Good Morning Everyone!
I’m back….and so happy to be able to visit with ALL OF YOU again! Yesterday was a very, very exciting day for both TASTY and I. We were moved to the FOALING UNIT of Lane’s End…and when we are not outdoors enjoying ourselves, we now reside in the FOALING BARN!
Above, you see the guys walking us to our ‘new home and paddock area’. We are truly embarking on a brand new adventure in our lives.
It is quite exciting! We will still have our same wonderful grooms and caretakers. Everything in our lives as far as the people around us will remain exactly the same.
I must say, we are being very closely monitored all of the time…just to see if there is even the slightest change in our bodies.
What an exciting time!
Here we are getting to visit our new HOME and get acquainted with it! LUCKY US!
I know MY TEAM is planning some very loving things for ME to do during the next several weeks. It will be a great way for ME to productively use my time while I’m waiting to become a MOM!
We’ll keep you posted.
With Love,
Hugs to all~
Z
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Well Big Mama, this is IT, my knees are knocking, it’s OFFICIAL! You are in the mama barn and us aunties are going to be basket cases till this deed is done. We have poured over your (Dottie’s) words for months, living your everyday adventures, and finally the official, down the stretch, moment has arrived! OMG. How are we to last this last month? I can only imagine how our dear ANN feels. I loved the videos LE produced, and I certainly feel you are in the best place you can be, they are fabulous!
I am so thankful all this has been shared with us!!!! I hope they can share news of TT too as we have become fond of her.
I send prayers for Catherine, Eli, and Kari and Cynthia too!
Happy Birthday Robin and many more.
Love to Z and TT kisses on your noses from Auntie Sue
Joy
I’m getting so excited for you and Tasty!!! I hope you both take it easy and get plenty of rest because once your babies get here, you won’t get much! Zenny you’re gonna love being a Mom. Its tough sometimes and going thru labor and delivery won’t be a picnic but it is SO worth it. Your little one will love you with all their heart and I know it will be visaversa! I checked on Racheal and she and her little boy are doing very well. I personally hope you have a precious little filly but the most important thing is that you both come thru healthy and very happy! I love you sweet girl…
Debbie G/Kentucky
You and Tasty look fantastic, Zenny! That picture of the two of you crossing the bridge is too cute. I’m so excited now I just can’t stand it! I don’t care if you have a colt or a filly, just as long as it’s healthy. I love you, Zenny!
@Kimberly Potter – I’m so sorry about Eli. That’s too bad that Timmy has to go through the added stress with her daughter. I’ll keep all of you in my prayers.
@Terry Crow – Your jokes just keep getting funnier and funnier! Thanks for making us laugh!
@Trina Nagele – I enjoyed your poem.
I’ve got a question about breeding that I wonder if anyone knows the answer to. RA just had her colt by Curlin and next she’s being bred to Bernie. I also read that Dottie is looking for whoever will be Zenny’s next “boyfriend”. Is there some reason why they’re always using different studs every year? If Bernie is a good match for Zenny, why look for another one? I hope it’s not a stupid question. I was just curious.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
DebbieG, as the saying goes, there is no such thing as a stupid question. The premise of matings between a mare and stallion is to make the best match possible to hopefully produce the best foal possible. As an owner of a mare, your horse will only have so many foals in it’s lifetime, possibly somewhere around 20, give or take and many things can influence your choice of stallion. For example, Barbaro was a magnificent racehorse. His sire was Dynaformer and his dam was La Ville Rouge. Because that breeding was so successful, his owner’s, the Jackson’s have tried to capture that talent in another foal by mating the same sire and dam for the last 5 years. Unfortunately, they have not gotten another Barbaro. They can continue along that same road and perhaps continue to get the same results or they can switch to another stallion and open up the possiblities for an entirely different outcome. Each year, the importance of any given sire is measured by things such as the sale value of their offspring, the money won by their offspring in racing, etc. The list of top sires can change from year to year. One stallion may be extremely “hot” for a couple of years and then go down in the rankings. Right now, Bernardini is a very popular stallion. But, the other thing owners look at are pedigree and the conformation or physical qualities of the stud. If an owner always chooses the same stallion, they may get a like result and never know what could have happened if they had mixed it up. So, if they research each year and consider everything I have mentioned, they may choose a different stallion for their mare. Think of a kid in a candy store, with so many great flavors to choose from. If Secretariat, Man O’ War and Citation were choices I could make for my mare and they were all a good match, I think I would try each one instead of just staying with the same flavor. It get backs to “breed the best to the best and hope for the best.” I hope that helps!
zenyen
Dawn,
The Jacksons were also after a filly out of the LaVR/Dyno cross. They wanted a Dyno daughter probably for their breeding program and were hoping to have LaVR’s bloodlines in there as well.
Alas it was not to be as the only filly produced from the mating was slipped and when they bred back and once again got a colt the Jacksons bought a Dyno filly at auction.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Thank you for that information, Zenyen. I had forgotten about reading that. It is really unfortunate that they did not get there filly. They are amazing people and a fantastic part of thoroughbred breeding and racing.
Shari Voltz from Ohio
@ Hi sweet Dawn. What a good explanation. I will have to read that one to the children. They have been asking if the baby will be faster than Zenny and Bernie. Also Mistletoe runs in a claiming race tomorrow and one of my boys wrote to Mistletoe to tell her to lose so no one would claim her. He said that he didn’t want anyone to think she is good. This way no one would want her. He said he did not want to lose her. This part has been hard. Last year Zenyatta never ran in these kind of races. I did not have to woory about never hearing about Zenyatta again. I don’t like claiming races. Have a good day tomorrow, Shari : )
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Dear Shari, I’m with you!
Debbie G/Kentucky
Thank you, Dawn, for explaining it so clearly. That makes perfect sense. Someone on the diary said that they’d like for Zenyatta to be bred to Curlin next, but many Z’sters said no, they wouldn’t be a good match. Do you have any thoughts as to who would be a good match for our girl? I remember reading that they had to keep her size in mind because she’s so much bigger than a lot of the boys.
Joan
I’m so glad your friends at Lane’s End are taking such good care of you and Tasty, Zenyatta. It won’t be long now and you will be a mom. I know we are all so excited for you and can’t wait to see your baby. I’m glad to know you will be monitored so closely so everything can go smoothly when the time comes. Best of luck and lots of love!
Landen
I’m so glad God put Zenyatta and Tastey on this earth. <3 What a thing of pure beauty:)
Elena Erdman
Dear Queen Z,
I got so excited I actually felt my heart skip a beat. You have one beautiful tummy. I can hardly wait. I love love love you.
AJ from CA
Z – I love today’s pic of you and Tasty crossing the creek into the foaling barn area. Can’t believe how quickly the year has gone by and I’m learning so much of a broodmare’s life at Lanes’ End thanks to you and your connections! I hope it’s a boy but if not I won’t be disappointed as long as it’s a healthy baby.
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Abigail, Congratulations, I just read your latest masterpiece on the Vault and, as usual, enjoyed it thoroughly. What a pretty girl she is as well as a fine racehorse. I was pleased to read that she has Mr. Prospector in her family tree, I’ve always liked him but then I tend to like stallions from Claiborne.
signofthetimes
Hope you see the Across the Board on HRTV with Dell Steiner talking about
Claiborne farms; it is a really lovely piece. Should be on their web site.
Carol
I am praying for a safe easy delivery. Blessed Be Wonderful Girl
Kathleen Sullivan
I wish you and Tasty all the best. I can’t wait to see the new babies!
Laura
I have a feeling that your foal is going to be a filly :) <3
Jan S. / Houston
Me Too..
Joan Walls
Zenny – What wonderful weather you and Tasty are having! The trip to the foaling barn must have been very exciting. I know that all of us “out here” are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the foals! We are all praying for nice, easy births! Please take care and kkep us updated on “your thoughts”. Love and hugs to my TOO CUTE QUEEN!
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
Dear Zenyatta and TT. So happy to see a post and with your pictures crossing the bridge – so poetic as your lives will change very dramatically. We are all so excited and happy for you both.
Abigail – So appreciative of all the links re: foaling. What a learning experience. All the mares are in loving hands with tons of expertise. Mother Nature will be a big part of things for sure.
Great poem Trina, Happy birthday to you Robin -Want to check out the links later, but must feed pets and get back to the real world at my house— “garbage day tomorrow”!!
The reality of the foaling barn really brought tears to my eyes. Girls, I hope you have the easiest of labors with lots of your people close at hand to encourage and comfort you.
suew/Va
Z Dumplings…I cannot thank you enough for all the links you constantly provide to us. I thoroughly enjoyed the videos of the birthing process at LE. It helps keep things in perspective since our Zenny will be a mom within a month or so.
To Dottie, the Mosses and all of Team Z…you have gone above and beyond to keep us informed on Zenny’s new life and what an exciting one it is. She couldn’t race forever and now she has the opportunity to pass her greatness on to other generations. God Bless her and those who give her such loving care.
sue and Tony
Zenny, for some reason the picture and diary today brought tears to our eyes…you are moving on to a new life and we await the birth of little Z/B with such anticipation! You always look forward to the future with hope and excitement. Your little one will be blessed to have a mother like you. God Bless you, Dottie, John, Jerry, Ann, Mario, Steve, Carmen and all who have touched your greatness and kept you healthy and happy.
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
You and Tasty sure to look very pregnant as you walk across that bridge.
Her abdomen is no longer more visible than yours. TOO CUTE !!!
Both barefoot and pregnant soon to have two lovely foals.
XXXXOOOO
Suzanne G (IL)
Hi,
Do you know if they are ‘barefoot’? I’ve been curious about that. Thanks!
Sue Noel/Sun Valley,ID
Jusr read the link regarding news of retired race horses being a privilege and not a right. Of course,that is true! Makes you really realize how very blessed we are to be Zsters,doesn’t it?? May we be fortunate enough to continue to have this wonderful place to meet and share our love for Queen Z. To all The Team–we DO appreciate all you do and treasure this privilege that we share–THANK YOU,THANK YOU,THANK YOU!!!!
WILD HORSES
Love you sooo much Big Z. You and Tasty look so beautiful and healthy. Your new accommodations look great. Can’t wait for your BIG DAY. Lori
Shari Voltz from Ohio
@ Susan in Tn thank you and I think of YOU often. Feel good sweet lady : )
@ DMCQ Thank you. The children ask me all kinds of questions. I love all the information from this site that I can share with them. They are little sponges : )
@ As always Love you Dawn : )
Paula Higgins
Great blog and posts. Like everyone else, I just want them both to have safe deliveries and healthy foals. Everything else is gravy. But it is getting exciting!!! Bernadini’s foals have been doing very well on the track so I think the potential for a talented foal is high. Just send him/her to John and they will have the bst possible chance to blossom into their mother’s child.
Jan S. / Houston
Love your post.. :)
Barbara Wood (Texas)
As to breeding, I remember reading somewhere that as a rule, stallions sire their best progeny fairly early in their careers. Of course, there is no hard and fast rule. War Admiral would have been an exception. Dynaformer has sired so many. Does that in any way weaken his ability to get choice winners year after year? In other words, do stallions ever pass on weakened genetic material? I know I’m clueless, but I’m learning.
Yvonne and Maurice
Hi Zenyatta. I am crying for joy seeing you and Tasty being moved to the foaling barn. What an exciting time – This is just too special! Am thinking it should be after the 17th of February. Cannot wait! I just know that you and Tasty are going to be very special mommies. Can’t wait to see the babies romping in the paddock – will you and Tasty stay together in the same paddock with your babies? Once again, stay comfortable, eat well and enjoy your new surroundings. I know you and Tasty are in great hands and that you are so loved by everyone. Love you Angels.
zenyen
Yvonne and Maurice,
The hope would be that Tasty and Zenyatta will continue to be pasture mates when their foals are born. This is why they were put together when they were confirmed in foal on the ‘same’ schedule, in hope that they would bond as friends and that bond will carry over once they have foals on side.
However, being maiden mares, there is no way of knowing how they will react once they have their foal on their side. As the video explained, some mares get extremely protective and aggressive when they have a nursing foal. The hope is Zenyatta and Tasty will foal around the same time and their bond will carry over without incident so that yes, all four can be turned out together. But only time will tell!
So many exciting unknowns with maiden mares!
kaj
Very happy to know you and Tasty are so well taken care.
Marty R / Colorado
Zenyatta, I love the new pictures. In the one by the foaling barn, it may just be the camera angle, but it looks like you, with ears perked, curious about what is ahead, are leading Matt. ( I presume Matt ) I’m anxious to hear what things are planned for you to be doing in the last few weeks before Z/B arrives. Stay safe and warm and rest up. You will be kept very busy before too long.
Stephanie J Lambert
I never thought this day would get here! Who would have thought that when I was snapping away pictures of you taking your bath, givning you pets and kisses this day would come? You are the light of al of our lives and now you are craeting a new life that is part of you for all of us to love……I am in AWE of you…God has touched you with every gift he has, but most of all with the ability to touch our souls with love…..I love you Zenny, now and until I take my last breath x0x0x00x
M. Kern
Oh my goodness! It’s getting close! I have my fingers crossed that everything goes well for you and Tasty. We are all getting excited! I love you soooo much Queen Z and you too Tasty. Tell us more about the new place. Hug and kisses to both of you.
summer
u shound video the foaling if all goes well good luck tasty and Queen Z
Loves From Summer
Lorna
I am sooooo excited for you, Z:) I cannot wait for your beautiful baby to be born!!! You are the greatest:)
signofthetimes
Dear Sarah,
I so really love that photo of Zenny and Tasty
Crossing over the bridge to motherhood. I have
Been looking at it all day. They are both so very
Pregnant now. Such a really wonderful photo !!!!
Thanks so much for taking the time out of your
Busy day to take all of the wonderful photos.
You really have such a wonderful job!!!
HappyHarriet
Aww – Greetings to the Queen!
.
Your bulging tummy is just too cute not to comment on. I hope you and Tasty are happy in your new home. Did you have to change the sofa coverings or buy new drapes? Probably not, since your Lane’s End family has surely prepared the space with extreme good taste!
.
Horse Hugs to TT&Z
Jan S. / Houston
LOL HH. Wonder if Z is going to have a birthing suite like Beyonce had.. ;);)