Good Morning,
I hope you had a fabulous weekend! I sure did! It all started on Friday afternoon when several of MY BARN 55 FRIENDS flew into Lexington for MY BIRTHDAY! Ann, Dottie, Dawn Hunkin (one of my vets), Michelle (one of John’s assistants and my personal masseuse while I was at the barn), Isabelle (who was my rider whenever Steve was off)Lara and Claudia (Moss family members and 2 of my biggest cheerleaders) all flew in to be with me for the celebration. Sarah joined us when everyone got to the farm. This was all planned in advance…so it is very special that it was able to really HAPPEN!
Charles and the guys helped me get ready for my party. I was outside grazing after my bath when everyone arrived. There were all kinds of snacks and goodies to eat! My favorites were carrots, pears, bananas and peppermints. There was a SPECIAL CAKE JUST FOR ME…and cupcakes for everyone at the farm. They had Z’s, Apple Blossoms or Crowns on them! My John sent his camera with Dottie…so we have tons of photos for him to download and share with ALL OF YOU later this week.
I also received so many cards and gifts from so many wonderful people. You guys are too much! The photo at the top of the page is from a kindergarten class in New York. They did a life-size drawing of ME. They used cotton balls for the white on my legs and my blaze and yarn for my mane and tail. The students wrote me messages all over the card! This really took a great deal of hard work for the students and their teacher. It is absolutely TOO CUTE! It is also very touching that they would do this for ME! We have sent this card back to California to Barn 55 where John is going to display it. I am SO PROUD!
The 5th grade class from Ohio sent a fruit basket (it was terrific) and some of you even sent ME checks for the farm to buy me peppermints and fruit. I am truly speechless at all of this KINDNESS! I want you to know…I am DEEPLY TOUCHED and VERY APPRECIATIVE of all of this THOUGHTFULNESS!
I’m now 7! I can’t wait for John to share the rest of the photos with you of my PARTY! THANK YOU AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING!
On another note, I wanted to let you know about the ZENYATTA BRONZE CONTEST! As Dottie was out of town this weekend, she could not get to the post office to get all of the entries until later today. Thus, in fairness to everyone, we’ll start the drawing on Wednesday. We will pick the 64 cards for the first part of the contest on that day. So sorry for the inconvenience…but there was no way to get the cards from the last few days until this afternoon. We appreciate your understanding this change in schedule!
Again, thank you for making ME FEEL SO SPECIAL in SO MANY WAYS!
With love,
Hugs to all~
Z
Sharon Call
You had 8 california girls come to see you. How Wonderful!!! I know John and Mario would have loved to be there but I know they’re busy with pre-Derby racing and training. A wonderful picture from the NY kindergarten class. It brought tears to see that these little ones are learning to love you as well. I’ll be happy to see the pic’s taken of the rest of your b’day celebration. I hope there’s one of you eating your cake, as there was from last year. Dottie and Sarah, thanks in advance for keeping all of us involved in Z’s life – Z fans are so lucky to have you!! BTW, I see Charles in the LE picture. Who are the other people enjoying the cupcakes?
Kathy Kimber
Zeny, The life size card is just too special. How sweet of those kids to do that so much love just for you. The cupcakes look divine. I love cupcakes the frosting makes me hungry to look at it. Looking forward to the BD pictures. Thanks Dottie for us. How very special that you Barn 55 family got to come see you. Love you.
Yvonne
What a special celebration for you! I love you, Zenny!
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, you sure had a fabulous birthday celebration!! I’m so happy that so many of your family members from Cali could make your party. You deserve to have your day made special.
The card from the kindergarten class in New York is wonderful! They really put a lot of work into it.
You really are special, Zenny and we all love you! I look forward to seeing more pics later this week.
Love to all,
Leslie
Carole Biles
Happy Birthday Zenyatta, we love you so much, and glad you had a great birthday!!
Astrid
Awww, Zenny what a great party!! Your card is absolutely adorable! Love it and thank you for the wondeful pic. – you look beautiful as ever. Very touching to see how many people care about you, but how can it be any other way? You are just too special!
Sue Ann Wilson
Yummmmm!
Rosemarie Cola
Many,many more big Z!
Janie
That’s a BIG birthday card! I’m glad you had a fun day, pretty girl. And there were lots of sweets for the sweetest girl in the world! Love you bunches, Zenyatta.
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Oh Zenyatta-I am so glad that you had a wonderful time on your birthday and that you had so many of your close people from Barn 55 come and celebrate with you. And wow, it sounds great all the fabulous gifts you received. The card from the class in New York is absolutely fantastic and all the work that they put into sure shows just how much they love you. Those cupcakes sure look good too,it is so wonderful that everyone makes the events in your life extra special, but why not, you are a very extra special horse! Thanks so much for sharing the photos here of your birthday and am looking forward to seeing the rest when they get posted. The photo of you eating a carrot is gorgeous, you look so happy!
Hope each and every day is as happy as your birthday! You are extra special to me Zenyatta-you help to keep me going! My Love & Blessings to you sweetie!
LizC
Just want to say again how very, very appreciative all of us are that we are kept up to date on all things Z. She takes up such a big part of all of our hearts, and the pictures, video’s and updates you provide truly bring joy into so many lives. Thank you so much for sharing her special day with all of us!!
Karen Line
Zenyatta, you LOOK FABULOUS!!!!
Wonderful that you had such a marvelous birthday weekend. You are so special and important to us all!
Can’t wait until we all can come and visit you. Just know we are out here rooting for you !!
Debbie
hi Z! so glad you had such a special BD, I love the photo of you with the carrot hanging out of your mouth, you are TOO CUTE!!! Can’t wait to see all the photos! Your cupcakes are yummy looking! love you xoxoxo
Cheryl Smith
You are loved by many! Happy Monday! XOXO
Alene
Hi Zenny, You are a stunner even with the carrot leaves sticking out of your mouth. I`m glad you had everyone that loves you soooo much around you on your special day. :-) I wish I was there too. :-) Zenny you deserve all of the celebration as we celebrated all of you racing wins. You are a great big bundle of pure PLEASURE.. Lots of Big Hugs and Kisses Alene :-)
Astrid
@L.S. I believe they are working on some grass area for MTB for grazing. I think at the 2009 BC he was right beside Zenyatta in the starting gate. I was cheering for Zenyatta to win, and him to get 2nd:) Didn’t quite work out but I hope he is happy! His Derby win is unforgettable:)
Sally L. Hopkins
Zenyatta, I’m glad you had a wonderful birthday.Thanks for sharing the pictures with us. You’re the GREATEST! Lots of xxoxoxoxoxo from your friend in San Diego, CA.
Lynette Lucas
Zenny!! I’m so glad you had a awesome birthday with the barn 55 crew and Lane End’s crew!! You are very special and important to us the fans as well!!! You look great!! Love you beautiful girl!!! Hugs and Kisses from Roswell,NM!!!
Lisa
Happy Bday Queen Z!
Margot Grummon
In Charlottes Web, th title for Wilbur was “Some Pig”……Looking at the beautiful picture of “Z”, makes me think, “SOME HORSE”. Wow. Beautiful
John McDonagh
Love the carrot munching picture :) . Happy Bday Z
Nancy L
I totally adore the pic of you with the carrot in your mouth. In your words, you are “too cute!” glad the ladies could come visit. I know they must REALLY miss you. I know I miss seeing you run but you truly earned your retirement –and then some.
Margot Grummon
In the book, “Charlottes Web”, the title for Wilbur was “Some Pig”. Looking at the beautiful head on shot of “Z”, I would just say, “SOME HORSE”! Gorgeous
Melissa
Happy belated birthday Zenyatta I am so glad it was a blessed one. XoXo..
Barbara Grimaldi
Dearest Zenny–I ADORE that photo of you and your carrots!!! And I am so happy that all of your family was with you on your birthday. I’m looking forward to seeing more photos of your happy day–but they will have to be pretty special to beat that one with the carrots!!! By the way, did you see the Florida Derby yesterday??? That was as good as the Kentucky Derby as far as I’m concerned. The finish of the race was so exciting…and of course I thought of you all the way…love you, Zen!!!
RuthG
All I can say is “YUM”. Zenyatta, your peeps really know how to throw a good party. So glad that your birthday was special and that your family was able to visit with you. You deserve all the good things that come to you in this life. Love you much.
sandra
Hi Zenyatta! 8)
Winged One
Oh Zenyatta, such a lucky girl you are, such a simple life you lead, and yet so happy…….. What would it be like, to be like you? So happy, so carefree, friends always at your side, your future always secured…
shemas
Dear Z, I hung on every word about your party. And the card is amazing! And when I got down to your photo I just started to cry. You touch my heart so! It’s so wonderful so many came out to celebrate your birthday. How incredible! love and hugs
Jan
Zenyatta,
You are absolutely beyond beautiful. It’s hard not to keep looking at your picture. Sounds like you all had a great time on your BD. I bet everyone was so happy to see you. Those cupcakes sure looked good.(YUM) Were they Sprinkle’s Cupcakes :) Keep healthy & happy big Mama. Glad to hear MTB is doing well. I was beginning to wonder what happened to him.