Comments on: From Barbaro Fandom to Political Activism

By: #1 Horse Lover

#1 Horse Lover — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 21:18:56 +0000

I have loved Barbaro ever since I saw him race. I wish he could have lived, but let our love go up to him in Heaven. We all love and miss you Barbaro. Enjoy the afterlife.

By: RoxK

RoxK — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 21:01:50 +0000

BARBARO and what led to his ultime demise, no accident, NEGLECT!

It will take many years for me to overcome the tragedy of Barbaro, but with the Preakness, I have watched my last race. It is purely for man’s profit that these magnificent, fragile creatures are pushed beyond their limit. George Vescey (”Racing Can’t Afford More Tragedies,” The Times, June 6) asks when animal rights’ group are going to speak out against this human (NOT humane) narcissism. I ask the same question and mourn the loss of Barbaro.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/280490978

By: Mary Simpson

Mary Simpson — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 02:45:10 +0000

Fans of BARBARO — Thoughts presented on this website today are beautiful, thoughtful, and full of spirit and good ideas. Barbaro would be proud (as I am sure Gretchen Jackson is. It makes me want to be an integral part of FOB’s and your goals. I also dream of owning horses and a farm “across” the country. I live on the West Coast and am too old for this activity, so armchair involvement will have to do. My wish for today is to have East Coast racing televised here. I depend on your reports for who’s hot.

Thanks so much.

Mary S.

By: Lorri Roush Shaver

Lorri Roush Shaver — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 20:07:26 +0000

Alex’s website and updates helped bring together a community of concerned fans who longed for information on an injured racehorse. It also networked and galvanized a growing group of people who learned about America’s dirty little secret of Horse slaughter in America. I had no idea this heinous practice existed. Now, we are committed to carrying on Barbaro’s Legacy, as asked by his owner Mrs. Gretchen Jackson. We will advocate against slaughter and for safer racing conditions. Our dear horse lost his battle, but we will carry on and make things better in this country for all horses. Nothing will deter us.

By: Nancy Baym

Nancy Baym — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 04:09:26 +0000

I’m getting all kinds of comments on this post that I am not letting through moderation, so let me just state explicitly that Alex’s leaving a comment here and linking to this post does not make this an appropriate spot to take him on over injustices you feel have occurred on that board or to learn about horses from him. But if you have comments about the Barbaro online community, I’d love to hear them.

By: Gloria Nussbaum

Gloria Nussbaum — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 00:28:38 +0000

Before Barbaro was injured, I was never involved in any “fan” site, or really any other internet site. What Alex did on the Tim Woolley site really helped establish a community that was not just “obsessive” or “worshipful” as the name fans may sometimes imply. Usually fans are united by the object of their affection, and they stay focused on the personalities and ongoing life events of that person/group. And often the celebrity in focus is often not really a hero in the truest sense.

But with Barbaro it went beyond that. The web site provided a way to learn about other issues, while also expanding our knowledge of Barbaro’s life and journey and what he began to represent. He wasn’t just in the spotlight – he was also a symbol of an innocent, pure and courageous life. Many people from the site have pursued related interests and relationships both on the board and off of it. I think the way Alex handled the site, by focusing on many related matters, really set the tone. It does show that a group brought together in shared admiration or narrow focus can grow into a real shared force on other topics. Perhaps because there was an element of tragedy that brought people together, that also helped them take some things seriously and see beyond Barbaro to more needs everywhere.

In this case “Fans of Barbaro” have really become “Friends of Barbaro” which implies the desire to support and share the weight of common goals. I applaud the group for not simply being fans, but taking an active role in positive change of all kinds. Amazing that the internet can be such a catalyst and help build community!

By: Deborah Emrick

Deborah Emrick — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 23:55:10 +0000

Barbaro has marshalled us to go forth for horses everywhere….to put an end to horse slaughter, to decrease the amount of over breeding. So many horses are auctioned to who knows where because they weren’t as perfect or didn’t throw enough color. We also are working on more horse rescue and retirement facilities, and funding for laminitis prevention and its much needed cure.

I am proud to work for these goals….

Because of Barbaro,

Deborah