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Post by californiagrown on May 29, 2006 0:58:05 GMT -5
ya i think i was just building off of what someone else earlier aboout how good the owners were to do something that wasnt profitable. . . and i guess my point was its extremly profitable
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Post by susie on Jul 14, 2006 11:53:03 GMT -5
For those of you who have been following Barbaro's progress, I know that you're aware that he's been struggling of late. To recap: A week ago Monday, he had an operation to insert three additional screws, with the total moving up to 30. (Whew!) Last Saturday, they operated again to replace the plate, reposition some screws, and add some bone grafts. The major fracture is healing nicely, but the pastern joint (the one that shattered) has had some issues that have been addressed through the additional surgery. He has come up through anesthesia (in the recovery pool) quite nicely each time.
The *major* issue right now is the laminitis in his "good" rear leg. We got news locally this morning that he had a good night last night -- that he laid down on his side to sleep, thus taking the weight off of his legs, and that he was able to get a few hours sleep. The vets say that he seems comfortable this morning and that he has generally seemed happy after his last surgery (after being in a great deal of discomfort last week.) His owners, the Jacksons, cancelled their summer vacation to stay close to him.
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Post by rach2crazy on Jul 14, 2006 12:21:17 GMT -5
thank goodness that Barbaro is ok! I give a whole lot of respect for his owners for helping this horse and spending time with him...  |
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Post by apolosgal on Jul 16, 2006 11:37:57 GMT -5
awwwwwwwwww i hope Barbaro is ok!! I'm worried about him.
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Post by warhorse on Jul 17, 2006 16:18:54 GMT -5
Hey you all.
Yeah, I saw that on ESPN news about the struggles with Barbero. Last I heard, "experts" are still giving him a 50/50 chance.
It was cool to see the fastest horses comparisons. Yep, the quarterhors is the fastest under a quarter of a mile, and they are also the most useful on the ranches, in that their poweful muscles help them to turn and stop quick.
The Thoroughbred is defintely the most valuable of all the breeds of horse, his conformation is the most ideal. He has the best track record in terms of being able to run fast and jump, so they make the best hunters and steeplechasers. And they are the fastest horses from a quater of a mile to about 5 miles.
After about 5 miles, the fastest horse then comes to the infamous Arabian. A breed that is probably the oldest pure bred horse in existence, and almost all breeds of horses can trace their ancestry to the arabian. The Thorughbred was the product of arabian and barb (african horse) blood. And when endurance is needed, the arabian is the one to call. They even have different skeletal structures than other breeds of horses. They have one neck bone, backbone and tail bone less than other breeds, and also often have one less of a pair of ribs. This unique bone structure helps to make the Arabian the most recognized breed in the world to outsiders. Even their faces and ears are built differently.
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Post by susie on Jul 17, 2006 23:46:11 GMT -5
Warhorse, that is interesting info about all of the different breeds of horses. Thanks!
As for "50/50" for Barbaro, as much as I hate to say it, I think that's generous. I haven't heard any updated odds, and I think the reason is because the odds are so low. I heard that the laminitis on the left hind leg was really bad -- the vets had to remove 80% of the interior wall of the hoof. Barbaro's still hanging in there though, and they report that he is reasonably comfortable and even happy. I keep hoping for the best while bracing for the worst.
I went to a jousting match a couple of weekends ago. It's an established sport here in Maryland. The riders don't tilt at each other; instead they try to drive their lance through rings that are hung along the course. The smallest rings are the size of a lifesaver. The matches are fun, you can relax and watch the riders and there is usually a craft fair or other things going on as well.
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Post by warhorse on Jul 19, 2006 20:12:09 GMT -5
That sound's really interesting about the jousting. I always wanted to compete in skill at arm competitions, that usually consist of military combat tactics on horseback. You could use guns, swords, bow and arrows and spears to shoot at a target, often galloping full speed. I have yet to actually compete, but I have fun with my horse with the spears and swords.
The laminitis is a serious deal with Barbero. In my understanding, laminitis is actually a permanent condition, and sometimes can lead to navicular disease. Sometimes special shoeing and drugs can help. But laminitis is the problem that Secretariat had, that ultimately led to his destruction at 19 years of age. Rather young, when his competitors at the time are living well into their thirties. Broken legs are a serious thing to deal with. If Barbero had just a hairline fracture, ok, he could stand a chance. Or if he were a light weight pony, you could actually amputate the leg. But in this instance, neither is the case, sadly. I hope he gets well, but my gut tells me other wise/
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Post by tabatha on Jul 25, 2006 0:12:22 GMT -5
I am a horse lover myself, and if I could have my way, I'd outlaw horse racing, for many reasons. They break easily at only 3, the horse out here is 21, my cousin's is over 30, the gambling, so forth. They are gorgeous creatures who deserve better. They are not stupid, a jockey head butted his horse, he threw you off for a reason dumb@$$. Ooohhhh  They should run free and the sort, I am very passionate about this, sorry if I offend anyone. They are graceful, and lucky to have three of them in my life. They are not mine, but I love them as if they were.  |
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Post by warhorse on Aug 4, 2006 20:26:03 GMT -5
Horse racing now is cruel, but at one time it was somewhat reputable. Horses were well cared for, strong, and the trainers and owners were horsemen. Now, it's all about the money and pride. The biggest problem is, they are inbreeding, and starting the horses too young, and not giving them the growth that they need.
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Post by tabatha on Aug 4, 2006 20:32:20 GMT -5
i agree w/ you there. i am such a horse freak, love the screen name, too cool. i hate to see them destroyed. it worries me. i just can't watch it...
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Post by warhorse on Aug 5, 2006 20:44:05 GMT -5
I hate seeing animals get hurt, especially horses. My own horse was subject to some abuse, and by people I thought I knew. Well, I bought my horse from them and got his weight back up, and he's all healthy and happy now.
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Post by tabatha on Aug 5, 2006 20:55:19 GMT -5
really? the horse out here where i live has had two owners. ones til she was about 10 or so, then the ones now. the ones now love her and she loves them. it took her months to really trust me. i think they were mean to her. now she trusts me and comes up to me. i feed her treats and brush her. she nickers greetings. she looks wise. it's hard to explain. i go out every day and visit them. she's 21. there are 3. i have pics. but my computer don't wanna work w/ me. what do you call yours. i'm such a horse lover. animals really. i even adore the cows across the way. the babies are so cute!
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Post by warhorse on Aug 5, 2006 21:28:08 GMT -5
  This is my big boy, SPIRIT! |
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Post by tabatha on Aug 5, 2006 21:36:05 GMT -5
oh, WOW, he's gorgeous. Love the color, he shines. He looks happy. cool name too. he has the same coloring as this pony out here. i will show them to you. she had hoof probs not too long ago. she's better now. give your big boy luvs for me! ;D |
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Post by tabatha on Aug 6, 2006 1:08:27 GMT -5
  big black horse on right: Lady, the mom big bay horse on left: Copperbelle, the daugther little brown horse at water tub: Little One, the pony! |
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