Quote:
Originally Posted by Thrillhouse
GROW HOOF GROW!!!! Oh wait, nevermind.
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Now, after a few months, I see where some of the more "profound" on this chat go in their stream of consciousness and thus, I ignore the above reply....
Meanwhile, I am not fortunate to own a horse to hug tonight...if I did,I would. Having attended college in Kentucky, the love of the thoroughbred just seeps into your soul when you see how very special, powerful and totally fragile these incredible champions are!!
Stop and think, they run on four fragile as fine crystal hooves and charge down the track at lightning speed with a rider on their back and most of the time, after several years, are fortunate to live the life of Riley in stud or just lazy and happy grazing on our tasty Bluegrass.
Secretariat was the epitome of the elite. Most only saw a Triple Crown Winner...and I was fortunate to see his start to fame at the Kentucky Derby start..but his heart and soul were pure athletic champion. He gave and gave and answered the signals of his jockey. When he passed away, he left an unanswered legacy.
I have no doubt in my heart that Barbaro was the one to continue and accept the challenge of Secretariat's mantel. What occured that horrible day at Preakness is going to stay burned in every viewers mind for the longest of times....he would have won and set records and proven his bloodline. But for the cruel twist of fate,
Barbaro's arduous adventure was set in stone and alas, today he lost his last challenge. I can only pray that somehow it was in the least painful of his last months of struggle, determination and pure thoroughbred lineage.
And all one can say is to make a joke about his hooves healing and growing...you just have no idea. There is a book and a movie called THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY? about the insane marathon dance crazes of the 20's and how, at times, it seemed less cruel to simply put the frenzied dancers out of their misery dancing night and day for a stupid trophy.
Perhaps, in retrospect, it might somehow been kinder to dear Barbaro to end his days that tragic day at old Hilltop in Maryland.
R.I.P. to a true champion whose ability and stamina we probably will not see for another twenty or so years. Hey Barbaro, the oats are the sweetest in Heaven!!
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