Barbaro: April 29, 2003 - January 29, 2007
Barbaro - April 29, 2003 - January 29, 2007 (AP Photo)
I am not sure why I was so upset upon hearing of Barbaro's death. I was really sad over it yesterday. I was holding back tears writing about it.
Even though he passed, Barbaro was a success in coping with his injury. Most horses would have been put down immediately. Only a privilidged minority of horses have access to the specialized treament he received. And I would reason to guess fewer still have owners willing to give the horse a chance. Experts gave him a few weeks tops. Barbaro lived the better part of a year. He came very close to a recovery.
The bond between man and horse is primal and ancient dating back thousands of years. Horses are natually social beings. Horses are known for their therpeutic effect on humans. We connect with them on a spiritual level. I know I do.