Good Morning,
I just love this cake! A wonderful fan, Karen Gogue, brought it to BARN 55 for MY JOHN on his birthday! I heard the cake was quite tasty and everyone at the barn loved every bite! I must say, not only is Karen’s thoughtfulness of getting a birthday cake for John very special, but the phrase she used ON the cake is absolutely perfect for him as well:
LIFE WITHOUT HORSES…
I DON’T THINK SO!
This is absolutely TOO CUTE! This is truly the way he feels!
On so many different levels, MY JOHN feels that WE HORSES simply have a way of making people FEEL GOOD! As a matter of fact, he often comments to his friends and staff……. whenever you have a tough day and things appear to be a bit challenging….RELAX, TAKE A DEEP BREATH, and GO HUG A HORSE!
I really LOVE this philosophy! In truth, hugging US and being around US can be GREAT FUN!
Have a wonderful Tuesday!
With Love,
HUGS TO ALL! (Especially ALL of my FELLOW HORSES!)
Z
Signofthetimes
Sorry
Training horses is truely a gestalt.
Paula Higgins
What a great cake!!! John is so right, hug a horse and the world will be alright. GOD Bless everyone who loves horses because they are true gifts from above. That includes dogs and cats. A great trainer is a true gift to horses as well. It works both ways.
Suzen
Sending hugs to you Z!
suew
Zenny…I wish I could hug you…it would make me tingle all the way down to my toes. :-) Your John is special to all of us and I am so happy he liked his “fan” cake. The goodness among your fans astounds me. As someone posted earlier…we are family. And, like so many others I have loved horses since childhood and even wished I could be one.
Of course my desired place of residence would be Barn 55, next to your stall.
Dottie, the cake picture makes me want to take a bite!
D Skladany
Zennie, that is so true. Just yesterday I went with my daughter to her horseback riding lesson so I could talk to and love on as many of the horses there as possible. There is a beautiful gray (nearly white) who is over 17 hands and a gentle giant. It is relaxing and you horses are wonderful. And of course, some of us just had to talk about you and Bernadini too. :) :)
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Great article in today’s Bloodhorse on Johnny V. and Angel Cordero http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/63442/cordero-has-confidence-pride-in-velazquez Hugs, J.B.
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
Zenny Fans:
Have any of you read this story of courage!?!
HELP BEAR CREEK VET SAVE FRANKIE THE FOAL
http://carolinaregion.com/2011/06/05/frankieneedshelp/
Donations appreciated and LOTS OF PRAYERS!!!
judy berube
To Signofthetimes:
I always felt that John is like a “Father” talking to his children when he talks to the horses. Great man and trainer. Hugs, J.B.
Tracey Dryka, Ottawa, ON Canada
Yes! I agree a life without horses, is nothing at all. I always have to have my horse fix of the week by petting any beautiful horse. The Equestrian park that my daughter goes to has therapeutic riding, enjoyed by all. You are the best Zenyatta!!
Terry Crow
@Judy Berube–Facing the camera–Am I having a good day or what?
Karen
Yes, beautiful Zenyatta, hugging a horse does make everything okay. I love you.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
Priceless. Hugs, J.B.
Pamela J Hebert
Thank you Dottie & Zenny for sharing the beautiful cake that Karen Gougue brought for John. I read Karen’s response & I’m with her all the way. And Z you have to check out the Horse and Man blog. It appears that the fly mask is all the rage in horse attire this season. There are some of your fellow horses modeling different styles. A wonderful day to all!!!
Trina Nagele
@Judy (Maass) Gadwood –Thanks for linking to dear little Frankie, the filly who was attacked by a couple of dogs when she was only two days old. Her story was also linked to on horseandman.com where I first saw it. She is a fighter with a strong will to live. I’ve sent a donation and will join you and others around the country in praying for her.
Lucia
First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mr. John Shirreffs! May God continue to bless you and your family for years to come! Second, I have a name suggestion. Mike Smith often said that he couldn’t think of a word to describe Zenyatta. Well, Mike and the rest of Team Zenyatta, you forgot the word “Indescribable”. That’s what the foal should be named, because that’s what Zenyatta was, is, and always will be. The moment that foal comes will be “indescribable” too. (To my knowledge the name has only been used once in ’04.)Whatever name you choose, have fun with the process! From one young runner to another with love! May God continue to bless you all!
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. Hello, my beautiful Zenny. I just got back from my trip and gosh did I miss writing to you each day and keeping in touch with all of my amazing Z friends. I have not had a chance to get caught up on all of the posts yet, but I will. What a fun cake for John’s birthday. I made sure to wish him a very happy one while I was at Barn 55. Yes, Zenny, I made my first trip to your wonderful Barn 55 this past Saturday. It felt a little like home to me too. :) I have seen so many pictures, read so many stories and watched so many videos that I felt I already knew everyone. It was absolutely amazing!!!! John was everything I thought he would be and so much more!!! I could have spent hours just talking to him and his love for you was evident. There was a wistfulness expressed along with his ever optimistic outlook on the possibilities the future holds. Steve was just fantastic. I know now what everyone means when they say how special he is. He told me that he is no longer riding and I asked him what it felt like to ride you. He smiled, got a special look in his eyes and said that it had been his honor to ride many a great thoroughbred, but that he had saved the best for last. How sweet! I met your lovely Carmen, but missed Mario. :( Lindsey, a young intern from Darley was great. She introduced me to all of your equine friends, Zenny. Ebby was so. . . . beautiful and what a sweetheart. Nereid gave me a kiss. That was just so kind of her! I met Mr. Commons, Makoma, Winston and many, many others. They were all gorgeous and I agree with John, after my days at the Mayo Clinic, it made me feel so good to just hug the horses!! :) :) I loved, loved, loved it all!!!!! The only thing missing was you. When I looked at your grazing area, fresh bags of carrots resting on the straw in your stall, wonderful gifts fans had sent you and your normal barn gear still in place, I could see you there in all of your beauty. I did get the news that you were expecting Zenny!! I am so happy for all of Team Z and everyone at LE!! As always, I wish you the continued blessings of health and contentment. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@TO ALL OF MY FANTASTIC Z FRIENDS – Thank you all for your wonderful wishes and prayers on my behalf. My friend Shari let me know you were thinking about me while I was away. The results at the clinic were the best possible. Everything is stable and unless there is an unexpected change, I do not have to go back for a year. AMAZING!! Blessings to you all!!
@Trina, Diana, Kirren – Thank each of you for your wonderful support. I would have loved to have met you all and spent some time together. But unfortunately, as I thought, I had to keep my schedule pretty lose. Your generous offers to get together were awesome and made me feel so special. Z friends are the best!!!!!!
@Shari – It was so great talking to you!!
sue and tony
@Dawn, so good to see you posting again. We’re so happy you got to see our “friends” at Barn 55. It is a special place for sure. Zenny, here’s a few cyber hugs for you. {{{ }}}.
The cake looks delicious…and it’s true, a life without horses just isn’t a good one.
Elaine
John is a very wise man!
Susan from New Jersey
Hugs right back at you Zenny. I was with horses last weekend and hugged many of them. Someday I will hug you at Lane’s End
Terry Crow
I am probably way late with this name, but how about Sweet Music Man if the foal is a colt. The song was written about Waylon Jennings but certainly applies to Jerry Moss.
valerie chase
That is so precious Z and I so know exactly how John feels, “Life Without Horses” NO WAY!!!! Thanks for sharing, although that cake has made me very hungry!!! xxoo
Kristina
Zenyatta and all you horses now how to brighten up someones day! :)
Kari Bussell
Karen Gogue- You must be thrilled to find yourself the subject of Zenyatta’s diary today. I bet someone could have knocked you over with a feather-LOL. I have joy and love in my heart for you.I had intended to respond to your response to my thank you…(I hope that made sense), but I lost my train of thought when I read your are the topic.What a great cake and perfect song for the card. How thoughtful of you, just like you taking the time to write such kind words to me. I noticed we aren’t even FB friends. You only know me from this site…and videos..speaks volumns. I feel JOY for you today!
Zenyatta -You bring out The BEST in Everone and Everthing Your Precious Hoofprints Touch. I Love YOU!
Veronica
Wish I could hug Zenyatta! That would really make my day, week, year, life!! :)
Cam
Hugging a horse does make a day better, my gelding makes my day 90% better! And what an awesome cake :)
Gary Moulton
WOW, that is one nice cake! Someone put a lot of work into that one, it’s beautiful!
I’ve baked a cake or two and I know how much work it is to bake one like that. Here is a belated birthday present. A limerick.
.
.
There once was a horse named Zenyatta
.
Who could win anytime that she wanta
.
Nineteen in a row
.
She never did show.
.
Next spring she will be a new momma
Kari Bussell
@Dawn Conrad- I am also full of joy for you today. I am thrilled you had such a great time visiting Barn-55…Thank you for sharing ( in your always beautiful way) …you story was a blessing. Wonderful relief about your health!
Kari Bussell
Thought some of you especially those who made comments about this might enjoy this …http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjgdNbVwixE&feature=quicklist
Pretty horses and song …I don’t want to go if there aren’t “Horses in Heaven” by Mary Ann Kennedy…
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
What a beautiful birthday cake for John. Very nice, I love cake! And I like John’s philosophy,about relaxing taking a deep breath and go hug a horse. That would definitely work for me I am sure, but no horse. But I think of you Zenyatta and get pleasant results each time. Love you lots and sending you hugs!
Karen Gogue
Dawn, wonderful to have you back! Was hoping, somehow, that I might see you @ Barn 55 for John’s birthday. Did not know of your travel times, but it would have been extra special if you had been there that day! So happy for you. Isn’t it just heaven – the “feeling” there? Also, wonderful news on your health! Missed ya!