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
Cindy Moore
There is a quote by Melissa Binstock that sums it up nicely – “Unlike the adults & children in my life, the horses accepted me for me, unconditionally & absolutely. This is what horses did for me: they provided me with a sense of normalcy when nothing else seemed normal; they gave me a sense of self when my sense of self had been taken away by my disorder.”
It’s my life exactly, a life with horses forever.
Thanks Zenyatta for being in our lives!!
J Smith
Anne from Paramount, I’d like to go early, I’ve never done that, what goes on early. I know I’ll never make it for 8, but 9 maybe. Are there a lot of horses training? For sure we can meet at 11 though. I have no idea what I’ll be wearing, I will try to look as stylish as Miss Z in her fly mask though!
Carol from CT
“Relax, take a deep breath and hug a horse.” What a marvelous philosophy that is. My two horses (an Appaloosa who was there for hugs for 26 years and a Thoroughbred who I hugged for nine years) always provided support when it was needed and left behind memories to cherish. Life without horses? I think not.
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, Thanks for sharing this beautiful cake. Tell your Sweet John I said “Happy Birthday, John” for last week. The cake is just Beautiful! Life without horses is such a true statement. I know when I did have my horse, life was magical & the animal/human bond we shared was just amazing. Oh the talks we had & the memories we made. I want & hope so bad for my dream to have a horse in my life will come true! For now, I have a wonderful animal/human bonds with my older dogs of 17 yrs & 13 yrs. I have shared so many moments with them in heights of happiness with them jumping for joy and the despair of saddness with their heads layng on me for comfort and caching my tears from family loss. My memories of my horse was when I was young, carefree & the world seemed perfect through a child’s eyes. With work & finance my dream has been on hold. This past 2 months have made me think with my Sis’s breast ca to go for my dream of a very small farm for rescue horses & dogs and help children with problems of loss from a family member or dealing with a physical loss of health to let the horses & dogs work as listening ears. I have seen first hand what pet therapy can do to help heal and make a difference in a person’s life. Zenyatta, there is no horse rescues where I live but I read about Susan in Tn. experiences at her horse rescue. It sounds like heaven on earth to me. I think in my little town my dreams can come true. Zenyatta, you inspired me with your life story & that supernatural explosion of athleticism in the 20th race. Zenyatta, you posses a special power that transends many boundaries, limits & depths of a person’s soul. Zenyatta you are a philosphy, a belief, a feeling, tower of strength & a creation of perfection to me. Bless you Zenyatta & may you live a long happy life with boundless love and have a magnificent foal of B’s. I love you, Zenyatta and Sending Hugs & Kisses From Alabama With Love, AmandaG
@ Dawn- I am so releaved to hear from you. I have waiting for your post. I am so glad you don’t have to go back to The Mayo Clinic for a year. Thanks so much for sharing your Barn 55 visit. It was really thrilling for me to hear since I have never been to Barn 55. Just sounded like a GREAT time!
Kari Bussell
@Cindy Moore – That was beyond beautiful and sums it up so very well…Thank you for sharing that.
@Karen Gogue- I know that wasn’t your reply..
This is YOUR DAY!! Savor it …every minute ….memorize it in your mind each and every second you spent with Barn-55 and when times are hard remember how you felt today and the day you visited Barn-55 and ( Zennyland all of YOU) then if that fails… visualize the Queen….Enjoy life ….if you aren’t happy …Change It …You have the power to do just that …Don’t waste time & communicate with those you love as if it is you last hour on earth……Best advice I could ever give after 48 yrs… After you do all this …Go Kiss and Hug a Horse!!!…give your dog or cat lovings and receive even more love back…Love-Joy -Peace of Mind – Happiness to Zenyatta- Team -Z Barn-55 and all of you….Zenyatta I love you!
Cynthia Holt- I will never forget what you did for me with the poster and lithograph…Thank you ….Love Forever…Until the Twelfth of Never my dear, dear loyal friend….and of course all of this to Our Forever Queen Z-
Trina Nagele
Dearest Zenny, Time to say goodnight and wish you sweet dreams till tomorrow. @DAWN—-WELCOME HOME, and congratulations on your GREAT news from the Mayo Clinic. I hope you’ll get that same good report at every future visit. Maybe we can meet sometime if you come to Southern California again.
@KIM S—How wonderful that you found that Equestrian Inc. horse rescue in Tampa and that you’re going to volunteer there! That’s fantastic! I hope you’ll keep a diary of your experiences there and keep us updated too, like our dear Susan in TN with the River Edge Farm Horse Rescue. We’ll be all ears to hear about it!
@AMANDA GILLILAND—I hope your beautiful dream of a small farm combining animal rescue and pet therapy for children will come true!
DJ
Gary M. -CHERRIO! I love your limerick!
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Kari B. – Thank you for the Z-Hug :)
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Dawn C. – I shed a tear on that story. Thank you, it must have been a Dream-Day!
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Dearest Sweet “Z”,
Have we thought of ZE MASTER for your colt?
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Karen Gogue
@Kari LOL! Thank you! My! This has been a bit much to take in actually. And I was totally floored – overwelmed…..at the same time thrilled, and I’m lovin’ it! Not for me so much, though – I’m really happy that I could make Zenny’s fans happy by letting them know. I must say thank you to Zenny – she’s the one who had Dottie post it! LOL! She’s always thoughtful of her fans! You all may have never known if not for Zenny (Dottie) – she left the door open for me to share that. It was a joy to do that – so it worked out perfectly. And you are so right. Life is short, let’s all savor this time, whatever it has been – with Zenny or Barn 55 or family and friends, each other – it never comes back. (See? Dottie junior – there you go again! Inspiring LOL!) And thank you for healing my soul a bit. I didn’t want people feel I’m out for myself here, with this attention and all. I have the biggest, brightest smile on my face all day just knowing that Zenny’s fans and John’s fans were included and felt great too! And it’s heartfelt – and I’m lovin’ it! And you’re perfect – everybody’s perfect!! Bless you Kari – love to you and yours always! Love this Zennyland of our dreams!!
Karen Gogue
Oh, boy! Fingers get ahead – meant want people to feel! LOL!
Karen Gogue
@DJ I chocked up and tears – really sweet and kind of you to say that. Everyone – posters, non-posters – were in my heart that day. I know everyone would have been there themselves if they could have. John means that much to so many Z fans – could not have not done it. And besides, we’re Zenny fans – you’d have done the same for me, I’m sure! Again, thank you for stroking my inner self with a little bit of love – Bless you!
Karen Gogue
@Janet Cutting – Too funny! Thanks for that!
@Sharron Call – Sweet, means much, thanks!
@Judy Bebube – how could I not? Thank you
@Trina Nagele – ditto above
@ Cynthia H – too, too funny girl! Thank you so much!
@Gary Moulton – loved your poem! Too cute! Thank you
@Annie – so sorry for your loss. Racetrack Retread must have been adored by you!
@Carolyn – would love to see that yearbook! And thank you for being a teacher too.
@Jan – yes, you can’t see in the picture, but the horse on the cake has a white blaze – how’d you know? :)
I’m going to bed! Will get to othetrs later – won’t forget. Thanks, Karen
Karen Gogue
DARN! Again! I must be tired – meant others. Need to go back to school, maybe? HaHa
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Queen,
Hope your John had a great birthday and that he’ll celebrate many, many more.
Since I can’t hug you, Z, I hug my horses every day and I often tell them how great you are! :)
Have fun in the blue grass today!
Love and lots of hugs,
Stel
Barbara Wood
Good morning, Zenny,
I always start my day with your site, among other things. We are ALL so blessed to have one another to love and support WHILE AT THE SAME TIME we are loving Zenny and supporting your causes and other needy horses. I just feel so blessed to be a part of this family.
Diana
John’s philosophy is spot on! I don’t have a horse, but I spend every Saturday at the track in the barn with my owner/trainer friends and their horses. I get to spend time spoiling, enjoying their company, and breathing in the barn where all the stress of an office job melt away. If I can’t make it on Saturday, I find a way within the week to get my 1/2 day of therapy. My friends tell me the horses know the sound of my car, and they all come to the front of their stalls, ears up! They know when you love them, and I love you Zen! Hugs and kisses
judy berube
To Diana:
You are so very lucky to be able to visit the horses so often. Please give them hugs from me. Hugs, J.B.
To Karen Gogue:
You’re a special person. Hugs, J.B.
To Z Fans:
It’s so great to be a part of this family and share our love of horses and especially Z. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
I’m having a VERY GOOD DAY. Hugs, J.B.
Debbie
I can’t imagine “Life Without Horses”!!!! And life without you?? I don’t think so. We sure miss you in CA, but know that you are right where you should be. Tell John, Happy Belated Birthday!!
LauraJ
I only get to hug a horse once a week, but I’ve got three dogs to hug every day. :-)
Jeanette
Happy B-day, John! Hi Zenny, I’m giving you a big hug as I write this!! Love you lots!!
Terry Crow
@Charlotte Farmer–I read all of your posts as I have the utmost respect for what you are doing in the case of Noor. Regarding Custer;s Last Stand–The anniversary of the battle is coming up on June 25. When I was living in Kansas I made a trip to The University of Kansas in Lawrence to view the remains of Comanche, the last survivor of Custer’s portion of the battle. He belonged to one of Custer’s officers. He was in a glass case at the natural history museum on the campus. Truly awesome. I wish he had been able to talk.@Judy Berube–I wish nothing BUT good days for you.
Abigail from Montreal
I love John’s wisdom — I even think that I do this myself when I go back to watching Secretariat @ the Belmont or Zenny’s races. I’m giving them a hug — and they hug right back!!!
Arlene
I’d like to add a P.S. to my thanks to Karen – We all think John is wonderful and glad of his great finally last year and into this year with you, Zenny!!!
Karen Gogue
@Amy k – Thank you, I knew it would be too.
@Lexie – Hope your horse will be OK.
@Shari Voltz – Thank you for being a teacher, and such a special one at that! Love your posts too.
@Judy(Maass)Gadwood – Thank you for all the links. Will do what I can, too, for Frankie. And we have met @ the track (HP&SA) before – although briefly. We talked of John Henry (my sisters favorite too) and your trips to Kentucky to see him. Amazing isn’t it, what a horse can d
o for one when they touch our lives? Will approach you again next time @ the track – I’ll just say “birthday cake lady”
@Sue Fredrick – Thank you, means a lot
@Marshall(GN), Mary Stanford, Theresa Buck, Neva Rae, Sharron in Seattle, LisaG., Signofthetimes, Jenna, Suew, Pamela J Hebert, Cam, Lou Ann Cingel, Linda in NJ, Orajean, Kim S., Charlotte Farmer – hello, special lady! Enjoy your posts so much.
@Max – thank you, so true of John
LauraJ, Celeste, Maggie, Robyn Mullhausen
OH TOO TOO MUCH! Thank you everyone – hope I didn’t miss anyone. You made John Shirreffs day all the more special because you WERE there with me. Thank you all again!
Abigail from Montreal
@ Dawn. I’m so happy to hear from you & to know that the clinic results were excellent. And thank you for sharing your visit to Barn 55 — a terrific read! I’m just really glad that you’re back!!!!
Abigail from Montreal
@ Karen: What a kind & beautiful thing to do. John is really so special, right Zenny? And I love it that we were all there with you!!!!
Lauren
Dear Zenny – Happy birthday to John. The birthday cake really looks so delicious. Have you had any cravings lately. Have a blessed day beautiful girl.
Karen Gogue
@Amanda Gilliland – always enjoyed reading your posts, they are always so special, and thank you too.
@Anne from Paramount – how sweet, I’d love to meet you too. If I get to go this Sat. I will for sure find you! I live in Long Beach – not far from you, how about that?
@ Arlene – thanks much!
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
@ Gary Moulton ~ cute poem!! :-D
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
@ Karen Gogue ~ omgosh!! Shame on me! Yes, please come up to me at the track and re-introduce yourself! :-) :-D