BARBARO's EFFECT CONTINUES Part III

Sunday - Monday SPECIAL EDITION

December 10 thru December 11, 2006

Get the latest on World Talk Radio for Thoroughbred horses, jockeys, and trainers - tune in...

"Thoroughbred All-Time Winningest Jockey is Russell Baze with 9,531 victories"

Chairman, Debra:

GREAT NEWS HEADLINES:

Sunday Evening December 10, 2006 8:55PM EST.

Finally...some good news: Just 5 minutes ago, Shelley A had emailed me SOME GREAT NEWS TO SHARE FROM CHRIS HEYDE (SAPLONLINE.ORG) - here's his encouraging words:

Shelley,

"If the Senate had done any work at the end this bill would have been enacted. We are so close, even Burns admits this will pass. We will return in January with everything we have. I will let everyone know the plan early next year. Thanks for everything you are doing, keep the faith. We will win this for the horses."
Chris

MIKE REA UPDATE:

From Cathy Rea Bosley December 10, 2006

Cecil Whig Newspaper of Elkton, MD will be running a news story on Mike soon and so more signatures for the Extreme Home Makeover will be arriving. Also the Delaware News Journal Paper will be running another news story too which will bring in even more signatures. Fayetteville, North Carolina being his hometown will also be running an article in the near future so who knows how many we will end up with. Thank ya'll so much for keeping this Extreme Home Makeover going. Mike is at home and is slowly recovering. God speed. I love this saying that Elizabeth Pgh wrote: Don't forget Fair Hill trainer Mike, who gives daily life such a good fight! So please do listen!

Get petitions--Signed by every one you sight!

Christmas Cards can be sent to:

Mike Rea

2 Lovell Court

Elkton, MD 21921

Above is Mikey's address. If it hadn't been for the FOB's prayers and letters during his hospitalization and rehab I really don't think he would have gotten as far as he did nor as fast. Mikey just doesn't realize how many people are still asking about him, praying for him and wishing him well. We and ya'll always kept his spirits up and kept him pumped up. Now that we're not there and he finds it to hard to get on the computer or concentrate, I copy and send him the messages and when I do get to talk to him I try to keep him updated on everything. My mother, sister and I can never find the words to thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and concerns.

Remember the wall of cards at his birthday? Well let's do it again with Christmas cards and let him see ya'll are still out there. So send, send, send him cards. We love you. God bless each and everyone of you. We Believe in Miracles, We Believe in Barbaro, We Believe in the Fans of Barbaro, We Believe in Mike Rea!!!
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PRAYER VIGIL: Please pray for both Barbaro/Bobby and Mike Rea's healing; Pray specifically for Mike's brain to heal and Bobby's hoof to grow. Include just a few minutes no matter where you are for Saturday and Sunday evenings starting at 7 pm EST. Feel free to light candles and say prayers too at www.gratefulness.org/candles . Like to extend that vigil every night for just a few minutes. Think about them and others in their time of need. Special thanks for the Rea family and circle of friends. FOB are keeping Mike going.

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Giving Thanks To Horses Like Barbaro

Commentary based on excerpts from Terri Haynie's Article in The Virgina Horse Journal by CLN Shaw Sunday evening December 10, 2006

TRAINING WITH TRUST

Working with any horse can be a bit of a challenge - but the end results are very rewarding. Trainer Kenny Harlow can tell you that, but in many ways he has come to be truly thankful for them teaching him to a better man. "Obviously, I have been more thankful for some than others; to be honest, there were some that I was thankful to even be alive after working with them. But, they have been the source of my livelihood and each horse played a part in helping me become the trainer I am today."

However he does give greater thanks to the owners since his specialty is working with problem horses. Horsewhisperers refer to them as "horses with people problems." By working with "horses that no one else could fix," to make them safe to handle and ride, he always challenges himself for that winning moment when the owner broadly smiles and "sees their beloved equine transform from a thousand pound mass of rude and dangerous attitude into a half ton of manners and willingness to perform."

Luckily, our Fans of Barbaro can relax in the fact that Barbaro's feistiness does not endanger his loving attitude towards his caregivers. Even well-trained horses like Barbaro can display a brief burst of "teeth flashing" just to let you know to ease off a little from whatever he is not used to routinewise. After all, they are creatures of habit much like humans and other domesticated companions.

Regarding Kenny's techniques, his greatest gift is reading a horse and knowing how best to approach the lesson it needs to learn. By finding different ways and adjusting them to each horse individually, he helps the horse's owner learn how to solve these problems and prevent them from reoccurring. His horsewhisperer ways lead to a lasting and trusting relationship between that horse and owner. Everyone involved has better lives including humans with each other.

What Our Horses Teach Us

On Sylvia Scott's view; Founder of Virginia Natural Horsemanship Training Center:

Often life's bustle overwhelms even the best. Overscheduling with trying to balance running a business, working several jobs, earning money while raising kids, schooling, and everything else thrown our way, seems to pull us in so many directions at once. The beauty of "horse timeouts" is what grounds us and mellows you out (Alex Brown's experience with Barbaro by his 3rd visit this week to New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, PA).

It's human nature to live either in the past or try for the future, but never really seem to enjoy "just the present." If one gift for Christmas could be all ours, it would be to give thanks for the way horses like Barbaro "strongly pull us into living only in the now." Horses make us better people by helping us learn to "tune into them deeply and empathetically in order to develop smooth, mutual partnership communication"--a gained skill that translates outwardly and positively into our life's working relationships with others.

Horses teach us infinite patience both as humans and teachers. You have to accept the blessing of trying with love and affection so that genuine trust develops and unfolds. "From each rewarded try, permanent growth is positively facilitated." She has found that a horse's unconditional love results in permanent healing for both giver and receiver. And, horses teach us not to be too goal-focused but instead, to be postive-progression focused.

It is known that horses expect the one training them to be the horse leader. Using present methods (echoing a less harsher way by using the horsewhisperer's natural method) was a rarer breed of training back in Seabiscuit's era in mid 1930's. Today's training is more the "thoughtful, thinking like a horse approach." Essentially, you have to become the horse understanding that by biting, bucking, and running away, there are trust issues at stake--such is the nature of horses.

By realizing time has no significance to horses except being here in the present, you become their mentor and in return they mentor your life's journey to healing, loving, kindness, and humaneness. Ultimately you become a better directive leader. "Not only can we be grateful for this but also for opening our hearts to keep connections positive and intact--teaching us to make this world a better place to live, we have to give lovingly and unconditionally."

(Note: MORE EXCERPTS with Commentary to follow each news update through the Holiday and Season of giving--enjoy the moment now). Stay tuned tomorrow evening with Georgia Fischel and her lifelong love affair with horses...

_______________________

The following is poem that exemplifies how we need to take our lives and live them by cherishing the moments now...

THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD

I dreamed I had an interview with God.

"So you would like to interview me?" God asked.

"If you have the time," I said.

God smiled. "My time is an eternity."

"What questions do you have in mind for me?"

"What surprises you most about humankind?"

God answered...

"They get bored with childhood,

they rush to grow up, and then long to be children again."

"That they lose their health to make money...

and then lose their money to restore their health."

"That by thinking anxiously about the future,

they forget the present,

such that they live neither in the present nor the future."

"That they live as if they will never die,

and die as though they never lived."

God's hand took mine and we were silent for awhile.

And then I asked..."As a parent, what are life's lessons

you want your children to learn?"

"To learn they cannot make anyone love them.

All they can do is let themselves be loved."

"To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others."

"To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness."

"To learn it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds

in those they love, and it can take many years to heal them."

"To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most,

but is one who needs the least."

"To learn that there are people who love them dearly,

but simply have not yet learned how to express or show their feelings."

"To learn that it is not enough that they forgive one another, but they

must also forgive themselves."

"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.

"Is there anything else you would like your children to know?"

"Just know that I am here...always."

Author Unknown

TO ENJOY A LIVE VIDEO PRESENTATION (CLICK ON THIS TITLE):

INTERVIEW WITH GOD

UPCOMING ARTICLES: Exceller Fund's Sampson, Star in Dallas, and Taylor's Special (photos above show Sampson and Taylor's Special).

FOR ALEX who has visited Barbaro/Bobby three times and more to come...Excerpts from his main board fans:

FOR ALEX
(to the tune of "We're off to see the Wizard")
I'm off to see the Nipper, The wonderful Nipper of Penn!

The miracle boy, the wonder horse,The wonderful Nipper of Penn!
There's never been such a horse, A horse of course, and what a horse,

Because, because, because, because, because...

Because of the wonderful things he does!
I'm off to see the Nipper!The wonderful Nipper of Penn!

Posted by: Susan E. at December 9, 2006 5:36 PM
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Dear Alex - Thanks as always to you and Mrs. Jackson for letting know that beautiful Barbaro is gracing us with another healing day. We do love him!
Have a good time with him today. We are all with you in spirit. It's an awesome experience for you.
Posted by: Pam Mross at December 9, 2006 5:56 PM

****
Hello Alex,
Thanks for describing your visit with Barbaro. It sounds like he definitely has a mind of his own.
I, too, am so disappointed at the failure of the Senate to do the right thing. However, the fact that they didn't doesn't mean I'm giving up. I'm just not sure of the new direction yet.
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I had an opportunity this morning to meet with Barb. M (an outstanding FOB) who lives a little more than an hour south of me. She was kind enough to take me to Payson Park (huge thoroughbred training facility). I'm still somewhat awestruck at the whole experience. We went early to the training track to watch the workouts. Jeez - the thoroughbreds were gorgeous. I now have a better understanding of Alex's descriptions of his workouts in the morning. We weren't there too long when Bill Mott came by. Barb knew him and they chatted a bit. I tried hard not to have my jaw drop visibly. He was timing some of his horses. There were other trainers there doing the same. Then we went to some of the stables. I wanted to go to each and every stall and say hello to each and every horse. Some, like Barbaro, were a bit fiesty. Then back to the track for the next set. I know this sounds crazy, but I especially enjoyed the sounds. That's something you miss when watching on TV or from a distance. After leaving we went to a stable nearby where I got to meet Over Enough (recovering nicely from his surgery) and Cat another thoroughbred (grey) of Barb's who has such a sweet disposition and is beautiful. All of the horses there were wonderful - one the grandson of Seattle Slew. I believe Over Enough is a grandson of Alydar. We had a nice lunch together before I had to make the trip back. The only bad thing about the experience - I'm going to want to do it again. Thank you Barb for an incredible morning.
Janice
Proud to be a fan of Barbaro
Posted by: Janice from Florida at December 9, 2006 8:55 PM
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To Alex: Thank you so much for your detailed description of Barbaro's grooming process. I'd wondered whether all or part of the process occurred outdoors and what, if any, modification would be needed in the Winter. Did Bobbey remember you from FHF, do you think?To Tricia: May your pup have a speedy recovery.To Susan E.: Glad to hear that Felix is eating.To all FsOB: Truly sorry about the failure of the Senate to act, despite the heroic advocacy of all here. We'll be dealing with a more sympathetic Congress in the New Year, thank goodness. Peace and good evening to all members of The Barbaro Nation. RMH ####
Posted by: Robyn Hoffmann at December 9, 2006 11:28 PM

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Hiya, Bobbey! Sorry that you couldn't graze in the wind, but it was for your own protection, sweet prince! Alex won't do anything that could jeopardize your recovery. Sounds like you got the royal grooming treatment today. May you evening be a relaxing you, with unfettered slumbers. Hugs, pets, & "scratches" from your pals in CT - Robyn, Brent, & Nikita

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Yikes, Alex.....Bad Hoof Pick? HAY, don't worry about it, you are new to him and you know that takes a lot of trust. I know you did fine. you are the best. No new baskets for him? can you tell us when he is green-topped up to? Question...are they letting him grow out (winter coat) or are they keeping him short.Love to Family,SusanBelieve in Miracles. Believe in Barbaro.
Posted by: SusanW at December 9, 2006 10:15 PM


Oh Alex, I feel as if I was there with you and the big guy! Thank you so much, what a thrill! I loved hearing about your first two visits and this one is beyond belief! Through you we are all there, grooming him and feeding him carrots. He is such a miracle! God bless him and you, I can't wait to hear about your next visit. Thanks so much!
Posted by: Pam at December 9, 2006 10:21 PM

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Good Evening Good Lookin'! Seems you and Alex had a good time hanging out today. Good for you. Got some baby carrots and some fresh picked grass. What more could a guy ask for. Have a restful healing night Sweet One. Love you bunches. Many hugs and kisses on your beautiful nose.
Posted by: Phyllis at December 9, 2006 10:51 PM
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Thank you so much Alex for allowing us to shadow you while you groomed the big guy. I felt like I was right there with you. Now you will start to learn where his special spots are and his likes and dislikes. I bet the time flew by. I hope you enjoyed your visit as much as we all enjoyed hearing about it. How lucky are we???? It has been a rollercoaster ride this week with S1915 and the possible board shut down. Your update today was like a spoonful of sugar to make the bitterness of S1915 a little easier to swallow. A huge THANKS!!!!!
Posted by: Rosemary in NE OHIO at December 9, 2006 11:04 PM



Alex - BRAVO! Congratulations on your first day as Barbaro's caregiver. You passed with flying colors, we are certain.
Did you hum any tunes or sing to him? I've done that before with new horses...they probably just wanted to run to their stalls after that with me, but that's what I've always done when I had a horse in crossties and they were new, but B. was in his stall....I've found that Beck or Nirvana doesn't go over well, but old Dolly Parton and Ricky Nelson tunes seem to get their attention in good way.
Again, kudos on your new role. Barb

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Dear Alex,
Thank you so very much for clearly telling us how your visit went with grooming Bobby. Appreciate fact he is still "feisty as ever" and loving those baby carrots. Just went through a bag myself past few days (for me, not the horse).
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Becoming one with Barbaro will not be an easy undertaking at first. He is sizing you up -- determining if you are worthy of his horse respect. Just keep giving him those gentle, gradually-increased, firm rubs as you try to stimulate him. He loves to hear your voice's soothing tones to build trust. If he is showing white choppers, whisper to him "Hey, there's need to nip...shhhhh boy. After he stops, praise him and then give 'em the carrot. Take it from one who had a finger almost removed for not holding the hand palm with fingers flat for Guy to grab my baby carrots. Sure grooming will go less finicky/agitated once he fully trusts your intentions to stimulate him. Can't wait to hear how the next visit goes--easy does it Mr. Horseman!!!
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This one knows not to trifle with the teeth. Pray you stay safe and warm from the cold weather and so glad you could hang the signs up. Looking into UPS Store making a durable one in Lael Colors so will last longer. Cheers to you and Arabian blessings for announcing to Mrs. Jackson that you would be honored to care for the Big Boss Horse. Thanks for doing this for fans/friends of Barbaro and for yourself. You've earned some relaxing time with the horse you've based your website around.
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Special thanks to the Jacksons for extending their invite to allow you this golden time. They can see how much you care too!!!! Your writeups are awesome as it is like we are all right there with you grooming Bobby.
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When you change the dressing on the left foot/leg is is just the upper section only or the entire bandage change in his stall? I would think the medical team does his foot area as it requires much more careful wound cleansing and topical applications to keep it healthy as possible while his hoof regrows. Can you take any photos??? It would be nice to get some updated pics of him. No matter what, just am glad you get to see him so you relax!!!
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Bobby's trust and love will grow with each visit and time spent--he is a pretty good judge of human character. Cheers
Posted by: Carole December 10, 2006 2:37 AM

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thank you,

dear alex

for the continuing threads on beautiful horses..whose owners apparently are making decisions favoring the life of their charges..it is breathtaking...and the barbaro effect grows. and i don't believe there are any second tier horses here..they are all magnificent. i know what you mean, but in truth, like us, .their souls just have different assignments perhaps, --here on earth.--.i love em all..

martita goshan December 10, 2006 4:40 AM

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FROM OHIO's BEACON JOURNAL comes this interesting article on how working with horses in therapy transforms even the most troubled teenagers.

Special Thanks goes to Karen Holverson for this!!!

Posted on Sat, Dec. 09, 2006
Therapists say horses help people with emotional growthLISA CORNWELLAssociated Press
CINCINNATI -

Teenager Leighann Whitmore, who struggles with extreme shyness and a lack of confidence around people, appears poised and in command when working with a horse named Mick.
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When the quarter horse gets feisty and wants to go at a faster pace than the 16-year-old Whitmore wants, she calmly reins him in - showing him who's in charge. Her family hopes that she can transfer that confidence to her everyday life.
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"We want her to feel more comfortable interacting with people and feel like she can express her feelings and have them respected," said her mother, Jan Whitmore, of suburban Cincinnati.
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The teenager works with Mick in a therapy program that uses horses to help people with their emotional development. Equine assisted therapy - which goes by different names depending on the type of program - requires people to work with horses so they can become more aware of their own behavior and feelings.
The therapy started showing up in the United States in the 1970s, but has really emerged in the past five to 10 years as professional standards and training have increased and the success of the therapy has drawn more attention to it.
Leighann Whitmore has been involved in equine assisted counseling at Helping Horses/Healing Arts Inc. in Cincinnati for about two months. The teen has learned how to care for and work with Mick and learn more about herself as she tries to improve in areas such as nonverbal communication, assertiveness, self-esteem and responsibility.
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Her family already has seen breakthroughs.
"Leighann has had problems at her school with students who are controlling or bullying," said her mother, who accompanies her daughter to the weekly sessions at a Cincinnati stable. "But she recently walked by someone who was giving her a hard time and wasn't as intimidated."
Whitmore said her daughter also volunteered to lead a two-person group for a class project.
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"For her, that was big," Whitmore said.
The quiet, soft-spoken teenager says she feels confident grooming Mick or getting him to follow her commands whether walking alongside him or riding him.
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"Sometimes he tries to test me, and I have to let him know I'm in charge," she said, adding that she is trying to maintain that sense of control at school.
"When you can get an animal that weighs about 1,100 pounds to do what you want, you feel more in control and hopefully can transfer that feeling to other parts of your life," said Gary Brown, a licensed professional counselor who founded the Cincinnati program.
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Along with having his clients learn how to get the horse to respond to nonverbal and verbal commands, Brown talks with them about their feelings throughout the process and has them rate themselves in areas such as power and belonging.
"The ultimate goal is to make them more aware of their needs and find ways of meeting those needs," Brown said.
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Brown, who also works with youths who come from abusive situations and have problems with depression and anger, said seeing how horses react to them allows children to see how they need to change their behavior with people.
"Horses are always testing you to see who's in control, and they make you earn a relationship with them," Brown said. "If they sense anger or fear, they'll shy away from you."
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Officials with Butler Behavioral Health Services Inc., a community mental health agency in nearby Hamilton that uses Brown's services to help foster children, has been impressed.
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"One client especially showed marked improvement," said Kittie Weber, a program manager for the agency. "We had tried so many other things and nothing was getting through."
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She said the 16-year-old boy was incapable of seeing how his behavior affected others until he started working with horses and realized why they wouldn't do what he wanted.
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"The transformation was amazing," she said.
StarrLee Heady, clinical program director for the Santaquin, a Utah-based Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, also operates a private practice in Green Cove Springs, Fla. She has clients with problems such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety and traumatic stress disorder.
Heady said clients sometimes give conflicting signals to the horses, not realizing that they also do that in their human relationships.
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"One woman with an eating disorder was becoming very frustrated working with a horse, when another client asked her why she was telling the horse to go and then getting in front of him," Heady said. "The woman realized that she did that to people as well, thinking she wanted them to move away but pulling them back to her."
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Linda Zimmerman, program director of Strides to Success, said the Indianapolis-based organization started working in equine facilitated learning with at-risk youths who were doing poorly at school.
"When they succeed at working with the horses, it does amazing things for their self-esteem and has resulted in higher grades," Zimmerman said.
Strides to Success also offers equine facilitated mental health therapy and provides services to corporations seeking to improve teamwork and leadership skills.
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Zimmerman said employees from one company used the same method and worked together to get the horses to do what they wanted. Their boss tried a different method and failed.
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"The employees told him that was the way he was at work, insisting on doing things his way and not trusting their ideas," said Zimmerman.
Counselors say that whether horses are used for learning or mental health development, their sensitivity, moods and distinctive personalities provide an excellent avenue for people to gain awareness of themselves and others.
"Horses symbolize simplicity and living in the moment," said Brown. "They help bring people back to that."
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ON THE NET:
Helping Horses/Healing Arts Inc.: http://www.hhharts.org
Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association: http://www.eagala.org
Strides to Success: http://www.stridestosuccess.org

ADDING: Freedom Hills THERAPY Program http://www.freedomhills.org

UPDATE FROM DEBRA & SHELLEY:

UNFORTUNATELY THE GAVEL CAME DOWN ENDING THE SESSION AT 4:40AM AND OUR BILL WAS NOT BROUGHT TO THE FLOOR. WE BOTH WATCHED AND PRAYED FOR SUCCESS UNTIL THE VERY END. WE WERE HOPING TO HAVE EXCITING NEWS TO REPORT THIS MORNING BUT IT WAS NOT TO BE.
WHILE THIS IS VERY DISHEARTENING AND WE ARE ALL DEVASTATED, WE WILL BE BACK TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY.RIGHT NOW, WE ALL NEED TO TAKE SOME TIME OFF AND CLEAR OUR HEADS.
WE BOTH WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS FOR ALL THE HARD WORK AND COMMITTMENT. YOU ARE THE MOST DEDICATED GROUP OF PEOPLE WE'VE EVER KNOWN AND IT HAS BEEN OUR PLEASURE TO WORK WITH ALL OF YOU.
YOU CAN REST EASY KNOWING THAT YOU ALL FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT. IT JUST WASN'T TO HAPPEN THIS TIME AROUND....BUT WE'LL GET THEM NEXT TIME!!
FOR NOW, CONCENTRATE ON HAVING A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND KNOW THAT WE WILL START OUR CAMPAIGN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE NEW YEAR.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALEX AND TIM FOR GIVING US THIS FORUM AND TO THE JACKSON'S FOR ALL THEIR EFFORTS.
WITH GRATITUDE, SHELLEY AND DEBRA

Fans of Barbaro Comment:

Sad that the Senate folded with such good cards in their hands, we know how the vote would have gone. But as Linnie has said, we need to observe the resistance, back off and let the Universe work on it. "Let It Be" can bide us over til the right time comes again.
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"FOR NOW, CONCENTRATE ON HAVING A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND KNOW THAT WE WILL START OUR CAMPAIGN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE NEW YEAR.WITH GRATITUDE, SHELLEY AND DEBRA"
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Perhaps we should find a way to focus on the Big Opponents to the bill, such as the AVMA? I am so shocked that any Veterinarian would be in favor of slaughter and I actually doubt that the majority of them are, so maybe we need a campaign to get the DVMs to protest to their own association and turn that around. Just a thought -- what do others think? We sort of know why the TN Walker and QTR Horse associations are opposed, don't know if there is any way to persuade them to reconsider. I'm just thinking out loud -- if we get resistance in one spot, try another, right??
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Hope all have a wonderful day -- hugs & healing to all, in need and not. Glad Ouija is out of harm's way, prayers for all who still are.
Posted by: Becky & the Meezers

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Well, not really OT, but kinda
Thought some of you might enjoy this Editorial from the Washington Post. I know how disgusted many of us have been while watching C-Span. Hopefully, the 110th Congress will get some things done, especially ending Slaughter!!
Do-Something CongressCould it be time to actually get some work done?Thursday, December 7, 2006; Page A30
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WHEN DEMOCRATS take over the House next year, the regular workweek will stretch to a backbreaking five days -- up from the now-customary Tuesday-through-Thursday arrangement. Members of the House and Senate -- no doubt reeling from the two weeks they've worked since the election -- will have a mere four weeks off after they leave town Friday. Hard to believe, but the new leadership actually expects them to come to work on Jan. 4 rather than enjoy the usual elongated holiday break as they wait around for the president to deliver his State of the Union address in late January. In the Senate, the weeklong March break is being eliminated and the two-week April vacation cut in half.
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This kind of punishing schedule is enough to unite lawmakers of both parties, in both chambers, in a chorus of behind-the-scenes bipartisan grumbling. What, us work?
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It would be quite a change. The 109th Congress will have been in session for a grand total of 103 days this year, which, as Lyndsey Layton pointed out in yesterday's Post, is seven days fewer than the "Do-Nothing Congress" of 1948. An ordinary full-time worker with a generous four weeks of vacation would have clocked 240 days of work during that same period.

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Yes, lawmakers do work back home, and they need time to campaign and to grub for campaign cash. But it's undeniable that the time lawmakers spend in the capital, actually legislating, has been on a downward path for the past few decades. According to the American Enterprise Institute's Norman Ornstein, the average number of days in session for a two-year Congress has dropped from 323 in the 1960s and '70s to just 250 during the first six years of the Bush presidency.
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This saps lawmakers' ability to get much done. It's one explanation, though not the only one, for why they were able to finish work on only two spending bills this year. It takes a toll, too, in less measurable ways, on congressional civility and bipartisanship. How can lawmakers forge friendships -- or even learn to get along -- when they're barely in town long enough to learn each other's names?
It's amazing enough that the incoming leaders are meeting private resistance from lawmakers who've gotten used to this drop-by legislating. It's even more amazing that some of them have the audacity to complain about it publicly.

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"Keeping us up here eats away at families," Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) told The Post. Democrats, he said, "could care less about families -- that's what this says." Eats away at families? Gee, Mr. Kingston, they could move here. And, we wonder: Where, exactly, did you think the Capitol was when you ran for this job?
Posted by: Becky & the Meezers in MD at December 9, 2006 6:59 PM

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Shelley, Debra and everyone else, many thanks for the the tremendous effort to try and get S1915 voted on. Of course, An additional thanks to Shelley and Debra for their above and beyond communications and updates regarding this legislation.
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The thing that jumped out at me from watching the Senate this last week was that some kind of deal was made. To me, it seems there was a deal. The deal was to keep silent on S1915. That is the place where compromise (I prefer to call them deals) rule.
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Anyone remember Mr. Smith Goes to Washington? I believe one of the lines spoken to James Stewart when he got to Washington was the importance of compromising.
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I have no doubt that the awful practice of HS will be outlawed soon because no one is about to throw in the towel.
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Alex, great Barbaro report. It sounds like a quite a job keeping his choppers from chopping as you groomed him.
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I wanted to also thank you for the terrific reports the past few days regarding the horses in Asia. How could anyone doubt that these horses are not the greatest of athletes at what they do? They possess all of the great qualities of great athletes, and they do not break the rules by having tantrums or taking illegal substances. Is it a final decision that Takeover Target cannot run this weekend?
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Mr. B, glad to read that everything is good with you. You had a great visit with your new friend Alex. So you didn't go outside today, but I'm sure when the wind lessens, and the temps increase this weekend you will.
Enjoy the baby carrots!
Love ya,Edie
Posted by: Edie at December 9, 2006 9:07 PM

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To All:
I am ashamed of the senates completely ignoring all the efforts; and SINCERE efforts at that, brought about by so many Americans-- including all the FOBS to get S1915 to the floor before the session closed today.
What a disgrace!!!
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And the slaughtering goes on a unabated through the "holiday" season.
However; I do have a strong feeling that we will be victorious in the next session. Unfortunately there will be souls unnecessarily sacrificed.
Who can explain the evil that lurks in men's hearts?
CRR Carol Rebecca ReissAthens, Ga.
Posted by: Carol Rebecca Reiss at December 9, 2006 9:48 PM
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Your questions are probably on many minds. The answer is that we really don't know yet. It is my understanding that a bill can start in the Senate as well as the House. I'm sure the numbers will be different.
I doubt that we will have any information until after the holidays. As soon as we find out the new strategy, we will pass it on and begin our campaign for 2007. For now, you might want to check and see who your representatives are for 2007. There were many changes and you may have a new Congressman and/or Senator. It would be nice to know where they stand on this issue once things get rolling again.
There's no sense in pointing the blame at any one particular politician. It's time to thank those that did help us and not burn any bridges. It was a well coordinated group effort to keep this bill from the floor. They succeded this time.....next time they WON'T!
*

I have called Mayor Bacon of Kaufman, TX to tell her how sorry we are and to assure her that we will be here for the next round!!!
You've all done an extraordinary work and should be very proud. It's now time to take a break and enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.
I know I speak for Debra(who is out shopping!!) as well as myself when I say THANK YOU for everything!!!!
Posted by: ShelleyA at December 9, 2006 10:07 PM

*

I truly believe that one way we can be successful in getting S1915 passed is by going straight to the source of a huge percentage of the horses sent to slaughter each year--the Premarin mares and foals.

I've mentioned this on the posts before, but want to provide everyone with some specifics so that we can all add just ONE MORE address to our letter-writing campaign.

Wyeth (formerly American Home Products) is the manufacturer of Premarin, Prempro and Premphase--all conjugated estrogen products made from pregnant mare urine. Wyeth's 2005 net revenue (according to their website) was 18.8 BILLION dollars. They also happen to be the parent company of Fort Dodge Animal Health--one of the leading manufacturers of equine veterinary products. It is high time for Wyeth to be held accountable for the welfare of the horses that make them BILLIONS of dollars and are then sent to slaughter so that the owners of PMU farms can squeeze every last dollar out of them. A tiny fraction of Wyeth's annual net revenue could go towards financing retirement farms for PMU mares and their offspring. At the VERY least, they can certainly make use of the euthanasia solution manufactured by their own Fort Dodge division and HUMANELY put these poor horses down!


I ask all of you to do two things. First, let's start flooding Wyeth with letters and insist they take responsibility for their animals.

Write to:
Robert Essner,

Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO Wyeth

5 Giralda Farms

Madison, NJ 07940

Second, please make your medical professionals aware of this issue. Let your OB-GYN know exactly how Premarin is manufactured and what happens as a result. Tell your veterinarians about Wyeth and why you don't want them to use Fort Dodge products for your animals (a complete list of products is on wyeth.com). Lastly, money talks, so do your best not to use any of Wyeth's OTC products, such as Advil, Centrum, Robitussin, Chapstick, Caltrate, Alavert, Preparation H and Dimetapp and let them know why!
Call those Senators and write Wyeth!BELIEVE IN BARBARO
Posted by: Dawn in Omaha at December 9, 2006 10:41 PM

*

This is (TB Friends) Joe's diary for today, and it mirrors my mood, reinforces the pain we feel at the lack of action on the bill in the Senate. It makes it real, one horse at a time. Ok, we gave him some real serious gifts last weekend, but that does not obviate the fact that there is not enough room at the inn, not enough money in any of these rescues, for all the horses in the pens. The dreary, heavy rain here is also falling on him, Cathy, and the horses...
===============================================
Saturday, December 9th... The rain came sideways, and there is more for this weekend. Working at another ranch yesterday, and home in time for Sienfeld. We move round pen and barn horses to the fields, as new horses are arriving and our fences begin to swell. Horse killers keep the little cell phone busy, and some of the stories would make you cry. A rough time of year for animals. We rely on Christmas for that good to be alive feeling. A warm inner glow. But the real world shows us horses in trouble, and doing our best is never enough. At the killer pens on Thursday night a mare was put to sleep because she was weak from starvation, and unable to load inside a trailer. We had already paid cash for her, 35 cents a pound, and I promised to show up each day with food until she gained strength. But the killer said no, all horses must be gone because he is leaving for the holidays, and dogs barking will upset neighbors. A scrimmage over the phone and in the end the mare dies. The killer says he will credit us 35 cents a pound to a future horse. Merry Christmas. And I keep thinking about her...
*

A thousand stories. The morning journal has daily readers as young as 7, so I skim over the bad parts. Time will soon enough bring truth. Learning as we go, and when you concentrate on good then good becomes your journey.
But often the bad parts take center stage. Not sleeping because of horror stories. Each year Cathy and I wonder when things will turn around. Better living conditions for doomed horses. Despite how others feel, respect does not need to be earned. Respect should be given automatically when you are born. Treating living souls with dignity...
I hope you are all safe and warm tonight... I am sorry, I am just so sorry.
Posted by: Shelley in CA at December 10, 2006 12:46 AM

*

Yes, the bills will be given new numbers when they are re-introduced. I remember that is what Senator Murray's aide said to me one time when I called about S1915. I will try to find out soon if I can get either of my two Washington Senators Murray and Cantwell to do this. Let's have everybody thinking along those lines and call their represenatives and senators on getting the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act re-introduced in each house if that is the route we need to take! In the meantime, let's enjoy the season to the maximum!
Warmest Regards from Laura S. in Snohomish, WA!
Posted by: Laura S. in Snohomish, WA at December 9, 2006 12:49 AM

*dear ALEX,

i have been royally entertained by your sharings with barbaro duty and i am so grateful to you and the jacksons -- the whole kit and caboodle...to read and come to this site after my mrs. smith goes AGAIN to the congress on friday Dec. 8th.

dear FOB,

WELL I AM SO HEARTENED BY THE DEPTH OF THE WORK EVERYONE DID //SHELLEY AND DEBRA AND CAROLE and the list goes into the thousands..on. MARY S. IS Right...PEOPLE HAVE BEEN WORKING TEN YEARS AND MORE ON THIS SITUATION OF THE EQUINE NATION. I AM HERE NOW To REPORT To You WHAT I RE-LEARNED AND ALONG WIHT DARYL'S suggestion some time ago,--making an effort to contact your reps in person--

i believe there are very clear things to do to get this passed in the next congressional session.

OR HOWEVER LONG IT TAKES TO do----an overview of my experience, the following leads and threads through the pro slaughter senators,--know your opposition really well and how they think --led me to all manner of discoveries:

*1. follow the money. a basic reality that hit me hard again.many of these people elected, have favors to return and some of them also have records ...they have broken laws--blackmail industry under the rug--..all sorts of laws...just think of giving your kids an open credit card to j. crew and a mercedes benz and no boundaries, ever..that is the bulk of the congress..

*2.eveyrone runs for congress for different reasons and often not the ones we hope they do..to serve us..

*3. there is a food chain..a protocol for getting your seat and keeping it, once you get to congress ..again you pay folks something for something..nothing is for free..so every issue ,even who gets the fancy coffee pot, is a barganing tool.

4. very few come clean..there are perhaps thirty in both the house and senate that i feel are not compromised like the good knight, paul sarbanes from maryland ...check out vermont...some like chuck from ny --they know how to broker things for good payment in return without selling their soul.

*5. then, it isnt good enough to get into congress you got to get on a good committee meaning one that has a big budget. SO YOU CAN PAY OFF YOUR DEBTS..HA HA AND WIN SOME FAVORS...and you can work for your retirement how to hear your constituents enought to keep a free hand to barter for what power you can acrue and keep your job....

*6. then there is the lobbies who play big part of how policy is shaped FOR THE PEOPLE ha ha ..so if it is the agricltural monster opolies, you don't want animal legislation to curb your profits or have the gov't interfere in any way..

7. there are cold-blooded souls who have lost their souls because, the seduction of air force one is increadibly heady..you dont have to work your interior just your exterior..absolute power corrupts..see ike and a few other books i have placed here to give some perspective on what we are facing also check networking rsources like richard dryfuss who is interested in re birthing civics in schools remember that?

wow what a concept...

*8. personal agendas along with the president's men..and their agendas --do they really serve the people, us?

*9. no one reads history and the american public obsession with celebrities and instant fixes...and the public at large is never present 'til a huge crisis drags them into the frey...dumming down of our culture with a tallyhoe congress to carry on like this and bankrupt our future and our present and our past so that the world hates us...Lord, give me my flat screen and suv [no judgement implied for those of you who have these things...] but by being so short-sighted, we are asleep at the wheel and the congress can do what it wants..no one really complains..thirty letters for slaughter is no reason to have slaughter factories... perpetuate their obscene cruelties to the dear horses. and many other farm animals. farming is now big business and so is horse cruelty.

*10. since no one is civic minded across the board, to hold these characters throwing our money away and working zero hours. accountability,.anyone of us would get fired on the spot for their behavior and indulgences."

..so if it is the agricultural monster opolies, you dont want animal legislation to curb your profits or have the gov't interfere in any way..**always be courteous and brief, but turn the stumbling point into a question to them...the personal touch works great...it shows these clowns we mean business. i also feel and learned by listening and letting them speak --they love to mouth off--their opinions, but they cloak their answers so you know they have said very little to reveal their true feelings which they probably have stifled, so they don't know what is true or not.. and i shyly mentioned that i did not understand one word this particular senator said-- could he please repeat himself he couldn't because he was just doing the famous washington shuffle. it is fascinating and we pay these guys-- wow! i also, learned that the work that has been going on by FOB has been spectacular...from prayer to writing to calling. it has been felt. but everyone i spoke to seemed to respect this..and it has made a huge difference --the guy taking over for frist was on our side...so treating him respectfully even though like a camel, i wanted to levy a few spits to every one here.

it is critical to listen to what they are doing watch their actions and then mount a campaign in that state for their public to get the dirty secrets out...why are those folks pro slaughter ? what is behind that kind of sick support?

follow the money and we will get our answers...this is also where prayer is critical as far as i am concerned..what is it going to take for the amercan public to wake up and realize it is all connected ? all this legislation is connected...to have an aide tell me that there are more important issues is crap. they are all related...inhumanity is inhumanity.

so i was deeply shaken by the cold-bloodedness of the politicians--they do not care --period-- about our boys being mutilated or the horses being mutilated. hear me clearly. it made me ill and i came home and angels on this site helped me through my shock. i am a dancer and an artist and i don't consort with such darkness--it was some lesson.

*
they really do not care. the answer i found in part, in these books, david mccullugh, 1776, founding brothers, joseph ellis, guns, germs and steel-jared diamond, long walk to freedom, nelson mandela ...and that is what i spent doing today before the prayer vigil at seven...knowing you all are out there and we have just begun...the long journey is just begun...and for our beloved barbaro,...bobby will not suffer in vain...never. i am outraged by what i experienced and the seasoned humane folks working the floor on friday and saturday were spent...that was chilling to me. yet i resolved to be full of hope! i will never roll over. how stupid to tell us to look for packages that terrorists have hidden, when we make ourselves vulnerable by ignoring generations of children and their education, abusing animal --expendable resources-- there is no tomorrow and ignore global warming, the national debt and the rising poor...

what kind of leaders are these and it may take a dirty bomb to blow up before folks really wake up, so sad but true... the consequences of their actions and their legislation..not serving the people...so S 1915 is a great lesson and a great victory for staking out where we want to go...bravo! we must thank everyone for their support-- in your hearts know what wonderful efforts you made! and be renewed in this time, helping those rescue organizations trying so hard to do the right thing...

you were right daryl...knowing you stepped up big time for all of barbaro's nation--.the [partisanship arguments are done by the weakest on both party sides. and should be ignored--they are another excuse not to get the work done. so i pray for barbaro's continued recovery every second of the day and for the staff and the dear jacksons and for all of you.

thank you for listening -to work we go. in the sliver of the moon now and the deep blue of the sky. is the fog and pine island and all the creatures that had their time on earth make em proud..of us two leggeds..",1]
they shine down on us.lets do this and grow some hope and love for barbaro.. for all the voiceless ones.

all the sad eyes..in the light and in the dark, martita. Posted by: martita goshen at December 10, 2006 5:36 AM ___________________________________________________________ #### martita - this sounds like an energy zapping trip - put mildly - and a real eye opener ....and I think you for your resolve and committment to the causes. Your representation and presence was indeed felt - and my intent, like yours, is to "stay the course" ......... steer the ship a bit differently, and to take all that we have done and learned the past many months - redirect and focus perhaps - more wisely -and MAKE THE CHANGE that will be felt not only by the beloved horses - but many people who have perhaps not yet thought of being involved - but, like all of us ..... will be "hooked" with the passion of making a difference. Rest peacefully, now, my friend ..... you have done very well. Sherry - Arizona Posted by: sherry at December 10, 2006 6:05 AM

*Beautifully, powerfully, eloquently, accurately said, Martita. Bobby, sweet Velvet Nose, tucking you in now. You know what to do. Good night, baby. Posted by: Susan E. at December 10, 2006 6:06 AM ____________________________________________________

thank you,

dear alex

for the continuing threads on beautiful horses..whose owners apparently are making decisions favoring the life of their charges..it is breathtaking...and the barbaro effect grows.and i dont believe there are any second tier horses here..they are all magnificent. i know what you mean, but in truth, like us, their souls just have different assignments perhaps, --here on earth.--i love em all..thank you dear FOB,
*
they shine down on us.

lets do this and grow some hope and love for barbaro..

for all the voiceless ones.all the sad eyes..in the light and in the dark,

martita.
Posted by: martita goshen at December 10, 2006 5:36 AM

_______________________

SOULFUL POETRY FOR BARBARO's KIND

Know many were disappointed by the turn of events yesterday with S.1915 but on hold until after the holidays and into 2007. NEVER GIVE UP AND NEVER GIVE IN!!! Here are some poetic thoughts and comments:

And Barbaro Wept…

(by Lorri Shaver, December 9, 2006)


The night was cold but calm
The night shift worked quietly
Efficiently
And the hospital moved thru the night

And Barbaro slept…

In the early dawn hours
The Sweet Prince awoke
Dismayed
It was clear in his minds eye

And Barbaro no longer slept…

He knew that many new angels
Would soon meet the pastures of Heaven
Violently
And the pain was nearly unbearable

And Barbaro wept…

I woke from my sleep in anguish
Read the email - regret to inform
Adjourned
The words of the people ignored

And Barbaro wept…

I reached out to him with my heart
I held him close
Believe, I coaxed
The battle over, but the war is not lost

Still, Barbaro wept…

He thought about the horses in the feedlots
And the pens
Waiting, waiting
He thought about their fate

And Barbaro wept…

Sweet Bobby thought of the Mustangs
Soon the riders and copters to come
Terrifying
So much beauty lost to the fear

And Barbaro wept…

He thought about the burros,
The Nokota Horses
The Ponies on Assateague
The runners coming up lame

Still, Barbaro wept…

I held his heart so tight and I whispered
We are battle weary
Fatigued
But this war is far from over

Have hope, I urged
You most of all must be strong
Remarkable stallion
For you are our inspiration

We will fight on, for you Sweet Prince
For we do BELIEVE
Miracles
Happen every day

You must be strong, Bobby
Keep us focused
Teach by example
Inspire
You taught us all to believe

I held his heart so tight
Blanketed with love
Faith
Hope for the future

And comforted, Barbaro slept.

And quietly I pulled away
I didn’t want him to feel
My pain
I wanted him to rest…

And then I wept…

COMMENTS from FANS OF BARBARO:

Dear Lorri, Read carefully your words and let Bobby's love warm your heart and ease your pain. Yes, we lost a bit for one battle but will be smarter and ready for the next one. However, look how much we gained when we all became more involved in saving horses. We donated time, lots of time, some money, loving attention, plus wrote and created more awareness of the real horse issues. More people are better informed in the short 6 months we became personally involved. And, like the Dutch spirits saving those 100 horses --we are of the same spirit and cloth. Yes, some lives were lost but most majority were saved. Still, it took, not giving up and not giving in. When things looked their bleakest, they still believed in miracles. God intervened, the water receded, and for three days Dutch rescuers kept bringing in food and water by boat until they could get guide horse teams to assist.

*

They tried several different ways until they got those 82 horses safely back to dry land. We must be like them. We must listen to God's voice and sit awhile. When we get tired and weary, God is our refuge and restores our soul. The horses that leave us are with him in perfect form, running in God's heavens above. Keep the Faith, Keep your Prayers, Keep Believing. That BILL to save them WILL PASS to celebrate God's Glory!!! Even Senator Conrad Burns has conceded that the Anti-slaughter horse bill will pass (latest news release update from Chris Heyde, Legislative Director for Saplonline (www.saplonline.org) ).
Remember, Bobby's heart is healing there in spirit and you are never alone...Guardians are there with you too. This only makes us stronger and have greater understanding and compassion for those who have walked in our shoes and we in theirs. The same Archangels ministering to Christ at the time of his birth are the ones ministering to those of use needing consoling right now. All you have to do is ask God and by faith they are there:

II Corinthians 4:8-9 and 16-18

We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes but we are not destroyed...So we do not give up. Our physical bodies become older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new everyday (by Faith). We have small troubles for awhile now, but they are helping us gain an eternal glory that is much greater than the troubles. We set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see...

This is our faith, trust, belief in God's grace for us and his horses. We are momentary travelers caring for them. Where there is His Will, there is a way.
Believe in God's Healing, Believe in Miracles, Believe in Barbaro's love! Carole in NH.

*

dear FOB;

i am sitting on the ground of my home..quiet and grateful..on the high plateaus and deep canyons of collective hearts beating..all connected.-i am determined to take one step at a time--like beloved champion, Barbaro--..and have no intention of rolling over for folks who don't hold a candle to the warriors on this site ...'dear joe and cathy' and the pain daily of savng one horse or not.having to leave the others behind..that man is something else..i cant wait to have a trillion dollars to send him, i thank everyone for gifting him from what i have read of our founding fathers, there is always room for nurturing a vision..today, i see vistas anew, of ancestral mountains,turquoise seas..velvet, silver, earthen pots all partof our legacy on this land. blood spilled unjustly still can heal with beautiful new grass.

i dedicate my day to the mare that just gave into her famine and fell off the earth..how to love with that pain.

Oh Lord..she was all alone but now i pray for a band of angels that will rush to those dying by themselves..to help them over...so i re-read lor's beautiful poem at the top of this page... and invite you to come and sit with me...on this ledge..see the bay and the ocean in the distance... and know the mare has been heard... and the long road for giving grace and dignity... to these abandoned horses... being loaded into the killer trucks.

*


BARBARO--i send you the softest ,warm wind..
fresh hay and never another moment of care.
to all the horses who we dont know about...may those people, souless from greed,may light pour into their shriveled hearts..may the rain stop for joe and cathy and their saved horses..may we sit down over bread and begin to target each state.
and have a strategy to inform their citizens of these dirty secrets...the whys as they want pro slaughter..
daryl, eddie, david and some of the collective breathing experts, here...we can do this..i am rested, thank you mary and sherry and all of you.

i am ready to start all over again. fiercer--softer-- stronger,

see the ruthless in the eye..belly of the monster! ..

daryl, eddie, david and some of the collective breathing experts, here---
..we can do this..i am rested, thank you somary and sherry and all of you.i am ready to start all over again.fiercer--softer-- stronger, see the ruthless in the eye..belly of the monster!

.. go gently dearest BARBARO--
may the sun be on your back today,
and may your blood grow stronger as your muscles unknot..
and keep flashing those teethshows us you got the fighting spirit. no push overs here..in the light and in the dark,
martita
Posted by: martita goshen at December 10, 2006 4:40 PM

*

LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH (from Friend of Barbaro)

October 20, 2006

Dear President Bush,

I am writing this letter to the President who created The Northwestern Hawaiian Island Marine National Monument. Your decisive action and foresight has changed marine conservation history for the entire earth, for centuries, and I thank you profoundly.

There is another conservation issue at present, not as global, but closer and more personal to Americans. Every year 100,000 horses are slaughtered at foreign-owned slaughter houses and the meat is sent overseas as a "gourmet delicacy." Americans love their horses as companions, workmates, athletes, and are a species that stands with us and always has. They are part of the very fabric of our nation's existence. The Global War on Terror has shown us so graphically that American lives are now at grave risk and sometimes the horror is very close to slaughter. The comparison is terrifying.

I am writing this first letter I have ever written to a President, to ask you for your support to put an end to the practice of horse slaughter in the United States. We do not kill the horses we love ourselves. We should never do it for others, or allow it on American soil.

I realize the grave importance of your time and thank you for your consideration of the contents of this letter. Thank you so much .

Sincerely,

Fan of Barbaro