Barbaro
132nd Kentucky Derby Winner!!!
This photo journal comprises photographs of Barbaro as he valiantly fought for his life at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. I'm hoping to expand it into a book as there are many wonderful photos that have never been seen and stories to be told. It was an honor to photograph him. He struggled with grace and courage that we would all be lucky to have in the same circumstances. I will forever be in awe of him. He is a true champion.
This photo is the most famous of Barbaro's journey. It was on every newspaper the day after his surgery and on every TV screen across the country. I created it after Barbaro regained consciousness from his 5 hour long surgery. The exhausted 1100 pound colt was lifted out of the recovery pool and transferred into a padded stall so he could stand safely. Currently this photo is hanging on a 6ft by 7 ft panel in The Horse! exhibit at the American Musuem of Natural History in New York city and also in the exhibit Ride On! at the Racing Museum in Saratoga NY. Someday I hope it will hang in the Smithsonian.
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Dr. Dean Richardson, Barbaro's surgeon watches happily how Barbaro is using his injured leg.
Dr. Emma Adam listens to B's heart during one of his morning exams.
He's a real beauty after his Saturday bath.
ike most horses he liked to have a good roll afterwards, even if he was in a stall.
Sometimes in a quiet moment he would love a good scratch behind his ear!
Edgar Prado, his jockey visited him regulary. Barbaro was happy to see Edgar, though he wasn't keen on being kissed in front of the camera. He was a racehorse after all!
On this occasion Barbaro was visited by his OR staff. I was the first time they saw him after his operation. They were happy to see how well he was doing.
Michael Matz , Barabro's trainer would visit everyday.
After his initial injury healed Barbaro was taken out everyday to graze in the green grass.
This is one of the last pictures of Barbaro taken. I call it "Soulmate"s. Barbaro was being prepped to go to Kentucky for rest and rehabilitation, but Laminitis infected all 4 of his hooves and he had to be put to sleep. It was too much pain. Even for him.
B & Me (I liked to call him B)
Barbaro had a huge influence in my life. He jetted my career & gave me strength when I had a terrible life altering injury in a riding accident while photographing him. During the 3 months I was on limited house rest in a clam shell cast he gave me strength to cope and heal. I thought if Barbaro can cope with spending 24/7 in a 12x12 foot stall I can surely do it too.
(Photos by Jennifer Rench)
I have been around prime ministers, presidents and even Mother Tersea, but the only famous person I ever wanted my picture with was him..
This photo is of me photographing B the first day he was allowed out to graze. During the summer and fallmonths B spent a half hour each day outside grazing, weather permitting of course. The fall temperatures stayed warmer than usual that year and the grass kept growing. I thought had to be so B could come outside and graze.
Though he wasn't keen on coming in, he did so begrudgingly. He was a good horse.