America's Pony

phoebe,
honestly--that was the best article i have read on barbaro’s sad fate--truly--very well balanced between objectivity and sensitivity.  i was honestly starting to feel rather embarrassed about being so caught up in his story--was i just one of those over sentimentalists??..i don’t think i am--and yet his story got me.  anyhow--you should fire this piece out to the newspapers across the country--it needs to be read:)
cheers,
joe

Comment by joe coffey from victoria BC CANADA — February 7, 2007 @ 10:12 am

Phoebe,

You are the first jounalist that I have found that has been able to articulate the reasoning behind the hold this horse had on the American populace.  You are to be congratulated for being able to put this in words that everyone should be able to understand.

Thank you!

Comment by Patty from Rhode Island — February 7, 2007 @ 10:14 am

I can only echo what was said by previous posters: I also immediately forwarded the URL to several people with the tag, “The best article I have read about Barbaro.” There have been perhaps too many articles lately pondering the “psychopathology” of “misguided,” “ignorant” people who have felt honest endearment and then grief over the saga and eventual fate of “America’s Pony.” While it is important to move on from the depths of grief, it is just as important to validate the feeling and be validated for it. Bereavement, for whatever reason, is a normal, expectable reaction to a loss, however perceived. It is only after a certain period of time, if it continues to cause personal distress, and interferes with function, that it can be considered a subject of clinical focus.

Thank you for a thoughtful, considered piece.

Comment by Kyle Webb, LMSW from New York State USA — February 7, 2007 @ 11:14 am

Awesome story - everyone should read it - thank
you for your kind and compassionate words.

A very, very special animal!

Comment by MEC from NJ — February 7, 2007 @ 11:39 am

This really was the best piece I have read on Barbaro. You nailed every point, and threw the focus out wider than “oh, he was just a horse”. This was most certainly a cultural event, with large impact. Thank you for such a thoughtful piece on this extraordinary horse.

Comment by Meagan Goldberg — February 7, 2007 @ 12:36 pm

Phoebe -
I can only what echo what has alrady been said—a fantastic article.  Thank you.
Della

Comment by Della Micah from Philadelphia, PA — February 7, 2007 @ 1:23 pm

I have followed Barbaro from the beginning of his racing career.
Absolutely fabulous article honoring him.
It is the best one I have read.
Thank you for paying such great honor to Barbaro...he certainly deserves it!
Lynn

Comment by Lynn Parks-Austin, Texas — February 7, 2007 @ 2:55 pm

My eyes are bloodshot from reading every article; viewing every video, participating in every blog, and oh yea, crying!  Hands down - your article is the best!!

Thank you for your kind words and sensitivity to America’s beloved Barbaro.

Comment by Tonia from Massachusetts — February 7, 2007 @ 3:16 pm

Thank you.

Comment by susan from davie, florida — February 7, 2007 @ 4:02 pm

THanks you for capturing so well the reasons so many of us got swept up in this story. I have not seen any article that explored the many facets of the Barbaro Effect as well as yours.

Comment by Terri from Baltimore, MAryland — February 7, 2007 @ 4:37 pm

Bravo for a wonderfully written article about Barbaro and his human friends who cared so much about and for him.  You’ve captured a complete picture of him and his many, many fans.

Comment by Jean from Franklin, TN — February 7, 2007 @ 4:57 pm

It’s been said here before, but I have to say it again.  This is ABSOLUTELY the BEST article I have read on Barbaro.  Thank you so much!

Comment by Pat from Valley Stream, NY — February 7, 2007 @ 5:58 pm

ONE OF THE BEST ARTICLES ON BARBARO THAT I HAVE READ. IT CAPTURED EVERYTHING SO WELL. BARBARO WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER. NOW WE MUST PASS THE HR503 ANTI SLAUGHTER BILL IN HIS HONOR AND ALL HORSES

Comment by JUNE from USA — February 7, 2007 @ 6:07 pm

This really was the best piece I have read on Barbaro. You nailed every point, but one!
Until I started following Barbaro story at the Tim Woolley site. Did not know we have three horse slaughter plants in the US. That is Belgium owned, and pays little taxes! And horsemeat is “What’s for Dinner” in Belgium, Italy and Japan. The Jackson’s have told us of this.
Never in my life, of 58 years have I written a senator called or faxed. But I do today and everyday.
Most Americans have no clue this atrocity is happening in the US. We stopped using horsemeat in pet food
In 1957. But yet the horse slaughter goes on.
You could help tell Americans, you could help stop this. The way the horses are killed is not humane!
You take a horse from birth; first thing we do is put a halter on them. They are taught to trust us and be our companions. Our senators let us down last year. The bill died in December. But we are not giving up.
We need your voice to help stop this, for Barbaro.
If you do just a little reading on this, I feel you will feel the same way as I do.
I eat beef, pork and chicken. Not horse! Please help.
Thank you,
Debbie Jones

Comment by Debbie Jones from Bay Minette Alabama — February 7, 2007 @ 6:41 pm

That was a wonderful article that captured the essence of this amazing story. I would echo those who point out the horror of the horse slaughtering industry that kills our American horses for the benefit of foreign appetites. Americans overwhelmingly want this stopped, but our government is dragging its feet. Why? Money, of course. Many of us who fell in love with Barbaro had no idea that this happened until we became educated through following his story. We all need to pressure our senators to pass S.311 and our representatives to pass HR503.

In a culture that often celebrates the tawdry, self-obsessed, and downright weird, Barbaro and all the people who surrounded him represented the best of what humanity and the human-animal bond can offer. What a wonderful shining light in the midst of so much national darkness. His legacy will live on. Thank you for helping to shine that light on him.

Comment by Jane Fieberts from Monroe, CT — February 7, 2007 @ 7:53 pm

Jane Fieberts from Monroe, Thank you

Comment by Debbie Jones from Bay Minette Alabama — February 7, 2007 @ 8:03 pm

Please add me back to the comment

Comment by Debbie Jones from Bay Minette Alabama — February 7, 2007 @ 8:05 pm

I don’t have the gift of words as you do, but you said what has been in my heart.  I became a fan of his because of his name which is so close to mine (Barbara) in January of last year. Since the Preakness I have spent many countless hours daily checking all the sites to keep up with all the news I could on him.  I still check those sites.  Tim Woolery’s site brings the most information and comfort.  I hope he keeps it running a long time.  I never have been fortunate to own a horse. but I have loved them for almost 60 years.  I have dogs who are more than animals to me.  They are my life and I would do anything for them.  I have had to put down several and its never an easy decision.  I appreciate owners such as the Jacksons who had a real love for their horse. It is so hard to let go even when you know you have to do it.

Comment by Barbara Hawkins from Macon, GA — February 7, 2007 @ 9:43 pm

Barbaro was not 4 yet he was only 3 and yes, he had a short race career and was put down.  He was started way too young and now he’s forever gone.  The story touched millions.  Maybe we needed the break of attention from the war?  Afterall, its still here, he isn’t.

Comment by Marj from wisconsin — February 7, 2007 @ 10:04 pm

Dear Phoebe Kate Foster,

I followed Barbaro in his career , and read everything I could find about him.
Your article comes close to explaining his appeal to America, and that’s saying a lot. So many articles have been written about him by writers who did not have a clue.

Your article is brilliant. Brilliantly written with a rare depth of understanding.
Thank you for honoring Barbaro in the way he should be honored- by telling the truth !

Yours is the best article I’ve ever read.
Sincerely, BB

Comment by Bobbie Bowen from Mt. Holly, NC — February 8, 2007 @ 9:11 am

Thank you for putting what’s in the hearts of so many of us into words. Beautifully done…

Comment by Cyndy Searfoss from South Bend, IN — February 8, 2007 @ 9:21 am

great article! they should stop horse racing there are way to many horses being killed because of this..... is gambling more important thsn the life of a beautiful animal.

Comment by Candace LaMay from Roch.,NY — February 8, 2007 @ 5:30 pm

The best article I’ve seen on Barbaro.

Comment by Joan Cornett — February 6, 2008 @ 9:38 pm

What a great article about Barbaro!  It’s heartwarming to know that people from all walks of life, racing fans or not, are coming together to support finding a cure for laminitis and for ending horse slaughter in our country--causes that became much more well known because of Barbaro’s struggle and due to the literary efforts of caring people like Phoebe Foster.  Thanks for continuing to publicize Barbaro’s “heroism” and thanks to all who are taking the time and effort to end horse slaughter in the US and who are working to cure laminitis.

Comment by Kathleen Pisano from York PA — February 10, 2008 @ 8:50 pm

A very good article, makes many good points. Thanks for writing this. As we look back we can see that indeed Barbaro’s life and death and struggle to survive has resonated for two years and counting.....
Many improvements in horse racing have happened thanks to this magnificent horse and his connections.

Comment by Bianca from Florida — September 27, 2008 @ 8:43 am