I wish the notes were read by one of those robotic NBC computer voices. Maybe Stephen Hawking could write one.

Last night I had a dream. I saw a horse standing on a hill against the setting sun. A beautiful chestnut colt seemed to beckon me. Clouds started to gather as I started up the hill to where the horse was. I sensed a deep sadness from the horse. I can’t explain it but I’ve always had a special gift of empathy. This majestic creature appeared so strong and powerful and yet I sensed in it pain. I arrived at the fence that separated us and opened the gate. The horse turned and looked straight at me. For a moment we just looked at one another. But it was a look like no other. I looked into his eyes and I understood. I believe that I saw his soul and he mine.

In an instant, I knew it was Barbaro. And this magnificent beast, which had looked so healthy, was hurt - a deep, profound wound. Don’t ask me how, I just knew.

I thought, Barbaro, you courageous, valiant steed, Equus, friend of man. How can I help? Barbaro bowed his head; my power of empathy in instant told me Barbaro had made a decision. It was a good decision, a decision that sadden me and would sadden many other people, but the right decision. Just then there was a break in the clouds above and a golden beacon of light shone down, illuminating Barbaro. He looked up and whinnied. Barbaro was going home. The gate I had opened, he now trotted through. Barbaro soon increased his pace to a gallop. He kicked up his heels in joy like when he was a young foal with naught to fret about but laying in the soft grass on a lazy, warm day and nestling at his mother’s teat for sweet milk. He was afire with the joy of freedom of movement and of flying. He was fiercely alive - alive with all that was good and holy between man and beast, beast and God. Run Barbaro, run, mighty being and true friend. I watched as the proud champion ascended into heaven atop a sunray, his hooves aflame, his mane and tail alight and shining. I whispered, “Godspeed, Barbaro, and thank you for your gift to all of us.”

I woke in the morning a found out that Barbaro had been put down. This is a true story.

There is one more part to the dream that I know sounds crazy but I have to say it because I know that’s what Barbaro wanted me to do. He asked me to tell the world he was happy, at peace and thank everyone for all their prayers.

*sigh*

So many comments, so little time.

Lovely, but maybe somewhere in your dream he might have pointed out to your ignorant ass that he is a bay and not a chestnut.....besides the fact that you obviously know dick about horses or Barbaro, your post was touching. You should become a preacher. You have the bullshit part down cold.

Barbaro was a fantastic Kentucky Derby winner - and truly dear to a lot of people's hearts, not just horse racing fans. Of course, Barbaro was a Florida Derby winner, too! So he is well adored by us Calder and Gulfstream railbirds. It was a miracle that he lasted for as long as he lasted. Credit to his owners and connections for trying hard to preserve him. Now, it's Derby fever again and all we have is a memory of his great Derby win.