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
Dana
Love you Zen! I would have loved to see you run next year but at least we were all so fortunate to see you race again this year and retire healthy and sound! I know that you are at a fabulous place. (Most people would love to have a residence as nice as yours!) We must inform our fans that the cold is not problem for us, especially when our coat is grown out or we have a blanket. It is the wet cold that we don’t like and we prefer the cold over the heat. We will love playing and grazing in the lush pastures, especially next Spring! The Queen of England has stayed here so it is only fitting for Queen Z to do the same!
sue
I also recommend everyone read John’s interview from today. Zennie wanted to be out in the snow with the other mares which is another reason she may have appeared anxious. John carefully explained it is for her SAFETY that she is kept in and hotwalked rather than running free. To think it’s all about money …especially when it comes to her owners is ridiculous IMO.
sue
Linda just google Notes from the field-Backside 55 and it will take you to the site. It’s really great.
Janina
I am so much happier. I cannot wait to meet Z now that she’s closer to the right coast. Sometime soon–I know it won’t be right away. There’s lots to do. Plus, snow takes some getting used to as well as the cold. I know the Mosses and John will truly make sure she’s happy and stays in touch with the public. That’s what gives her her sparkle. :> Stay in touch!
Linda / NJ
Thanks, Sue I found it. You’re right. I do feel a whole lot better. I think going forward I will only comment on the positive. Thanks for sharing.
Roberta
I’m a horse owner in Tennessee and Zenyatta’s reaction to her new surroundings is pretty typical. My horse does much the same when I’ve taken him someplace (Rood & Riddle for vet care, shows) and he certainly gets loads of attention and love and treats everywhere he goes. So I wouldn’t be too worried. Also, it’s best to let them figure things out, which she will b/c she is a very smart horse. In new places, they want attention on their terms, not human terms.
In terms of the weather, I’m sure the barn is kept properly. And I saw that Zenyatta is blanketed in her stall. They probably figured when she was out and walking to get acclimated that she wouldn’t need a blanket, and they’re probably right. Lane’s End is a professional operation and they’re certainly not going to take chances with the health and well-being of a mare as important as Zenyatta.
Would love to hear about the other mares in her group when she joins it – bet Zenyatta ends up being the Alpha Mare and that they all love being bossed by the best.
dunewood o'neil
Zenny,
What do you think of the idea of being bred and then coming back to a farm of your own in California with all the people who love you?
Best to you always, dear Queen!
Dana
I agree Sue! It’s not about the money. The Mosses don’t need it and they let us enjoy her racing another year! And your post was good Roberta!
Catherine Uher
I’m SO, SO, SO HAPPY to hear from you! I know we have all been wondering about you and how you were settling in to your new home and am so happy to hear that you are happy! I agree with all the other fans that a Z-Cam would be awesome! Of course, you could have it turned off every now and then so you could have some privacy, but we all just love you so much and want to stay close to you! You have a wonderful family that has been so gracious with you and allowing your fans to be so close to you and I hope your new “family” will continue the tradition. Please be careful on the snow and take those baby steps so nothing will happen to you. Hugs right back to you beautiful girl! xoxo, Catherine
Carrie
I was in depression for the last two days..there was no postings for 2 days..What joy to open the computer after a long day of work and read how my girl Z is doing. Thanks for the update.Love you Z.
Diane B
Wouldn’t it be great for Zenyatta to meet up with her mother (Vertigineux) who is just down the road from her on another farm. That would make a great Christmas Card!!!
Kristoffer
Ahhh–please keep up the daily notes. It will keep us from our withdrawals from you, Zen girl, and enrich many lives. Thank you
Sharon
Yes, a Z-cam that we, her fans, have to pay to subscribe to and the money goes to horse rescue or retirement causes!!! all paws up for that idea!
love you, Zenny. Take care
Tere Thomas
Relieved to hear from you ZZ!! So pleased you are taking in your new adventure with excitement and curiosity. Keep us posted – the journo just makes my day! Love to you!
Sheri
So glad to hear you are liking your new place. A window to look outside and have the sunshine through. How nice for you Queen Z.
We have snow here in Boise too. Until next time!
Linda Craig
Wow Zenny, John & Mario are still with you? You are a lucky girl. We sure you love to see you on a cam because you are so special.
Tory
I don’t see how you like the cold with only a blanket. Isn’t your barn heated? The really good sanctuaries heat them for their elephants. You deserve the best. I hope you won’t be having so much fun that you forget to write us. We love hearing from you so much.
Diane B
Sharon that is a great idea. I would sign up for that and it would be for a good cause.
Lynn Meier
OH YES… I love updates! Keep ’em coming.
Thank You ever so Much! I Love you Z. :)
Anne
Zenny you are going to have a White Christmas! I love reading your blog and am so glad you like your new home. Soon you will meet make many new friends and you girls can visit and share stories about all those cute studs.
sue
I think this short clip of Z’s vet back at 55 has to say about her and how she will adjust to her new home. It’s a very good interview by a vet who knows Z very well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGMw8c0LID8&feature=related
Cheri
Hope everything goes well for you in the future Zenyatta. Hope next year they match you up with A P Indy, on nicks rating its triple A plus match
Anne
Hey Z,
Glad you are doing well. BRRRR… it was cold there for your introduction back to KY on the 6th. Keep that blanket on until a winter coat of your own forms. I love, love those winter pictures of you. How lucky you are to have Ms. Livingston taking your picture. She captures your every essence. One could be a beautiful Christmas Card. Don’t your think?
Keep us posted. We all love hearing from you and appreciate your time in giving us the updates.
CHRISTY ALLEN
After spending over 25 years racing TBs, I’m SO happy that one of the GIRLS gets some interest after she retires!
Usually the Boys get all the attention….about time the girls get the
credit they deserve!!!!!! They do ALL the work!
Zenny, you deserve ALL the attention
right now and I hope the racing public keeps in touch!!!
Grace
Glad to hear you are doing good and getting use to your new place and have lots of friends. Love to hear how you are doinig. Look forward to hearing from you soon. Take Care and God Bless !!!!!!
Deneen
Big Mama Z — I am so grateful for the updates — Thank You!! I am happy you are settling in well! The snow is very beautiful, isn’t it? When it gently falls from the sky to create a blanket on your back and tickles your nose to make you feel a little frisky, these are just a few of the wonderful things you have to look forward to. Please let your family members know that I have COMPLETE confidence and faith in their decisions for you. Lanes End is a WONDERFUL place with kind and caring people. Please take care my sweet girl. Love you very much!!
Diane B
I would think there are already cameras set up internally for the staff to keep an eye on the horses. Turning one into a public webcam that we pay for and the funds generated to go to an etablished Horse Rescue Operation, well that is just wonderful PR for the farm and for Zenyatta! We could start a movement on this.
Paula Higgins
Well, it sounds like things are going well and I am thrilled her barn is heated! It is freezing down here in the south -29 degrees. I know horses don’t feel it like we do, but I am sure it isn’t comfortable. I believe she will be fine and they will be giving her alot of attention and affection. They want Zenny to be happy. Plus, they would have us to deal with if she wasn’t LOL. I hope all her California family is doing o.k. I am sure this is very hard on all of you. Hang in there.
Sharon in Ohio
Just wondering why the person walking Z seemed very business like and matter of fact…how about a nice friendly face for the Queen? I would love to see a blanket on her for her transition. I live in Ohio, and it is very cold this week…I am 4 hours from Z! The Sun is warm but the air is cold…been in the 20’s and 30’s this week…just saying. Love you Zeny xxoxox
jim
i love you Z. i pray for you every day. god bless you