Good Morning EVERYONE!
I wanted to wish all of you a wonderful ST. PATRICK’S DAY! I understand that this is a FUN day where everyone wears GREEN and eats special types of food. Dottie was telling me that Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Soda Bread, and Chocolate Guinness Cake are all part of a very popular dinner for humans on March 17th!
The only part of this that I’ve ever heard about is Guinness!
Being a horse who always wants to be part of the FUN, I asked Charles about how I could celebrate today with my friends. He suggested that I stay with eating GREEN food! Thus, I’m off to go eat my HEALTHY GREEN GRASS! TOO CUTE!
In honor of this fun holiday in MARCH, MARCH MADNESS, the release of my Zenyatta Bronze by Nina, and all of your wonderful kindness, Dottie and I have been thinking of something special we could do. We came up with what we think is a GREAT IDEA! I want to share it with you now.
As you know, March Madness in College Basketball is really getting underway as of today. I mentioned in the last Diary to get your GRIDS / BRACKETS out and follow along. Well, Dottie and I have been thinking of another FUN THING for all of US to do. We want to give the opportunity for one LUCKY FAN TO WIN A ZENYATTA BRONZE. This will be the PRIZE! (I hope you like this idea!)
Here are the guidelines for the CONTEST:
1) So many of you have been so kind to ME and commented OFTEN that I have meant something special to YOU in YOUR LIFE, to RACING, to a FRIEND. You have had so much FUN following all of the different moments in my life.
2) Based upon this thought, I would like for you to write on a postcard in one paragraph…why you feel this way. (Special to YOU, to RACING, to a friend of yours, or an impact I have made in another way.)
3) Please put your thoughts on a postcard.
4) Your NAME, ADDRESS, and PHONE NUMBER must be included on the card.
NEXT WEEK, I will give you the address to mail the postcard or cards to for your participation in the contest. You may send in more than one.
By submitting the card for the Contest, you are also granting permission to ME to use your words in my Diary or anything else I might do in the future.
The cards will all be put into a big container. Then they will be drawn out in a timely fashion (dates will be given on the web-site) in the same type of format as March Madness. 64 cards will be drawn from the entire group. Then from this 64, we will draw the SWEET SIXTEEN….next the ELITE EIGHT CARDS….and ultimately the FINAL 4.
From these 4, we will post the comments on the Web-site, for ALL OF YOU TO SHARE IN WHAT WAS WRITTEN. The WINNER will be selected from the FINAL FOUR cards.
I hope you have fun with this! The mailing address for the postcards is forthcoming!I did want to offer the opportunity to you to have a CHANCE to WIN a Nina Kaiser BRONZE of ME! Your comments about them have been so touching!
I’ll keep you posted on the next step in our contest!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(Have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day!)
Z
Stephanie Quilichini
I’m sending mine! What a great idea to express out thoughts for the Queen!!
Nancy
What a wonderful idea!
LauraJ
@Lori Stein, yes indeed, Rachel has a new full sister! As for breeding Vertigineux back to Street Cry, it won’t happen. Vertigineux was purchased by Coolmore interests, and Street Cry stands at Darley. Both of these entities are huge, worldwide Thoroughbred breeding and racing operations. They are business rivals and they do not play nicely together. Darley stallions don’t service Coolmore mares and vice versa. So, there will be no Zenyatta version 2.
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It may be for the best, though. Imagine the expectations that would be heaped on the poor foal. A lot will be expected of RA’s little sister, and some will consider her a failure if she doesn’t replicate Rachel’s achievements. Full siblings of elite horses sometimes have comparable careers, but more often than not, they don’t. There was a fairly lengthy discussion on the subject of full siblings a couple of weeks ago, if you are interested.
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Better Than Honour, the dam of Rags to Riches and several other accomplished racehorses, has been bred to Street Cry twice, IIRC. I believe the first one, a filly, is a 2-year-old this year. I am looking forward to seeing those babies run!
Sharon Call
@Cawn Conrad. My heart, thoughts and prayers go with you today for yourself and your Mom. You couldn’t be in a better place than the Mayo Clinic for treatment and I feel they will do a good job for you as they have for so many people I have known personally and heard about. Head and Hearts Up and do the Zen dance for good measure. It’s good for the soul. Spring is a time for renewal and so it will be for you. Please keep us posted on everything and know that we go every step with you.
Sharon Call
Sorry, means Dawn – my eyes aren’t completely open yet today.
Sharon Call
Geez, I just did it again. That should have been “Sorry, meant Dawn …”
Shari Voltz
Good morning Queen Zenyatta I hope Kentucky is receiving some sunshine. Right now we have a little. I read the children the diary this morning and they want to try to take part in the contest. I am thrilled. We are practicing for the Ohio Achievement Test coming up and they need all the writing practice they can get. They need a 400 to be proficient on the writing part. So you are again my teaching aid. Wow when children want to write that is something. It will be ok not to win but it is in the trying and them wanting to try that matters. You inspire so many and I hope Dottie or Mrs. Moss tells you. Thank you sweet girl. I personally think Dawn will win she is an eloquent writer. Her words are beautiful and make me cry. We have so many gifted people on this site I am amazed. Without you we would not know each other so again my Queen you touch all. Well I must go back to work. Enjoy your day and eat lots of bananas for you and the baby. Love, Hugs and Kisses from Shari and Homeroom 215 XXXOOO
@Dawn you are ALWAYS in my prayers. I will say extra ones for you. I hope your mom is feeling better. I totally understand about caring for our parents. I am praying for good new from your DR too. God Bless and keep you always my friend, Shari
@Barbara thank you. I am feeling better. I have a great PT working with me :)
Sally L. Hopkins
Top o’ the day to you, Zenyatta! Have a wonderful St.Patrick’s Day! xoxoxoxoox
lizzy
@Kitel
Thank you. Was hesitant to post here on Z’s website, but felt it was relevant. How? It’s a testament to the attachment animals have with one another (like we mortals). The love and concern that dog had for the injured one was palpable. And I think this is what Z ‘shows us.’ It’s in her eyes and presence. She’s accepted US as part of her herd. I’ve said it many times before on this blog, that even though (I believe) its deep in Z’s DNA, it could have been so different with another owner and trainer. It was the perfect storm. Dotties son buying a horse with a skin ailments, John knowing how to bring out her strengths (he is Z’s horse whisperer), the Mosses always making decisions that would ultimately mean Z would walk away from racing sound. Mike, Steve & Mario knowing that they were in the presence of greatness and in many ways allowed her to do her lead them.
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The love witnessed in that dogs eyes is similar to photos you see with Z and her girlfriends (especially the grey mare). I believe Z is happy in her new life. I think she loved, loved to race, but I’m happy she left racing still wanting to run… I believe she’s found a different happiness now, one she didn’t know existed, but feels right too (like when she raced).
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I’m at peace. I know she’s being cared for with love. I’m so happy she’s at LE. I guarantee you she’s teaching them a thing or two. It was inevitable that they too would fall in love with her. Really watch the pictures of (& sounds) of Sarah around Z. Pure joy.
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I apologize for getting wordy, but that is what Z does to me…the more I think of how special she is…….
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Happy Friday and weekend to all. And Z, it looks like it’s a little rainy today-muddy maybe? ;) Hope you enjoy your weekend, can imagine signs of Spring are sprouting up everywhere around you…the smells, warmth, breeze….
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And to our friends in Japan, you’re in our prayers-no words to express sadness I feel thinking of what you are enduring.
Kari Bussell
Queen Zenyatta, what a great and generous idea. I may find it impossible state all that you mean to me on a little postcard.Be prepare for a ton from me…lol Will I be disqualified if I send a a zillion with each one continuing to state just how much I love you and how much you mean the world to me? LOL..
or if you add er to post we could all send you huge poster boards. Even that would not be large enough for most of us to tell you how important you are to us.
I love you Zenyatta…and I always will
Regina From NJ
@Dawn Conrad: As a fairly new poster on Zen’s diary, I just now realized all you are going through and just want to join others in offering the best of everything (prayers and giant good thoughts) to you for a full recovery. Be at peace for you have chosen a marvelous place that gave me back good health when no one or no where else could. The same to you now, new friend, and to your mom as well.
Barbara Grimaldi
Dear Zenny: Today I read a story in the newspaper that has broken my heart. A foundation that supposedly supports retired race horses has been found to be negligent, resulting in hundreds of retired horses being starved and not looked after in any way. The photos break my heart I worry about this every time I go to the track–what happens to horses that don’t have value as a breeder or any other work when they cannot race anymore? I know the economy is bad and charities are having a hard time, but if a horse is too big an expense to upkeep, then why breed so many? Zenny, it’s like dogs and cats. I see them pampered and adored in our homes, but then I see them horribly abused and discarded on the streets and in kill-shelters. Some are lucky but some are not. But dogs and cats can somehow get by if thrown away like a used candy wrapper; a horse cannot. A horse can live many good years and yes, is expensive to upkeep, but a horse is a dream animal, a wonder to behold. There has got to be a way to stop this cruel neglect. There’s a horse at a nearby track that I have watched for many months, and she has never won and usually comes in last. She has the same trainer and rider every time. Maybe another trainer could make a difference in Miss Crabtree’s young life and find another role for her right now before she meets the horrible fate of those hundreds of neglected horses. I’m sorry to inject sadness in your wonderful message to us, Zenny, but I know you and your fans will understand. I worry about you and you are living a magnificent life filled with love and care. Many of your brothers and sisters don’t even have 5% of what you have…we have to join together and do something about this…you are dear to my heart, precious Zenny…so I know you understand
Barbara from NJ
Karey R
Good Morning Zenyatta, Dottie, both Teams
Z, and all the cherished bloggers here. It’s a warm start to my day to come to this nurturing place and to read new entries offering insights, gratitude, and good wishes; links that provide welcome information and inspiration; heart-felt thoughts being shared with each other. I’m tempted to list the names of those whose entries I look for every day, but I don’t want to miss anyone so I’ll just say ‘Thank you to ALL of you who are making a difference by sharing your love and wisdom here’. The “Z Effect” just keeps growing! (Dottie, here’s where you take a bow. Blush, blush.)
sg
@BarbaraGrimaldi:
Curious, what foundation are you referring to? Like you mentioned, it’s sad how many never find a home after racing. Hopefully, Zenyatta’s site and interest she creates will help change the practice perhaps of overbreeding like you mentioned. Is this a big problem? I’ve heard others mention it as well. I hope MissCrabtree gets a chance.
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link to Miss Crabtree: http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Miss_Crabtree
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I have my postcard ready Zenyatta!!!!
Karey R
Barbara Grimaldi, Your post brings important information. As much as we bask in the joy of the world of Zenyatta,
there is much sadness out there that begs for assistance.
Karen
How neat! I’m compsing already. Thank you!
LauraJ
@Barbara Grimaldi, I share your dismay, but I do want to say a couple of things about TRF. This is not a deliberate case of neglect on their part, but a lack of funds, and no doubt some bad management and poor communication. Basically, they were unable to pay boarding fees for their horses at foster farms. They ran out of money. The foster farms didn’t have the resources to care for the foster horses either, and the horses suffered. The people involved with this charity are not bad people. I’ve talked to a few of them (not upper management types), and they genuinely, deeply care about the fate of retired TBs. I’ll probably continue to support them financially (assuming they institute some management improvements), since there is really no other place for the many horses in their care to go. FWIW, I sponsor a TRF horse in Kentucky at one of their prison programs, and I am satisfied that he receives excellent, loving care from the farm manager and the inmates.
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If the welfare of retired Thoroughbreds concerns you, there are many ways you can help improve their lives. You can donate to one of several charities that retrain retired TBS for new careers. These include TROTT, CANTER, New Vocations, and others. There are retirement farms such as Old Friends and Our Mims. Most all-breed horse rescues/charities deal with a substantial number of Thoroughbreds. All you need to do is google “horse rescue” or “Thoroughbred rescue” and you will find plenty who need your money and/or stuff. Even small amounts help; for example, about $5 will buy a bale of hay. You might even find a local charity where you can volunteer. And if you have the wherewithal to adopt or foster a horse in need, that is the most helpful thing of all.
livey
@LauraJ——-thank you for the information-very informative. However, lets say, even if every rescue group in the U.S were funded to the max, would that still be enough to house and care for all the TB that are bred yearly? It seems, from what I’ve read on here, the problem is difficult to manage because of overbreeding. I’d be curious to know how many TB horses are shipped to slaughterhouses. What I know of it, is that it’s been ban here in the U.S. and horses are now shipped to Canada and Mexico. Would also be interested in knowing of the horses that are slaughtered, how many are TB.
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Sidenote: I truly hope I’m not slammed for asking. I know that this is Zenyatta’s site, but her owners do contribute to retirement homes, so I suspect this is a concern of there’s as well.
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BTW, I’ve written 10 postcards. I hope that is not too selfish of me—stacking the numbers. :/
Barbara Wood
@Dawn Conrad–I pray for you at least twice a day. Now I will add your mom to the list. Please keep us updated. Sending “Z”-type HUGS your way.
After I wrote my postcard, I realized that each point could have been expanded into a chapter. Z, you just embody everything good in this world, and that is why we love you and your team so much. So many poor, dear, beautiful horses are treated as commotities rather than beautiful gifts from God to be loved and cared for. It breaks my heart. That is why I am so glad God knit Team Z together.
sandra gomez
Writing about you is easy.. there is so many great things to say! I have to go, Z.. I have to run to the store and buy a postcard!! Love you Zenny!!
Barbara Wood
@Dawn Conrad–I just got the most beautiful Irish blessing I’d love to share. It’s http://www.andiesisle.com/This BlessingIsForYou. It’s day late, but it’s always appropriate. Maybe you’ve already had it. (Sorry I’m too dumb to know how to transfer a website).
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
Happy Friday :) Thank you for ‘knitting’ us all together in friendship! “Love is a gift…received by humble hearts and cared for with kindness and respect. Its beauty isn’t faded by time, but enriched through deepening trust, unbending hope, and growing faith. It is restored by forgiveness, enhanced by friendship, and protected by truth. Love is a gift…and God is the giver.” Blessings!
Hernan Tovar
Zenyatta,Zenyatta…you are like a dream! you came to this wold to be women pride…
You are my dream!!!
Ingrid from SoBe.
Kathryn Cogswell
Dawn Conrad: *See Barbara Wood to You, via http://www.andiesisle.com/ThisBlessingIsForYou.html
arlene
Dear Zenny, I have read the same story that Barbara read, there are far to many of your beloved race horse friends who are in deep peril , and also The Wild Mustangs are in great Peril, I wish there was some way you could offer your help to them they suffer daily in the Hands of the BLM………..I am so happy that you are enjoying life ….. You are a beautiful Queen…………
Arlene
Beautiful spring day here in Vermont. Snow seems to be going fast. See you’ve got grass. Almost 205 responses to Post 205!! Your favorite basketball team should have your name as a mascot – Good way to get horse racing promoted! You and your team are great role models for life. Oh, it would be nice to see a picture of you with your Horse of the Year award and Voice of the People Award!Happy days and blessings to you all.
LauraJ
@livey, I totally agree that overbreeding is a terrible problem, and there are not enough charities to take them nor places to put them. No idea if there are any stats about the number of TBs shipped versus other breeds. I doubt the feedlot operators/auctions check.
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My understanding is that horse slaughter per se is not illegal in the U.S., but slaughterhouses have to be inspected by the USDA, and they ceased to inspect horse-processing facilities some years ago. Hence the shipping. Unfortunately, the State of Montana recently enacted a law that would permit the construction and operation of a horse slaughterhouse, with the intent of exporting all the meat to countries where it is consumed. So unless enough horse lovers band together to pressure the state to change its collective mind, it will happen again.
Barbara Wood
@Kathryn Cogswell–Thanks for the edit. I had to backspace to brign the last few words together when I typed the last part, so it didn’t all get highlighted.
Barbara Wood
Kathryn–Again it should be “bring”. Taking typing would definitely have come in handy!!
Kitei
@lizzy ~
Thank you for the video of the tsunami dogs! In spite of everything, caring, friendship and loyalty matter most to them! This shows there is real beauty even in the midst of so much horror. (The brave workers striving to quell the reactor disaster at the risk of their own lives is another instance.) I have also witnessed a dog caring for another injured dog (in that case, until she recovered completely from being run over by a car with injuries to leg and tail — this was in rural India, with no vet care available, and the other dog, after leading the one that had been hit to her home and installing her in a corner, played (with some help from her mistress in the form of extra food and water) the role of “veterinary nurse” very perfectly for nearly a month, until her patient’s wounds were healed with her licking, after which the patient surprised everyone by giving birth to pups!)
We humans could do so much worse than to follow the example of Native Americans who regard animals as the best of teachers!
BTW — I don’t think Dottie would have to make much of an effort to turn into a full-fledged horse “whisperer” or communicator herself, or that she already may be one! She certainly seems to do very well channeling Zenyatta’s thoughts into words! Could it be that all we need to do is create a space and “make believe” until it really happens, ala “Field of Dreams”?