In The Words Of Barbaro

"It is said that horses do not understand the way humans speak....Maybe so, maybe we don't know the inflection of words used in a sentence, or the punchline of a joke told, or funny sarcasm......But this I can guarantee you...... We can feel emotions. We know when you're sad, and we can tell when you're happy. We can feel when you're nervous, and we are fully aware when you're heartbroken. It was on this night, four years ago, that a team of dedicated, loving people poured their hearts out to me....'Whatever happens, happens', they said, 'We'll still love you.' One by one they talked to me, privately, looking from side to side to ensure that no one saw them....Who would ever want to be caught talking to a horse. Seems silly. But they knew different. They knew my language, and that's what makes a good team. They spoke words of encouragement and told me to go out there and fly......I did, and I will forever be grateful to all of them. I realized how special the Derby was to each one of them, in their own memorable way. I paced in my stall, uninterested in food or drink, just waiting for the first glimpses of the Kentucky sunrise to peak above the horizon. So many people believed in me, so many people loved me. I told myself over and over that I could win this, not for me, but for them. And finally, with what seemed like an eternity, the rays of the morning sun shone brightly into my eyes, almost like an Angelic calling. I stood waiting and wondering in anticipation......Let me out onto the track, let me show you who I am, let me show you what I can do. I knew at that moment, that a plan was in place for me, a calling, a reason, a way to touch the lives of so many for years to come.......Don't ever think a horse cannot understand you....we can...we just do it with our hearts instead of our ears......~Love Barbaro"