Good Morning Everyone!
This photo is TOO CUTE! It’s my guy, Mike Smith, who helped us select the FINAL 4 for our ZENYATTA BRONZE CONTEST! Mike stopped by Dottie and John’s last night and held my reins in his hands…just like he did when we were racing. I think this definitely got him IN THE ZENYATTA MOOD to select our Final 4! This photo brings back great memories…for both Mike and I! We had lots of great times together!
The names of the FINAL 4 will be given…along with the thoughts each person expressed as to what I meant to he / she. Go to the bottom of this diary post and click the button next to the person whose entry you think deserves to win. Click the Vote button, and you’ll see the current results.
We will allow the voting to take place for one week. The winner will be announced next Wednesday, April 27th. John will look at the polls before he leaves for the barn that morning (5 o’clock in the morning, CA TIME) and the winner’s name will be posted.
The poll has been moved from the Facebook page to this website so that non-Facebook users may vote!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL 4 OF YOU!
ENTRY #1…..VICKI L. VINSON……APPLE VALLEY, CA I knew Zenyatta was “one” special horse the first time I saw her in person. She came over to me and stuck her nose right in front of my camera. That was before the ’08 Lady’s Secret. Little did I know that a year later she would become the best medicine in the world, in helping me through the worst time of my life. I’ll love you forever Zenyatta!
ENTRY #2…..VALERIE FRANKLIN….DAVISON, MI Zenny, you have made people believe in horse racing again. Our sport has suffered so much tragedy and in this time of economic disaster and with Barbaro and Eight Belles so fresh in our minds, you have given us a chance to escape and to dream. We love you more than you could ever quantify.
ENTRY #3…..GEORGIA HARPER…..BELLEVUE, WA My obsession began half way through your first year and such enthusiasm could not be ignored by my husband. After 49 years, my husband and I have become such good friends but are so busy with work and family we don’t always take time to actually think about one another. As a gift for our wedding anniversary last August, I received an email at work from my hubby with an itinerary attached for San Diego saying “Tickets for my queen to go see the Queen”. We not only had a wonderful day at Del Mar, never leaving the paddock and visiting with so many young people who had been there to see only you but we really enjoyed our time together. I’m not sure what we will do for our 50th this year, but I don’t think it will compete with the happiness we shared last year watching you come across the finish line and celebrating as best friends enjoying not just a horse race but watching the most magnificent thoroughbred ever. We miss you, we love you, and look forward to cheering on your foal.
ENTRY #4…..DAWN CONRAD…..CEDAREDGE, CO Dearest Zenyatta. “Why are you special to me?” Is it the stately stature of the Queen like carriage? Is it the glistening brown coat with the diamond dapples? Maybe it is the dance or those still moments with your head held high? Is it your intelligence and fathomless brown eyes? Was it your first run free or perhaps a camera-ride on the back of Pegasus? Is it posters in the stands, a warm crowd on a cold Kentucky night, the excitement you bought back to racing? Your place in its history and future, the Breeders Cup, 60 Minutes, Horse of the Year, Vox Populi Award? A Fred Stone portrait, Jamie Corum lithograph, Nina Kaiser bronze? The cheers I shouted the tears I shed? Certainly your beauty, power, grace, breathe taking speed, final kick, heart stopping finishes and 19/1. Absolutely your gut wrenching, never give up, try! It is all of this, yet more. It isn’t only who you are, but what you mean to each of us. With Team Z, you are Jerry and Ann’s pride and joy, John’s soul mate and patient masterpiece, Dottie’s muse and she your voice. Mike’s talent, guidance and prayers brought you home safe each race. At Barn 55, you had care from Mario, workouts with Steve, walks with Carmen, loving star struck visitors and kisses from all. At Lane’s End, paddock pals, peppermints, pears and precious motherhood. Your family embodies the word generosity and together you have been transformative. You give pure happiness to thousands. You are a horseman’s ideal, a child’s dream, a friend to charities, a moment of healing to someone ill, a smile in the face of sadness, a sweet memory to all those you meet and a wish of all those that you haven’t “including myself”. While totally unique, I see in you the memories of my youth: the Black Stallion, Flicka, Secretariat and my Cinder (a gift from a brother leaving for Vietman), live again. There were endless summer days of best friends, bareback rides, Breyer’s horses on the bedroom shelves and glorious Triple Crown winners. With you, I am that horse loving girl again. What fun! I have my own challenges in life, as everyone does. While I seek to remain positive there are those moments. You are there to lift my spirits and touch my soul. Your diary is a place of remarkable civility where information, support and all things Zenyatta are shared and celebrated. Facebook, over 70,000 and still counting! The experience has been once in a lifetime and continues to be a magical ride. In the end my love cannot be fully explained, it is simply heart felt and joyful. It is no mystery why the word “angel” is used to describe you, for you are a creation of God, a blessing to us all and a remarkable gift. For everything you are and everything you mean, Zenny, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are truly UNBELIEVEABLE! As always, sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
Wow! I hope you enjoyed reading these as much as I did! Dottie commented that she was literally in tears typing them for ME!
Vote for the ENTRY of YOUR CHOICE!
Blessings to All OF YOU who participated in this contest! I can’t THANK YOU ENOUGH for ALL OF THE LOVE AND KINDNESS you have shown ME!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
karen g
ZENNY YOU ARE
You are the cheese to my Macaroni
You are the Bacon to
my eggs
You are the laces to
my Sneakers
You are the Jelly to
my Peanut Butter
You are the gravy to
my Mashed Potatoes
You are the Milk to
my Cookies
You are the Ketchup to
my French Fries
You are the ink to
my Pen
You are the Smile to
my face
You are the bubbles to
my Bath
You are the Water to
my Ocean
You are the icing on
my Cupcake
You are the Horizon to
my Sky
YOU ARE THE ANGEL TO
MY HEAVEN IN MY ZENNYLAND OF DREAMS!
You Are My Heart
mj
Happy Easter Z, John, Mike, all of team Z, and everyone who posts here. I’ve spent time this AM reflecting on life, and the animals, friends, and family I’ve lost through the years, only to realize the joy and happiness they gave me was the more important thing. I’m planning on seeing them all someday, and it will be a joyful reunion. My faith sustains me in my senior years, and this site shows how compassionate and loving people can still be in this beleaguered world. On a lighter note, I loved Forego and saw him at Delaware Park after his retirement-a truly elegant animal with a caring team as well. So many wonderful horses over the years, so many now that need help. Blessings to all this beautiful day-love you Z!
karen g
To the children at the horse club: Your Easter surprize for Zenyatta was just breathtaking – beautiful, I know she loved it! It reminds me when my own children were your age and did their own Easter eggs and surprize drawings for me at school. And when they shared their love for me with this surprize, my heart just BURST with pride and more LOVE! So, you see, Zenyatta’s heart is bursting this Easter with the most LOVE EVER FOR YOU TOO! Keep on dreaming in your little precious hearts! WE love you for thinking of her too!
Amanda Gilliland
To DJ
I meant to say I am an advid anti-abuse advocate for children & animals!
I left out the word against! I had to correct it!
Sally (B)
Happy Easter to my sweet Z and Ann & Jerry, Dottie & John, Mario, Mike Smith etc. and to all at Lanes End who take great care of Zenyatta; and God Bless you all. Do you get to go on a peppermint hunt with your friends today!? love, & kisses on your soft nose
@Karen g; words really cute! @Mike; good for you @everyone; Enjoy your Easter Sunday!! and hope we here from our Z on Monday!!!
Suzanne G
Dear Zenyatta,
Making an Easter donation to Old Friends in your name. Hope all of us in your world can help bail them out of such dire circumstances.
Enjoy this special day with your friends and wonderful families. Thanks to them and you for keeping this website for us.
Love and Hugs, Suzanne G
@ Amanda G–you gave a new meaning to ‘defining moment’ with your post on the 2010 Classic.
@ karen g–great fun to read!
Vicki B.
@susan in tn – Your post was great: “Dawn, Georgia, Shane: COME BACK!! okay, we don’t have a “Shane” but i’m worried about Dawn and Georgia.” Without knowing her except from her posts, I’m guessing Dawn might be feeling a bit “tender”, and that can take a little time to recover from. Your reference to the film SHANE is funny and meaningful — the echoing cry of the boy, as Shane rode away, knowing he had to go, but I wondered if he would ever come back. Thanks.
Trina Nagele
Dearest Zenyatta–I hope you have a lovely day with a visit from the Easter bunny, bringing you a basket full of juicy spring carrots for you to munch and share with your paddock pals.
@Karen g– Great poem!
@Margaret–I appreciate your post.
Trina Nagele
@Susan in tn and Vicki B— Thanks to you,Susan, for expressing those wishes for Dawn and Georgia to come back, and thanks to you,Vicki, for seconding them and explaining the reference to Shane. I never saw the movie and was in the dark till you illuminated me. Thanks again.
Paula Higgins
I have been making donations to Old Friends for a while and will continue to do so. To all the posters who have done likewise, I want to “thank you” too. I know Michael Blowen is most grateful for the help he is getting. But he needs more help to meet that goal. So if you can help (and I realize not everyone can), send something however small or large. It all adds up. Happy Easter.
Lois Gillespie
@AmandaG: your last post was so heartfelt,I admire your courage to persevere in the face of adversity. My prayers for a blessed Easter go out to you- I am so glad you have found peace in your heart. I believe truly that there are angels among us, many on this site and in our lives. Thank you Zenyatta and family for this diary.
judy berube
Dear Susan: You have a wonderful sense of humor. Had me laughing out loud. Hope everyone continues to post too.
Karen G: Loved your post. Hugs, Judy B.
Vicki B.
@Amanda Gilliland & @Kari Bussell – it’s been especially good to hear your real stories about your lives.
@Kathryn Cogswell – I reread & digested your post that begins with, “When there is ‘not a bad vibe in the house,’ don`t think differing opinions don`t get aired, tabled, rehashed, thrown out and revised.” I like it very much, you really have a thoughtful way with words. I did also want to say that the link you posted to ‘Into The Woods,’ finale — “Children Will Listen” is apparently broken, as YouTube says the video is “not available.”
@karen g – Funny and great poem. I especially think children will relate to it, besides us adult kids here.
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. I am gazing out my window at some large, lovely snowflakes falling, like confectionaries sugar coating the branches of the evergreen and topping the new growth of spring. Today is Easter Sunday, Zenny. A very special day that reminds us of God’s promise of rebirth and renewal. A day filled with the power of prayer and amazing blessings. Houses of worship overflow with families and friends. New outfits make there appearance in shades of pink, violet, yellow and green, reflecting the color canvas of nature herself. Children rejoice looking for the eggs the Easter Bunny left and copious amounts of chocolate disappear. Speaking of bunnies, Zenny, you could be an honorary Easter Bunny. You have large ears, you love carrots, you are great at giving soft velvet kisses and you bring joy to thousands! TOO CUTE!! I pray that you remain safe, healthy and happy, Zenny. My love and admiration of you and all of those that make up the amazing Team Z, including Barn 55 and Lane’s End, is never ending. Thank you again for everything you do! May we all be truly blessed and rejoice in the majesty of each new day. As always, sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@Tytler Horse Club – HOW BEAUTIFUL!!! Thank you so much for sharing the amazing Easter Eggs you all worked on drawing. So many wonderful colors, stars and hearts, each one is great. I know they made my Easter very special!
@Kari Bussell and Amanda Gilliland – The definition of a “hero” is: A person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities. You both may not think of yourselves in those terms, but the messages you voiced are extremely powerful and moving. Kari, you are facing questions of your own mortality with amazing courage. Amanda, you are recovering from the scaring left deep within your soul with such grace. Together you both are miraculously living the 10% / 90% rule. The fact that you are both doing it with laughter and joy, truly heroic.
@Shari – What can I say? Thank you for being such a special friend. Congrats on the Paulick Report, the pictures were wonderful, everyone looks great. You are such a gifted teacher. Say hello to the students from me, how special this must have been for them all, they are so lucky to have you. And yes, tell them I am still very excited about the contest.
@Sally B and Joyce – Great idea!!! What a wonderful way to honor Zenny on Easter!!
@Karen G – Loved the poem!
@Susie – So happy to read about your trip, keep sharing. I hope it was everything you thought it would be, even though a little wet. Do you believe I have been there over 4 times and still haven’t seen the statues you spoke about in the park? They sound beautiful. I will have to add them to the list. Isn’t Old Friends just great! I can’t wait until July when I will be there.
@Regina – Your story about Dottie and John was wonderful! I think I would be speechless too.
@Peggy – Loved your description of the sale. It was overflowing with happiness and I could not stop smiling and laughing along with you. I could just picture all those beautiful horses!!!!! Imagine trying to buy just one. Keep smiling, girl!!
@To My Z Friends – I have visited each day, for well over a hundred days, looking forward to reading virtually every post written. There are many different points of view and approaches, touching, life-changing stories, historic, expert information and amazing links shared. I in turn have tried to respond to those entries that touch me in some way, with interest, kindness and support. I was not alone, because so many of you have been doing the same. Thank you so much! Happy Easter and God’s Blessings To You All!!
Neva Rae Powers
Happy Easter, Zennie!
Sunny Boyd
Good morning Zenyatta,
I hope this holiday weekend has you and your paddock pals finding mint-dipped carrots in the most unusual places. Have you checked your straw for grass-filled oatpoppers? Or have you already been busily pulling the raisin-chipped sweet potato crisps off which might be hanging on your paddock fence?
In any case “Happy Mouthful Day”, with all those munchies :) :)
Joan
I just finished watching the Eclipse awards again. Z won horse of the year!!!!
How many remember the poem Mr.Moss read at the end of his speech. It was from a calender from Tranquility Farms. The last 2 sentences were Zenyatta is tonic for the soul and Zenyatta was transformative.
That says it all. Then there was Dottie, sweet as ever, thanking all us for all we have done for Z, all the fans. Even at their brightest moment they thought of us.
SO, let’s remember how blessed we are to still have our Z thru this wonderful diary. Z is our first gift and the board our second. Happy Easter to all.
Love ya Z
Shema
Hello everyone,
Hello blessed Z,
I was feeling sad and teary this morning, Easter. Spending the day alone.
So I came to this wonderful site, our beautiful place to honor Z, and now my teary tears are shifting to cheery tears.
I don’t feel so alone now. I send you all big hugs. Have a wonderful day.
I hope you get some extra TLC today Zen. Maybe a good massage, or an extra beautiful sunny day out in the pasture.
Loving all the creative posts about Easter.
Lately, as I’ve been taking my walks out by the lake I live near, I’ve been enjoying and finding comfort in imagining you Zen and I walking together, me just alongside you, you with no halter, just walking alongside me peacefully and we feel so connected.
This is bliss for me. My idea of heaven on earth.
Trina Nagele
I have a whole bouquet of olive branches here, and I fervently hope that everyone who has felt hurt by anyone or anything said here in these past days please take one and let it be a healing balm for the soul.
Kari Bussell
Zenyatta, (I so love that name),
Happy Easter!! I love you and all yoor connections with all my heart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-cmLa5Fhg8
Kari Bussell
*your
audreyc
@Amanda Gilliland
Your post was both heart wrenching, and uplifting. There have been other posts, in which people have rather bared their souls, and told their stories. I, too, am an advocate for children and animals, especially animals, as they get the least support. I cannot bear to see any cruelty or injustice. I suffer along with them. Yesterday I went to see a BLM adoption. I so wish I had the resources to adopt one. I would have liked to adopt two burros, as they often have the worst of it. I did the one thing I could – and that was to go to each animal, softly, and whisper to them how very sorry I was – that they went through the brutality of the round – up, was taken from their families, put in “prison”, and shipped around, their fate (a good adoption, a bad adoption, or slaughter) unknown. There, of course, are a myriad of other causes, such as the current seal hunt, for which I sign petitions, in hopes….I believe that one who has suffered trauma, especially as a child, will often develop an acute sensitivity, which is a gift of heightened compassion and empathy,and a call to action, but which is also double-sworded. I wish blessings on all who are struggling with difficulties, be it those have shared on this site, as well as those, who have not. I stated, way back, at the beginning of this site, that I believed Zenyatta’s purpose was transcended to a whole different level. While she certainly has brought a ton more to racing beyond her 19 straight wins, and her best race ever, in her one defeat, her legacy, with this forum, will have encompassed so much more. (thanks to Dottie, John, the Mosses).
Happy Easter!
Hernan Tovar
My dear Zenyatta, let me tell you why I was upset and hurt, the reason, is not because I lost in the pick of the eight, the reason is because I stick to the rules, I only used eight words, I though with those eight words I said everything you are to me… really deep in my heart, I knew something was missing, then when I saw the entry #4, long letter, I felt cheated, I could, and would, have written an ESSAY as well, because you Zenyatta, means so much to me… An I want you to know that I admire your awesome team, they have done so much for all us, your fans, I have no words to explain my admiration for your trainer, My love for you my dear Zenyatta will never end, I will always read everything about you, an I will always write you, Happy Easter to all.
Ingrid from South Beach.
Cynthia H.
@Dawn Conrad. I had never thought of Zenyatta in terms of an Easter bunny, but you are absolutely right! However, the rabbit has never been born who could out-race our Queen! Easter blessings and peace to all who inhabit this site. Today, I placed in a glowing teal-colored vase a bouquet of vibrant pink tulips—your beloved racing colors, Zenyatta—and said a special prayer for your well-being and for that of your cherished human family. May the spring sun shine brightly on your Lane’s End pasture today, and may you seek and find the most tender, succulent shoots of early blue grass. Team Z, our hearts are full to over-flowing with love and gratitude for all that you do and are. Because of you and our Queen, our lives are filled to the brim with sweet memories and new friends to last a lifetime. Blessings.
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
To everyone: Happy Easter and Pesach (which actually began last Monday at sundown–the two holidays sometimes coincide. The Jewish calendar is lunar, hence the variable celebration time of Pesach compared to Easter.
To Shema: “Lately, as I’ve been taking my walks out by the lake I live near, I’ve been enjoying and finding comfort in imagining you Zen and I walking together, me just alongside you, you with no halter, just walking alongside me peacefully and we feel so connected.”
I thank you for this arresting image, especially the part “you with no halter.” The human imagination can bring the absent beloved near. You turned loneliness into solitude (a place from which creativity emerges), thus allowing you to envision Zenyatta walking beside you of her own free will. Whose to say that you were mistaken?
To Kari: Thank you for extending an olive branch as well!
To Deborah Richman: Thank you for your kind words, which you hadn’t posted when I thanked those who found value in my postings.
One comment about language: with children and adults it is wise to avoid the word “ashamed” because it implies the person’s entire being. Hence, if a child drops a glass of orange juice, a parent oughtn’t say “You are a slob!” “Guilt” on the other hand refers to a particular act, not the person as a whole. So to this same child a wise parent might say “Please be careful not to drop your orange juice glass on the floor.
Trina Nagele
OH, JOY! DAWN IS BACK!
Trina Nagele
@Kari Bussell—Thanks for your glorious video tribute to Z.
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny! Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter and Passover. I hope all of you are having a wonderful day with family and friends.
Dani
I think quite possibly the old Zenyatta.com is back. Kindness, understanding, patience, intuitiveness, respect, gratitude, generosity, the importance of friendship and sometimes even unconditional love. May we all remember to see the world through Zenyatta’s eyes and always aspire to emulate these qualities that she so graciously embodies. Happy Easter to all. ~~ Dani
Anna Wiley
Dearest Zenyatta, my computer would not let me vote, but I think Dawn Conrad should win the contest. What she wrote brought tears to my eyes. I wish you a wonderful life and a beautiful, joyous Easter.
All my love,
Anna