By Frank Angst

While Barbaro did not prevail in his efforts to survive a shattered right hind leg and laminitis that developed in his left hind leg, his struggles could potentially pave the way to improve the survival of Thoroughbreds who suffer similar injuries or suffer from laminitis.

Since the Barbaro Fund was started in June to benefit the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center where Barbaro was treated, contributions have totaled more than $1.2-million. The fund money is being used to purchase an operating room table and new rafts and slings for the recovery pool.

Contributions in Barbaro’s name also were made to “The Fund to Fight Laminitis.” Laminitis, also known as founder, is listed as a priority area of research by both the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Many industry groups are committed to improving horse welfare. In the last decade, more than $25-million has been provided in the aggregate by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Morris Animal Foundation, American Quarter Horse Association, Havemeyer Foundation, and AAEP Foundation to fund some 400 research projects and workshops on behalf of horse health and soundness. Most of the funding of these foundations comes from donations made by Individuals and companies who care about the horse.

More than 30 universities in North America have an active equine research component. Again an important part of their funding is from individuals who care about horses in addition to university budgets.

The AAEP publishes some 100 papers in its annual proceedings book and circulates them to its more than 7,500 members, assuring that new knowledge and techniques are available to those charged with caring for horses.

Because of these efforts, various forms of injuries, and disease, which in the past would have resulted in death now can be dealt with successfully.

Frank Angst is a Thoroughbred Times senior writer