Good Morning,
All of you are SO SWEET! Thank you so much for the warm wishes on my 28 Day Scan Results. I’m doing great and TRULY APPRECIATE all of your kind comments. The next big date is the 42 day scan. As Dottie has mentioned earlier, it is a very important one. After this, if all is A-OK, the pregnancy is considered to be ‘pretty secure’ and well on its way. HOOVES CROSSED, for sure!
This morning, John sent this photo to ME! He wanted ME to know that my friends at BARN 55 are also sending their regards. Here’s ZARDANA sending her greetings to ME! I’d know that TREE anywhere. I’ve stood there for zillions of hours over the last 4 years. It is great to see her again and to keep in touch with my dear friends at the barn.
The postcards are starting to arrive for the contest. I think the postal service in Arcadia really LOVES ME! They have been fabulous about everything. When Dottie was there the other day, a man in line was wearing a Zenyatta Hat. He told her he’d had offers from people wanting to BUY it from him. This is TOO CUTE!
I’m hearing you are all very thoughtful and additionally rather clever in your responses on the postcards. I’m also delighted that you like the idea of BRONZE #19 for the winner! I really thought that particular number would be incredibly significant! Thank you for feeling the same way!
Several have asked for the rules of the contest again. They are in Diary #205 in detail. If you click on the top part of the web-site that says NEWS, it will take you to a list of the prior posts. Just in case you need the information again, the mailing address is in Diary #209.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
Life Is Sweet’s foal…isn’t HE a DOLL! I’m so glad her owners let me introduce him to you yesterday. I’m hearing she is really having a wonderful time with him and he is a very active and friendly colt! It is so much fun to follow all of this activity at the farm. Plus, I’m learning so much. I gather that he will be totally with his MOM and nursing for approximately the next 4-6 months. She will teach him so many great things. He will even learn to ‘eat the grass and graze’ from her! I know Life Is Sweet will be great at this. I grazed next to her for countless afternoons at BARN 55. In addition to being a very accomplished athlete, she’s a ‘great grazer’.
Can you imagine ME teaching my foal to graze? Not to sound too bold, but I’m also really TERRIFIC at this and very experienced. My confidence is really high in relation to this aspect of becoming a MOM. I’ve got ‘teaching a little foal to graze’ down PAT. It will be a SLAM DUNK for ME! (Just had to say it…as we are in the midst of March Madness.)
Speaking of that, the games are moving right along. They are playing the SWEET SIXTEEN rounds now. My San Diego State gave it a good college try (no pun intended)…but lost last night. They did very well…just came up a few points short. Kentucky plays tonight. The winners of these games now will go forward to participate in the ELITE EIGHT Rounds. It is getting very exciting!
Tomorrow, there are some more 3 year old prep races for the Kentucky Derby and the Dubai Carnival of Racing takes place early in the morning our time! My Mikie is over there riding a couple horses from California. I’m sending him a BIG HIGH HOOF for GOOD LUCK!
Wow! This being a SPORTS FAN IS SO MUCH FUN!
Enjoy your day!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(YEAH…I smell some bananas and pears coming MY WAY!)
Z
Wendy Bratten
Beautiful Zenyatta, you have so many good friends and I love the picture of Zardana. It’s great to hear from you and about the progress of your pregnancy! Is the blue grass sprouting yet? Is it really blue?
L.S.
@Kitei,
Regarding visitors, it’s important to remember that Stonestreet and LEF are very different types of farms. Stonestreet is Jess Jackson’s private nursery, its much smaller than LEF and it doesn’t stand stallions holding court.
Jess Jackson only has to answer to himself regarding taking the risks of letting people come on the farm and around his pregnant mares. LEF has clients other than the Moss’s, who they have to be sensitive too in terms of risk assessment.
I was rereading Steve Haskin’s visit with Zenyatta blog, back in January. (link: http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2011/01/18/hangin-with-haskin-visiting-zenyatta.aspx).
In it both Charles and David gracefully touch on their genuine desire to accommodate fans but also on the risks and logistical challenges of making that happen on a farm the size and diversity of LEF.
Doreen
I want to not only thank Team Z, LIS’s owner, but also Lane’s End for the access that they have given us fans to our beloved Zenny as well as Life is Sweet. Congrats to LIS and her beautiful little boy and to Zenny on her 28-day scan. I also want to send my well wishes and speedy recovery to Mineshaft who stands at Lane’s End after having colic surgery.
Pam Zacek
to cute, Im so glad your so happy, and your scan is good, will pray for the next one, to be totally perfect, and glad to meet your friend under the tree, and March madness, is okay, but I can’t wait for the races, i can get again, you got me to like the races, stuff or your trainer, I should say, to cute, and your awesome team, to take care of you and do the right thing, by you,oh enjoy the pears and stuff, even if they give you a peppermint, enjoy the whole, deal, the new baby needs all the fruits, love ya Zen and love these diarys, you Rock,
alene
Hi Zenny, You are the MOST precious thing ever. I better get my butt in gear with the post cards. My moms been in the hospital and I have`nt had the time I need to condense all I have to say. BUT its coming. Love you Zenny!!! Lots of Hugs and Kisses Alene :-)
Robin from Maryland
Dear Queen Z, I really miss you!!! So glad to hear that everything is progressing well – can’t wait till next spring. And yes, I have no doubt that you will be a wonderful mother. Stay safe and sound and enjoy your new life. YOU ROCK!!!
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta my students and some of the teachers went crazy over Life Is Sweet’s new foal. Thank you Dotiie for posting the pictures. Thank you Sarah for taking the pictures and Life Is Sweet’s owners for sharing her with all of us. We are all lucky fans. Zenny you will be an excellent mother and your baby will be so beautiful. The children keep saying how fast he or she will be and I bet they are right. I like the picture of Zardana she looks like she is playing hide and seek with John :) Well my sweet girl I am off to do some work. I am sending lots of Hugs and Kisses. Shari XXXOOO
@Dawn I received my pendant of Secretariat from the Jane Heart Jewerly Collection. It is really special. It is three dimensional the way his head stands out. I am so happy with this and would tell anyone who loves Big Red to get one. I hope you have a good weekend. It is going to be cold in Ohio. God Bless, :)
Paula Higgins
The Kennedys: so glad you like the statue. I bet it is beautiful. Can not wait until mine gets here! Good luck to all of you sending in post cards.
Zardana is a cutie!!! A very nice horse. I am glad there is another “Z girl” in the barn.
Regina From NJ
Good Evening Zenyatta: Well, that’s a whole new thing for you–being a fan! Just know, Great Mama Mare, that no matter how much you are enjoying that role, you will not be able to know the same thrills and chills as a fan that you provided for us because there is not a single other athlete out here who can be YOU. Just saying—! xoxoxoxo
Trina Nagele
Dearest Z,
Was this picture of Zardana maybe taken on St. Patrick’s Day and she’s participating in the wearing of the green? Thanks so much for sharing.
@Ann Maree— The video tribute to Z done by AnimalsRock4Love that you linked to above is magnificent, and the song they used at your suggestion (“She”) is indeed the perfect accompaniment. What a great collaboration!
@Kathryn Cogswell—Thank you for your thoughts about my post from yesterday, but really you didn’t “bungle” anything at all. Your posts are an inspiration to everyone. I think some busy individual was hurriedly reading through the posts, not wanting to miss anything, and in haste just misunderstood the train of thought.
Kathy
Hay Zenny,
I am sending out my love and cards to you and Dottie. I was so tickled to see the picture of your barn friend. Glad to hear so much about you. As a working mom, I look forward to you posts as a relief, a laugh, and a good cry when I need it.
Dani
Z – Your friend Zardana has claimed your tree. It really does bring back memories of your grazing days in that spot though. They should have a little sign that says ‘Zenyatta grazed here’. It’s pretty much a tourist attraction now.
.
@Kitei – thank you for the link to the video of the blind dressage horse. It brought tears to my eyes. The love and trust that our animals have for us as their friends and companions is very humbling at times. But it is one of the most beautiful bonds of all.
.
So is Sophie watching the games too? I see her as being more into the cheerleaders. And she already has her own pom poms – those big fluffy ears of hers. Very cute.
.
I keep going back and sneaking peeks at Life is Sweet and her little colt. Thanks for telling us about his nursing habits and when he will start to ‘eat the grass and graze’. What a wonderful time LIS will have teaching him all the wonders of the world around him. Hopefully he doesn’t turn out to be too much of a handful!!
.
Well it’s goodnight for now and tomorrow it’s hello Dubai. Good luck Mike.
Karen
Beautiful Zenyatta,
Life Is Sweet is a good mom and you will be a winner, too. Your little on is so lucky to have a mom like you. You are a winner in every way. Keep enjoying the pears and apples. They are so good for you. Loving you always.
Macy Rowan
Hello Zenyatta! I was just wondering but what address can we send fan mail to? I was going to send you a birthday card! (P.S Happy early birthday!) Can we send it to the same address as we send the postcards?
Shema
Hi Z, Wonderful to see a picture of Zardana. I looked up info on her on Google and found out that John trains her and she beat Rachel in Rachel’s last year of racing. I think Zardana is 6 years old this year? If she started racing at 2yr? This has been quite a week with Bernie’s birthday, Life is Sweet giving birth, Rachael A having her first visiting day, and your scan being good, wow! what a week! Hope you have a relaxing weekend. love and hugs
Maria
I bet Zardana misses you. She looks so lovely. Fingers and hooves crossed for the next scan. I love you Queen Z!
Rita Boucher
Thanks Z (and Dottie) for keeping us in the loop. As a huge horse lover and racing fan, I always learn a thing or two from you girls. There is so much more to horse racing than getting out of the gate!!! And thanks to you gals, I feel like I am part of the inner circle. Many, MANY, blessings to Zenyatta and her family!
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, Thanks for sharng Zardana’s photo. She has amazing eyes. I catch a glimpse of them peering through the leaves. I bet she thinks she is hiding and got caught with the camera by the look she gave. Yes, I do reconize that tree you stood by. I know the post office is going to be even more excited by the number of cards you get from now on. I have to get my cards mailed tomorrow. Zenyatta,do you know how far it is from Al. to Calf? All I know it’s a long way and it will probably take a week to get there. Anyway, I hope Dottie reads the cards to you so you can hear how the Fan Family feels about you. I have a very special moment of yours that I am sharing that transformed my life. I love you so much, Zenyatta now & forever.
Zenyatta, you’ll be a great Mom! Grazing is a big deal and you have that down pat! Teach your Baby ZB to strike a pose like you for the camera so Baby ZB will be ready in the winner’s circle and everywhere else they walk because everybody wants their photo. Also teach them to dance through life with that magic step you have. That always drives the crowds crazy! Zenyatta, you know best of all what to do to be a Mom! Just be yourself and you’ll be a perfect Mom! Take care of yourself & Baby ZB. Sleep well, eat all your grains, pears, bananas with peppermints on top. Have a great weekend with your friends. Sending Hugs & Kises With Love From Alabama, Amanda G.
@Kitei, Thanks for the video. It’s amazing to see the trust between horse & rider.
audreyc
@Bailey – I live in AZ too, although not my home state. I heard that U. of A has a racetrack mgmt. program,(and, unless something has changed over the past 7 years, it is the only university in the country that offers this as a degree.) I remember, when living in CA, that quite a few trainers, etc., would come to U.Of A for courses.
Re: Momma teaching baby….a very strong thing. The foal learns from his/her dam. These equine Mommas absolutely do think. A few years back, I was very involved with an equine rescue – primarily for PMU horses. We experienced quite a few births, with the pregnant PMU mares being rescued from “out of work” PMU farms. . I especially remember one beautiful, white draft mare – reticent, and totally fearful of humans. She was about 15 years old, and her whole life (from about 3 on), was standing in pee lines in Canada, pregnant, for 6-8 months of the year – being let out to large pastures in the spring to give birth (very naturally,- just do it, do it well or die, baby die, whatever) and then, in September – no matter when the baby was born – all being rounded up, with the babies removed, and impregnated mares back to the pee lines.(with the ones not pregnant, or getting old – going to slaughter) The babies that were born in April, were somewhat okay, but there were also babies born in July – waay too young to be taken – at 2 months. Anyway, this particular mare, a rescue, came and soon gave birth at the sanctuary, and her afterbirth remained, hanging. No one, no vet, could get near her. After two very scary days, the afterbirth finally fell off, and she, (having all her life to be strong, and never having been coddled), did fine. She still would not go near people. She was a great mother, nursing, and even helping with another, too young, 3 yr. mare, who had given birth, and was very inexperienced (like a teen giving birth). But, this highly intelligent and sensitve mare, somehow knew that, despite her own past, she was now in a safe place, and even though she couldn’t quite get past her own issues, she was going to permit something different for her newborn filly. Amazingly enough, although she herself kept afar, and kept an extremely astute watchful eye on her baby, she allowed the baby to go near people. The filly would go up, all curiosity, and suck on people’s fingers. If someone did any litle thing not to the mare’s liking, the mare would call her filly, and she would go back to Momma. Observing this was an incredible education, and one in which, I can only feel amazed, and blessed. I am happy to report that, both the Momma & her filly, were adopted together by very knowleadgeable horse people, whose horses are family members, forever. I am sure that this former PMU mother, overcame her trust issues, and her ever-after story, along with the opportunity to be together life-long with her very last baby and daughter, is a very happy one.
Signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
Zardana looks like she misses you. Her head is high up
In the leaves. Thanks for reminding us LIS owners were
Gracious enough to share her experience with us. Thanks
So much for sharing these wonderful touching photos. I hope
We get the opportunity to see how motherhood
Develops in prep for Z. I love the thought of her
Teaching Z. Have a wonderful peaceful evening
XXXOOO
Yes I bet RA is going to be quite a challenge as a broodmare
I remember the video when she reared up and dumped
Calvin Borel. It was graceful as he stepped off. Oh the
Riding skills of a jockey. They are very amazing riders. Last
Weekend The Factor jockey took him around two turns
For the first time. To control the horses reactions to new
Experience at such speed is so admirable. It is very tough
Thing to do.
S
Z, I was happy to read that Mineshaft is doing well following his surgery! I know you 2 won’t cross paths but he is one of your nieghbors at LE. Postcard in the mail tomorrow…it was difficult trying to but into words just how much you and your team have touched my life!
Signofthetimes
@audryc
Thanks for a very lovely touching story. It is a very sad existence
For those mares.
Signofthetimes
@Sharontuper
LIS photos are on post 210.
Julia B
Hay Zenny! Mom & I stopped by Lane’s End today to drop off some peppermint sticks for you and your girlie girl friends and for Curlin and his posse. Wish we could have seen you ! We were in town to visit with Rachel Alexander, she says Hay, I told her you were craving pears & bananas, she said she craves everything ! She was so sweet and gracious to visit with everyone! Your friend Zardana is too cute under that tree!
Enjoy the weekend girl ! Luv to you!
Julia B
Oops I ment Rachel Alexandra!
S
I sure hope that at some point in the future, lanes end will find a way to have a fan day for you like Stonestreet had for Rachel. It would be such a treat for all of us and I bet you and the girls would end up with enough treats to last for months;)
Trina Nagele
@audreyc — thanks for sharing the story of the rescued mare and her filly. I’m glad her story had a happy end.
@ the Kennedys of San Diego– congratulations on getting Bronze #20 – that’s very special!
@Carolyn Caswell-Brown– Nice turn of phrase saying Mikey misses Zenyatta being “the wings beneath his feet.”
@Mike Smith–Good luck with the Californis horses in Dubai.
Amanda Gilliland
@ Audrey, What a wonderful story & insight on mares. I am so happy for PMU mare to have a loving home after what she had to go through. I know you had awonderful experience working at an equine rescue.
I love horses so much and the unconditional love & healing power they posses. My oldest brother, Wayne, told my Dad to get me a horse when he left for the Army. He ended up serving in the Army CIC in Germany and was killed 2 months before returning home. I was 9, Dad & Mom gave me my 1st horse with 2 other horses in the family. Her name was Dale and she was one of God’s Angels that helped me to deal with Wayne’s death. I never will forget Dale and the Blessing she was in my life. I pray one day soon to have another horse to be part of my family to love & respect for being such an amazing, wonderful & loving animal that they are. Audreyc, Thanks for sharing.
Goodnight Sweet Lady Zenyatta again. I just had to write after I read her story
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. Hope you had a wonderful day. Is that mail stacking up in California? You and Dottie have such great ideas and the writing contest is so special. I hope everyone has the best of luck and alot of fun with it. Maybe afterwards we can see some of the messages, I know they will be absolutely wonderful. I am sure you got lots of good bananas and pears from your great Lane’s End crew. It does sound rather tasty. Good luck on your March Madness picks! Sleep well, my love. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@Shari Voltz – Ok, that’s just too funny, both you and I thought Zardana was playing hide and go seek :) Thank you for your previous message about the contest. How sweet of you. So happy you received your Secretariat pendant, lucky you! I am sure it is beautiful. Stay safe and warm. Blessings to you.
@the Kennedys – Congratulations on getting #20 of Zenyatta’s bronze. It is such an amazing piece.
@Kitei – I have been following Rachel since her retirement also. I did get to see her at Churchill Downs. She was a gorgeous, amazing racehorse that did everything that was asked of her and gave so much to the fans and industry during her career. I enjoyed the pictures and video of the first official “Rachel Day”. She looked great.
candi cartier
ohh I love to visit the queen Z and bring her a bunch of treats.