Posted on 04/26/2007 11:31:08 AM PDT by JZelle
KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. (AP) -- The fans who prayed daily for Barbaro and sent online messages of support never were able to get together to celebrate his recovery. This weekend, those fans will put away their keyboards to meet and honor his memory.
The Kentucky Derby-winning colt became a symbol of strength and courage before he was euthanized in January. Now, fans from around the world who sent cards, roses and fruit baskets finally will pay tribute to him Sunday on what would have been the horse's fourth birthday.
"Just be warned," said fan Sharon Crumb. "It's going to be very emotional. I don't think there's going to be a dry eye."
Crumb organized the "Celebration of Barbaro's Life" on Sunday at Delaware Park, where Barbaro won his maiden race on Oct. 4, 2005. She'll have some company. More than 500 FOBs - that's Internet message board lingo for Fans of Barbaro - have committed to attending a day of racing, sharing stories and paying respects.
"I can't let Barbaro go," a choked-up Crumb said. "I won't let Barbaro go."
(Excerpt) Read more at ap.washingtontimes.com ...
Horsey Ping
Prozac. STAT!
How pathetic is this?
All the way over the top and out to the moon pathetic.
GET A LIFE PEOPLE!
I honestly don’t know much about Barbaro...but I had a horse I loved a great deal, so I sort of sympathize. I still miss mine after nearly ten years.
Imagine having this much time on your hands.
LOL!!!
Good one, JZelle!
ping
I should ask my dogs if Barbaro tasted like a thoroughbred.
I will observe the day by playing catch, using my new baseball and glove. I suppose it’s possible one of them could be Barbaro.
Barbaro probably got thrown out after the pet food recall.
Should I fly my flag at half-mast?
Ha! I wonder how much Barbaro enjoyed those online messages of support? Surely he got a warm and fuzzy feeling upon reading them.
It's too bad the "fans" didn't support him through his recovery but now that he is dead, well, they can get behind that. I just love a happy ending!
Sure, the rich horse gets a testimonial while Old Paint goes to the Glue Factory.
Hey, are spastic kids who eat the library paste actually violating the law against eating horses?
"My friend Bob Sacamanto eats horse all the time. He gets it from his butcher!" Cosmo Kramer
I think a lot of people miss the point that the horse was merely a symbol for the inspirational care and love of the owners and the vetrinary staff that tried to save Barbaro. He truly was a magnificent animal, and as winner of the Kentucky Derby, joined the ranks of legends like Man O'War and Seattle Slew, and his premature loss made for a sad story.
As I posted at the time, I truly feel sorry for the cynics who felt the need to ridicule those who mourned his loss, as I suspect none of them have ever had the joy of the unique kind of relationship a human might have with creation outside of our species. Horses and dogs have truly been special to us throughout our history, having protected us and our families, accompanied us to war, pulled our goods to market, tilled our fields, and contributed to many of our successes as a species. As a result, humans are capable of a unique bond with horses and dogs, and those that fail to enjoy it are only denying themselves that experience.
I think a small memorial for Barbaro on the anniversary of his moment in the sun is perfectly appropriate...
OOps! It was Jay Riemenschneider
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