FOBs, in just two weeks, we will mark the 16th anniversary of Barbaro's earthly departure. On that day, his earthly race ended but he continues to blaze across the Heavens- running fast as God intended. "I believe God made me for a purpose but He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure."

He finished his final race as he did them all, surrounded by Love and with dignity at the New Bolton Center where he'd been cared for since his injury during the Preakness. In him we saw perfection in an imperfect world. We experienced Greatness and Goodness from afar. We felt an inexplicable Heart connection with a horse most of us would never meet. In the end we knew in our Hearts we had been selected by Greatness - Hoof selected to carry his Legacy, his memory far beyond the tracks on which he proved that Greatness.

Without him we have carried on, keeping his memory alive and furthering the Legacy he implanted in each of our hearts. Each different and yet the same because each is founded on our Love for Barbaro. Though his Fren and surgeon, Dr. Dean Richardson, who labored to save Barbaro both with professional expertise and loving admiration, has retired from UPENN, we continue to support that veterinary venue. It played an integral part in caring for Barbaro with all the knowledge and services available at that time. How many more beloved horses have been helped thru that hard gained knowledge, we can't know.

We can take this time, though, to contribute to that facility so Barbaro's touch will continue to be felt in myriad ways by countless horses to come. You may use this link to donate online - you'll be given the chance to choose Barbaro Fund/Laminitis Fund/etc.
https://www.vet.upenn.edu/giving/how-to-support-penn-vet/barbaro-fund and select MAKE A GIFT TODAY .

If you prefer to donate by check, please make it out to "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania" and note in comment line "Barbaro Fund" or "Laminitis Fund". Mail to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Univ of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, 3800 Spruce Street, Suite 151E, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6047

Thank you for the reminder, I cannot believe it’s been 16 years. 
They are making good strides on Laminitis but lots more research is needed. Unfortunately I do not think we will ever be able to save them all but being able to save more would be great.

What a lovely tribute to our beloved Barbaro: i just donated. I wonder how Dr. Richardson is doing.  I worry about him-- he is inextricably bonded with Barbaro.