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
Hana
I love ‘My Dumpling’ though <3
Bonnie MacRaith
What about Dumpling for a pet/barn name and something a little more racy for her track name. I have also always liked Zendini…for some reason it reminds me of Houdini the famous escape artist. Whatever her/his name is I know this foal will be loved by Zenyatta who won’t care what it’s name is… she will just know her own foal by the way it smells and runs to her and clings to her side.
Mike
Great name! No doubt Zenny’s offspring will ‘dump alot of bling!’ So you have dumpbling or dumplingz. Seriously.
Sally (B)
Hi my sweet Z; am I too late for this evening to wish you all the blessings for a goode night & a great tomorrow. So Sophie wants your baby to be named “Dumpling”, so cute. The Dapple Dumpling even better. Oh, I am thinking music, not just who made music under the Moss’s. and other thoughts of Z! I have loved all ideas and this is so much fun!! Still like Zendini. How about, “Z’s locomotion” , “Simply IrreZiztible”, “Zbabybern”. But I can’t help thinking of the sweetiest picture of Ann & Z. So how about “Annie Z” if a filly. or think of our good friend Dottie, “Good Golly Miss Zotty”. Oh boy, guess I am having too much fun now, but why not? Goodnight my special one. Love with a kiss on your soft nose
Jeanne O.
I think the name ‘Moss’s Dumpling’ has a nice ring to it.
Patti
What a great post…I have laughed at the creative names we have come up with. It is a big responsibility to name such a royal foal…hum…I love that your beautiful name has be removed from being used by another. You are very deserving of this honor. Rest well big mama…loves and hugs.
Miriam
How about ‘Zenny’s Hope’.
Michelle
@Abigail from Montreal – I LOVE all of your Z names. Very good job. I think Dumpling is very cute for a nickname but I don’t think it is appropriate for any babies by our Queen Z. We will have to think long and hard for the right name. What a special team you have Z, I always enjoy these posts.
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, How cute the picture of Dottie and Sophie. Sophie is so sweet, I just love her. Names will be the name of the game. I think that the Moss’ will want to choose the name for your foal and I think they should. I have decided to call the foal WINK! WINK! until it is born. I feel good about that. I really dont feel good about a contest regarding a name after it is born. I think the Moss’ have a inner closeness with Zenyatta and they should name the FOAL as they see to be fit. That will be their baby from their loveing mare, Zenyatta. I love Zenyatta with all my heart and I hope her foal will have much of mommys constitution. I do believe there is only one Zenyatta. I love you Zenny and always will.
Nancy
……………Sum Dumpling.
Nancy
I think Sum Dumpling a perfect name.
Kari Bussell
Dear Dottie, Please let us know if Makoma is okay… I know you are very busy and it may take a while for test results and such, but as you can see we are worried. You are in our thoughts and prayers sending positive thoughts and hoping we get Good news soon. Love always.
@ Nereid Congratulations!!! We should not neglect to comment on your victory today!
Roberta Joy
Happy for you our beautiful Z. We want you to have a filly that looks just like you, we couldn’t ask for any thing better than that!! We love you stay healthy.
KIMBERLY
Cute name. How about JUSTWAITNZZZ or INZNICKOFTIME, in honor of your running from behing style!!! Nitey Nite ZZZZZ
Hana
Just one more~ XD
Zumplini c:
Maureen
I saw Mahoma race today. She was pulled up by Chantal. Zenny and Dottie, how is she? It is difficult to find any information on her at present. I do hope she is okay.
DJ
Of course…we need to take into consideration The Kentucky Derby and picture the announcer calling out “and it’s MY DUMPLING for the win!!” Cute for a mare, but maybe for a colt we might need ‘GUINNESSTRIKESBACK’ !! Goodnight Sweet “Z”, more fun days ahead :)
…………………………………..
Aaron
‘BLAMEITONBERNIE’
Aaron
I take it back ‘BLAMENATTA’ for the Win!
Margaret
May I humbly suggest that those inclined to give to a horse rescue do the following:
It doesn’t matter what rescue you choose to donate to. It could even be for dog or cats or even The Cancer Society. Just make sure you let them know you are doing this on behalf of Z’s baby.
You are also responsible for checking out any organization you donate to. Many here have suggested some that have outstanding records. But YOU need to do your homework and find out what works for you.
Perhaps OF would be willing to do an eBay kind of auction next spring if they get enough donations. We’d have to see what sorts of things come in and what could be sold on eBay. I’ll leave that one to Michael.
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I love this post! The photo of Sophie & Dottie is so sweet. They are so cute in pink with their pink phone. Now that’s Too Cute! Tell Dottie I didn’t know how they got horses’ names. Thanks for the info on the Jockey’s Club. The names has always amazed me & I wondered how they came up with them. Now I see how difficult it is to name a TB & why some just sound so odd. It’s fun to play around with all the combinations. I think it’s great that everybody is listing names. It’s just so much fun to read them. Zenyatta, I still think it’s just a dream to hear you are In Foal! I need to end each day with some good news and You always make me smile! To think of you carrying your baby is a miracle in it’s self. I love YOU,Zenyatta more than YOU know. I’m thinking of names for YOUR little one! Sending Hugs & Kisses From Alabama With Love, Amanda G.
@ Sunsan in TN- Thanks for thinking of my family. I admire you working with the horse rescue. I know how rewarding it can be for the horses & you. That has always been a dream of mine to connect with horses again and have them in my life full time.
Doreen
@Maureen – I read an article stating that there was no apparent injury to Makoma. According to the stewards, Chantel did not feel comfortable with how Makoma was traveling. IMHO Chantel did right by the horse by pulling her up. I hope this is true and Makoma is doing fine.
HeidiK
What happened to Makoma???
Zenny, are you going to have a name contest on here for you lil baby?
myrna miller
Sophie Sherriffs,You are the cutest little dumpling I have ever seen. You never take a bad picture, and your smile and joie de vive are enchanting. You make me feel so good! I know you have the best parents in Dottie and John – seems like you know what a lucky girl you are too! And Dottie, I love that your Zenyatta Diaries are becoming famous all over the world. I know they make my every day brighter. And as an addendum to my blog yesterday John, Your Gemini and Zenyattas Aries are wonderful together, and then I realized that you’re both born on the first day of the month as well. Those born on the same day of the month have a special affinity for each other. So no wonder you’re like 2 peas in a pod and love each other so much. As for a name, I still like “HeartSong”, and I think “My Moma Can Dance” is darling, but for a more sophisticated Z name, how about “Zorina”,for a filly. I think she was a wonderful dancer many years ago, and the name has the Z for Zenyatta and the na for bernadini. Hugs & Hooves, Myrna
Victoria
“Bernin It Up” is avalible…I think thats cute. *wink wink* They should make a movie about you, Zenny. :)
Karen Gogue
Yeah, John Shirreffs! On the day I got to meet Princess Eblouissante, Mr. Kronfeld’s horse, Nereid, wins the 5th race @ Hollywood Park! Wow! What are the chances of that? Maybe that birthday cake had a little MO-JO added? (which I proceeded to stick my fingers in! Forgive me, John) It couldn’t be me – no, the bundle of excited jello, Ha! But the magic is still there, no doubt. Tween E is so beautiful, and yes, she is so friendly and sweet……I met her groom, Cowboy, too – So exciting all! (I know, like a kid in a candy store @ disneyland, huh?) But most of all, thank you John and Mario for letting me into Zenny’s stall – the tears were coming, but I held up (didn’t want to start blubbering, cause when I blubber, not a pretty site – Imagine eyelashes sliding down cheeks, sucked into mouth, well, you get the picture! I was an emotional middle age (OK – old!) broad! Almost forgot to snap pictures – and then when I was leaving, I took John’s birthday cards along for a ride around Holly Park and out to Century Blvd before I realized I had them!! Blush, Blush! Not too cute! Yeah, #1 Bubblehead, here! John just gave me that twinkle eye and laughed. Thank you John and your Barn 55 crew I met today – they were just as gracious, friendly and kind as you – great bunch of human dumplings you do have there – All winners! The best “Huggers” in the world @ Barn 55. I felt as though I belonged – we all had the “Huggies”. Hope Ann and Jerry like the picture too…..thank them for me for the wonderful blessings they continue to bestow on all us in the Z Zone. Congratulations are in order for the foal on the way – so happy for them and Zenny, finally. I do wish I had met Dottie, too. Please give her the biggest hug you can and the biggest, sloppiest kiss that’s in you John from me for all that she does for Zenny’s fans……I see her at the track sometimes, but am afraid to approach her – I do get overly enthused and I’d probably throw my arms around her with the tightest WWE headlock hug and knock (OK – tackle) her to the ground! Security! Security! I can see it now – crazed Z groupie bodyslams Dottie Shirreffs with Hawk Hogan blockbuster slam-bam! Oh, so not happening! Dottie you ARE our hero, powerful, but sweet, girl power. She is indeed that one. I don’t know how she does it all, John. (well, Sophie’s a big help, too, we know. She and Zenny are the same – only difference – 10lbs and 1200lbs!) Now to find out when Dottie’s birthday is – Blink-Wink, HeeHee. (Did everyone find themselves John? Don’t overlook anyone – look real close, some are so tiny. FunFun!) So exciting today John, couldn’t you tell? Yeah, you could tell – stick fingers in cake, lick said fingers, then take back birthday cards and take off! GEEZ!! What a day to remember! What a delirious disaster! What an Aura Barn 55 has – the heavenly charm of John – pure bliss!! Love and Huggies to all! Karen Long Beach
Carmela Bozulich
I could really have fun with the whole naming thing…
DanceDiniDance
Berzendini
Zen Dance
Give me some time, I’ll have more :)
Love you, Lady Z…stay well!
Kirren
So many have come up with wonderful names! Great job everyone! :D I can’t wait to hear what the Moss’ decide to name the little one when it gets here. So exciting!
Good to hear from you, Z, and I’m glad your John had a good birthday! Stay happy and healthy!
As always, love and miss you!
M2 + Little Bit & Ready Lady (The team from the Little Bit Ranch)
I spoke with my quarter horse Little Bit about offering his registered name as an option. He said he would be very honored. Fits so well… it is “Awesome Deed”.
candi cartier
sophie she is soooo adorable and sooo cute and sooo happy,zenny take good care always love you candi from florida.