Deadspin: dee mirich

Ball The Pretty Horses: High Schoolers Show School Spirit With Equine Double-Team T-Shirts (UPDATE)

Tommy Craggs — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:40:16 EDT

It seems a few hairy-palmed scamps at Houston's Memorial High School recently sold the t-shirt you see here to commemorate their Mustangs' football game against archrival Stratford. Think this is the only bit of Memorial-related horsefucking? Nay!

Consider this sign, via a Facebook group:

Jezebel's already circling the wagons. Readers over there have posted e-mail addresses for the Memorial football coach, the principal and the superintendent of Spring Branch Independent School District. (Choice comment: "The best (worst) part is the two horses high-fiving each other. Two dudes who high-five each other mid-threesome might as well be fucking each other in the ass.") A spokesman for the school district tells the Houston Press he's looking into the matter. And meanwhile, Memorial wound up beating Stratford, a game that in retrospect, the Houston Chronicle would've been wise to describe as a "rally," not a "come-from-behind victory."

UPDATE: A reader explains:

I graduated from memorial in '03. These shirts are basically a yearly tradition. So you could probably go back 20 years and find a shirt made each year by Memorial AND by stratford. They are all pretty funny, so if you can find them all it would be high comedy.

The Pornification of a High School Sports Rivalry [Feminist Law Professors, via SPORTSbyBROOKS]
Nothing Says "School Spirit" Like Performing Obscene Acts On A Cheerleader [Jezebel]
Memorial High: Staying Classy As Ever With The Stratford Rivalry [Houston Press]
I waited 3 HOURS outside tully to go to the SHS vs. MHS football game!!!! [Facebook]

Deadspin Is Your Home For The Only Horse Racing News That Matters

Pete Gaines — Sun, 03 May 2009 12:00:00 EDT

How did we miss this? Last week, Churchill Downs unveiled a life-sized statue of Deadspin's 2006 Sports Human of the Year Barbaro, who was a horse. My love. Affirmed. NEVER FORGET. [CBS News]

Dee Mirich Says Goodbye To Our Editor In Her Own Special Way

Rick Chandler — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:30:25 EDT

She doesn't actually mention him by name, but we know that prolific Internet horse poet Dee Mirich has been touched in a profound way by Will's imminent departure. Just read between the lines of her latest poem and you'll find a stirring tribute to Will, Deadspin, and of course Grade II Peter Pan Stakes winner Casino Drive. But I caution you: Be sure to have a handkerchief close by. And also a sandwich (it's very long).

"God's Wonders In Rainbows"

From God's Loving Heart
The Most Beautiful Rainbow Barbaro
His Wings Of Love
Eight Belles God's Glowing Angel
Her Wings Of Love
Angel Erin God's Precious Angel In The Sky
Her Wings Of Love
Our Angel Horses
Big Brown
God's Divine Protection
God's Light Of Love
His Wings Of Love
Casino Drive
His Wings Of Love
Glowing
In Rainbows
Barbaro's Famblee Of So, So So Beautiful Angels
Here
Your Wings Of Love
Angel Alex And Angel Wendy
Your Angelic Hearts Of Care
Angel Tim
Your Wings Of Love
Angel Maribel
The Wings Of Prayer
Angel Lou Ann
The Most Beautiful Rainbow Birthday Glowing
Barbaro's Halo Is Glowing So, So So Beautifully
All The Colors Of The Rainbow
The Circle Of Love
In Hearts
In Roses
In Halos
In Wings
In Rainbows
Divinely
The Circle Of Angels
Barbaro's Angels
The Brennan Famblee
Our Angel Horses
Angels All Around
The Wings Of Divine Faith
God's Light Of Love
Beautiful Visions
Beautiful Creations
Receive Many Special Blessings
Divinely Inspired
Glowing.........

8.......Halos.......Two Hearts......Connected In
Love.......Barbaro's Rainbow Shining On You......
....

Affirmed Rainbows......
Sacred Prayers.......

Affirmed Prayers.......
God And The Angels Are With You........
Jesus........
Angel Barbaro.........
Angel Eight Belles........
Angel Erin.........
Angel Windchill........
Angel Secretariat.......
Barbaro's Angel Frens With You........

Affirmed Knowing........
Barbaro.......
Divine Miracles.........

Affirmed

Posted by: Dee Mirich at June 5, 2008 5:21 PM

Too much here to actually process. Just remember, Will, that wherever you go from here on out, Barbaro's rainbow will be shining on you; and should you ever develop laminitis, don't be surprised if it magically melts away. And, you know, 8 halos, or something.

Alex Brown Message Board

Prepare Thyself For Impending Debut Of Barbaro's Brother. Oy

Rick Chandler — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:30:07 EDT

Just because you have a famous brother doesn't mean that you will approach the heights of greatness yourself, as anyone who has seen a Daniel Baldwin movie will readily attest. We've previously written about Barbaro's younger brother, of course, but now the horse — named Nicanor — is ready to make his racing debut. And the best part is that nobody has the faintest clue as to if he's any good. Hmm; I feel a poem coming on ...

There are some hints, though. He appears to be athletic, is put together well and has a good disposition. He also seems curious and intelligent. Like Barbaro, he has a habit of taking in the scenery when he goes to the track in the mornings. He will peer at his surroundings before he tells his exercise rider that he is ready to go.

As the Times article states, the odds of Nicanor being good enough to win the Kentucky Derby like his older brother are astronomical. But it doesn't matter. All that stupid horse has to do is sprain an ankle, and we'll all be deluged with horse poetry for the remainder of the century.

Barbaro's Little Brother Nearly Ready To Run [New York Times]
Dee Mirich Cranks Out The Classic Of All Classics [Deadspin]

Dee Mirich Cranks Out The Classic Of All Classics

rickchand — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:35:00 EDT

Many of us have wondered why prolific message board poet Dee Mirich has remained silent on the tragic Eight Belles Kentucky Derby accident. After all, when Barbaro fell, you couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting one of her offerings. But now all is clear: Ms. Mirich had been working feverishly on her magnum opus; a poem that would resonate through the vast reaches of time, perfectlly capturing the mood of a nation.

How do I know that her latest is destined to be a classic? Because the word "rainbow" is mentioned no less than seven times; a record. Also there are five angels, and even Jesus himself makes an appearance. So sit back and cuddle a loved one or your favorite alcoholic beverage, and enjoy "Music In Rainbows."

"Music In Rainbows"

From God's Loving Heart
The Most Beautiful Rainbow Barbaro
His Wings Of Love
Eight Belles Glowing Angel
The Heart Of The Rainbow
Barbaro's So, So So Beautiful Angels Here
Musical Notes In The Sky
In Halos
Churchill Sounds Singing
Barbaro's Halo Is Glowing So, So Beautifully So
All The Colors Of The Rainbow
The Circle Of Love
In Hearts
In Roses
In Halos
The Circle Of Angels
Angel Mothers
Caring Hearts
Reaching Another
Inspiring
The Rainbow Of Music
So, So Beautiful Songs
The Words That Mean A Lot
Joy.........

8.......Halos......Two Hearts......Connected In
Love......Divine Love.......

Affirmed Rainbows........
Sacred Prayers........

Affirmed Prayers.......
God And The Angels Are With You.......
Jesus......

Barbaro's Angels
His Rainbow Of Love.......

Affirmed

Posted by: Dee Mirich at May 10, 2008 7:37 PM

Alex Brown Horseracing Message Board
There's Something About Mirich [Deadspin]

Culprit Found In Eight Belles Tragedy. It's Hillary, Of Course

rickchand — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:10:40 EDT

Backing the wrong horse is always deadly in politics, especially when it's an actual horse. Poor Hillary Clinton. How can someone get into trouble just betting on the Kentucky Derby? By making a huge deal about placing a bet on a horse that had to be destroyed right on the track, that's how. Now PETA is firing broadsides at her, as she wonders how she's going to carry a state — Indiana — in which Dee Mirich resides.

Horse superfan Mirich has yet to be heard from on this, but Ingrid Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has written an angry letter to Clinton. A portion:

"Horse racing is as indefensible as dog fighting, and Sen. Clinton must step up immediately and condemn it as animal abuse," Newkirk said. "Eight Belles and countless other horses abused in the racing industry suffer horrendously and die just so that people can bet on them as though they were poker hands."

Clinton had made this statement prior to the race:

"I hope that everybody will go to the derby on Saturday and place just a little money on the filly for me," Sen. Clinton told supporters in Jeffersonville, Ind., ABC News reports. "I won't be able to be there this year — my daughter is going to be there and so she has strict instructions to bet on Eight Belles."

Meanwhile, Ms. Mirich is furiously scribbling her latest poem. An excerpt:

Hillary's Presidential ambitions, at the Rainbow Bridge. Mystical. All, All Beautiful Glowing Rainbows Sending To Angel Hillary. I Love You So A Lot So. Superdelegates with Barbaro and Eight Belles now In The Sea Of Tranquility. God brings Calming Waters, gas tax holiday and a Second spot on the Obama ticket. Halos ..... Breaking ties in the Senate. Affirmed. Posted by: Dee Mirich at May 5, 2008 6:17 PM.

PETA Writes To Clinton About Eight Belles [ABC News]
Clinton Backs Girl Horse In Kentucky Derby [ABC News]
There's Something About Mirich [Deadspin]

Let's See Dee Mirich Write A Poem About THIS

rickchand — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:40:20 EST

I've lived my entire adult life by one simple rule: Never go streaking at the horse races. The comparisons are not flattering, let me tell you.

Here's one unfortunate man who did not heed my advice, however. Hilarious, yet also sad. Link to the video is in this story.

Buck Streaks Nude At Moruya Racetrack [The Daily Telegraph]

Get Your Popcorn Ready ...

rickchand — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:00:11 EST

Our own Rick Chandler loves the old Saturday afternoon serials, and he really loves comic strips. So, to fill the time and Super Bowl piffle, he put together this special installment of Hercules' misadventures in our little world. He put a lot of time into it, so enjoy, or at least appreciate.

It all happens after the jump ...

Time For Another Dee Mirich Poetry Jam

rickchand — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:00:55 EST

Of course we've all known for some time that Barbaro and God are pals. When the valiant racehorse went to his great reward in early 2007, we were told that God himself was waiting for him in Heaven with with a basket of delicious apples. But we never saw the big picture; it's more than that. Barbaro IS God. This startling revelation comes to us in the latest poem by Barbaro superfan Dee Mirich (you'll be glad to know that she's currently producing some of her finest work ever). Witness:

"In Rainbows"

From God's Loving Heart
Beautiful Visions
Beautiful Creations
Mystical
God's Wonders
His Artistry
So Very Beautiful Angels Here
Love That Keeps Us Warm
Angel Blossoms
Flowers Blooming So Beautifully
The Beach
The Horse In The Sea
The Sea Of Tranquility
Calming Waters
Divine Healing
The Signs Of Inspiration
In Spirit
Tuning In To God
God Brings Comfort
God Brings The Rainbows
It Is Barbaro
His Halo Is Glowing
All The Beautiful Colors
His Wings Of Love
The Wing Is A Rainbow........

Believing Makes It So........It Is Love........
Love Is A Rainbow........8........Halos........
All Spiritual........

Affirmed

Posted by: Dee Mirich at January 3, 2008 6:33 PM

Notice these words: "Tuning In To God. God Brings Comfort. God Brings The Rainbows. It Is Barbaro. His Halo Is Glowing."

It's all so clear ... like unlocking the DaVinci Code. Or as Will famously wrote, it's so comforting to know that when we die, we can ride Barbaro, and thus we won't be late for appointments. More Mirich wisdom:

• All, All Beautiful Glowing Rainbows Sending To Angel Joan Roya. I Love You So A Lot So. So All, All Precious Bart. I Love You So A Lot So Angel Laurie H. Affirmed. Posted by: Dee Mirich at January 3, 2008 6:17 PM

• Tamir With Barbaro At The Rainbow Bridge. All, All Love. Affirmed. Posted by: Dee Mirich at January 3, 2008 6:20 PM

• All, All Beautiful Glowing Rainbows To Cigar. God's So All Beautiful Angel. Time To Bring The Donuts......... Halos........ Affirmed. Posted by: Dee Mirich at January 4, 2008 1:34 AM

Also, I'm pretty sure that it's not too late to still get in on the Tribute to Barbaro Memorial Hay Wagon Ride, details to be found over at Alex Brown Racing. What better way to honor our 2006 SHOTY winner than by riding in a horse-drawn conveyance while relaxing in the comfort of hay?

And don't forget to bring the donuts.

Affirmed.

Barbaro Updates [Alex Brown Racing]
Your 2006 SHOTY Winner: Barbaro [Deadspin]
ESPN Trots Out The Barbaro Crazies Again [Deadspin]
Deadspin HOF Nominee: Barbaro [Deadspin]

(Ed. Note: By the way, Radiohead's lawyer is on the phone, Dee.)

There's Something About Mirich

rickchand — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:35:39 EST

I used to think that I knew what Dee Mirich was writing about. I would read her impassioned, fractured poetry on various horse racing message boards, and nod knowingly. "Yes," I would say to myself, "Angels DO prefer hitching their horses to rainbows." But lately, Dee has been listing toward crazy even more than usual ... these days I fear that Miss Daisy is just driving on rims. Anyone in the Merrilville, Ind., area who can stop by and check to see if she's OK? Until then, a team of Navajo codebreakers are working on the message below.

"All Rainbows For Our Angel Horses And Angels Here.

Special Words Of The Day: All Rainbows
God's Treasures....Here....Appearing.....God's Divine Love........

Barbaro (8)
With You........

The Circle Of Love........
His Halo Is Glowing........
All The Colors.........
No. 8........

The Wings Of Prayer........
Praying Hands........
Sacred Prayers........
Sacred Letters........
Write........
The Wings Of Love........
Angelic........
The Heart Of Love........
The Rainbow Of Support........
Famblee........
The Rainbow Of God's Treasures........
Halos........
More Angels........
God's Stars........
Shining Beautifully........

Affirmed

Posted by: Dee Mirich at December 4, 2007 3:54 PM"

I felt that it was almost starting to make sense until "Famblee."

Alex Brown Racing Message Board

Barbaro Forever (Yep)

rickchand — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 12:15:59 EST

This is the the third day after Barbaro's death, which if we're remembering our scripture correctly is the day that He is supposed to return from the dead, emerge from his tomb and speak to the apostles (although it may be difficult moving that heavy round rock with his hooves). We eagerly await any reports from eyewitnesses. In the meantime, rest assured that Barbaro's teachings will live on in the form of his brother. Yes, as Yoda said in The Empire Strikes Back, "There is another."

Just 75 miles from where Barbaro first captured the nation's attention with a remarkable run in the Kentucky Derby, a young colt, a baby in many ways, spends much of his day frolicking in a large paddock at Mill Ridge Farm. He is just one among thousands of yearlings living on thoroughbred farms throughout Kentucky, and all of them are still months away from their first chance at showing what they might amount to on a racetrack. Still, there will always be something special about this brown colt. As yet unnamed, he is a son of the sire Dynaformer and the dam La Ville Rouge. That makes him Barbaro's full brother, the only full brother that he had.

(Somewhere in Indiana, Dee Mirich raises her head suddenly like a deer alerting on a strange noise).

Meanwhile, La Ville Rouge and Dynaformer have produced another full brother to Barbaro who is set to be born in mid-April. After delivering that foal, La Ville Rouge, who is 11, will again be bred to Dynaformer, who is 22 and does not have too many years left as a stallion.

It can't be avoided; Barbaromania, Round II, shall commence sometime in the spring of 2008, when his brother is ready to begin racing, and every two years thereafter for a decade or so. They're being produced like Baldwin brothers, so those weary of this saga are just plain out of luck. Christianity has lasted for more than 2,000 years despite concerted efforts to kill it, and Barbaro's story will live at least as long. Get used to it.

So to pass the time until spring '08, let's give Barbaro's brother a name. What we've got so far are "Eli Manning," and "Steve." We're sure you can do better.

And while you're thinking, please enjoy this.

Can His Kid Brother Follow In Barbaro's Huge Footsteps? [New York Times]
Bad Reporter By Don Asmussen [SFGate]

Duck Day Afternoon

rickchand — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:15:29 EST

As we learned on Sunday, Barbaro has suffered a rather serious setback. But here's some good news. If Big Boss Horse should, you know, not make it, there is another brave animal fighting for life which could use your prayers. Meet Perky the duck.

The duck — now grabbing world-wide attention — was shot in the wing and leg by local hunter Dale Tadlock on Jan. 15 but was rescued a day and a half later by his wife, Pamela Tadlock, who found it still alive when she went to check on it in the fridge.

The duck was rushed to the vet where it received emergency defrosting, but was at one point declared dead. And then, like that scene in E.T., a miracle occurred.

Beck said she walked out of the room sobbing and called Goose Creek treasurer Susan May when it happened. Ten to 15 seconds later, the duck perked up from her death bed. "I started crying 'she's alive!," Beck said.

Tallhassee.com is, of course, providing daily updates on Perky's condition. Which means that somewhere, in a dimly-lit room with a dog curled at her feet and about 12,000 collectible teddy bears looking on, a 40-year-old woman in a unicorn sweatshirt types earnestly on an early-model PC:

Rainbows, swamp. Feathered ass pointing to the sky.Seasoned buckshot, a tasty treat for all well wishers. Daffy, Donald, my sentimental friends. Affirmed. All my love, Dee Mirich.

Duck Watch Day 10, Still Flapping [Tallahassee.com]
Duck of Destiny [Tallahassee.com]
Perky's One Lucky Duck [The Sydney Morning Herald]
Barbaro Being Sliced Open Again [Deadspin]

She's Back! And Just In Time. Bluebirds, Cardinals. Affirmed.

rickchand — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 14:45:41 EST

Is it any wonder that Barbaro's latest recovery seems to coincide with the return of Dee Mirich to the Barbaro message board? Things looked bleak recently for Big Boss Horse until, yesterday, this message appeared from the heavens.

Angel Batbaro and Dr. R. loving companions. Angels On Earth. Who are love. Who are very beautiful. God gave you, Dr. R. a dear friend.. Barbaro.Affirmed. My Love, Dee Mirich. — Dee Mirich, 40; Merrillville, IN, U.S.A. posted on 2007-01-17 09:57:56

Yes, after a mysterious, nearly three-week absence during which Barbaro almost kicked the bucket, Dee Mirich is back; although as early typos seem to indicate, a little rusty. But we don't mind. No, we don't mind at all.

Barbaro Improves Following Weekend Surgery [MSNBC]
Barbaro Message Board [Penn Veterinary Medicine]
Where Is Dee Mirich Now That We Need Her Most? [Deadspin]

(By the way, this video has absolutely nothing to do with this story. Blame With Leather for that one.)

Where Is Dee Mirich Now That We Need Her Most??

rickchand — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 12:15:53 EST

We think we know why Barbaro has suddenly taken a turn for the worse. As anyone who is familiar with the Barbaro message board knows, Barbaro superfan Dee Mirich is a regular fixture; her fractured mini-essays on love, rainbows and various bird species popping up three, four, five times a day. They have been the glue that has held the board together (sorry). They are what has kept this horse on the mend.

And now she's gone missing. The person who holds the record for most Barbaro message board posts in the shortest time period — five in 18 minutes — has not been heard from in the past three days. Is it just a coincidence that in that time, Barbaro has suffered a relapse? No offense, but Jean Fluck of East Fallowfield Township, PA, while clearly insane, is no substitute.

• Please, please, please Barbaro! Please be well~I was so upset to read this update! You have always fought hard; continue to do what you do best! WE LOVE YOU~WE PRAY FOR YOU~TAKE CARE! — Jean Fluck, 36; East Fallowfield Township, PA, U.S. — posted on 2007-01-10 13:00:44

So in an attempt to redirect the karmic flow, we bring back some of the best of Dee Mirich.

• Times Photo: Knew that you have it in you. You are the Greatest. Outside to graze with the Bluebirds and Sparrows, Cardinals. Rainbows Above.Angels.My Sentimental Friends.Love,Dee Mirich — Dee Mirich, 40; Merrillville, IN, U.S.A.

• Barbaro Beenie Baby: In our homes to love and care for. A Very Beautiful Christmas Present for All Wellwishers. Angel Barbaro's Special Shoe: Ruby Slippers. Affirmed. My Love, Dee Mirich. — Dee Mirich, 40; Merrillville, IN, U.S.A.

• Angel Barbaro: Beautiful, Big Precious Baby Boy, Rainbows across the universe, Angels Around.Seen halo (1969)Only Horse In our Eyes, Ours,Melting Laminitis Away,Miracle Workers. Affirmed.Love, Dee Mirich — Dee Mirich, 40; Merrillville, IN, U.S.A.

• Angel Barbaro and Dr. r loving companions. Christmas Angels. Angel Barbaro's presence: think, feel, love, see all around. Affirmed. My Sentimental Friends. My Love, Dee Mirich. — Dee Mirich, 40; Merrillville, IN, U.S.A.

We only pray it's not too late.

Barbaro Message Board [Penn Veterinary Medicine]
Barbaro 'Coming Back' After Setback [MSNBC]
Someone Just Hasn't Been Writing Enough Letters We Guess [Deadspin]

(A resolution for us in 2007: Not to spend so much time on the Barbaro Message Board. We're not sure we can keep it.)

CBS SportsLine Discovers The Barbaro Message Board

rickchand — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 11:53:18 EST

Displaying the same keen journalistic instincts that brought the world Spin on Sports, CBS SportsLine did some real digging over the holidays and discovered that, apparently, some middle-aged women are e-mailing Barbaro.

Whaa? Isn't that just crazy? After all, Barbaro's a horse! Am I right, folks?

Columnist Gregg Doyel is all over this one, uncovering Barbaro's deranged fan club on the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine message board, oh, about seven months after we did. Ever the innovator, Doyel even reprinted a few of their letters. What a concept! You're so cutting edge, dog! You happened to miss this one, though:

YOU'RE the best barbaro i think you are WITHin everyones hearts and we should all be thankful that you have an excellent MEdical staff. you continue to improve barbaro you great brave HORSE. C Berman, 60; CT, USA posted on 2007-01-02 17:49:20

Next week, Doyel uncovers that whole Carolina Panthers cheerleader sex-in-the-bathroom thing.

Attack Of The Barbaro-ians Makes No (Horse) Sense [CBS SportsLine]
Barbaro Message Board [Penn Veterinary Medicine]
Deadspin SHOTY Tournament: Carl Monday vs. Barbaro [Deadspin]

Barbaro Fans Finally Go Too Far, Piss Off Dr. Richardson

rickchand — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 14:00:10 EST

We conclude our Barbaro coverage for 2006 with this message from Dr. Dean Richardson, chief surgeon of the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center:

"So Barbaro's recovery is a 'Christmas Miracle,' huh? Well you Barbaro letter writers can take your sequined snowman sweaters, your miniature dachsunds and your houseful of cats all go screw yourselves. Where was God when I was working 18-hour shifts tending to a goddamned horse? I didn't see Jesus hoisting Barbaro's fat ass in that sling. Eight years of college to spend my days with cats and chickens, and you say that Barbaro's recovery is due to God? I could be working for Goldman Sachs, you ingrates. And by the way, what's with all the freaking apples? I like cigars. (Hastily scrawled picture of man giving the finger)."

OK, that was a first draft. Richardson's actual quote to the press on Wedenesday:

"It's not a miracle. It's anything but that," he said, sitting next to a Christmas tree topped with a stuffed Barbaro. "Some of the Barbaro fans aren't going to like that, perhaps. I'm a scientist, I'm a doctor. I'm not a faith healer or a religious person. I believe in the application in science and I think nothing that's happened to him is particularly miraculous."

We see his point, and if it were us, we'd be kind of pissed. It's like saying "Richardson is the vet? Come on everyone, we'd better start praying!"

By the way, a pretty awesome Barbaro Photoshop is currently on display over at Barbaro's MySpace page. — RC

Barbaro Fans Send Colt Christmas Prayers [MSNBC]
Barbaro's MySpace Page

When Bobby Comes Marching Home Again Hurrah, Hurrah

rickchand — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:15:17 EST

It's time we all thought about it: What sort of frenzied, de Gaulle-returns-to-Paris scenario will erupt when Barbaro is finally released from the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center? Although his doctors will not be rushed into issuing a time frame for his withdrawal (hmm, that sounds familiar), "BBB's" recovery is such that it could be soon.

But the image of hundreds of crazed 57-year-old women in sequined Barbaro sweatshirts rushing the horse outside of the hospital and breaking his three good legs is too much for us to bear. And so we recommend Secret Service protection for America's "First Horse." But agents need to be aware of the following people, who should definitely be flagged:

• Barbaro, I'm patiently awaiting the 12-12-06 news update. Also comparing photos of you as you heal. Great job both to you and Dr. Richardson and congrats to him on the newest honor and award. I love you Barbaro. — Carole Parker, 63; Weirsdale, FL, United States of America

• Barbaro, I check on you several times a day on Tim Woolley website. My thoughts are with you every day of the week. Best to your caregivers, too. Your friend, — Louise Young, 59; Dallas, TX, USA

Barbaro Could Be Released Soon, Surgeon Says [MSNBC]
Barbaro Message Board [Penn Veterinary Medicine]
Barbaro MySpace Page [MySpace]