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Couldn't Help Posting The Following
 Article originally posted at Tim Woolley's site
at Fair Hill Training Center July 25, 2006 by Wm & CL




      ***********FINDING A FOLKHERO IN BARBARO***********

 Once upon a time, in 1938, came the makings
of a legend named Seabiscuit.
He exemplified America's struggle during the Great Depression and became a symbol of Hope to everyone because they clearly understood their struggles of heart and spirit to overcome the worst hardships. was a runt, an imperfect blacksheep thoroughbred who showed the world the championed underdog can win! The unforgettable lesson taught is -- the heart has deep untapped potential to beat unbelievable odds in adversity's face, if lovingly cared for, despite given terrible circumstances. Seabiscuit proved that struggling Americans could beat those odds too!
He became their symbol of Hope for the 20th Century.

Soon, there would come another
folkhero with his own legend in the making
for 21st Century America. Fast Forward 68 years to 2006.

Again, Americans are struggling to put their
families' lives back together after catastrophic
natural disasters ongoing and a war that divides us.
Along comes our folkhero Barbaro who -- with shattered leg, 5 surgeries, temporary complications from
infection -- unites us as his team to work together
harder for good. Barbaro's will to survive gives
us all back our faith in God and Hope in mankind's
caring and sharing attitude to improve life for others.
Self and differences put aside, resting from
our struggles, we once again see the same
ignited Light of Hope rekindled in giving our
Special Barbaro a second chance to
live comfortably. This same mindset is
what built and made America strong.

Today, this attitude prevails in our 'Love Marks' for
Barbaro who returns LOVE one hundredfold like
Seabiscuit did years ago. As history repeats
claiming her folkhero, we realize all folkheros
appeal to us because they make positive changes and
influence people to act. They bring out the
best of human nature. See how Barbaro
positively impacted others in just weeks.
 New path is being pioneered with cutting
edge veterinary medicine and care for all
animals with the BARBARO FUND
(www.vet.upenn.edu). Horse Racing and Track
 Officials are seriously reviewing and changing
their practices, taking action to prevent
serious injuries to jockeys and horses alike.

Did you know weekly 35-some jockeys are injured?
In past two weeks alone, too many champion horses were seriously injured (with 2 being put down) too! The above incidents have led E.P.O.N.A. (Equine Protection Of North America) to step up to the plate in Epping, New Hampshire. They are now a pipeline for the Anti-slaughter of Horses Bill (www.eponarescue.org linked to www.saplonline.org, legislative director Chris Heyde, Society for Animal Protection Legislation). And, E.P.O.N.A. assists in direct adoptions of premarin mare foals and retired thoroughbred racing horses across America and Canada.

While Barbaro recovers, immense obstacles are being overcome as Americans recover. His struggle and our struggles become easier to understand. He is just like one of us. That is what grabs our hearts so much. In the immortal words of Seabiscuit's trainer Tom Smith and owner Charles Howard, "You NEVER THROW AWAY a whole life just because it gets banged up a bit.
" We believe Barbaro's owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson,
are of the same mindset including
Dr. Dean Richardson and his medical team.

Barbaro's same fiercely, fighting spirit and champion heart inspire us to go that extra mile for him while he does the same for us. Just as Seabiscuit helped fix his broken down family and American hopes, Barbaro fixes the broken parts in all of us. Barbaro is giving us a second chance back! So, Barbaro, we will sit and rest awhile with you when our hearts and souls get weary.
We will sing softly these words
from R. Loveland and B. Graham --
"You Raise Me Up" -- to you!
 
"Youraise me (us) up so I (we) can stand on mountains.
You raise us up to walk on stormy seas.
I (we) are strong when you are on my (our) shoulders.
You raise me (us all) to more than I (we) can be,

" You are the right folkhero and a legend in the making.
Our prayer, may all see the living proof you are our folkhero answering America's call to act. We salute you Big Guy for showing us what we can really do, together, beating seemingly unbeatable odds. Keep winning this new kind of race against time. Blessings and Love heading your way, today, and every day!!!

Dedicated to Barbaro, The Jacksons & extended families,
loyal fans, Woolley et al, Michael, Peter, Edgar,
Dr. Richardson, Barbaro's care team & staff,
plus everyone who wants to know
"Why does Barbaro Grab Us So?"
with special thanks to
Shannon & Zeena for asking the question.