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
Kari Bussell
I love My Dumpling!I am so full of joy for you Zenyatta and Team-Z. This song most says how much I love you. I did a video to it, but YT wouldn’t take it. I sent it with a 5 page letter to Garth and I got a response in which he said he would be very proud to have his name and song associated with a Champion of your greatness, but he did not have the power to approve it…somehow this person got this up…I need to check these things change sometimes. It had special unpublished great photos a friend of mine sent to me…I have searched for 2 months now for the “perfect” song to use the photos and celebrate our love and All that is Zenyatta. Any suggestions?
@Susan in TN…You are doing a great thing. Your post are beautiful and inspirational. You do our state very proud!
@DJ- thank you- You are a soft gentle soul.
I love you all! Love-Joy Happiness & Laughter always to everyone in Zennyland!
This is not mine-http://youtube.com/watch?v=jry2bGYepgI
Linda in NJ
@Valerie said: I like the name: My mama can dance! Lol, that’s a good one.
Christine Coleman
How’s my Zenny Moss-Shirreffs-Mario-Smith-Bernardini-Coleman? Thanks to the Mosses sharing you with us I get to check up on my very own beautiful champion thoroughbred mare! Glad life is good to you Zenyatta! You are indeed a representative specimen of God’s Handiwork. The magnificent HORSE!!! I can’t wait until you let us all know if you have a lil colt or filly snuggly on board! What ever name the Mosses come up with I know I will love!
Kari Bussell
Oh, good grief I can;t seem to do a thing right the first time anymore LOLOL! Gotta just laugh at yourself sometimes…Joy to all….Try again….Zenny I truly am Shameless…when it comes to loving you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jry2bGYepgl
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. Happy Birthday John. What a wonderful diary – Sophie is so cute. I just love the dumpling name and story. I also would like to know how your friend, Makoma is. Our prayers are with her. You look so beautiful in your previous diary, glowing like a beautiful mommy. Please eat well, enjoy the summerlike weather, and have loads of fun with your BBFs. Love you, Angel in Disguise.
Leslie
Or how about Sophies’s Zee
Sarah Powell
Great post today – it’s always so interesting – Sophie is TOO CUTE! Bet she misses you. Can’t wait to look up my name and see if it’s taken. I like Zensational Dancer. Of course they would withdraw your name – there can only be on Queen Z – ever!
Kari Bussell
So sorry third times a charm! I Hope! Oh, good grief I can;t seem to do a thing right the first time anymore LOLOL! Gotta just laugh at yourself sometimes…Joy to all….Try again….Zenny I truly am Shameless…when it comes to loving you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jry2bGYegpI
Sarah Powell
Forgot to say thanks Dottie – we couldn’t do without you!!
nina
How about Zanni. Is an italian venetian theatrical character.
Fran
Hi Z! Wow, naming a horse is kind of difficult. Very complicated! I am so glad that you get to talk to everyone. I kind of like Dottie’s Dumpling but don’t know what everyone would think about it. I think it is very cute. I will have to put on my thinking cap and try to come up with a name, but I bet you all already have something in mind. Whatever he/she is named, we will all love it. I am just very sure. It is beautiful here in CA this week. Nice cool weather which is very nice here in Central CA. Have a wonderful evening Z! xxoo
Camelia
How about DAZZELED as a loose translation of your dam’s name? Or BREATHLESS as another translation? Street Wise is another possibility or Senseless as in a combination of Street Sense and Dazzeled. Then there is always Zendini or Bernyatta as in Brangelina (too fadish), that so yesterday couple. Perhaps Sly Surprise for Machiavellien (your side) and Week End Surprise (his side)? Good luck. You have brought me a lot of pleasure!!
vanessa ST. John
how about….. I’m born to win…. it works for both filly and colt
Abigail from Montreal
Hi Zenny & Dottie & Sophie: “The Dumplings” what a great story and yup — TOO CUTE!
Well, I did in fact buzz off to the Jockey Club. I had actually done some “names that start with Z” research awhile ago, so I pulled a few off my list. GUESS WHAT! Several were NOT taken (yet)! Most of these are African words, I believe:
1) Zatasia – first born (GIRL)
2) Zayn – beauty (BOY)
3) Zhen – precious (GIRL)
4) Zhenya – noble (BOY)
5) Zyana – blessing from heaven (GIRL)
6) Zikomo: thank you (BOY)
7) Zaynah: lovely one (GIRL)
8) Zandra: Defender of all (GIRL)
As you can see, I found a lot more names for a filly than for a colt. But I tried to pick names that would resonate with Team Z and especially, with Ann. It was lots of fun going on the Jockey Club site and although you need to register, the Interactive Name part is absolutely FREE!
Abigail from Montreal
WHOOPS! I don’t know how that Happy Face got on there but it was an ACCIDENT!
tony and sue
Hi Zenny, Lots of good information here. QWe love to read your diary because it gives us so much to comtemplate and “stretch” our brain cells a bit. Sophie must really like you…she misses you a lot just like the rest of your Barn 55 family. We’re thinking Jerry and Ann will come up with a musical name for your little one. So far they’ve done well with names for their “dumplings”.
Linda Clausen
That little Sophie sure is a cutie too!
Marty
Sophie is adorable. Dumpling is a very cute name.I like the name DanZen Queen..
Robyn Mullhausen
Zenyatta, so wonderful that your unique name is permanently removed as a selection by the Jockey Club. There is and forever will be only ONE Zenyatta! Sophie looks too cute in her picture as always. Glad she has kept in touch.
Whatever name you foal gets, I pray that the name and especially the foal are as unique and wonderful as you are. I’m sure your baby will be beautiful, but none other will ever match your beauty and class. I hope you teach the baby your “dance routine”. Love, love, love from Robyn in Baltimore. :)
Lil from KY
OMG, these names get sillier & sillier
Dumpling is ok for pets, I had a dog I called Plum Puddin”, but would NEVER name a race horse that.Zenyatta’s foal should not be named a food item, nor wink wink, too cute, hooves crossed & such.
These terms are ok for using on this website only.
Don’t worry ZEN, your baby will have an honorable name, not a goony one. Love & sweet dreams to both of you.
WILD HORSES
I think the Moss’ will come up with something great for your 1st Big Z. I have always liked that they use alot of one word names. I think that makes the name more memorable. I have always kind of liked Zenmaster if it’s a colt, but I really hope they incorporate the letter Z into all of Zenny’s foals names.
As long as she gets a healthy foal is all that really matters to me. Once I see that baby I know it will be love at first sight. The thought of it already brings tears to my eyes-happy ones. I can’t wait! Lori
Kim S
Wonderful news Zenny!!! I knew I would miss the announcement when my computer conked out on me a few days ago. Wanted to sneak a peek at work but knew I wouldn’t be able to leave this hypnotic website if I did :) And I also missed John’s birthday but read that he had a great day, so anyway, belated Happy Birthday John!!!
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and I will be catching up with all the Z fan news.
Lotsa love to all.
victoria racimo
my dumpling works, boy or girl!
lara
i think a horse’s name should sound grand – like zenyatta or secretariat. dumpling sounds too much like dump. i can’t imagine hearing the announcer say “and there goes my dumpling.” a first foal from a horse like zenyatta should be a majestic name maybe, not so cute.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
‘MY DUMPLING’…well what could be more perfectly comforting than a soft lovable baby bunting delivered by the stork herself?! Truly a perfect name chosen from those who love and care deeply for all of the ‘little dumplings’ in their charge. Most especially, the first of the name-sakes! We are honored that you would share your thoughts with us. Thank you “Z”, Dottie, and especially little Sophie for your own personal “Yippee!” You are always just TOO SMART! XXOO
……………………………………
Reminds us of our favorite Classic Disney Movie when the sweet Elephant mama, Mrs. Jumbo had her little baby dumpling with the big Ears delivered it was just TOO PRECIOUS and love at first sight!!
……………………………………
DJ
p.s. Wondering if Makoma is alright or suffered an injury today. The break looked clean and Chantal was spot-on but something went awry after the second bend. Praying all is good with Makoma.
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zenyatta,
well, what a cutie your little buddy Sophie is. :) :) :) Nice to see a picture of her again, too.
How about ‘Prestissimo’ ‘Presto’ ‘Rapido’ ‘Stretto’ ‘Velocissimo’ all musical terms for fast/quickly
thanks for all the info on name owning for professional horses. Very interesting.
Well, you have a good night & peaceful dreams
TZ
Hi Zenyatta. I’m glad you are doing reallyt well.
How about “ZenBern”? It combines both parents names and it sounds good. Or “Regal Zen”? Or “Bernazen’?
The names just keep coming. Maybe Dottie should just put names on carrots and offer them to you in a basket. Whichever one you pick out is the name it will be.
How’s that for a solution and you as the mom really will choose your foal’s name.
TZ
Quarterhossgal
One of the best things about breeding a mare, as an owner you get to name the foal! And you have 11 months to do it. When I have a foal I always send my first, second and third choice of names. Many times having an unusual spelling really helps secure your choice of a name.I try to include a part of the sire and dam’s name in my selection. Especially with Queen Z and Bernardini, a part or reference to them should be part of it. See what you’ve started Zenny, we have several months to add our thoughts.
Hana
I came up with one more. <3
Zumattai c:
Zoo-mah-tye
Z and atta for, of course, Zenyatta
Um for dumpling
i for Bernardini <3