Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Cozmic One

Coz & Isabela: An Update

Isabela and Cozmic One in the show ring this summer. Photo by Shawn McMillan.

Cozmic One retired from the track in 2017 to embark on a second career as a hunter/jumper. He is trained and managed by Isabela de Sousa and her father, Sergio, at De Sousa Stables in Lexington, Kentucky. Notably, Isabela and Coz appeared together at the 2018 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover.

Paulick Report recently published an article about their progress that can be read here, and Isabela has this exclusive update for Coz’s fans:

Coz had some time off last year, and then we turned him out for the winter, like we do with all of our Thoroughbreds. The break helped him mature mentally and physically since the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover.

Isabela and Coz. Photo by Kaitlyn Karssen.

We had our first show back together in June of this year, and I can’t say too many good things about his performance at that show. Ever since he came back into work I told my dad, “I really want to work on the basics, make him stronger, and help him be the best he can be.” By that I mean we are doing a lot of flat work to make him straight, lateral work to keep him flexible, and gymnastics and grids to help the shape of his jump so that he can use himself better.

As everyone knows, Coz has a very strong personality and can be tricky to ride—this improves as he matures mentally, and he is making a lot of progress. He’s a big horse, and he has the coordination that his size requires. We have been jumping him so small for a long time, so he doesn’t try too hard over the jumps, which is okay. At home we just work on the shape of the jump, as the height never really daunted him.

My dad has taken over the reins for now, since I am heading off to college. I’ll still ride him when I can. We aren’t worried about how far he will go in his new career, it’s his “retirement” and we want him to enjoy himself without any pressure. With all the shows being canceled I’m not sure when Coz and my dad will be making their debut, but I certainly know they enjoy each other, and he is a happy horse!

-Isabela de Sousa

Left by Shawn McMillan; Right by Kaitlyn Karssen
Photo by Kaitlyn Karssen

Reader Interactions

592 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Thank you so much for bring attention to OTTB’s finding new careers and just in General! They can make wonderful horses! I have 2 and they have been great with kids, both have been used in 4-H gaming and showmanship competitions, summer camps for kids and they have given many first ever rides to kids of all ages and even some riding lessons, they also enjoy trail rides! I couldn’t have been happier with them, just great horses! They are both 26 and pretty much retired now, we’ll maybe a few more trail rides and maybe a few more first ever rides for kids I think they won’t mind that to much haha. Please anyone thinking about maybe getting a horse please consider a OTTB, there are so many out there that need forever homes and they really can make great horses to do whatever you may want to do with them!
    John W

  3. / Reply

    Hi Everybody: I just wanted to let you know the reason you haven’t heard from me lately is partly because of Covid and lately because there are 3 fires burning around us and Tommy and I have been packing up getting ready to leave at a moments notice. At the moment the actual fires are just far enough away to be scary. The real problem because of our location and the way the wind blows, the is the smoke from the aforementioned 3 fires which will make for very unhealthy air quality. Cross your fingers, its supposed to rain for 2-3 days which should help tame the fires and clear the air. Anyway, since we still may be moving around a bit it may be awhile before you hear from me. I can’t tell you how much it means to read all the comments and watch the videos all you Zsters put up. In the immortal words of Douglas MacArthur “I shall return.”

    • / Reply

      Dear Martha F.,

      Keeping you and Tommy in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry about this awful circumstance. Hoping and praying for that rain! ?
      Prayers for all out west having to cope with these hellish fires. ?
      Stay safe and well.

      Hugs and Love

  4. / Reply

    My Dear Martha:

    So very sorry that you are going through this. Please stay safe. Keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us hear from you when you can.

    Prayers too for all the people who have died or who are in the path of these horrible fires. Love and Hugs, JB

  6. / Reply

    Dear Martha & all others faced by the wildfires:

    You are and have been in my prayers ever since I first heard about the fires in the news and I will continue to pray for you until the fires are out. I am also praying for the people who are not in the path of the fires but are affected by the smoke from the fires miles away affecting their air quality. I have heard that the air as far away as Kansas has been compromised by the smoke.

    I have also read that Santa Anita is being used to assist the evacuees from the fires. Also, a fire crew from my area of NY State just arrived home from helping fight fire in the west and another just left to replace the ones who came home.

    May God keep all of you safe. Please let us know when you are out of danger. I hope that is SOON!

    • / Reply

      My sentiments as well Donna. Im def cont. Praying for every1 on the west coast ?.
      Luv u all. ❤
      Plz plz stay safe.
      Mega HugZ❤
      Vamp.?

  7. / Reply

    Dear Martha

    Oh I feel for you so much! That dreadful glow in the sky and the smell – it’s just not like a normal fire, has stuff mixed with it, probably from burnt homes. And it’s so pervasive. You want to hide from the news being nothing but bad but need to be aware what’s going on. Evacuation orders are terrifying too. Hopefully your authorities, like ours have learnt from mistakes made in earlier fires – like ours are much more sensible with the need for people to take their pets with them, and the special needs of owners of horses and other large animals like alpacas. And the teams fighting your fires were very recently in Australia fighting ours. In fact a water bombing plane crashed fighting fires attacking the outskirts of my town Canberra, killing all on board. Praying for rain and especially for the wind to give everyone a break. Hugs to you and Tommy – look forward to your return. Cheers

  10. / Reply

    Hi all,
    Yes, the smoke out here in California as really bad. We have not seen the sun in weeks! Last week the weather did cool down, which helped the fire fighters but unfortunately caused an “inversion layer” over the Sacramento Valley where I live, caused the smoke to be forced down to ground level. The smell, falling ash, was hard to live with. Sore throat, sinus pressure, headaches, burning eyes. However we all know that as much as we are suffering, it is nothing compared to those who have been in the path of these deadly fires. Losing everything, forced to run for their lives. Every ash I see falling, I think there is part of someone’s home. Very upsetting and depressing. They are saying an onshore wind will pick up soon, which is good as it will blow the smoke out of the valley, but unfortunately may fan the fires. We can just pray this will end soon. I have not been outside my house, except to go to work and grocery shopping, the dogs have not had the long runs they love and need. But at least I have a house to stay in and dogs to hug.
    All this on top of the Covid thing and civil unrest. 2020 has not been a very good year!
    Lynn

      • / Reply

        Dear Lynn

        Dowunder in Australia we think of the fire as a vicious beast. The American firefighters who came down to help us over summer referred to it that way too. One of them interviewed said the smell is not like a normal smoke because it smells of destruction of homes, people, animals, forest. And there’s nothing you can do against it but wait for weather change. It just changes the way you think about the season – like Christmas is now time of death and destruction because of fires. I just keeping singing “America the Beautiful” for you all. Love and hugs.

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Glad to see this news of Finnick The Fierce — thanks for posting it.
      Sending positive thoughts of complete healing to this beautiful boy! Relieved to know that it is a strain and not a tear. Get well soon Finnick!

      I see that Honor AP will be retired to Lane’s End. Will miss watching this handsome colt. All the best to him — he will be well taken care of at LE.

      Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall:

        Wow, I didn’t know about Honor A P being retired. Will have to look for info. Thanks for the heads up. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Judy,

          I saw the article about HAP being retired to LE on the page of the article you posted about Finnick The Fierce in The BloodHorse. It was on the list of “Most Popular” on the right side.

          Thanks for posting the two articles about him — wow, another strain, this time a tendon in the foreleg. Finnick’s was a strained ligament which apparently will take much less time to heal. Of course, FTF is a gelding and will continue racing after healing whereas HAP will go to stud at LE.
          I am glad that both these guys can heal from their injuries.
          Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      The trend to send 3 year olds to stud is on the increase in Australia. It’s all part of the young horse pattern with 2 year old racing, and unfortunately it’s all about the money. Problem is what to do with older stallions. New rules are coming in concerning retirement, resale and so forth but there are still gaps in the system, as I’m finding with making it fully legal to own my little girl. But so many have just a year on the the track then off to stud. I do worry we breed too many racehorses, so thank goodness for the responsible managers, trainers and owners out there.

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Thank you for posting those two great articles. God bless Honor A P with health and a good retirement! We will miss seeing him race, but his well-being is most important.

      Hugs, Kathy

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathy:

        He is one of the most beautiful horses ever I think.

        Sorry that he won’t get the chance to continue racing. We’ll never know just how talented a race horse he really is.

        As John said, he beat Authentic once and it would have been great to see a match up again of Honor, Authentic and Tiz. But, as you say, his welfare comes first.

        Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      I’ve been just shaking my head since yesterday. I feel so bad for what could have been and for his connections – especially “our John.” Having to give up training such a beautiful and talented horse must be beyond disappointing. Glad to know that it will heal, of course, but it’s still a very sad situation.

  15. / Reply

    Good morning everyone. Sending thought and prayers to all of our friends in the west (not only California, but Oregon, Washington, and Idaho). These fires are beyond dreadful, and it becomes more real when they affect people you actually know such as many of our Dumpling friends.

    On another sad note, there is some very scary news about our Hovis this morning. I’ve copied some of what Karen posted, and you can read it below. Please keep both of them in your thoughts and prayers. If there are any updates, I’ll let you know.

    “So, yesterday I got the news I had been expecting since the weekend; basically, we’re in trouble. I’m not going to post detailed specifics because I really don’t want posts about miracle recoveries or case studies etc however well intentioned they would undoubtedly be. I absolutely know you would mean to be supportive and to give hope etc. but the reality is now that I want to concentrate on the advice of my brilliant vet and farrier who know him and all his issues intimately. Please could I ask you respect that.
    The issue in his bad foot has deteriorated and it’s serious. Possibly life endingly serious. The next few weeks will tell as we try and work through the options. We’re fighting with everything we’ve got and I have the most incredible, talented team trying their very best. I also have a team that I respect and trust to tell me when we’ve run out of options, when it’s no longer in his best interests and when it’s time.”

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy,
      This is such upsetting news about Hovis. Sending prayers and positive thoughts for healing to Hovey and prayers to Karen, too.
      What Shirley posted is absolutely spot-on — it couldn’t be said better. Thanks, Shirley.

      Thank you, Sandy.
      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy:

      OMG, how sad. Our Hovis has been through so much and he’s been very brave through it all. Praying hard that he can fight this and heal.

      Prayers for Karen and Mini Mum too. Love and Hugs, JB???

  16. / Reply

    Sandy,
    Thank you for the news about Hovis. Will pray for his recovery. He has brought so much joy to us here on the blog and a great many “belly” laughs. I know he is in the best of hands and getting excellent care. I hope we don’t lose him but am so grateful for the years we have known and loved him.

  17. / Reply

    We have had a few fires of our own in Colorado. I fear this will be the new normal, if we don’t act soon. Prayers and best wishes to all.

    Just read about Honor AP retiring. That is a shame.

  18. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Two gorgeous boys! Honor A P meets his Dad, Honor Code, at Lane’s End. Love and Hugs, JB

    Paulick Report (@paulickreport) Tweeted:
    A father-son moment at @LanesEndFarms: The newly-arrived Honor A. P. (Right) meets his sire, Honor Code. https://t.co/eDOo9VL9p1

  19. / Reply

    OMG! Just got to a safe place and am doing some catching up. So sad to hear about our darling Hovis. While I know thoughts and prayers can’t do a lot I would like to join the chorus of those wishing him wellness. On a happier note, while I was a bit saddened that Honor AP has been retired, I was heartened to see that he is going to Lanes End. Who knows? Perhaps in a few years there might be a colt or filly with a name like Honor AZ or maybe ZAP. I’ve been writing down ideas for a possible book that has no name yet and will try to get back to it and keep busy and not worry too much about Hovis. He’s a tough boy and let’s he can make it through a calamity one more time.

  21. / Reply

    Bloodhorse article about HAP’s new stall will be his late grandfather, AP Indy!.Mr. Farish indicated that no bedding had been in this stall since Feb. And there is a picture of HAP being led by none other than Asa! Can it get any more poignant than that?

    The El Dorado fire in SoCal has changed directions and is heading for a local resort area.(Big Bear) This is the fire started by irresponsible people. My air quality is horrible and the sky is dark. Dreadful situation.

    Stay safe everyone. Lindal

      • / Reply

        Wow, is he a looker or what! “Tapit’s Tango” maybe?
        Poor guy has a lot to live up to — $2 million worth to start. Good health and best of luck to this beautiful colt — may he be well loved and well cared for always.

        Thanks for sharing, Judy❣️
        Hugs and Love

        • Great name, Marshall. I know I’ve been “into” horses for a while when the dam is someone I actually remember from her racing days!
          Hope all works out for him and his new owners. Wonder who the trainer will be???

  23. / Reply

    Thank you for all of your wishes they are appreciated. The cost of this one fire is astronomical to the fed govt. as most of the land is govt property. That means your tax $$$. All the endangered habitat and critters wiped out. One fire retardant drop costs $ 25,000.00! Most of this particular situation was caused because of lack of brush removal, both by the private homeowners and the govt. I know of what I speak as I worked for the Forest Service for many years. Enough of fires, love HAP and his new digs and his new friend, Asa! Lindal

    • / Reply

      Dear Lindal and Z Fans

      So true the dreadful costs of these fires and the causes are the same in Australia and the USA. The estimate of destroyed animal, bird and all wildlife from our summer fires was over 3 million. Whole species have been wiped out and beaches covered with birds that flew out to sea, suffocated and were washed back with the tide. Can only weep. Hugs Kathy

  24. / Reply

    Dear Sandy and Z Fans:

    “Tapit’s Tango” was purchased by the following group:

    Offered as Hip 435 by Eaton Sales, agent for breeder Barbara Banke’s Stonestreet Bred & Raised, the foal was purchased by a partnership consisting of Eclipse Thoroughbreds, Robert LaPenta, Gainesway Farm, and Winchell Thoroughbreds with Stonestreet retaining a small equity interest as well.

    I know that Todd Pletcher has trained horses for Eclipse and Mr. LaPenta, so maybe he will train this gorgeous boy too. We shall see.

    Love and Hugs, JB

  26. / Reply

    Not to start anything, but the severity of the fires, as well as the frequency and intensity of the hurricanes, is just more evidence that climate change is here, and getting worse. I do agree that fire suppression is not the way to go. I just think we need to think long term, as well as short term. We were warned about this.

    • / Reply

      Being handled by the Money Laundering and Transnational crime units.
      Get ’em!!!
      There are probably a few shaking in their boots. GOOD!!
      Poor innocents, plus endangering the lives of jockeys.
      I cry too, JB. Thinking Hurricane Fly could help with the sentencing. Big ole chomp on the hind end, add whatever else.

      • / Reply

        My Dear Ann:

        Yes, The Fly is an excellent choice to dole out justice for the horses.

        Thinking of Hovis and Karen fighting to save him and then the reverse; these poor horses and jockeys deliberately put in harms way by these horrible people all to line their pockets. Criminals; should not be allowed anywhere near horses.

        Love and Hugs, JB

  29. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Sadly, I have some news to tell you. I’ve been asked to let you know that Z’ster Kimberly Porter has been diagnosed with cancer. She isn’t up to posting right now. She is having imaging done this week and will meet with the oncologist next week. She appreciates your prayers. Love and Hugs, JB

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