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The Letter to the Editor by Barbara J. Tuttle was sent to the following newspapers: Star Tribune LA Times Chicago Sun Times The Oregonian Seattle Times Country Today Twin Cities: Pioneer Press Eau Claire Leader-Telegram Letter to the Editor Barbara J. Tuttle February 2, 2007 Beyond the Racetrack: A Chance to Help Barbaro's Brethren This past week, our hearts broke at the news of Barbaro's passing. He was a grand and rare specimen of his breed - a high-performance, high-profile equine athlete. People rightly praised Barbaro's great heart, his durable spirit, and his downright decency. As any halfway-sensitive horseperson could tell you, those are traits inborn in just about every horse, no matter how ordinary. A New York Times editorial this week stated that the rare mean horse is probably that way because of maltreatment by humans. As a volunteer at Refuge Farms, a horse sanctuary in Spring Valley, Wis. - an hour east of the Twin Cities - I bear regular witness to the purity of heart of horses who have been horribly abused at the hands of humans. If you visit the Farm - and you are welcome to, free of charge - you'll meet "Big Guy," a 2,000-lb. Belgian with soulful eyes, graciously accepting hugs and petting. His coat bears the scars of beatings and gunshots inflicted by his former owner. Like most of our horses, he was rescued just before sale to the slaughterhouse. Big Guy is one of 18 horse "ministers" who help carry out the mission of Refuge Farms - to be a place of healing for both horses and humans. We're a volunteer operation and 501c3 nonprofit, hanging on by donations, both corporate and private. Please visit us (or the horse rescue near you) - and if you're inspired by Barbaro, please consider a donation to the living members of his kind. Barbara J. Tuttle Volunteer, Refuge Farms, P.O. Box 195 Spring Valley, Wis. 54767 www.refugefarms.org |
