexpensive horses because they can't afford to feed them. Those who can, can't afford to haul them to shows."

Sale operators report that the going price for horses is falling.
According to Bret Stossel, auctioneer associate for Triangle Sales Company, a consignment sale firm in Shawnee, Okla., prices of lower-market horses have fallen dramatically--from $800 to often less than $20, and mid-range horses from $1,500 to $500. He attributes this to soaring fuel and feed costs. In response many sale operators must either scale back or shut down altogether.
"Some 'Saturday Night' stock sales aren't even happening anymore," he said. "We've been concentrating on high-end horses, and even our sales are down 50%. There just are fewer horses coming up for sale."

That's because many owners of good mid-range and high-end horses are refusing to sell until prices rise.

"We just canceled a sale at the Boystown Gateway Classic horse show at Lake St. Louis, Mo., because we couldn't get enough good horses," said Tim Folck, president and general manager of National Equine Sales in Springfield, Ohio. "We used to do five major sales a year. This year we're only doing one."

Folck plans to beef up his sales via an Internet site to connect his clients with prospective buyers. "It eliminates the cost of hauling the horses to sale, and the cost of the catalog, and the venue and the ring staff," he said.

According to David Anderson, MS, PhD, an associate professor and Extension economist in Texas A&M University's Department of Agricultural Economics, the horse market is sensitive to several factors, including everything from the way weather affects the feed market to trends in equine usage. But the biggest market driving factor is the economy in general.

"Whatever else happens, horse markets won't stabilize until the overall economy improves," he said.

But even that won't solve the problem of low or no value horses, said Terry Gailer, owner of Rolla Horse Auction in Rolla, Mo. "We've had 15 to 20 horses nobody would buy and that sellers wouldn't take back," Gailer said. "So we had to find homes for them among people who were also at the sale."

The incident doesn't surprise Tim Jennings.

"It's just a sign of the times," he said.

Dear Renee, yes, give a peppermint or two for me. Also, please accept for me, some slobber or goo on your shirt. I'll treasure it across cyber space. :-D

regarding what I posted at May 16, 2008 4:02 PM

ADDED ON REFLECTION:

BOTTOM LINE

TELL HBO - NOT ONLY DO A DOC - ALSO - LET YOUR VIEWERS KNOW HOW TO SUPPORT THE FEDERAL LEGISLATION.

Lucy - a kind, gentle white mare - will visit Erin on Sunday morning...and doesn't she sound like the perfect pony to make a little girl's dream come true?

Tears, thanks Stacy for doing this for our Erin!

Off to email HBO!

white mare!

Hi Alex and FOB'S!
My name is Janpal on the rockporter.com website.I have started a petition for a commissioner of horseracing that will be sent to the Jockey Club upon its completion, accompanied by a letter which you can read on this site under"Letter to Phipps"(chairman of the Jockey Club).I will have a table where the jockeys come down the steps to ride their horses.I will be there for most of the day until Preakness time.I should arrive there between 12 and 12:30.If you're there and agree with this petition(in honor of Eight Belles)please stop by and sign the petition.If you can not be there,but agree with this effort,you can just PM me on the rockportharbor.com site under Fox Hill Farm News and then click on the topic,"Sign Petition for Commissioner"and I'll be glad to add your name to the growing list.Thanks!!Please inform your friends,too!

OMG.....

Just found the pony for Erin thread, where Stacy of Cody Hollow has posted:

http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=23791.20

I will be taking a pony to them on Sunday. As well as some baby bunnies and other baby animals if they think she is strong enough. And my camera.

Want to share what I just posted on that Thread after reading the above:

OH WOW, this is so wunnerfull . . .

A few years ago my band was booked to play an outdoor garden party celebrating the bday of a cancer patient little girl about Erin's age; it was a huge estate type place in a very affluent Chicago suburb, and the party featured a pony. The little girl had no hair, was wearing one of those scarf things.

We did not know the people, had been booked by an agent. Had been advised ahead of time that the little girl requested that the band play "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" - already on our songlist - we play it frequently (instrumental - no words - audience has words in their heads) and I tell you I have trouble playing it now on stage without getting sentimental and teary remembering that little girl enjoying our music that day, with the pony grazing in the background and a big golden (or yellow lab?) with the run of the party - well, I tell you, one of those moments.

She was so pale and her eyes were so dark and sunken but she lit up with the dog and the pony and the music and we were part of a memorable afternoon.

It didn't matter that these people were fabulously wealthy (it was really quite an estate ...) - they were losing their baby girl and all the money in the world couldn't change a thing . . .

Just wanted to share.

(I guess IMO this is why, if there is a God, he/she/it/they make(s) little children and helpless animals suffer to get our attention to make us realize about the Great Equalizer regardless of achievements and material possessions . . . .)

Sorry if this is too heavy, I haven't said anything publicly thus far about Erin's latest turn, and this is the result of my "stewing" on it . . .

Friday, May 16th... A cold front coming in. Today might only be 99.

Yesterday in a Northern California chat room, PrettyNPink, AndrewsBarn, and StellarBee came together to save the life of a black thoroughbred filly. She is 3, and her owner is a week away from eviction. Euthansia was scheduled. Instead the filly will come to us until a good home can be found. Ryan Andrews provides transportation.

The towns of Vacaville and Dixon have become the horse rescue capitals of the world. There is Jodi. Nikki. Jessica R. Jessica S. Erin. Ryan. Britt. Tara. And our new best friend PrettyNPink, and she prefers to rescue paint horses.

I know them all very well. None of the above bore you with a morning journal. They never ask for money. Quietly they help horses. Unlike that old guy in Woodland who constantly shouts out numbers, all of the above never seek attention.

Nikki has moved into her very own ranch, and she wants to know the best places to buy water floats and tubs. Daily her horses are messing with the plumbing. Almost overnight Nikki has learned how to mend PVC pipes.

Ryan and his girlfriend Heather are caring for unwanted horses in West Sacramento, Elverta, Vacaville and Dixon. Ryan has his eye on a large piece of land, but 2 offers have been turned down. The search continues.

Tara concentrates on thoroughbreds. Tara is good friends with a well known trainer at the track, and she brings home his slow or injured horses.

Jessica R. is a quarter horse gal. She attends livestock auctions in Turlock and brings home the pathetic.

Jessica S. is an anything goes kind of gal. Any breed, any age, but Jessica must pay board. She rehabs 3 horses at a time, and then finds them good homes.

Over the years Jodi has rescued hundreds of horses. All breeds, all ages. Her heart lies with Arabians.

Erin concentrates on thoroughbreds, and she once worked as a groom at the race track. She especially loves babies.

Britt would bring pregnant PMU mares down from Canada, raise their foals, and send them off to good homes. She also loves the youngsters.

PrettyNPink attends auctions and buys paint horses in trouble. She is young, just 20, and works at 2 different jobs to pay the bills. At night PrettyNPink serves food in a Vacaville restaurant, and she invited Cathy and I to dinner. All the free food we wanted. A night I will never forget.

Horses in trouble, and they are saved by amazing giving people. One of the above did not even have a television. She kept saying I am going to buy a TV, I am going to buy a TV. But weeks later when I asked, did you buy that TV yet, she said no. She cannot justify spending money for a television when there are horses who need to eat.

But my friend Ryan grew tired of her saying I am going to buy a TV, I am going to buy a TV. So Ryan went to Costco and bought her a TV. He then hooked up DISH Network for her. And bought her a one year subscription to Netflex.

You have to understand, Ryan does not have much money. But a more giving person you will never meet.

I have learned. Those who give to horses also give to people.

Joe

Yesterday in strong winds rehabbing horses were turned out to play.

Top Left: This is Sky Pilot, and he had a badly broken sesamoid bone. But now Sky Pilot moves like ice skater Kristy on that dancing show.

Top Right: Warrensgildedtime came to us last weekend from the race track, and he is still a stallion. A very kind horse. I turn Warren out to play and he never says a word.

Bottom Left: Proud Phil came from the race track with all sorts of problems, but now he moves like Kobe on a fast break.

Bottom Right: Pony Boy is always outside. Free to go anywhere he wants. His eyes tear from the winds. He thinks he owns the joint.

Sorry,neglected to say what track I would be at tomorrow-Philadephia Park-known as the PHA.Hope to see you there,but if not,hope you'll sign your name to this worthwhile cause!

Hi Alex,

As they say across the pond, spot on! I so agree with your article today. Am I wrong in saying that Big Brown should not be bred at all? Look at those hooves---what is the likelihood that he would pass that trait on to his foals? What happened to the philosophy of "breeding the best to the best and hoping for the best"? As a fan, I would give my eye teeth to see my equine heroes race longer. And if we weaken the horses, what danger does that put the jockeys in?

I will love horse racing until I take my last breath, but it seems that some common sense needs to prevail. Thank you for being an intelligent voice of reason.

Cordially,
Kathy from Toledo and the cats

Joe Shelton: words of wisdom: his standard fare: He'd hate that I say that. And Joe is doing what we all have to do: raise the next generation of horse savers, rescuers, farriers, vets who will give a discount or let people pay on time.

It all makes me entirely exhausted.

And Erin. Little 7-year old Erin.

#####
Thank God...that our family was there for our FOB in distressed...besides all we do...trying to get the federal government to listen and open their ears and hearts and pass the Barbaro Bill...

WE ARE FAMILY...We stay together, we are united and strong...and we take care of each other.

I am so thankful for each of you.

###
As for HBO...let us encourage them to do more...our horses are pushed into a tunnel of death with no other recourse but to face a barbaric death...when they deserve life, and love.

####
Jonna...thank you...for the update for Tracey, Belle, Georgia.

####
Jerri...we are watching and waiting...and praying for the very best.

###
All of our rescues...we are here to help in any way possible.

BARBARO...YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL...WE ARE HERE...WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU.

I pray for all of the horses and riders tomorrow..everyone please come home safe...

####
ALEX...THANK YOU!

Tim and Fair Hill...thank you.

CJ you are very special!

Alex Yes
I am very glad conversations are occurring that were not occurring a few months ago!

Have had some conversations with two family members myself, who I had ask too call our senators and congressmen. After HBO aired both said how terrible, it opened some eyes I think.

Thanks for everything, I know it’s been hard for you keeping this site up and running.
Thanks to Windy for all the work on the Spam of late! LOL

Hay Frens, This morning I heard that Chris Wallace, of FOX News will be doinf an interview "with BIG BROWN." (I think that Chris Wallace does his show on Sundays)

This just occurred to me...Since he is doing a segment with a famous thoroughbred racehorse, perhaps he would be interestined in learning about, and doing another segment about the "not-so-famous" racehorses on the back-side of the indu$try, hundreds of whom are shipped directly to the slaughter pens as they leave the track.

He might also be interested in Senator Larry Craig's deliberate, calculated "stalling" of the discussion and vote on S311.

Perhaps if he were to receive a lot of e-mails and /or phone calls from the FOBs, he would be interested in following through, and airing some additional segments, on his nationally broadcasted show.

Please feel free to look up FOX News, (foxnews.com), and flood his office with information on these issues.

Yes, BIG BROWN is big news, but so is the stroy on the "flip-side" of the coin. Yes?

Have a super day. Everyone.

PS: SO VERY GLAD TO HEAR OF ERIN'S VISIT WITH WHITE MARE PONY!

...doing good in a too often cruel and heartless world. The Love of the Frens will make the difference.

You FOB Fren, O

"God's Love In Rainbows"

From God's Loving Heart
The Most Beautiful Rainbow Barbaro
Eight Belles God's Glowing Angel
Our Angel Horses
Barbaro's Famblee Of So, So So Beautiful Angels
Divine Communication
Divine Connection
Angel Erin
Seeing Her Pony Of Love
Barbaro's Halo Is Glowing So, So So Beautifully
All The Colors Of The Rainbow
Light Up The World With God's Love
Angel Wings
Angels On Earth
The Circle Of Love
In Hearts
In Roses
In Halos
Divine Inspiration
Reaching Many
The Circle Of Angels
Barbaro's Famblee Of Angels
Togetherness
The Rainbow Of God's Love
Angel Barbaro
Lifting You Up
The Rainbow Of Prayer
God's Divine Protection
Big Brown, The Angel Horses And The Jockeys
God's Light Of Love.......

8.......Halos......Two Hearts.......Connected In
Love.......Divine Faith........

Affirmed Rainbows.......
Sacred Prayers......

Affirmed Prayers.......
God And The Angels Are With You.......
Jesus.......
Angel Barbaro......
Angel Eight Belles......

Affirmed Blessings......
Angel Barbaro With Us......
Angel Barbaro's Frens With Us Too.......

Affirmed

Otherlyn,
I will write Chris Wallace right away. We need to write Bill O'Reilly now that he knows what is going on. It would be great to get Alex on as a guest. Thinking...thinking...thinking............

Let's Remember How Lucky we are

With permission of the writer whose identity is irrelevant (but known to those who rec'd the mass email), am sharing an email written in response to reports of yesterday's SOS from an FOB in trouble (as reported via mass email and also here at Comments by Renee)

Let's Remember How Lucky we are

This is all such heavy material and these are tough topics for all of us who are sensitive to these issues. If it's getting too much for anyone,
please just speak up. We are here to provide STRENGTH to each other to continue this fight. We know it's dark and the road is long, but trust
me, there's a way to make progress and we are just the folks to find that way. As dark as it gets (and trust me, I have my moments of despair, too), remember how lucky we are to be in this TOGETHER -- to have each other. How Blessed to have found others who feel so strongly about this! I can tell you there is NO ONE in my day to day life who is participating the way you are. Without you all, I'd be alone on this.

Also, remember how BLESSED the animals are to have a group of folks fighting for them. There will be rewards, so hang in there! [end of email]

Again - just wanted to share . . .

A 'Brown' Crown would lack rivalry
By Ray Paulick
Special to ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: May 15, 2008, 2:43 PM ET
Comment
Email
Print

AP Photo

Triple Crown winner Affirmed battled rival Alydar down to the wire in the Belmont Stakes.
Seattle Slew had Run Dusty Run. Affirmed had his Alydar. There was Alysheba and Bet Twice. Sunday Silence and Easy Goer, Real Quiet and Victory Gallop.

The best Triple Crowns in my adult life, beginning with Secretariat and Sham, featured the continuity of competitors from the Kentucky Derby to the Preakness and on to the Belmont Stakes --- all in five glorious weeks of springtime. Two rivals looking each other in the eye for three consecutive races, neither one of them wanting to give an inch. Sometimes the results were overwhelming in favor of one horse over his chief rival, but that didn't keep the vanquished from trying. At other times, revenge was served as a reward for perseverance.

These rivalries are what the sport is all about. It's whether "my" horse can beat "your" horse in the three races, with ownership of Triple Crown rivals defined broadly among the fans. Californians, for example, felt as though they had a vested interest in 1989 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Sunday Silence, while New Yorkers all shared a piece of Belmont winner Easy Goer in one of the most heated rivalries of the last several decades.

Unfortunately, for those who enjoy rivalries, the number of horses running in all three races is on the decline --- accentuated by this year's Preakness field, which includes only two horses from the Derby, winner Big Brown and 17th-place finisher Gayego. Sadly, Derby runner-up Eight Belles was euthanized after running the race of her life. But all of the other leading contenders have simply decided to sit this dance out.

There was a time (and, trust me, it wasn't that long ago) when many of the top finishers in the Kentucky Derby were automatically headed to Pimlico for the second leg of the Triple Crown. The 1980s brought about a serious challenge to the series, first when the late trainer, Eddie Gregson, opted to skip the Preakness with 1982 Derby winner Gato del Sol because he didn't think the colt had the right running style to suit the Baltimore racetrack. Three years later, the owner of Derby winner Spend a Buck bypassed the Preakness because of a lucrative bonus opportunity created for a series of races in New Jersey.

The latter threat prompted management of the three Triple Crown tracks to come up with a plan to convince horsemen to compete in all three races. They deviced a dual bonus scheme --- $5 million in purses and bonus money for a Triple Crown sweep or $1 million to the horse with the best overall record in the three races --- and secured Chrysler as title sponsor of the newly christened "Chrysler Triple Crown Challenge."

The bonus had an immediate impact, raising interest in the Triple Crown in 1987, when Alysheba defeated Bet Twice in the Derby and Preakness, but then lost both bonuses when fourth to that same rival in the Belmont. Risen Star earned the $1-million bonus in 1988 after finishing third in the Derby and winning the Preakness and Belmont. The 1989 series, featuring knock-down, drag-out brawls between Sunday Silence and Easy Goer, saw Sunday Silence get a $1-million consolation prize after finishing second to Easy Goer in the Belmont.

There was some criticism of the bonus in 1993 when Derby runner-up and Preakness winner Prairie Bayou broke down in the Belmont Stakes, allowing Derby winner Sea Hero to earn $1 million after finishing fifth in the Preakness and seventh in the Belmont. The late Paul Mellon, owner of Sea Hero, graciously donated the bonus money to the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.

Chrysler eventually dropped its sponsorship, which was picked up by credit card company Visa in 1996. Visa, however, only funded the $5-million bonus, so there was no incentive for Derby also-rans to race in the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, apart from the prestige of those races.

Visa dropped its Triple Crown sponsorship and the $5-million bonus in 2005, and Triple Crown Productions has not been able to secure a replacement.

There has been no Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978, so no one has won the $5-million payout. Trainer Bob Baffert came agonizingly close on three occasions, with Silver Charm in 1997, Real Quiet in 1998, and War Emblem in 2002, all of whom won the first two legs but then lost the Belmont. He also trained Preakness-Belmont winner Point Given, who was fifth in the Derby.

Baffert cites the high cost of shipping horses for the Triple Crown races as one reason participation may be down. "They need to put the bonus back that rewards horses that run first, second, and third in all three races," Baffert said. "It's a huge expense on trainers to ship to these big races, so you better win something."

In addition, Baffert said, the popularity of running in the Derby has taken its toll on horses on the road to Churchill Downs. "Most of the horses in the Derby have been running hard just to become eligible for the Derby (via graded stakes earnings). So we have tired horses that need freshening."

Baffert described this year's Preakness as "Big Brown and the new shooters. Should still be a very exciting race."

But one without the rivalries that have brought out the best in the sport.

Ray Paulick is a Lexington, Ky.-based journalist who served as editor-in-chief of The Blood-Horse from 1992-2007. Over the past 25 years he has covered Thoroughbred racing, breeding and sales on six continents and more than a dozen countries and appeared on numerous television and radio news programs offering his expertise on the industry. Contact Ray at raypaulick@gmail.com.

Karen Macmanus - Dallas, Texas

jonna, I laughed about you having to see about the hounds even if you were having a stroke or whatever. I know what you mean. If they were carrying me out on a stretcher I wouldnt let them unless I had things set up to care for Chief. I an so afraid off a thunderstorm and I wasnt here to care for him. Especially now that he still has effects of the stroke. (thats of not off).

The May Hay Ride at MHR has started. Jerri and Apple are leading the way.

Barbaro's Kentucky Derby Hay Wagon Ride

Two Drawings: First includes a Barbaro Breyer Model, a copy of Kentucky Derby #132 Review hard cover book,a hand painted pewter Barbaro-Prado pin, and four Kentucky Derby commemorative mint julep glasses.

Second Drawing is an unsigned 8x10 framed Barbara Livingston photo of Barbaro taken at Churchill Downs.

May Hay Drive

Ro & Brady

sandra,
Please give Chief big hugs and kisses from me. Remember I had to feed the horse with a broken ankle. We are all the same, just good hearted people.

In todays paper there was a big writeup on Big Brown telling about his bad feet. Small cracks in his feet so has special shoes. I am really worried about him. Well, I am worried about them all. Now I even worry about the ones that come in last-like will they be discarded. I am hoping all get to have a nice home even if they dont win. I like the prayer for all horses, dogs, etc. "Dear God, when I die please let me be someones pet and loved so someone will miss me."

The Latest NEWS FROM TRACEY ABOUT HER CRITTERS. THERE ARE OTHER THINGS GONG ON IN HER LIFE...AS USUAL. KEEP HER IN YOUR PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH. BUT THE ANIMALS SEEM TO GET gooooooooood!
##############################################
thanks so much everyone for the prayers..my dad is about the same..except he really wants outta the hospital but he will be in for awhile..sure do miss his help especially in the evenings...the horses are great..heartbutt had some socialization with my other 2 geldings his full brother maxx and stinky..they kinda hemmed and hawed at each other and acted goofy and then he got to run around with them they excepted him sooner than i thought they would...so hopefully he will be turned out with them by weeks end..i just let them kinda hoof it up together for about an hour..they sure are pretty stutting their stuff for each other..tails up extended trots arched necks..it is quite the site for eyes..clydes are just so magestic..george had a full hoof trim today the farrier said she was a pro..and he has never seen a well behaved 2 mth old like that..she is growing like a weed..belle had some resecting and her shoes reset today she is doing great...i am pooped gonna be a long day tomorrow and i gotta get to bed...i did not sleep well last night due to hotflashes and my back being pulled out of wack so i am a lot more tired than usual and still waiting my own test results...i sure will be glad to get off this roller coaster soon...anyways all of you take care and i promise to get george and belle on cam this weekend...
************************************************
(ps: hEARTBUTT WAS JUST "TUTORED" EARLY THIS WEEK...)

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THAT WITH EVERYONE CJ.

I KNOW WE'VE ALL HAD A LOT HANDED TO US LATELY, I JUST WANTED TO ASK IF ANY OF YOU REGULAR MARESTARE FOLKS COULD POST A PRAYER FOR A TWO YEAR OLD GIRL NAMED KAYLIE WHO PASSED AWAY. TRACEY FROM LEGACY CLYSDALES ATTENDED HER FUNERAL THIS MORNING. I POSTED THE INFO IN THE DISCUSSION/FORUM AREA ALONG WITH TRACEY'S MESSAGE.

PLEASE POST A PRAYER FOR KAYLIE FOR TRACEY AT LEGACY CLYDESDALES-- THANK YOU

THANKS,
LOVE & PRAYERS FOR EVERYONE,
CHERYL G

GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND BIG BROWN -- BE SAFE ALL YOU GORGEOUS BOYS!!! :>)

LOL JONNA -- TRACEY IS POPULAR TODAY!! I JUST LOVE HER CLYDES, AS SO MANY PEOPLE DO!! :>)

LOVE,
CHERYL
:>)

Jones said in a phone interview Thursday he believes the horse just tripped over her own feet.

"She's bad about stumbling while pulling up," Jones said. "She's doesn't pick her feet up very high. It's one reason she could run very fast and far. She had the perfect motion for being effective and efficient. However, those horses who do that have a tendency to want to stumble."

Eight Belles had no diseases, bone abnormalities
By JEFFREY McMURRAY – 18 hours ago

###Otherlyn
Will e-mail Chris Wallace - great idea.

##
Erin's white mare, and baby animal visit sounds so beautiful for her.

So glad everything worked out for the FOB in need. Everyone needs someone that cares and this group sure does.

###
C. Jaffe - you are so right, sometimes it is almost unbearable and comfort comes from knowing that you have this group and someone to talk to that understands. Even knowing how much all this means to me, I cannot get my outside friends to "get it", oh they are condesending and pat me on my back but I am not even sure they sign the petitions and other things I forward, they just never mention it. Sometimes I think it goes into a black hole somewhere. That is why I hate to see people stop posting on either board because we need everyone. Everyone!!!

in the above paragraph: I feel if a horse is know to stumble they should not be raced to exhaustion making them stumble worse. That is the first time I have personally heard about stumbling horses, what say you Alex!

Karen Macmanus - Dallas, Texas

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/sports/16295370/detail.html

Big Brown's Trainer Gives Horses Steroids
Dutrow Gives Horses Steroid That's Legal In Most States

POSTED: 12:29 pm EDT May 16, 2008
UPDATED: 1:02 pm EDT May 16, 2008

Big Brown's trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. gives his horses steroids every month, the New York Daily News reported.

"I give all my horses Winstrol on the 15th of every month," Dutrow told the Daily News. "If (the authorities) say I can't use it anymore, I won't."

Winstrol, a powerful steroid, is legal in 28 of the 38 U.S. states that feature horse racing, including the sites of the three Triple Crown races, Kentucky, Maryland and New York. The 10 other states allow four anabolic steroids, including Stanozolol (Winstrol's former name), to be used for therapeutic uses only, the newspaper reported.

An official at the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium told the Daily News that he expects all 38 states to adopt the steroid ban by the end of the year.

Questions about doping in horse racing surfaced after Eight Belles collapsed at the end of the Kentucky Derby. The filly was euthanized after suffering two broken ankles. Her trainer, Larry Jones, said Eight Belles was not on steroids and ordered drug tests to be done as part of her autopsy to put any rumors to rest. Results from the drug tests are still pending.

Big Brown, won recorded a decisive victory at the Kentucky Derby, is a 1-2 favorite entering Saturday's Preakness Stakes. He's trying to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to win the Triple Crown.

May the gentle white mare bring much joy and happiness to Erin. My thoughts are with her and her family.

Renee- those auction barns in Rolla they are quoting are end the road dumps. They sometimes have decent horses go through there, but mostly people just dumping their horses. Lake St. Louis was a higher end sale of show QH. these places are in my backyard. Rolla is one of the reasons we are having trouble with this resolution. Because one of the Committe members, that is his district and the business is complaining of not being able to make money. Once again, the people w/ money problems take over the people who have good intentions. Jen

"To live, let live, help live".

Henry Thomas and Dana Lee Thomas

Yes, Renee, I remember when you had to care for your animals with a broken foot. We do that because WE GET IT. I have an old time friend (well not old in age but in years) who thinks I am nuts. If I have a drs. apt. and the morning weather says it will thunder I cancel my appointment. Chief and I live like hermits but sometimes she and and i have lunch at Dennys and if it thunders or chance of thunder she knows we wont go. She does not get it. ###renee, I usually watch Bill OReilley and he said he wants to go into the horse issue more deeply. He is the most watched news show in the U.S. He was at the Derby when Eight Belles was injured. Is there any way someone could send him a slaugher video?

jonna, read where a gentle white mare will be Erins friend. I feel badly about all of the horses but anytime I hear "white mare" my heart hurts. I always think of your white mare. She is yours you know.

FOB $1-$5 Alive Drive

Wow, we are finished with drive number 10 for Mac. We have raise over $1000 in less than 4 weeks for rescued horses. We still have a long list, but this wonderful. Thank-you to everyone for giving!

Our next drive was suppose to be for Austin at Never E Nuff Acres for emergency vet bills. But Austin's vet bill has been paid in full. So, as Dawn suggested, we are going to raise $100 for Captain, who is a special needs horse at Never-E-Nuff Acres Horse Rescue and Sanctuary.

Captain is 34 years old and was used in Mexican racing in the past. He has old fractures and arthritis and his tongue was nearly split in two by a bit. So we are going to help Captain get the care he needs.

For Paypal go to their site:

http://www.neverenuffacres.org/

You can see the donation link on the right side. If that does not work for you, please try the link at the bottom of the page.

Remember $1.50 to $6.00 if you use Paypal to take care of all the fees.

For snail mail:

Never-E-Nuff Acres, Inc.

P.O. Box 94

Waxahachie, TX 75168

Remember $1-$5 is all we are asking for, but all donations are welcome.

Please report your donation on the "FOB $1-$5 Alive Drive" thread in discussion.

We need $50 to help Captain at Never-E-Nuff Acres.

If you would like to see a photo of Captain, check out the FOB $1-$5 Alive Drive thread.

Thank-you so much for helping!

Margie

sandra,
I would love Bill O'Reilly to see it. He is so powerful! that is the kind of action and exposure we need.

sandra,
I would love Bill O'Reilly to see it. He is so powerful! that is the kind of action and exposure we need.

Sorry for the double post.

Steroids and young, human athletes. PBS had a documentary on this past week. It zeroed in on the East German olympic athletes in the late 70's and 80's. And the after effects. It was God awful to watch. These steroids affected the girls more than the boys. Some of the girls were able to turn into boys very easily. Some of them had musculo-skeletal problems, such as no kneecaps left after the steroid use. The crux of the steroid use in these YOUNG athletes - there skeletal system was not developed enough to support the heavier muscle mass and the ability of the athletes to exercise and weight lift way past the point that the skeleton could support.

Bill O'Reilly's email address

oreilly@foxnews.com

If a human or animal cannot perform under their own, then that's it. NO drugs!

Since we all could use a little pick-me-up after Erin's news this week. Jim Coarse has posted a few new pics of Nicanor on his website. I like the one that looks like he is laughing. Nicancor is a very inquisitive, personable horse. So, like his brother.

www.jimcoarse.com

look under Fair Hill

On AOL "cover" screen .......... is report about the greed and cruelty and tragedies happening at Puerto Rican racing tracks !

I am proud to be a member of Barbaro's famblee - where much goodness happens !

Sherry

MHR Jerri foal watch - Jerri has a slow drip at the milk bar. Soon? Maybe? Pretty please?

I just got an email form Judith. She had a bad meltdown her Dr. said and will be OK.

Thank you all for taking action with me for one of our own.

Margie

I believe that is exactly what could be happening to race horses that are being given anabolic steroids. For one thing their skeleton is not fully developed. Then you ad the additional muscle mass and their bodies can not support it.

In addition, if they are using corticosteroids,in any large quantity for any length of time, there is a good chance they are actually pulling calcium out of the bone. You see this in people that are long term predinsone, etc. Physicians actually do radiology procedures to determine the amount of bone loss people are experiencing. They also prescribe things like Fosmax, to slow down the bone loss process. I have no reason to believe that these drugs would not do the same thing to horse bone.

AN UPDATE ON "ERIN'S PONY EXPRESS" WHICH WILL VISIT HER HOME ON SUNDAY....

"I just spoke to Rachel. The Erin Express will be leaving my farm around 9 am Sunday morning to take the little mare to her Princess. My daughter was reading Erin's site with me, and has generously offered to spray paint the hooves pink, and braid the mane and tail with pink and probably purple ribbons.

I am so honored to be doing this, that I can't take a thing. If anyone feels the need to contribute, take it and give it to your favorite rescue in Erin's name.

I spoke to Rachel as well briefly about when the time comes, that if was allowed, or okay, I'd provide the little white mare to lead her home to her final resting spot.

We shall be taking a few baby bunnies as well for Erin to cuddle. So I pray this little one shall have a day beyond her wildest dreams, and be able to enjoy herself.

Stacy H

Cody Hollow Farm & Rabbitry"

GOD BLESS STACY - SHE IS MY HERO!

Nancy,
She is mine to. What a beautiful gentle heart she has.

I am simply KVELLING MIT NACHAS over the prospect of Erin's upcoming Sunday.

Really appreciate Alex's blog in the NY Times today. Especially this closing zinger:

"We race to breed and sell. We need to return to the times when we breed and sell to race."

IMO - truer words were never spoke!

Reminds me of that juxtaposition about the difference between people who eat to live and those who live to eat . . .

####
Sandra:
Yes, The White Mare, my beautiful, elegant, beauty; and there she was on the HBO special: that awful clip of tape of that pig jerking her around by her mane and stabbing, stabbing, stabbing at her spine along that elegant curve of white, speckled with blood.

There are worse tapes, but that little moment, where her head lowers so slowly, just kills my mind a little more, everytime I see it. Yep: she's knows I'm coming for her...

#########
OT and please don't stone me - but I wanted to spread the news that it's official - Ellen de Generes and her life partner Portia DiRossi (sp?) (who happens to be a competitive show jumper, I believe) are going to be married in California - announced on her show today. (Ellen and Justin Timberlake are co-writing the wedding song, ala Bernie Taupin/Elton John, Gilbert/Sullivan.) I have been an equal-rightser everywhich way to my very core (the animal rights part is right in there) and was thrilled beyond belief by the CA Sup Ct decision yesterday on May 15. 31 years ago yesterday, a great big horse rolled on me and I lived to tell the tale. So it was a significant re-birthday present for me, for the CA Sup Ct decision to come down on that very day.

####
Everyone involved in the Erin's Pony Surprize:
I hate to state the obvious but
I have to bring this up one more time...

Please make sure that ERIN UNDERSTANDS THIS IS A VISITING PONY/Horse. Not a Pony for HER very own..she's 7, and despite all she has been through--she might construe this to mean that the pony BELONGS TO HER NOW....

I just cannot imagine what a crushing disappointment this would be if that is what she imagined? And then has to see the Pony leave.

See what I mean?? I hope everyone gets this in the spirit it is meant to be taken: it's a wonderful idea...and I am sure that Rachel has run this by Anne and Terry.

#######CJ,
((HUGS))You are one in a million with a heart of gold and love for the entire world.

P.S. Day Bue has an inflamed sesamoid. We are trying 30 days of antibiotics and a 2nd opinion. If that doesn't work he may have to be put down. Please send him some love.

Have a good weekend everyone.
May they all come home safe ad sound. Good Luck Big Brown.

Good night Barbaro, I will feel your energy tomorrow. I love you.

Thank you Alex for all your hard work for us and the horses that need us.

Erin, enjoy what life is going to bring you. I don't know you sweetie but I do love you very much. May God Bless and hold you tight.

CJ what a beautiful spirit you are.

(((((((((((jonna))))))))))))))

jonna, I am not a violent person but there are two times I could have murdered was once long, long ago when a relationship ended and the other one is if I had witnessed , in person, the man stabbing the white mare.

To honor the white mare:

... The weather changed, from hot, to cool, and the carnival season ended. One morning, all of the ponies were loaded into a big truck, and were once more, taken away. They were taken to a big place with horses squealing, and people shouting. Hundreds of horses were being taken, one by one, from one side of the place to the other. They were separated from Skippy, Rose and Lightning, and did not see them again. The shouting place was not a good place. They could smell fear and sadness there.

In a crowded pen, at the last shouting place, the three ponies were befriended by one of the Percherons from the great circle of The 400. Their big fren shielded them and tried to keep them from being crushed when they were loaded into the big trailer for the last journey. Little Beauty didn't make it. She was squeezed, and pushed. She fell, in the trailer, and was stepped on by several terrified horses. She went quickly out of the otherplace. Midnight called out for her in desperation. She endured the long painful ride, with Beauty's body at her feet. She was grateful, in the end, that her little one did not have to walk through the blood.

Beauty was the first to greet them all as they stepped into the pure bright light.

Banner is proud to say that his Percheron fren grazes with them now, in this beautiful meadow. Midnight and Beauty have been reunited with some of Midnight's children, including the four brothers who had never known rough hands, hunger, or thirst. Skippy, and Lightning, also play in the high meadows of Thisgoodplace. Rose has not yet come.

.The white mare, then spoke in words:
"The good and the bad of the otherplace often fades in the peace of Thisgoodplace, but Love stays. Love is always remembered, with songs and honor."
"You, and the Love of your Frens, will always be a part of our song. For Banner, Midnight, Beauty, the others of The 400, and for all who are left, betrayed, and forgotten, the Love of the Frens of the Great Prince, is their only comfort. Love follows Love, Great Prince, and you are its touchstone. Someday, the peace of Thisgoodplace will find its way to your Frens."
" I tell you now, for THEIR hearts to know:
The 400 did not feel pain as they stepped into the blood. The Frens prayed, and Angels came to comfort and hold the heads of The 400. Great Prince, your Frens DID save them."

The Young Prince wept, as they walked. The white mare was silent, beside him. His full heart was touched by all of what she had said. He took to heart, the noble names, and the stories that had been sung into him. He understood the joy of knowing Love. There was no shame or sorrow in his tears, no grief, or regret. They were simply tears. When something touches your heart...you cry.

As they reached the edge of the meadow the white mare glanced up into the sky. Then she looked into the eyes of the Young Prince. He saw in those dark windows a reflection of the little cloud floating just over the horizon beyond the ridge. They did not speak. They breathed into each other's nostrils, then looked one more time, together, across the meadow at the ponies, joined by the big Percheron, and at the many smaller groups of The 400 happily enjoying the peace of the buttercup meadow. The white mare trotted away to join them.

Lovingly offered in tribute. (from THISGOODPLACE2 God's Own Carousel).

... Always remember...never forget. KEEP CALLING! The Love of the Frens will make the difference.

Your FON Fren O

um...(sheesh)..."hoof hands" right at the end of the post. I DO mean, Your FO >B

Goodnight Barbaro

We love you!

Goodnight Family/Fans of Barbaro

PLEASE CALL, FAX, EMAIL...PLEASE.

Help our rescues, remember our Fallen Angels, the ones suffering human or animal, our wildlife, and our loving family.

Prayers to all...have a beautiful weekend.

Please Lord...bring all of the horses, owners, and everyone involved home...and safe....

Pray that we find homes for all of our horses, and animals...so that they can live happy lives.

####
Goodnight Alex.
Goodnight Tim and FAir Hill.
Our Fallen Angels...we are here.

###
Jerri...we are watching and waiting...and hope all goes very well for you and your beautiful baby.

Prayers to Tracey and family, Belle, Georgia, Heartbutt.

ALL OF YOU ARE SO, SPECIAL...WE ARE FAMILY.

If anyone can help this precious mama and baby I would appreciate it. They are stuck inside a stall and can't go outside to play because they have no pen. I have watched them in this stall for 2 weeks and it's driving me NUTS.

The rescue needs $300. to build a pen outside and we have $50. and a $30. match on the table. If you could even just give $5.00 I would appreciate it. I just want them out of the stall:(

Go here to donate please

go here to see them on web cam

ALL,

NEWS FROM MHR. STEPHANIE HAS TAKEN ON A JOB TO SUPPLEMENT OUR DONATIONS TO THE HORSES. IT WILL NOT TAKE HER AWAY FROM THE HORSES AND YET HELP THEM BE EVEN MORE HEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL.

STEPHANIE HAS BECOME A MARY KAY CONSULTANT. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE PRODUCTS EMAIL HER VIA THE DB FOR NOW (I DO NOT HAVE HER PERMISSION YET TO PUBLICIZE HER E-MAIL). STEPHANIE CAN BE FOUND ON THE ROSIE/MISTY THREAD AND THE JERRI, APPLE, NELLIE THREAD.

Ro & Brady

Update on Erin

The last paragraph:

I don't know how often I will log an entry here over the next days/weeks. I know I've always tried to write everyday only missing a day occasionally, but time now is precious and I know you understand that I need all the time available. She wants to spend most of her time with me, only allowing me to leave the room if she is napping or involved in a show she really wants to watch. I will say, however, that I want you all to know what is going on too...so I will write, I just can't promise everyday.
By the way, I want you to know: I believe in my heart and soul that God can remove everyone of those tumors and make her heal and whole. I don't want to assume I know the answer. So I will still be asking for and expecting a miracle....THE specific miracle of healing her here on earth...so please don't stop asking for that in your prayers. I can't possibly give up.

Barb this is HEARTBREAKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know what to say, only that Sunday's Surprise brings some comfort and joy to Erin and the family!

Ro & Brady

###
Jonnagrey, I don't have HBO; I know there's a link here, but I could not handle that video. But I read your account of that white mare being killed, and it made me hysterical and furious. That poor, poor girl, with her head slowly lowering. I wish she could have been saved. That vision will be staying with me.

After that, as someone suggested, I sent off an email to HBO asking them to follow up, and had sent one earlier to Chris Wallace to look into it, and how the bill is being held up.

I guess it's true that taking some action, even just emailing, does ease the pain a little bit (just a little)....

####
please light up the candles for Barbaro, Foggy, Pine, and others....

####Chris Byers

Thanks for the article, poor Big Brown. I am worried so about him. I am not going to watch the race, I wish I could not hear about it but I will because I want him safe. I knew a man on steriods once and he was a raving red faced manic, all the time. Steriods are not good for anyone and it clearly causes the thought process to change. Poor Big Brown the people that love him so,(or so they say!!!) owners and trainers don't know any better than to give this love of their life DRUGS!!! I am glad I do not have loved ones like that. Wonder if the owners do drugs?? Why not, they could enhance their performance as a businessman or husband or father??
God, please protect Big Brown in his race.

Karen Macmanus - Dallas, Texas

All I can say is that the Sunday Pony Express to Erin has brightened the day for a few of us as well. We feel as if we are doing SOMETHING.

Bringing a smile to somebody else does a whole lot of good to the giver.

Barb ~ :(

####
Lucille, I was SO impressed with your blue links.

We can't afford to get down about little Erin. If the family can handle this, so must we.

####
Joan, have lit my candles.

RO & GANG, I AM TRYING TO DONATE TO MHR. I'M HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH MY PAYPAL ACCT AND IT TAKES THEM 24 HOURS TO EMAIL ME BACK. I BASICALLY HAVE TWO ACCOUNTS (I DON'T KNOW HOW I DID THAT???) IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY TO DONATE TO STEPH - MHR? HOPEFULLY PAYPAL WILL HAVE MY 2ND ACCOUNT CANCELED BY TODAY. I'LL TRY AND DO IT NOW.

I HAVEN'T READ THE BIG BROWN ARTICLE YET THAT SOME OF YOU ARE SPEAKING OF. GOOD LUCK BEAUTIFUL BIG BROWN TOMORROW AND BE SAFE EVERYONE. BIG CONGRATS TO DAVID CASSIDY "I THINK I LOVE YOU" (I HAD TO THROW THAT IN) AND SWEET VENDETTA. :>)

LOVE,
CHERYL G

####
Barb, it all hits too close to home:( Sometimes I just don't understand.

I just got a reply from one of the MO reps:

(MO bill SCR35)

Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 18:21:03 -0500
From: "Betsy Branstetter"

Did not come up for a vote.

Betsy Branstetter

Legislative Assistant to Rep. Ellen Brandom

Yippee!

((((((Lucille))))))

####
Please pray for safety tomorrow....the Preakness brings back alot of memories, Barbaro.

LIGHT..UP THE WORLD (CANDLES) FOR BARBARO AND HIS FRENS...PLEASE.

AND HELP THE RESCUES.

GOODNIGHT.

Cheryl G.

You can send a check to MHR, I'll e-mail you the addy.

Ro & Brady

(((((((((((Day Bue)))))))))))

Janice
A forever FOB

Day Bue , I will pray for you and send best wishes for you to get well soon.

Barbaro Jackson, on this Friday night before the Preakness , I'm thinking of you so much. I feel such a bittersweet sadness , having known you and loved you, yet lost you so quickly. Thank you for starting a movement which won't end, and saving so many. But I wish you were one of the saved, oh how I wish.

##### Janice & Bobbie, Thank you for the Day Bue prayers

####
FG
I am SO sorry that The White Mare is in your head despite your desire to not see the images. She is no noble, so ageless, so elegant in her movements. If that makes any sense. The first time I saw it, years ago, it made me gasp. Something in me knew her, knew the curve of her neck, the length of her mane, the beauty of her soul...she belonged to me once, heart and soul...and I fully expect to see her again, surrounded by greyhounds, of course....

Hiya, FsOB! It's a rainy night here in coastal CT. I hope that the weather is bright in Baltimore tomorrow. I don't think that I can watch the Preakness on TV as it occurs; I don't know how I'd cope if anything were to happen to one of the horses. May all the horses and their jockeys come round the track safely. I wish each of you a good night. Peace, RMH

#### My thanks to Nancy, Rachel, Barb, and certainly Stacy at Cody Hollow Farm for planning such a special treat for Erin this coming Sunday morning. It's probably no coincidence in the mysterious ways of destiny that Erin's visitor will be a white mare, is it? I thought of Jonna the minute that I read that Stacy would take a white mare to Erin's house for a visit.
To CJ: Thank you for sharing that story. I find myself reflecting on the children that I cared for with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses when I was a student nurse and a visiting nurse. Each of the children whom I met under those circumstances had such profound wisdom. I learned a lot about what is important in life from each of them and I have never forgotten them. It was eerie when Anne Brennan wrote a few weeks ago that Erin was afraid that people would forget her. As long as I am sentient, I'll never forget Erin and her family!
To Lisa Leach: Wishing you a safe flight home from Hanoi City.
To MJ: May Day Bue recover fully.
To Otherlyn: I am weeping from the beauty of "This Good Place". ####

We are shredded: the second year of living past Barbaro's terrible accident. Losing Eight Belles in such a horrific way. Missouri, Illinois, HBO, trying not to feel paniced when i talk to the Leetle Aides of our DULY ELECTED OFFICIALS.

I pray to God to save Erin. I pray to God to keep Anne and Terry sane and loving each other. I pray that we will all continue to be connected and close, even if it means we have to go to the 111th session.

I ask God to endow me with the stamina of a 21 year old--that girl who stayed up for three nights in a row, smoking and writing a novel...who fell in love with Faulkner and Patchen and Theodore Roethke.

I will ask God one more favor:
dear god bring them all home safe on Saturday from the Preakness. I won't be watching live, dear God, I have not the emotional reserves in my heart to see one more beautiful, sleek thoroughbred, go down in the dirt, eyes ringed white with fear, with confusion, with pain...I won't see this anymore. Not after Belles.

So, dear God, protect Brown's feet...and please let the industry look into it's own heart and understand the purity of the horse, not the profitability of the thoroughbred....

So now, I will crash. We have Outreach at the Mall of wretched Excess this weekend. Oh Joy.

(And Dear God, my I please have my 20-year old knees back again?)

I love my FOBS (((((((((((((((FoBs))))))))))))))))))

Extra hugs for Anne Brennan and Tracey.

(Go well, young Nicanor. Be a horse, little one...)

Courage: j

Best wishes to Big Brown tomorrow. (He was my pick) do it for the lovely filly who tried to catch you! (bless her soul) Personally I just want them to all come home safe and sound.

Barbaro missing you as always...

Thank you Alex for all you do.

Love and prayers to all of the FOB's here

Liz

THANKS RO - I GOT YOUR EMAIL. I SPENT ABOUT AN HOUR TRYING TO FIND MY PAYPAL PASSWORD FOR MY OLD ACCT. I'LL JUST SNAIL MAIL STEPH THE MONEY.

I'M RELIEVED TO HEAR THE NEWS ABOUT EIGHT BELLES (NO DRUGS). I REALLY LIKE LARRY JONES A LOT AND HE'S BEEN PUT IN A VERY DIFFICULT SITUATION. HOPEFULLY MY BARBARO CARD HELPED CHEER HIM UP. :>)

LOVE,
CHERYL

I understand that CJ and others posted about my mission to save a injured TB filly Dap (Lone Star Miss's 1/2 sister) from Mountaineer. I posted this to the DB but also wanted to share it here.
Thank you to all who helped or prayed for her safety. For all the fear, the anguish, lost sleep, worry, tears I went through the last 10 days since she was injured during her last race, have all melted away and I am relieved and cried Happy Tears today.

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

I want to thank each and everyone of you for Helping bring Dap home. You have no idea how much this has meant to me. I made a promise on 1/29 to Lone Star Miss as I stood there giving her tons of loving and hugs and apple treats before I had to leave. She had given me this hug and this look and I knew what she needed from me. I had told her about her sister Dap and her race the day before and how beautiful she looked.

I looked UP at her and I said to her " I Make this Promise to you Lostar, I will watch over your sister and make sure she never goes through what you did before you found your safe haven. She will never see a feedlot, brokers lot, or auction. " She then leaned over and put her head on my chest and I swear she was crying with me. Gosh it was hard to leave her!!

Today, because of all of you, those that sent funds, cheerlead the thread, helped network, I was able to keep that Promise I made in January. You gave from the heart and for that I am eternally grateful and so Thankful.

Special thanks to some special gals who helped me find out where she went and her injury status and support. Thank you to Rachael, Amber, Jen, Amanda.. You were my rock those first few days when I was fretting over finding out what happened to her and about helping her. Thank you for all you did for me and for Dap, without the networking you did, this would not have been possible, you are true horse guardians!

Lisa at Marlifarm.. Thank you so much for calling the owner and letting him know that she was indeed wanted and for your advice to him on caring for her. You kept me sane too making those calls when I could not. You gave great advice to me and to the owner. I forever will cherish your involement in this. I know it made a difference between Dap being where she is today... all because the owner knew he had a way out and a OPTION. I hope that seed sits in his brain and grows and the next time he will reach out to the rescue community. You and Tee left a awesome impression on him the last couple of days..

Christy at AC4H, I know you could not do a whole lot but just receiving a email from you when I reached out for help was comforting to me knowing I was not alone in this. It was nice to receive a email that did not say "no, can't do it"

Melody. Thank you for all your bumps, your posting on the other threads for Dap. I so enjoyed your enthusiam and help. You kept things hot when I was working on the backside with others for Dap. You were there for me when this started too, as I told her what happened to her and you were so worried and said prayers for her everyday and sent emails each asking if anything new had come up. You have honored many horses the last 2 days to help her.. Keep up the great job!!

Tee and the other special people that have put up with me the last 10 days, you all know by now my feelings and my thanks..

Finally.. Dap when she gets off the trailer at Lifelines will have a NEW LIFE NAME. I will announce that when she is there and have pictures.. So stay tuned as you all will LOVE her New Life Name.

THANK YOU ALL

words just don't seem enough.........

If the worst happens tomorrow at Pimlico or another track, I'm going to look back at this week's threads and my own emails and the inspiration, compassion, selflessness, and bravery --all done FOB style.

For Nancy, Stacy, Rachel and everyone putting together Erin's Pony and Bunny Express,
For Mary L and Team Dap,
For Jen and Daryl, who faced down the MO Lege and did it with class,
For CJ and Lynn, for Joe Shelton,
For Jan and Kaiser, prevailing over sickness and fire,
For Maribel and sweet Snowy,
For Terri and Buster--tomorrow Buster will cross the Bridge and be met by Barbaro,
For Renee and Jonna and Alex,
For Chief and his never-say-die mama Sandra,
For our own Edie Garbowitz, who is computerless and still working feverishly for the horses....

I am going to blow Alex's bandwidth, but my point is--there's no one like the FOBs.

Remember this tomorrow, no matter what may come.

Love you all.

Congratulations to Fren, Harry Aleo and VICARINO on their 1st place finish in race 7 at Golden Gates Field today.

Everyone came home safe.

RESCUED HORSE BECOMES A COP!!

http://www.ksdk.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=146327

Check it out!

This is the same station who did a sympathetic story on starving horses a couple of weeks ago. Please give them feedback!!

FOB $1-$5 Alive Drive

Thanks to everyone for helping Captain at Never E Nuff Acres. We have raised over $1100 on the FOB $1-$5 thread in less than 4 weeks. The money has help many horses at many rescues. Please continue to remember that rescues need donations to help care for the horses.

Our next rescue is True Innocents Equine Rescue (T.I.E.R.) for the neglect Arabians. Our goal is to raise $100 for them.

For more information on these Arabians go to:

http://forums.delphiforums.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=21506.1

For Paypal donation information and more information on these neglected Arabians go here:

http://www.tierrescue.org/HorsesInNeed.htm

Please follow their insturctions.

Remember $1.50 to $6.00 if you use Paypal to take care of all the fees.

For snail mail:

True Innocents Equine Rescue (T.I.E.R)

7900 Limonite Ave., Ste. G, #278

Riverside, CA 92509

Please note that it is for the neglected Arabians.

Remember $1-$5 is all we are asking for, but all donations are welcome.

Please report donations on the FOB $1-$5 Alive Drive thread.

We need $100 to help the neglect Arabians for T.I.E.R.

Thank-you so much for helping!

Margie