Fans of Barbaro

It is the time of year for reflection and the Fans of Barbaro (FOBs) are already beginning the countdown to the anniversary of their hero's death, January 29. The Director of Communications at the Vet School told me she had received numerous inquiries about what the school was planning to commemorate the event.

"Nothing," was what she told them. The Vet School is following the lead of the Jacksons who are trying to move on.

Not so the FOBs. So far, they are planning a cyber-vigil on the 29th and already dreading the day. Yesterday, which was week 46 since Barbaro's death (yes, they are most definitely counting), the postings were already up noting the sorrow that was still deep within many of them. Since Barbaro died on a Monday, each week begins with a remembrance. I think it is safe to say that many of these fans, who never met the horse or even saw him in person, are NOT moving on just yet.

They are, however, moving on with Barbaro's legacy, which is to save horses who are destined for slaughter. To date, the Fans of Barbaro have rescued 1500 horses, which is a truly amazing legacy. Many have made the trip to the New Holland, PA auction where the horses sold routinely end up being transported to slaughter houses in Canada and Mexico (I believe the ones in Texas are still shut down due, in part, to the continued efforts of the anti-slaughter groups). They rescue the healthiest ones with contributions from FOBs in response to cyber-pleas. It is truly a commendable and impressive undertaking.

The FOBs may still be mourning but they are also mobilizing. Their continued saga is one of the most fascinating parts of the ongoing Barbaro story.