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
Vicki B.
@Trina Nagele & @susan in tn – You’re welcome!
S (in san diego)
Welcome back Dawn, You have been missed.
Vicki B.
@Kitei – Thanks for the link about horses used for transportation in France, in lieu of gas-guzzlers. Since it’s from 2007, I went looking for an update, and found a 2010 article, with more info on how the experiment has been working out: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/oct/01/french-recycling-horse-and-cart
Margaret
@Astrid:
Sorry but when tb’s share the same sire they are not considered related. Relationships only come through the mother. Dyna King and Barbaro share the same sire but that’s it as far as any relationship goes.
I’m aware that other registries do this differently and that is definitely their perogative. Some of those registries also allow for artificial insemination and tb registry ONLY allows for live cover.
Carol
This is my first time reading these posts. I assumed it would be about Zenyatta not women’s very personal issues regarding their husband’s abuse and how a race horse provided some sort of therapy, to give only example. Please ladies you make the female gender seem so pathetic and powerles, thinking Zenyatta has the power to heal you. Such co-dependent behavior toward an animal that is only thinking about pears,carrots and rolling in the mud. Yes,she was exciting to watch and cheer for. I saw each of her races and repeatedly on YouTube. But certain details of one’s life should be kept private. Not to be insensitive, but not everyone wants to sift through the numorous disertations of years of anguish shared by another reader when the purpose of this site is centered around “Z” and her connections. People are using this site as a platform to vent their past hurts and seeking approval and praise for all they have been through and go a bit overboard,on and on. Guess what,we all have issues. As adults we choose to keep some details private. Therefore,I will seek information about Zenyatta elsewhere. Yes to each his/her own.
Valeria Cannon
Lady Z, I hope you had a blessed Easter weekend and enjoyed the joy it brings. Congrats on the birth of your ‘new little sister, she is beautiful, just as inquisitive and photogenic as you and your mom! And, we can’t forget to wish your mom congratulations on the birth as well as winning 2011 BroodMare of the Year! This month has definitely been one of life and renewal, and new beginnings. Just think, her birthday is April 2, hmmmm! The more pics I see of your mom, the more I see her in you! The elegance and grace you share, even Ebby and Balance has ‘it’.
May this new week bring new beginnings, life, and renewal to all!
Hugs and Peppermint Kisses to ALL……
Valeria
Joyce
@Robbie, I didn’t get that impression. Just wanted to say that I enjoy your posts and have intended to say so before.
LauraJ
@AJ from CA, the Old Friends calendar is wonderful. I am looking at mine right now. Get yourself one. You won’t be disappointed.
@Carol, why not read the “diary” posts and skip the comments? Or post yourself on a topic that interests you. I wouldn’t mind having more discussion on horse racing or specific horses. Who do you like in the Derby?
Sharon Call
@Astrid. That is just amazing. I saw the first photos of Gifted’s hooves and the abcesses in each one of them. He is just transformed and looks sound in all 4 feet and feeling really good! Did my heart good to see this. Thanks!
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Boy, I am so surprised and a bit put off as this wonderful diary of Zenyatta has turned into everything but which was intended. Now we come here only to read about aspects of everyone’s life which is important and worthy too, but it doesn’t belong here. Each and every day I come here, only to find more and more of the NOT ZENYATTA news. So sad that something that was so positive and uplifting has to have turned into something like this. I am so glad that Zenyatta doesn’t read or comprehend the human writings here, because it would truly throw her into a deep depression!
I want to thank Dottie for allher hard painstaking work she has put into this site to try to make it an exciting, interesting, and fun experience for all of us-and I sincerely hope that it soon gets back to Dottie’s original dream.
My Best Wishes,Prayers, Love & Blessings to Zenyatta and all of Team Z!
Carol from CT
Now I see why so many of you use an initial following your name or your full name or the state you are from. Wish I had done so having just read the comment from the “Carol” who is a first-time visitor. I am a frequent visitor to this site and have enjoyed reading about the impact that Zenyatta has had on people’s lives and the happiness and courage she has brought them.
I am the Carol that made the comment two days ago about making donations to Old Friends. The positive response to that is heartwarming. (I made a donation two weeks ago in honor of some of the wonderful people who I have become acquainted with because of Zenyatta.)
Jack W.
@Carol & LouAnn good posts. This site has certainly gotten out of hand and is way off point. The sniping about the contest “rules” and other non-horse related topics takes away from the focus of this great animal.
Speaking of which, there is obviously something going on with the repro process and for whatever reason Dottie has chosen not to disclose info on Z’s status.
This will only lead to wild speculation and unfounded rumor.
kathy wilson
I am truly ashamed that my fellow Zenyatta lovers could bicker over something that Dottie is doing for her fans!! My concern is WHY ARE WE NOT HEARING ABOUT THE QUEEN???? Statues, Mike(even though I think he is great) aside I want and need information on the queen. Please Dottie DO NOT let these naysayers influence this website and the wonderful information that you give us! I would help you in anyway I could because there are more people like me that CRAVE information on the Queen!
Kathryn Cogswell
“And I whispered to the horse, trust no man in whose eyes you don`t see yourself as an equal.” ~ Don Vencenzo Giobbe .. . thanks to Hearts of Tucson, that in their eyes a technically non-brother of Barbaro has not only value but treasure to share. Astrid`s note above has the link. Vickie B: ‘Children Will Listen,’ Stephen Sondheim`s mirror from INTO THE WOODS offers optional links & a nice Streisand medley on YouTube, with ‘Children Will Listen’ the main point.
sg
–LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missour
—
AND this is why I no longer post on here (and hardly, if ever read).
This thread in and of itself demonstrates how this site has gone way off course. You’re right when you state “Now we come here only to read abut aspects of everyone’s life which is important and worthy too, but it doesn’t belong here.” This site has now regressed to attacking those with ‘opinions’ being scolded and reminded it’s Zenyatta’s site and then followed up with nine paragraph post on what this site means to them, and how dare anyone question or state some implied unhappiness regarding anything Z. Some Z lovers on here have turned into bullies while others have become passive aggressive and some just aggressive. NO ONE has the right to moderate anyone on here. Not even the veteran posters. I’m not talking about trolls, but others who have differing opinions when it comes to Zenyatta. Quite a few have taken it upon themselves to be moderator and then defend themselves by saying only Dottie has that right. NO ONE on here knows what Dottie expects from this site because she has never posted as such. Though I suspect it was meant to keep Zenyatta fans up to date on her and to also have healthy discussions, many who think they are defending this sight are no better than some trolls on here, they’ve only disguised themselves as doing it for the sake of this site. We all are guest on this site, no one has an upmanship on anyone on here and to those that behave that way on here, it’s quite transparent to others.
–
And save the ‘scolding’ for those that I touched a cord with, I didn’t post for you, but for others that feel the same. Yes, there has been some parallel discussions regarding this site. And that is why some who use to contribute positive, fun, insightful post no longer do. Sadly, this is what happens journals similar to this one.
–
Thank you LouAnn for talking words right out of my mouth. I too am happy ‘Zenyatta’s world’ does not include this site and I’m happy she moving smoothly her in journey…
Kathryn Cogswell
HH established gotoseepenny@aol.com when plans for meeting together before the Secretariat Vox Populii Award at Santa Anita was upcoming. Perhaps something like that, an off-shoot, where more detailed notes can be shared, as if, for example, taking something to table at a respected friend`s, might be a nice and appropriate alternative to the longer, more intimate notes some love and others skip. Someone may know how to set up this sort of forum, may have better ideas and may care to pick up on the notion.
livey
@Carol, sg &LouAnn—
I’ve been done with this site sometime ago. For the first time in weeks, I decided to tune in and it’s only gotten worse.
.
Carol-You are right on. There is a time and place for personal post….it’s gotten carried away. As sg mentioned, those that even post-what I feel is constructive concerns/criticism-are slammed on here, then followed by a diatribe of personal “nine paragraph” stories why they are insulted….guilt and sad stories and now used to shame others on here. I think the filters have become extremely distorted. You’re right, it does not reflect well on our gender. Sadly I think it’s beyond correction.
.
The maturity level has digressed to a level that should be shameful to all. For someone to be insulted and ‘guilt’ shamed into silence shows just how caddy this site has become. AND to the ad nauseam guilt defense “Dottie works so hard for this and she doesnt have to do this HOW dare you question ANYTHING!” defense is just as bad as when the trolls visit. NONE of you know Dottie and what she thinks! So please, when you have issues on here with others, please do not use the DOTTIE DEFENSE. It’s offensive to many on here.
.
That’s all. I truly feel that posting on this site should be suspended indefinitely. It’s simply now become an Anne Launders forum.
Eveline
I love to read all post on the days when Dottie is busy. Don’t mind it at all when it goes of topic. We’re all waiting on a new post and we can not expect Dottie to post everyday. Love all the links, views and differences. It would be very boring without it.
Patricia Emery
I apologize Zenyatta for not keeping up with reading all of the comments on #231 for a few days…WOW! I guess that I missed a lot…I started reading where I thought I had left off and then when I started reading some of the negative comments about the contest, I thought to myself, what just happened here???????
I did not enter the contest and was so happy for all of those that did participate. I thought what a fun idea for Zen’s fans…it seems as though somewhere for some of us we lost our way…Yes, I am sure that winning your prize is a great joy, but is this why we come to visit this site, really? that is not why I come here. I come here to read and share my affection for a beautiful horse and her team and fans…not to be part of the hysteria that some have injected into this contest. I was highly disappointed to read some of these comments about the rules and the outcome…please people, let us keep this friendly and a fun place for all of us to visit.
Anyway, Zenyatta are you safe in your barn at LE with all of the bad weather in Kentucky? I hope you are safe.
XOXO Lots of Love
ENSIGN
@ SG and Carol,
.
Couldn’t have written better myself. It’s one reason I’ve shied away from the site in recent weeks. Too much personal information, too many trying to moderate an unmoderated site and very little posting about racing or horses in general (aside from what the site owner has tried to include).
.
I’ll continue to stop in on occassion, but it’s become increasingly a chore to read through the personal life daily details, prayers to god and Zenyatta and other unrelated items.
.
I would like to congradulate the final 4 though and wish all the best of luck in this last week of voting : ) Hope everyone is doing well and hopefully spring is starting to appear wherever you may be.
Astrid
@Margaret – thanks, but I am aware that Gifted is not technically Barbaro’s brother as I assumed most people here are. Gifted’s story started with a blog which was called ‘Tracking Barbaro’s brothers’ (or similar) hence my reference to make it easier:) In any case it was an uplifting sight to see him happy and confident again and it is always good to explain further for those who didn’t know, so thanks!
Mike
Sg,
Well said. No one is moderator of anothers’ thoughts, opinions, words or feelings. I happen to find the “personal” posts uplifting and not at in the least depressing. It is how one views them according to their outlook. There is always something to be learned or appreciated. Zen’s news is always here as well as other ‘horse info.’ Personal sharing has made this a unique bonding site because of such an extraordinary creature like Zen. If one is too fragile or threatened to read certain generous sharings – by all means they have the option to move on and common courtesy dictates keeping their negative opinions to themselves. It is more than apparent many more others value the personal friendships. Read Bloodhorse and the racing forms if you are trying to filter out the ‘human contact.’
karen g
@Jack, Kathy, Cindy – Privacy? A rest? What public eye? It’s not as if she’s had throngs of visitors! Remember Mr. Farish when Zenny arrived? Remember his words? It looks like LE got THEIR way after all! The way he wanted it from the begining – that was his plan all along. In other words – she’s not any more “special” than the others there. Well, maybe to the other owners there, this is true, but we are talking Zenyatta here! LE thinks that all “this” over Zenyatta will just fade away over time. Well, “we’ve” got news for them – she’ll never be shoved into the background of old broodmares there! Not on your life Mr. Farish! Not privy to what was told to Ann or Dottie, but looks like LE wants to control all things Z! Within reason, I can understand some of the issues involved – but just for some measly news on her? Let Dottie and Ann control that Mr. Farish, THEY know how to do that very well! Let them have that much at least!
Mike
Let’s all just keep saying the same thing “best of luck to the final four” and “hope you are doing well Zen.” There is a reason this is read by so many other than those safe remarks. I understand there are those who are comfortable with staleness.
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta good afternoon. We all want to wish you a sunny day even if you get rain :) The children have asked me how you are but I guess your family feels you need some private time. That is ok. We understand. We just want you to know we love you and send Big Hugs and Kisses from Shari and Homeroom 215 XXXOOO
@Thank you Susan the children said that they will take ADORABLE any time :)
karen g
To the teacher at the horse club: Please tell the children how to correctly spell surprise! I only spelled it with a Z (surprize) because it was about her – I hope you all caught on! Thank you again for the lovely surpriZe for her!
Mike
Last remark on this topic. When someone reaches out their arm for help do you extend yours, or turn your back. How do you know they are not in great need at that particular moment? Assisting others who may be in need at the moment is inconvenient and not always a feel-good experience.
LauraJ
@Ensign, hello! I’ve missed you. Who do you like in the Derby? Any rumors floating around that we should know about before we make our wagers? :-)
max
sg and Ensign are right. I always like to read what Dottie has to say. As to the other posts, I would like to see more discussion about Zenyatta as a horse and horses in general and less on the largely irrelevant and boring details of the personal lives of certain individuals. It is also a little tiring to see negative comments about how Zenyatta is being managed by the Mosses and Lane’s End. These people are world class professionals who know what they are doing. If it is in the interest of Z’s welfare to have visitors, it will happen in good time.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
Good morning. Wish we could have seen you in your “Easter Bonnet” like we saw you in your Cheese Hat :) Will check back when the Post has changed. Dawn, I enjoyed your sharing again, nice to hear from you. It’s quite a horse race, good luck to all still in the running. Also, for Shari Voltz, I was able to get the Secretariat Poster signed as well, so you may take your pick for your classroom. The one you do not choose, is a perfect gift for Father’s Day! Hugz to All :)