The Yak Shack Forum

Having been around horses the better part of my life, I just wanted to take the time to say goodbye to an animal who had the heart and will to live the life he loved so much.  The mere fact that he survived such a horrific injury, then the initial laminitis infection, shows the strength of this great horse.  His love of life and courage to conquer all odds was an inspiration to all. 

Farewell brave little Barbaro--you will be sorely missed.   :'(

Bitsy deepest sympathy to you on the loss of a dear friend, I know how panicky I got when I thought one of our monsters was going to die  :(

De Orc  :(

I could be wrong, but I don't think Bitsy ever "met" Barbaro - Barbaro was the Kentucky Derby winner who broke his leg at the Preakness race in May 2006.  After 8 months of surgery & rehab he had a few setbacks & his owners decided he was in too much pain to live comfortably...

More information here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16846723/

and even more here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032808/

I'm not a horse racing fan, but I couldn't resist reading about his progress while he was injured.  It looked good for quite some time, but sounds like the vet & the owners made the right decision.  There was another story this morning about how Barbaro's treatment may help out other animals in the future.

I did not know Barbaro personally, though his brave fight connected many people to him, horse enthusiasts or not.

When around a horse for a length of time, they become a member of the family--what his owners and doctors are going through is immeasurable. I feel terrible for them, but the decision had to be made--the pain the little guy would have gone through would have been unimaginable. 

You are right, the fact that they were able to save him from a life-ending break bodes very well for future injuries.  I just wish they could figure out how to prevent the infection.  Hopefully changes will be made, both on and off the track.

Ah well living in the UK and not been a horse racing fan I naturaly assumed that Bitsy had just lost a pet.

De Orc   :)

In a way, I feel like I have...being an animal lover, it's tough when one leaves, especially one who shows so much fight and will to live. When I lost my puppy, he fought to stay...I guess Barbaro's struggle brought back those memories.

Found the article I was looking for that talks about how Barbaro's treatment may save lives in the future...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16876942/site/newsweek/

That's an interesting article--thank you for posting it.  Now, if only they could find a way to curb the onset of laminitis.  These medical advances, along with softer track surfaces and perhaps longer periods between races would benefit these horses immensely.

My heart just sank when I saw Barbaro take that fall in The Preakness race.  I thought for sure they were going to put him down then and there as it was such a terrible injury.  I was so happy to see and hear that he was being given a chance to recover and I have followed his progress and setbacks.  I really thought he was going to make it and am so sorry to see that he just could not.  I am glad his owners and Doctor's did everything they could for him.  He was a great horse.