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It is a terrible position to be in and one I don't envy. This horse took them on the ride of their lives from Jan to May and it took a drastic turn at the Preakness. On one hand I understand the thought process of stopping on him and putting him down. On the other hand I firmly believe that if it were the right thing to do, Dr. Richardson would simply tell the Jacksons that it was time.
You know people give owners such a hard time when they retire horses "too early" and sure I suppose there are cases where it's a take the money and run thing, but for the most part the ride that an entire team goes on when a horse realizes it's potential at just the right time and wins the Derby is something that most people could never imagine. So when most owners make the decision to retire horses or exhaust all medical means to save a horse, it is done so out of heartfelt gratitude toward the animal that allowed them to live a dream. So with all of that, I just have to believe that if they had any doubts at all, they would put him down. Until that happens, fight on big boy, fight on. |
i wonder if anyone questioned the course of treatment with nuryev....he went thru hell, and ended up making it. or your host, sire of kelso, who fractured a shoulder and was laid down in sand to heal. walked for the rest of his life with a pronounced limp.
there were those who criticized the treatment of sunday silence. they didn't euthanize him as long as there was hope. when he finally laid down, they knew that was it. barbaro according to all reports has been alert, bright eyed, full of enery and with a healthy appetite from the get-go. they have said from the beginning that as long as he will be pain free, they're willing to try. and no doubt barbaro appreciates that. as long as there is life, there is hope. i won't second guess one thing they've done, nor will i second guess anything they do from here on out. i know that when the laminitis was first discovered, mrs jackson wanted him put down. but dr richardson and mr jackson looked at barbaro, who was looking right back at them, and said no-not yet. they've taken extreme measures with him--but this IS an extreme situation. i will be really surprised if he has a long life. but he's done nothing but surprise me from day one. so who knows? |
It isn't a fun topic, but I agree with the title of the thread.
But I am a pessimist, so who knows... |
Randall,
I said the same thing to Byk the other day. I saw the CBS special about him and he looks like a totally different horse and him dragging that rear leg is a sad sight. I will say though, I am glad it isn't my decision, not sure if I could make it. |
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As for Barbaro, the people in New Bolton know what is best for the horse. Patient by patient case...just like people should be treated. |
he doesn't drag the leg, but it is awkward since he can't flex his ankle--so he has a bad hitch in his step. it is sad to see, knowing how he was before. but damn, that's like saying you don't want to live if you're stuck in a wheelchair.
i don't like to get 'mushy' or emotional, but that tape brought tears to my eyes. |
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Barbaro......
I feel should have been saved, I would feel that way about any horse. Because it's not always possible to save these great athletes, the fact that Barbaro has made it this far, is a miracle. I hope he continues to improve, I know he had a recent setback, but it sounds like he's gonna rebound once again, and I think it's fantastic!
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this opinion comes from someone outside looking in who has never been around horses, but it seems to me the only reason they have been and continue to try to save this horse is because he is allowing it. Other horses would have thrashed around and never allowed this type of treatment. Call him smarter, or whatever, but he has been the ideal patient, almost human-like in character while all this has been ocurring. If he is that intelligent, perhaps he will let everyone know when enough is enough?
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I agree Randall, and I'm glad that someone finally had the balls to say it because I sure didn't. I have been thinking this ever since I found out just how bad his case of laminitis was. I have seen some turn around and be completely fine when they have a mild case of founder while others have to be put down from it. Barbaro's laminitis is as bad as it gets, and most horses would have been put down.
I truly believe that they put Barbaro back in the sling because the animal was in so much pain that they were afraid he was going to lay down. Most horses that have an acute attack do lay down and don't want to get back up. There have already been 4-5 points at which they almost put Barbaro down. If he has another setback, I think they will make the right decision. This horse will never have a good quality of life. |
There is no one here that is qualified to pass judgement on the fate of Barbaro. To my knowledge no one here has seen him other than in short video clips, we only know what is being reported newswise. We are not privy to his medical condition except what is released to the press. I seriously doubt and have doubted that this horse would ever be able to breed a mare let alone a book of mares and I dont believe that they are keeping him alive for monetary reasons. Barbaro may or may not make it a week, a month, a year or more but what he has done is allowed the doctors to advance their knowledge in dealing with catastrophic injuries such as his and the resulting problems. His legacy will live not only as a courageous and talented racehorse who showed bravery and determination following his injury but in the veternarian advances that will have come about because of him the horses that may be saved in the future
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