Hello Everyone,
Wow…it is a bit chilly here…snow and all…but I like it!
I am so excited all of you are wondering what I am up to these days! Well, lots is happening…and ALL OF IT is FABULOUS! I am SO HAPPY!
On Tuesday and Wednesday, I had lots of things to get used to in my new ‘home’. The Moss’, John, Dottie, Steve and Mario all stayed to help me in this transition.
My new stall is great. I have a wonderful big window looking out to several large paddocks. I will get to go out and play in them once I am fully acclimated. The sun shines in my window…so even though it is cold outside…I have lots of sunshine and warmth. I also have a wonderful warm blanket that keeps me cozy.
Both Tuesday and Wednesday, they took me for walks in the barn. Then John took me for walks outside…getting me used to everything. There is a round area right outside my barn that is grass. (snow on top right now) It is about the size of my grazing area in CA. John would take me out there and let me walk for about 30 minutes each time…and then let me graze on the grass. (After I walked on it, the snow was moved aside and the grass ‘popped’ up.) The snow is fun…and feels great on my feet. The grass is lush and plentiful. It is terrific. Then I’d get to stand in the sunshine and just look around for a bit. It is beautiful here.
After this, I’d go in my stall. I’d get to eat and drink water, snack on a few bites of banana and carrots and spend some time with my new friends. This is so relaxing.
My barn here has about 8 other girlfriends for me to ‘hang out with each day’. They are all very nice and friendly. We chat back and forth and I see them out playing from my window. I will be able to join them soon…but I need to do things in baby-steps first to get ready for the bigger paddocks. It is really special…and all of my new friends are great…both horse and human. I’ll let you know about my new caretakers soon. They are very, very nice. Mario and John have spent a great deal of time chatting and working with them…my every need being discussed and met. LUCKY ME!
At 3 today (I’m on KY TIME NOW), some photographers are coming to the farm to take photos of me outside. Dottie has been working with Sarah (at Lane’s End) and our web-site people to help get photos and videos up for all of you so you can see me!
I hope you are well…and enjoy all of my updates.
I’ll keep you posted.
With Love,
Hugs~
Z
Toni R.
Mary, you have the BEST ideas for ENSURING ZENNY is being treated as she should. I NOMINATE YOU to be Zenyatta’s Guardian. I
Am Ready to subscribe!
Donna in Washougal
Oh precious Z! This just sounds like such fun for you! And with your new girlfriends, you can have “sleepovers” and talk about all the studly little boy horses. I’ll be there are some cute ones out there. But don’t give your heart away too fast, sweet girl. Hold out for the best!
Helen & Guido
We can’t wait to come see you in the Spring Queen Z. Keep us posted on visiting arrangements when they’re planned out. I’m sure everyone is taking very good care of you. You’re so special they couldn’t do anything else! Hugs to you and your family.
Carina
Zenny, these updates make my day!
You are so special to all of us.
I agree with what someone else on here said…a webcam near your stall would be great fun.
All the best, beautiful girl xo
Gloria Jeanne
Dear Zenyatta- Thank you so much for the updates. You are the greatest and your new home sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to see more pictures and video of you walking and playing. Now I just have to get used to the time change huh. The snow sounds wonderful- Please make sure and keep warm, maybe ask for a Zenyatta Snuggie from Santa Moss and Friends. Make sure it’s soft and very cozy. Frozen grass and banana’s hhhmmm
With Love, Hugs and Kisses.
Love you Zenny
Gayle
Great to finally see some pictures. Being from Montana, and having weather pretty much like Lexington, I have to say that at first I was surprised that Zenyatta did not have a blanket on during her walk. Then noticed that whoever was leading her did not have gloves or a hat on. Believe me, if he didn’t need those, then she probably didn’t need a blanket… Assuming that the sun was shining, and that makes a huge difference.
Patti Viola
So great to hear from our girl. Thank you very mcuh for the updates; they are very appreciated. I can’t wait until summer to hopefully see her in her new home.
Toni R.
Jim, We went to LANE’s End Farm DEC 7 and while We were requesting info on tours, the woman at the front desk was taking calls about Z and said ” Oh, they are going to turn her out with other horses this afternoon. She is doing great!” While talking with “horse experts”, I was told NO, NO. It takes time. So I appreciate that I need to calm down, but I am not very trusting in lieu of that conversation. We are going to be told what they think we want to hear.
Cheryl Rell
Yea Zenyatta! We are so happy for you! We miss you on the track but we are glad that you are enjoying the good life! We have a case of Guinness for you! :) Ok, now is time to make us all aunts and uncles!!! :)
Elizabeth Jost
It’s wonderful to hear what you are doing every day while getting settled in your new home. I will check in to your site everyday to see what’s new. I Can’t wait for new pictures!
Keep toasty under your blanket and enjoy all your tasty treats!
Think of you all the time and send you fond thoughts….feel the good vibes.
My Cornish Rex cat, Caelen, rears up like a horse (she was raised with Andalusions) so I have always called her, “Zenyatta in a cat suit!” So I have a 7# Zenyatta in my bed every night!
Hugs to you,
Liz
Retrospectiv
Agreed re: Toni R.
She’ll adjust. I see she was blanked in her stall, I’m sure they’re just getting her acclimated to the cold in small doses outside.
Besides, she’s got a much more stressful moment coming up, probably mid to late February when she actually goes to the breeding shed. She’ll have to be jumped by the teaser stallion, possibly Aced (tranq’ed), restrained (twitches, lip chains and leg straps are common) and then actually bred. Mares don’t get any choice or say in this matter. Regardless of what may get posted here regarding the event, there will be nothing ‘romantic’ about it. I’d not worry too much about her adapting to the colder climate ;-)
If you’re not familiar with TB breeding, here’s what Zenyatta can expect (not really graphic, no worries)
http://eventingnation.com/home/FILE0863.JPG
Mousse
Dottie…..As this “National Treasure” embarks on her new career you could do a great service to her thousands of admirers by educating them in the changed life style procedures that Zenyatta is now receiving as she transitions from racemare to broodmare. How her diet and nutrition are different, she no longer will be shod or ridden, the vet checks on the status of her ovaries and the meds used to regulate her estrus cycles, whether she will be put under lights during the winter months. This is an opportunity to enlighten her fans through your voice as she goes through the reproductive process. What a continuation of such a fantastic story this would be culminating in 2012 as she presents to the world her first precious foal.
Toni R.
Re:Retrospectively
Point well taken. I just feel she should have had a “retirement team”, in the same way she had a “racing team”. Just can’ not love her.
Susie Cartwright
Z tell them we get anxious when we don’t hear from you!! I can’t wait til we can come visit. I talked to a Lanes End woman at Keeneland(she wasn’t very nice) and she said it would be up to the Moss’ duh, when we can see you I hope its some time this spring. You should get lots of visitors when the Derby people start showing up! Love you Z
Terry
Hi Z & Dottie! Thanks so much for the diary entry today!! Now, I am so happy!! As you know your fans have been going through transition too! We always knew you were ok with John & Mario, it’s good to know you have really good “New” friends and caregivers! We love you sooo much and I know with just a little time, we won’t have to worry anymore! The photos I’ve seen of you are GORGEOUS!!! Keep up the good work!! God Bless you & Dottie!
Linda Bulger
Dear Zenyatta,
Let everyone there know how happy we all are getting your news. I imagine that this is all new for the horse world that you have become so very important to us all. It is not just about your brilliant racing, grace, genetics but about a gift that the USA needed in a time of great stress. You came with a message, Zen, I think it is “THERE ARE BLESSINGS AMONG THE SADNESS AND STRUGGLE.”You show it in the way you move and hold your head high with pride. Thanks Zen for this. Enjoy the new diggs and keep your spirits high
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
You will always live in my heart-
My Love & Blessings to you Zenyatta!
Retrospectiv
Toni,
She does have a new ‘team’ of sorts, the broodmare team at Lane’s End : )
More of what Zenyatta has awaiting her…
http://www6.worldisround.com/photos/18/60/481.jpg
(not graphic)
It’s the one part I do feel bad about for the mares. Thankfully it’s over and done with within minutes usually.
Diane Martin
Wow, sounds like such an ADVENTURE Z!!! I know you will love your new home. It is such an adventure learning new people and meeting new girlfriends. And snow, that is different, isn’t it. Kind of tasty, too. Life is exciting!!!
Shari Voltz
Hi Zenyatta I am so glad your getting used to your new place. I cried reading the post. You move me so much the emotions just come to the surface. I love you even though I have only seen you on TV and videos. Your spirit is just so gentle and beautiful. I know you will love being with the other horses and running free in the cold clear air. It will be good for you. I talked to my friend who has a 200 acre dairy farm(with horses). She said being with your other friends will be wonderful for you. Take care sweet girl and we are all here for you if you need us. I hope to see you someday since your closer now. I love you Zenny. Shari from Ohio
Jan
Zenyatta,
Thanks for the pics. I hope you are being well taken care of, and receiving a lot of TLC from your new handlers. Is there someone with you 24 hrs a day like at Hollywood Park. The first thing I do after my morning coffee and paper is check your daily updates. Stay warm and have a hot totty Guiness. Lots of hugs and love from Cypress, Texas..
susan vest
It sounds very nice, except we worry that you will miss your team………..calif team……………we don’t want you to be sad…………..we can tell how much your family loves you……………it is ‘the best’ that we will get to see pics and video……..we are so grateful that we can follow you…………luv and hugs……………susan
Karen
What a big change! I hope to be able to come see you next year.
Judy Sims
Thanks so much for the old memories and new diary posts.
Nose kisses & warm neck hugs.
Barbara
Keep up the diary posts. LOVE THEM. Please get videos and pictures when you get to run free in your new pasture. You deserve it so much. Have fun!!
Diana B
I’m sure Z will do fine out with other mares. She will get to know each one over the fence, or through the stall next before she goes into their area. Z will let her handlers know when she is ready. She will probably go out with one friend, the two, then three, until she knows how to be social. Every mare adjusts differently and every good stable manager lets the mare tell him when she is ready.
Z is not with amateurs here. have some faith that they know how to acclimate her.
Debbie
sooo happy to hear from you, love you xo
Lynette Lucas
Queen Z – I’m so glad you like your new home!! Please keep letting us know how you are doing!! Hugs and kisses to a beautiful girl!! Roswell,NM loves you!!
Mary R. Oakley
Thanks for letting us read your diary Z. I can’t wait to hear more about your soon-to-be-pasture mates & how you are faring at the farm. Love you.
susan vest
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!! a Z CAM………….what a great idea………..please.please..please!!!!!!!!!!! Then you won’t seem so far away….surely Lane’s End can get you this one small thing……….a Z Cam………we could all donate to pay for it!! Hugs