Barbaro has been my muse since I met him at Keeneland this past spring. I had been a fan of his early on in his 2YO year, so when he kept on improving into his 3YO year, I was excited about seeing him at the Derby. I was so thrilled when I heard that he was going to be training at Keeneland! Of course I had to go see him in person. I was fortunate to see him being prepared for his morning work and getting some insight into his personality. Watching him walk out of his stall into the morning sun was a sight to behold. His coat gleamed copper in the Kentucky sun and he just had that presence about him that I had only read about before. After spending time with him, you just came to know that he was special. You could just see him thinking, and figuring things out.
At the Derby, there was no doubt in my mind that he would win. He just looked so far and away the best. You knew that he knew. He just had that look when he walked into the paddock. Beauty, power, and speed were all here in this one horse, just waiting to be unleashed. And when it was, the world knew...
He was such a smart horse that I knew when he was at New Bolton, it was that intelligence that helped him live. Together these qualities will have no doubt helped other horses in similar circumstances. Vets and horses worldwide will benefit from Barbaro and his team, and what was accomplished in his all too short life. I have known few horses in my life that touched me in the way that Barbaro did. I have said many times that I always read about Secreatriat, and how those around him felt touched by greatness in his way and intelligence. I never met Secretariat, but I've met one horse who made me feel that way. Barbaro is and was my "Secretariat", and may the two of them be having match races unequaled in the glories of heaven.
Barbaro by Rickelle Nelson 10 1/2" x 12 1/4" prismacolor NFS
