But the horse is done racing, right? Obviously stud fees are at stake, but that's the financial angle to the story.
Otherwise, we're hoping that a cute horse doesn't prematurely die because we like cute horses. And who doesn't?
I repeat myself; I'd like the horse to make a complete recovery, or as complete as it can be. I was trying to understand why there's an emotional aspect to the story, and I think that's been answered.
>But the horse is done racing, right? Obviously stud fees are at stake, but that's the financial angle to the story.
Otherwise, we're hoping that a cute horse doesn't prematurely die because we like cute horses. And who doesn't?
I repeat myself; I'd like the horse to make a complete recovery, or as complete as it can be. I was trying to understand why there's an emotional aspect to the story, and I think that's been answered.<
The horse could be a failure at stud. There are no guarantees. Animals with every indication of success on pedigree and performance have proven incapable of siring anything more than ordinary.
Then there is another possibility: infertility.
And one more: mental problems. Japanese interests bought War Emblem hoping he would take the place of Sunday Silence, but although the animal is fertile, he isn't interested in mares. They've tried everything, but this year he has actually covered only one mare.
I don't want to go deeply into the emotional issues because this usually only ends in the people who care being ridiculed and taunted by those who obviously do not, and who enjoy shredding those who do.
Suffice to say, it goes way beyond "cute".
People who love horses (and not just this particular horse) value them not for the financial investment or not even as pets. Horses are a part of our nation's history and heritage.
A thoroughbred carries centuries of breeding in him, and is bred for racing and for heart. Barbaro had all of this, in spades.
Race horses are the culmination of the unique partnership between man and animal. The only thing that eclipses it is the partnership between man and dog. Barbaro's injury came at the culmination of his training, and hit people emotionally because race horses are seen as not simply animals but partners. It was rather like seeing the co-pilot of a jet injured as they were getting ready to win a round-the-world race.
Horse people and dog people are simply not able to look at animals as investments. It is, I think, something almost genetic. While I share this view, my husband (raised on a farm) does not. I don't think it has anything to do with economics or whether or not someone is a race fan. It is something more, and I can't fully explain it, although I hope I have given you a feel.
Did you ever read the book or see the moveie Sea Biscuit? That would give you a feel for what people are thinking about Barbaro.
Hope this helps!