Did you know Barbaro was put to sleep today?

Question

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized Monday after complications from his breakdown at the Preakness last May.
"We just reached a point where it was going to be difficult for him to go on without pain," co-owner Roy Jackson said. "It was the right decision, it was the right thing to do. We said all along if there was a situation where it would become more difficult for him then it would be time."

Roy and Gretchen Jackson were with Barbaro on Monday morning, with the owners making the decision in consultation with chief surgeon Dean Richardson.

It was a series of complications, including laminitis in the left rear hoof and a recent abscess in the right rear hoof, that proved to be too much for the gallant colt, whose breakdown brought an outpouring of support across the country.

"I would say thank you for everything, and all your thoughts and prayers over the last eight months or so," Jackson said to Barbaro's fans.

On May 20, Barbaro was rushed to the New Bolton Center, about 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia in Kennett Square, hours after shattering his right hind leg just a few strides into the Preakness Stakes. The bay colt underwent a five-hour operation that fused two joints, recovering from an injury most horses never survive. Barbaro lived for eight more months, though he never again walked with a normal gait.

The Kentucky Derby winner suffered a significant setback over the weekend, and surgery was required to insert two steel pins in a bone — one of three shattered eight months ago in the Preakness but now healthy — to eliminate all weight bearing on the ailing right rear foot.

The procedure on Saturday was a risky one, because it transfered more weight to the leg while the foot rests on the ground bearing no weight.

The leg was on the mend until the abscess began causing discomfort last week. Until then, the major concern was Barbaro's left rear leg, which developed laminitis in July, and 80 percent of the hoof was removed.

Richardson said Monday morning that Barbaro did not have a good night

Answer 1

Those who followed Barbaro's story closely know that at all times he showed a strong desire to survive. He was playful, even mischievous throughout the last eight months since shattering his leg. The Jackson's (his owners) respected his desires at all times and said that if he ever showed a change of heart, they would let him go. Sunday night, for the first time, after yet another problem, Barbaro did show that change and the Jacksons honored their promise to him. Barbaro's story is beautiful and inspirational and the Jacksons have behaved throughout with grace.

Answer 2

I stay in the super State of Kentucky, while the Derby comes around you spend 5 months attempting to make certain which horse your gonna guess on while the day comes. You examine each and every thing you may approximately those horses, and quickly adequate you experience such as you be attentive to those animals in my view. Barbaro grew to become into no distinctive than your well known athlete. So yeah that's gloomy that he grew to become into laid to relax. *RIP BARBARO*

Answer 3

he will always be rembered he will live on in the green pasture with amazing food and no pain and keep racing im am crying while i write this he was my hero ven though he was an animal i lit a candle and prayed it wa for the best he had so uch pain it looked like so he ..was an inspiration and a fighter he was young . and i am only between the age of 13 -16 and i can tell you anyoe who reads this will think twice about their life .he inspired all -to barbaro <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

Answer 4

Barbaro was basically a baby horse when he had his forseeable "accident". Babys are much less developed than adults, weaker and subject to injury from the abuses they sustain.
Horseracing is animal abuse despite its popularity. Horses who like to run should run-at their own speed and in their own time. Intense training and competition overtax and overstress. The "right" decision would never have been to stress the animal to the point of injury.
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Answer 5

Awww! I was cheering for him. Not in the race, but for him to make it. When I heard, I was so grief stricken. That poor horsey! I will miss you Barbaro! You were the greatest stallion that I ever knew!!!! Let's all take a moment of silence and remember the greatest Kentucky Derby winner...Barbaro.

Answer 6

I can't stop crying. Brave Barbaro Goodbye.
Love always
RoyalBank and Jennifer

Answer 7

Thats sad. We will miss you Barbaro!!!

Answer 8

About time If he'd been my horse he'd been put down May 20 2006 on the track.

Answer 9

my hero.........such a great heart, n such a gr8 horse. i loved him so much!!!! i will miss him. If he hadnt hurt his leg at the preakness im so sure he would have won!!!!!!

Answer 10

how sad...well, I'm certain he's enjoying all the comforts of heaven...god bless the little guy