I’M HERE!
Wow! I had such a TERRIFIC day yesterday. I had a wonderful time saying GOOD-BYE to all of my friends at Barn 55. John asked that we keep my morning nice and private so I could personally spend the time with all of my friends. It was GREAT and SO SPECIAL!
Then at about 8 in the morning, I left my barn, loaded the van and we were off to Ontario Airport. There I boarded the Tex Sutton Plane for Kentucky. John, Mario and Steve all went with me on the plane. The plane ride went smoothly and before we knew it, the plane was landing in Lexington. Fortunately, they prepared me for the cold weather…with all kinds of wonderful blankets. It was 16 degrees when we arrived.
WHAT A GREAT RECEPTION THEY HAD PLANNED FOR ME! The van took me to Keeneland and I had my ‘hair and make-up’ done. Then I was ready to GREET ALL OF MY NEW KENTUCKY FRIENDS. The back-ring area at Keeneland was packed. There were people everywhere with cameras flashing waiting to see me! I walked around the back-ring with Mario first. The Moss’ and Mike Smith walked behind me. Then they presented me with a gift basket and Ann and Jerry thanked everyone for their kindness.
At this time, John took me for another walk around the ring with Dottie. John let me stop and look around at all of the people. I posed and looked at them all. Cameras were everywhere. We had a wonderful, wonderful time. I danced, pranced and tried to greet everyone. What an occasion!
Then off to Lane’s End Farm…MY NEW HOME! We got there and the barn was all lit up. I immediately went into my new stall. My nametag was on it…as was a sign a fan made for my stall door…THE QUEEN REIGNS HERE! It was pink and the letters are in green. I gather fans have been sending me lots of gifts already. There was a Christmas stocking, carrots, peppermints and many other notes and signs waiting for me. This all makes me feel so special. My new home is beautiful. I have about 8 other friends in this barn with me. I’m sure we will become very, very close as time goes on and we get to play outside together. I can’t wait!
Dottie and John told my new home would be WONDERFUL! And it is!
Oops…lights are going out…time to rest! WHAT A DAY!
Thanks to all of you for making it all possible!
With love,
Hugs~
Z
Debbie
Dear Zenyatta, I am so glad you are loving your new home!! The spring will be so much better. We need to all keep vigilant with writing, emailing, and calling the NTRA and the DRF to keep up the fight for Zenyatta to win Horse of the Year. I am tired of the brainless boys at the DRF saying that Blame should get it simply because he won that one race. She won it last year by a much bigger margin and it did not seem to matter then. She deserves this and more, let’s make it happen for her!! We love you!
Theresa
Been wondering how you were adjusting Zenyatta! Sounds like all is very well. Miss you already!
Sherry
I read some other comments that Zenyatta looks “unsettled” in her new stall….We are all so worried about her. I hope the Mosses are watching out for her. She deserves to be treated like the Queen she is…she’s not just another broodmare.
Tania
I’d really like to know more about you and Mario. Is he staying-moving there? Is he leaving? If so, when? I think you’re going to miss Mario so much and I HOPE you post some pics of your last days with him if infact he goes back to CA. I feel like he’s going to be so sad if and when he has to leave you Z.
Lanie Johnson
Hi Zen! I knew you were going to love it there…your team will constatntly visit you I amsure!! Great that you have gifts!!Friends in the barn!! Welcome to my old Ky home sweet girl!!I knew Lane’s End was going to impress you!!They are wonderful people and I’m so glad they were chosen for you!!God bless every one of them…wow..you’ll get to run in the Bluegrass with your friends..HEAVEN!! Til later sweet girl! I love you!
Thanks so much for this update.howkind and wonderful to care about all these fans! We love you for it!!!
Patricia
Zenyatta!
Glad to know that all is well! I got the address off of Lane’s End’s website & my daughter Ella, who is 5 & leaves you messages, would love to send you another box of honeycrisps, if this is OK??!!
Love you lots…it is cold here in New England too, but it sounds like Ann sent you well prepared. Happy to hear you have 8 other “horse-mates!”
XOXO
Gloria Jeanne
I got a tear and huge smile- a stocking for Z. How wonderful- 8 new friends to play with. I hear you like the snow- I miss the snow- stay warm. Love you!
Karen Schmiede
Glad you are liking your new home. Will miss you. Please keep on posting so we will know how you are doing. Thanks, Dottie
Jan
To Team Zenyatta: I wish you would please take Zenyatta back home to you. Look what they’re doing to our beautiful gentle loving princess already….a lip chain! My God why would anyone do that to her??
Vicki
Glad you arrived safe and are adjusting. Wait til you get to go out and run and play! Springtime will bring a whole new chapter and LOVE will be in the air! Keep on doing the blogs they are the highlights of my day when you post! Huggs!!
Stephanie Quilichini
Thank you so much Dottie we have been waiting fro this post!! Please post pictures of new Barn:)
Sarah Powell
So glad to see video of her arrival in Ky – hope they all know what a special horse she is and treat her accordingly!! Please keep the posts coming.
Kristoffer
Getting to “hear” about your new setting at Lane’s End helps it feel like we have not “lost” you, after all. Thank you for these postings.
Anne
My name is Anne and I am a Zenyattaholic. Ah confession is good for the soul.
Zenny I was so excited to see this diary post! I am glad you are doing well. Like any good Zenyattaholic, I missed my daily fix.
CJ
Love these posts…thanks so much..She is everybodies Queen!…xo Zenyatta hugs,face rubs and kisses..!
Saschja Marseguerra
To Jan – How do you know they put a lip chain on Zenyatta? Has she never had that before? Is that why her tongue looks uncomfortable in the video?
Lynette Lucas
I’m glad the transition has gone well and you are enjoying your new home. Please keep updated on what is going on in your new home!!!
Kathryn Cogswell
Jan: Maybe, in a strange setting, the lip focus is a distraction??? Not a call I would have made, when she’s seemed so tractable, but there have been times people I respected used something unfamiliar in a lead as a ‘focus on this’ attention thing. Someone wrote earlier that John was in the trailer with her, plus Mario. ??? Do others know where these later pics are available to be viewed, please?
Fran
Hi Z! Missed you yesterday. Always look forward to your posts! So glad you like your new home. Don’t forget us as we love you!
Sharon Call
Hey, Jan: Where did you see a lip chain on her? Was it on Facebook?
Suzen
Hey Big Girl,
Hope you are settling in just fine. Doesn’t anybody have a camera there at Lane’s End so we can get a nice picture of you? I hope thay understand what you mean to all of the world.
Love and Hugs
Dani
Hi Zen. You look a little lost and confused in your videos. I know you are just getting use to your new surroundings and new people friends. I know it will take time to adjust. I guess it will take time for us to adjust to you there as well. I will try not to worry too much but right now I can’t help it. Enjoy all the treats your fans have sent you – share some with your new girlfriends!! Take good care of yourself. Love you xxxxoooo
Kathy Kimber
Lady Z what a delight to hear from you. Yes it is very cold in Kentucky I’m so glad your welcome at Keeneland was so huge but I new it would be. Your new home sounds great please keep us posted I’m up early and check to see how things are. Welcome gifts how sweet. Do take care.
Diane Sue Brand
Precious Girl, So good to hear from you! Please write all your Facebook fans often and send pictures of you in your new home!!! We love pictures of you because you’re very beautiful ~ You do know that! Maybe some in the spring when you’re out playing/exercizing! Never forget how loved you are & stay warm, Baby Z!
Dr D
Hi “Big Z”‘
You are the greatest racehorse we’ll ever see. You are also number 1 in our hearts:) Hope to see you soon.
Lindy Deas
Queen Z;
Somehow you have touched so many hearts and mine. I am in a wheelchair and, if I could, I would ‘fly’ down to see you and give you the hug you deserve. You may have to bend down to get the hug but, I have a feeling,you would !
love from British Columbia, Canada.
xo
Zen-Fan
I just read John Shireff’s interview from today about “The Adjustment.” I guess Kentucky must have more snow than usual and according to the article, they are maintaining “safety” for our Big girl before turning her out. Playing it safe has been one of Team Z’s priorities & it is nice to see that this remains at the top of their list. Without John coming out & saying it, I did detect the sadness in his remarks. My heart goes out to all of them!
I am not sure who actually created Post #25, if it was Dottie, Sarah or someone else…But THANKS AGAIN & AGAIN!!!! You don’t know how that made my day…really.
LOVE YA “Z”
Andrea
I hope that the people on Lanes End will take good care of you. Your so precious Zenny.
Teena
I was fortunate enough to get to come to Keeneland to welcome you to Kentucky on Monday. I hope other admirers are as lucky as me, and get to see you. You are amazing, and if given the opportunity, I will come to visit you many, many more times. Lots of love to you!
Patricia
To “Dani”…Hi there…
Where are you seeing the new videos? I cannot find any since Monday at Keeneland.
Thanks- fellow Zenyatta Fan!