Barbaro: America's Horse

by Shelley Mickle

He was bred to be a champion. He was born to run. Everyone said he would be one of the greatest racehorses of all time. Everyone said he would take a place in history next to Triple Crown winners like the fabled Secretariat.

Then, in one sickening, heart-stopping moment, everything changed. Suddenly he was no longer racing for glory; he was fighting for his life. And the horse bred to be a champion became much more.

He became a symbol of hope and courage for an entire nation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Horses, Animals

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Eirian Houpe · Rating 3 out of 5]

For Racing Fans of All Ages

Though this book is clearly meant for younger readers, this emotional telling of the life and death of the famous and much loved Barbaro can easily be enjoyed by readers of all ages. In the process of telling the story, the author explains much about horse racing and all that is involved, as well as treating us to a series of unfolding snapshots that draw us into sharing the life of this famous race horse, and those around him that loved him dearly. Hard to read it without tearing up.

[Cher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet biographical account of the race horse, Barbaro, intented for young readers ages 10-14.
The story takes you through his birth, life and just touches on his death in the afterward, which can be skipped for sensitive readers. Young readers will enjoy the strength and relaxed nature that Barbaro was known for despite suffering through his injuries and surgeries. There are various themes for a child to pick up on such as: perseverance, courage, positivity, good humor, trust, and love.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good story of “America’s horse”, but you can tell this book was written to have young readers as its audience.

[Mirrani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This life-story about the famous race horse is written for a younger fan group, but can be read and enjoyed by all. It includes all of Barbaro's life, from his birth to his soldiering on before death. This is a book for general fans of horse racing or for anyone who loved Barbaro. It is informative but simple and told somewhat through the eyes of America's favorite horse. In these pages you will learn a little about horse racing and a lot about a horse that captured the hearts of millions. Since this story is told from a horse's perspective or with his thoughts in mind, expect the tale to have just a little flick of fiction thrown in for the purpose of dramatic flair.

[Alexus Messer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good story until the end, you may cry or not. This thoroughbred horse, loved racing and when he was in the Triple Crown race, he fell and hurt his left hind hoof. He was never able to race again.(Before his fall, he won every other race). His hind hoof, and now quarter had to get surgery multiple times, then eventually they had to cut just about all of his hind quarters, later he wasn't doing so well with laminitis (a disease). They had to put Barbaro down, his ashes lay in his pasture next to the beautiful lake next to him.

[Chelsea crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this book is really amazing! If you are an equestrian definitely read this book. It is truly an emotional roller coster! I am happy to say that I read it and was thoroughly impressed! Definitely would read it again! If you don’t want spoilers than don’t keep reading. The scene when barbaro passes away made me seriously question my life. Barbaro is definitely a true hero! I love all the times he was training, I was inspired and wanted to take everything I am working on and put my all into it! Of course read this book!!!!!!!!!

[Lisa James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt that this version was geared towards children & not adults. It was written in a gentler tone of voice, & it had a kind of "Black Beauty" vibe to it where you hear a horse's imaginary thoughts, which threw me a bit because I wasn't expecting that in a bio of a famous racehorse. I appreciated the way the medical & technical terms were explained for readers who were younger or not experienced with horses or the racing industry. For those of us who remember Barbaro, & the utterly heartwrenching story we followed from start to tragic end, it's still enough to make us cry all over again.

[Taylor Bratland]

Then, in one sickening, heart-stopping, everything changed. Suddenly Barbaro wasn't racing for glory because he broke all four legs :(. I learned never push a animal as in... making run until it is foaming from the mouth. I cried a lot during this book mostly when his legs got broke.

[Partridge Public]

Mickle, Shelley Fraser

[Aqua Horse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Documents his life well and is pretty interesting!

[Brooke]

This book was very good... i learned a lot of things from this book... any pet lover would love this book

[Olivia Couture · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in a day when I was younger and very obsessed with horses and racing. I remember loving this book and being inspired by the story.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for younger readers. You really learn a lot about horses and racing. A sad ending for Barbaro, but I am glad to know his story.