Re: Barbaro update

Sionnach wrote:
In people, the overuse/misuse of steroids has

resulted in muscles being too strong for the bones - resulting in stress
fractures. Also in people, the steroid and anti-inflammatory combination is
especially bad, steroids make the muscles very strong and
anti-inflammatories mask the pain of minor injuries, and they develop into
bigger problems when ignored. Long-term steroid use can cause osteoporosis
(people).

This is strictly my theory, and I could be wrong on any or all of it. But
maybe Barbaro had stress fracture due to steroids? What do you think?


The most common reason why so many racehorses break down is also the simplest and most common-sense one: they are PHYSICALLY IMMATURE. Horses reach full physical maturity between three and five, yet Thoroughbreds are routinely put on the track at one or two.
Horses whose trainers want them able to work for their entire natural lives usually don't even put a saddle on them until they're between one and two, then gradually work them up to full training and work over a year or more.


However, please note that in Barbaro's case, he was not overused when young. He was trained by Michael Mattson, of hunt/grand prix fame, and his conditioning was considered radically different than most 3 year olds in that he was very lightly worked. His treatment was also considered a paragon in the industry.

I would strongly lean toward the accidental clip by Brother Derek. Barbaro seems to be a sturdy young colt with pretty decent bone and well muscled without being muscle bound.
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