Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Keep up the good work and keep writing about what you love, you have a gift that needs to be nurtured. Think Jane Smiley.
I have been involved in racing as a fan, then ownership partner, breeder. I have been there when horses broke down. I have seen it on TV also, too many times. Each time it happens, I turn away in sadness and think to myself, "WHY?" Why do you feel so drawn to this sport, the highs are so high, but the lows are the absolute worst lows. But the beauty of a sleek shining Thoroughbred striding into the paddock with their head held high, exploding from the gate with power unmatched, gritting it out as they reach out for the wire...well, it held me.
My racehorse, Pal McCartney, breaking on top
I have only watched the races once since Barbaro. That day, a magnificent filly named Pine Island went down and didn't live to tell the tale.
I will not watch again. I cannot. It is a self-destructive desire, certain to shatter a fragile heart.
And yet, the day I learned that Barbaro had been laid to rest I was told, "Our mare gave birth today. It's a beautiful filly. She has a double blaze and two white feet." All I could think was perhaps the spirit of Barbaro breezed past our mare and filly, blessing her with just a touch of his heart. God, please keep her safe.