I have always been interested in horses. I’ve had at least one, sometimes more, especially as I grew older and started entering show jumping. Then I had a really bad accident which very abruptly stopped my riding and almost cost me my life. That’s when I took an interest in horse racing, even though I couldn’t afford the expense of owning one, what with all the medical bills I’d accumulated. I loved watching those magnificent animals race, especially those races that were run specifically to see if one horse could become a Triple Crown winner.
Barbaro, I watched you race and there was such determination in how you ran, can’t explain it – but it was different from the other horses. When you won the Kentucky Derby, everyone went crazy, hoping maybe, beyond our wildest dreams, we might have another chance at having a Triple Crown winner.
We all waited patiently for the Preakness hoping you would win that as well but that was not to be when you took that mis-step as you were leaving the gate. Everyone was sure you’d be put down but your owners saw fit to give you a chance to prove everyone wrong. They sent you to the best bone vet in this country to try and put your leg back together. Most other horses would have fought back and not let the vet work on them but you were different and seemed to know how very special you were and the doctors were there to help you so you never
gave them any problems.
Even when that terrible infection, Laminitis, set in your other leg, you still persevered and never gave up. This is what has endeared you to everyone. You have shown that with determination, trust in other people and a will to live, miracles can happen. I, as well as everyone, know you will still have setbacks but you are not letting them stop you
from getting better.
I have a picture of you that is very special to me because in ‘your’ right eye there shines the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ – I have taken that as a symbol from our Heavenly Father never to give up, even when the odds seem to be stacked against you.
I belong to an online prayer group called ‘Barbaro Love Vigil’ and we meet every night to pray for your total recovery as well as others who may need help.
May our Heavenly Father hold you ‘Barbaro’ in the palm of his hand, and angels watch over you always as you recover.
God be with you, Barbaro,
| Roy & Gretchen Jsckson |