Good Morning,
I have received so many FUN messages lately. You are all TOO CUTE! Needless to say, my Barn 55 Friends do keep in touch with ME and all that is going on in my life at the farm. David constantly updates Dottie and John on everything that I am doing. All of the messages are passed along to my dear California family and friends. I often TANGO with them as well. Ann and I do this quite often. I know they miss ME…but we really do keep in very close contact.
I have to say, my dear pal, SOPHIE SHIRREFFS, sent me the cutest message this morning. Firstly, she wanted ME to know that “OUR JOHN” had a fabulous birthday and he truly wants to THANK EACH OF YOU for the kind wishes. She also sent ME a big YIPPEE on my IN FOAL STATUS! She is EXCITED and said all of my BARN 55 friends are absolutely ELATED!
Sophie then added that she heard there is a contest taking place on-line having people suggest a name for my foal. Well, she thinks the name DUMPLING would be TOO CUTE if my foal is a filly. The reason for this is a very inside story.
It is my understanding that often in human families there is a sweet ‘pet name’ or term of endearment that is used when referring to family members and/or loved ones. Well, in our family, Dottie has always used the term “THE DUMPLINGS” to lovingly refer to the MOSS HORSES. As a collective group, we horses have been and are extremely creative both on and off the race track. Not only are we in training athletes at different stages of our careers, but we also send cards, gifts, letters, and messages all of the time. Then when sending notes and updates to our owners about us, Dottie often comments that THE DUMPLINGS are doing this or that. It is truly a loving way in which she has always addressed US!
Thus, that is why SOPHIE suggested DUMPLING as one possible name to be considered.
As you know, the Jockey Club does have very specific rules about naming a horse. The name has to “BE AVAILABLE”. It can’t be in current use or the name of a current producing mare or stallion. Some names are PERMANENTLY removed from consideration as they belong to a very prominent and ‘historical’ horse. I’m proud to say, my name, ZENYATTA, is now in this classification. It will not be able to be used again for another horse. SECRETARIAT’s name is also historical and it falls into this same category. The names of Kentucky Derby Winners are also viewed in this way…and may not be used again. It is truly an honor to be respected on such a level.
Other things may also prevent a name from being accepted. If it is too similar to a current name or if it is ‘reserved’ by an owner to be used in the future, it will be considered as NOT available.
When submitting a name to the Jockey Club for a horse, you may use up to 18 letters…including spaces. You may not use someone’s specific name without their written permission. All names must also ‘appear available’ through the Interactive Naming Program and ultimately be approved by the Jockey Club before officially being accepted for a particular horse.
As a result, it is truly NOT an easy task to name a horse. So many wonderful names are already taken. When you consider that over 30,000 thoroughbreds are born each year in our country…finding that one special or unique name can be a ‘fun’ challenge.
The Jockey Club has a web-site. If you go to it, THE JOCKEY CLUB, and then click on INTERACTIVE REGISTRY, you will see a screen that has several options. Please click on ONLINE NAMES BOOK and try a few of your choices. Have some fun with it and get creative! You’ll see, getting the name you really love is not always easy!
Hmmm….DUMPLING! Dottie just tried it and per the Jockey Club Progam…it is already in use. A 2010 horse has the name. Next, we tried ‘The Dumpling’…not happening. Getting a bit more creative, we tried ‘MY DUMPLING’…and YIPPEE…it appears available! Options, options! Names are just one more fun thing for ME to contemplate!
Good Thinking, Sophie!
With love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Janey Boyd
Z-Sooo happy you are in foal and know everyone is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the next super horse or filly.So glad that the sex of the new one will stay unknown until the birth.So exciting. How about the name Zendini.Will fit either colt or filly and give honor to mom and dad.Stay healthy and happy in Ky.Love your daily posts-Thank you Dottie!!
Tracy
I like dumplings cuz don’t they always end up on top…..like are Zenyatta always did….
LauraJ
Dumpling is cute, but it makes me think of a dun-colored Shetland pony, and not the 16+-hand, dark bay Thoroughbred that’s likely to result from this mating. It’s too bad Bravo Zulu is taken. I liked that suggestion. The foal doesn’t need to be named before it hits the track, so the Mosses have three and maybe four years to decide. Dumpling would be a cute barn name, though.
–
@Judy B, I erred. Step’s race is tomorrow evening, not Saturday. I can’t keep my dates straight. Here’s the program if you are interested. It’s race 4:
http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/CT060311USA-EQB.html
Lori K
How about ” ZENYADINI”
Barb Zylbert
Quenelle is very nice for a filly! I would second that name. How about Zest (as in relish, enjoy) or Zloty (Polish for Gold Coin or The Golden One)? Shu Mia is a Chinese dumpling that is very tasty. There are lots of dumplings from various cultures that could become a meaningful name for Z’s filly.
Jean M.
Beautiful Zenyatta, Your Sophie is too precious and looks so happy, she must be lots of fun as a friend. Her choice of “My Dumpling” shows alot of heart and close family connections which we know means alot to you. I am still tickled pink or blue over the good news so whatever name is chosen will also be perfect as is everything in your life. Love you lots.
Bobbie from WI
Happy belated birthday to John! I just watched Nereid win her race. What a nice filly! Her physical appearance was fantastic and the TVG commentators mentioned that your John’s horses always look fantastic—like you did!
janet
I think I’ll try the name Apoloette for filly in rememberance of the Apollo space program as Zenyatta has always been out of this WORLD!!!
Doreen
How about “Bellavia” – which means “good life” in French for a filly and “Wait and See” for a colt – especially if he’s a closer like Zenyatta. Both are songs from albums produced by A&M Records which was co-founded by Jerry Moss.
Sandy Pintaric
“And it’s MY DUMPLING” by three lengths!” Somehow just doesn’t sound right… I’m in favor of Zendini or Bernyatta!
Lynn
Some names that have crossed my mind.
Twinkletoes
Dance Away
Dance to the Music
Dancintomymusic
Dance Master
What ever the baby’s name is, it will be perfect. Please keep us up with the progress. I have learned so much about Thoroughbreds by reading this every day.
A question: Why are some horses tongues tied down and some of their tongues flop out of their mouths? Genetics?
Finally, a day with no rain here in northern California!
Jodi Ziolkowski
I think any foal you have should be Zensational….because it will be perfect just like it’s parents…Good luck…may your pregnancy progress with speed and good health…
Delrene
Thanks for all the background on the name game. Truly a challenge. Probably sounds too silly for a beautiful thoroughbred, but Dappledumpling!!!
In the end, I know Mrs. Moss will select a wonderful name for her new baby. Besides I’m sure she/he will have a nickname. Wow, it’s going to be something to look forward to in the coming months ahead.
Tiffany Vaughn
I like Amazing Zensation,Zensational Miracle, Zendini, BurninUpZtrack, Too Hot To Handle, thats all I can think of right now :)
Tiffany Vaughn
Oh haha How about HOOVES CROSSED :)
Neva Rae Powers
Zendini is my vote for now.
suew
Zenny…thanks to you and your Dottie our education continues. I love this diary because I have learned so much about horses and the racing industry. There sure is a lot to think about when considering a name. I have no doubt your Ann and Jerry will come up with something appropriate for your first offspring. You are Zensational in my eyes (that name may already be taken though). Sophie is “too cute” and obviously loves to stay in touch with you. I did send a card to your Barn 55 friends ocngratulating them on your news. After all, you are one big family and always will be. It’s great Ann stays in touch with you…if you were mine I’d never let you out of my sight. Sweet dreams tonight…maybe I’ll visit that site and try out a few names.
Kmberly
How bout….
1. mymamasadancinqueen
2. dream a lil dream
3. in my mamas eyes
just my thoughts!
Susan in TN
Zenny- I am so glad you and Sophie keep in touch. It’s fun to have multi-species girlfriends! I’ll bet Barn 55 is really excited about your baby and everyone is coming up with names-what fun! I love that Dottie refers to the Moss’s horses as “The Dumplings”-that is TOO CUTE! I really like My Dumpling for your little streudel when he or she comes out of the oven, but as I have said before, I am not known for coming up with great names. I’m also happy that you and ALL of Team Z are so close. You and your Team make all of us SO happy! Good to hear that your John had a fun birthday. I call one of our horses “Pignewton” because he is sweet (and usually sticky) like a fig newton but he gets dirty faster than any horse I’ve ever known-like “Pigpen” on Charlie Brown. That’s not his real name-just an endearment, like The Dumplings. You would like him,Z-he is always up for anything but really enjoys his eating :) Please thank Sophie and Dottie for such an interesting post. I will try to think of names, too. Love you!
@Everyone: Love all your name ideas and posts!
@Laura J: Good luck to Step tomorrow!
barb france
How about Z Dumpling…gotta say that with a german accent like my mom. This will be fun to see all the names people will come up with.
Joan
@ Laurel J, good luck to Step, Safe trip home.
My name for Z is Renato which in Latin means “Born Again”
Love ya Z
Susan in TN
P.S. What is “TANGO”?
Janet Cutting
It certainly isnt too easy to name your foal– I like the idea of naming the “little Z” when its born– I think a perfect name will happen when they see the baby. So much to look forward to…
Judy Sims
Hi Zenny:
Sophie is just so adorable and looks as well cared for as you do.
Here’s a thought on what to name your foal: since your mother’s name is French and your sister, Eblouissante is French for dazzling how about “BOULETTE DE PATE” which means “DUMPLING” in French?
Bon appetit!
Hugs and nose kisses,
Judy 8-)
Elaine
Being owned my Jerry and Ann Moss, the foal’s name should be musical. Look at the names from The Police!
Susan in TN
@Judy Berube: Thank you for your kind comments. I definitely think that horses sense really quickly if you genuinely care about them and are caring FOR them. It’s something that is hard for me to explain-they are so intuitive. I am really happy with the progress Root Beer is making. He is such a good boy. <3
rachel
Hey Zenny you know how you were named after an album by the Police called Zenyatta Mondatta and you were named Zenyatta so your dear jerry and ann should name your foal Mondatta i checked for it in the jockey club and no matches and nothing to simalar. i think the name is pretty gender neutral.
judy berube
To Laura J.:
Good luck with Step tomorrow evening. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Susan in Tn.:
You are making a difference; God Bless. Hugs, J.B.
Sharon Simons-Passmore
No… Dumpling isn’t classy enough for a baby of Zenyatta’s. Sounds more like a dog’s name. My Blue Heeler, MOXIE, agrees!
So glad to hear of the baby news. Still hoping we fans/professional artists can get a chance to visit in person. Waiting to hear from David or Sarah. I “owe” the Mosses a portrait – this goes back 20 years. Perhaps I’ll write to John and Dottie.