Posted: 10/24/2006 10:50:11 AM
Barbaro's spirit provides latest inspiration to equine artist Stone
Proceeds from prints to benefit large animal hospital
by Mike Curry
Like so many fans and members of the Thoroughbred racing industry, renowned equine artist Fred Stone was sickened when Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Barbaro shattered his right hind leg in the opening yards of the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 20 at Pimlico Race Course.
Stone, who at the time planned to paint the Derby winner, was so emotionally devastated by the horrific breakdown that he vowed never again to lift a brush to paint a horse.
"Emotionally, I was so hurt by what happened that I said to my wife [Norma] that I'm never going to paint another horse again, and I meant it," Stone said. "I painted a little dog on a surfboard, and I started painting other things."
Gradually, Stone's stance began to soften as he watched the courageous three-year-old Dynaformer colt battle for his life while his owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, and the staff at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center did everything in their power to save Barbaro.
"I got so emotional with this horse that I didn't want to have anything to do with it," Stone said. "I went right to bed [after the Preakness] and I wouldn't look at any pictures of it or anything. I was just so stunned by it all.
"When I saw what was going on with the Jacksons pouring so much time and money into this thing, not willing to euthanize this horse, and the work that the university was doing, and the horse himself allowing himself to be put through this, I mean not many Thoroughbreds would allow themselves to do this," Stone continued. "Then I said, 'I'm going to do it.' I have to be emotional about anything I paint."
The Jacksons, who also bred Barbaro, bought the original painting from Stone. Gretchen said she was struck by how emotionally involved the artist had become with Barbaro and believes that emotion is depicted in the painting.
"It was really lovely and he certainly caught Barbaro's expression," Gretchen Jackson said. "We bought it from him, and we love it. He also has written a little statement that will go out with the print, and it's amazing. [Fred] was so incredibly taken with the Kentucky Derby win and felt like this was a horse he wanted to paint. He then went on to talk about the Preakness, and how he was definitely not going to paint Barbaro, and maybe not paint racehorses again. It was just too sad for him.
"Then with Barbaro making it through surgery, and the turn of events, he saw something far bigger than the Triple Crown race, he saw his hope and spirit and decided he did want to paint the horse. It was very touching."
When the opportunity to lend a helping hand to the Barbaro Fund was broached, Stone jumped at the chance and contacted Jane Simone, director of development for New Bolton Center.
"I had no intention of going through and doing anything with New Bolton," Stone said. "Then the Jacksons bought the original painting, and we got to talking and [Gretchen] gave me the number of Jane Simone over at the university and said maybe I ought to talk to them."
Together they decided to offer a unique limited edition collection for New Bolton Center with proceeds going to the Barbaro Fund, which benefits the University of Pennsylvania's George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, where Barbaro is currently being treated in the intensive care unit.
"Three hundred [prints] will be specially imprinted with the Penn Veterinary Medicine New Bolton logo, and we are able to offer those to our group of friends, owners, and interested Barbaro fans," Simone said. "I hope that there will be a lot of people, who have shown tremendous interest in the horse and his health and well-being, who will like to have something with some sort of connection both to the school and to Barbaro and the Jacksons themselves. And I think that there is a keen interest in supporting the Barbaro Fund. People have shown tremendous interest in advancing equine veterinary medicine, and that's really what it is all about for us."
"It is a very lovely piece, and worthy of the horse and his owners," Simone added. "The Jacksons have certainly given this project their blessing, which was very important to us. I'm sure there will be a lot of interest in it. It is a fine piece of art."
Gretchen Jackson said that they still receive several letters a week from fans, and she has been overwhelmed by the generosity and support the Kentucky Derby winner has generated.
"It's hard to believe that many people share your feelings, and it's really nice for us," Gretchen Jackson said. "Maybe we'll never know completely why he captured the public's attention and developed the strong following he did. Just remarkable."
Stone echoed Gretchen Jackson's amazement at the outpouring of emotion Barbaro continues to inspire.
"I get hundreds of letters from little girls since my picture has come out, and it is just a really emotional thing," Stone said.
Mike Curry is an assistant daily news editor of Thoroughbred Times.
Fred Stone - Equine Artist
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