Good Morning All,
It is such a fun time! I’m hearing the weather in California is a bit cooler than it is here. I am so enjoying all of my time outside…snacking on this very tasty Kentucky Blue Grass.
Many of you asked in the responses about our contest winner, MISS # 19…Dawn Conrad. Well, it is TOO CUTE! Dawn actually went to California on a bit of a holiday and asked Dottie if she and her friend could visit BARN 55. Here she is with STEVE…..standing right in MY STALL! She looks fabulous!
Dawn spent her time at the barn visiting with the horses and all of MY TEAM. She truly enjoyed herself and sent Dottie a wonderful message yesterday. Since so many of you asked how she is doing, I’d like to share parts of her email with you! (Dawn is fine with this.)
“Once I introduced myself as the lucky owner of #19, congrats were offered and we all went to Zenyatta’s stall for some pictures. What fun and how special I felt!!!”
“Then there were the beautiful horses!! Ebby was so gorgeous and such a sweetheart. You can certainly see some of Zenny in her as well as Bernardini, especially in her coloring and lovely top line. Received a kiss from Nereid and Mr. Commons was a perfect gentleman. Then it was on to see Makoma and meet Winston. I could have spent days talking with everyone and going from one stall to the next. I agree with the sentiment of John’s you voiced in today’s diary. After the time I spent at the ‘Clinic’, it was great for my soul to hug the horses. (I did get good news from the clinic. Yippee!!)
“The only thing that could have made it better was seeing Zenyatta, herself. I could picture her standing in her stall or grazing under her trees. It was a bit bittersweet for me having never met her while she was there. I had tried making it to California and the Breeder’s Cup, but the timing did not work out. To lay my hand on her neck as I did Ebby’s will be a hope I will hold in my heart forever.”
“Everyone speaks of her with great pride and just a touch of sadness. You can tell John misses her a great deal.”
How special of Dawn to share her thoughts with Dottie after the visit. I must add that Dottie did agree with her that John really does MISS ME…as does all of MY TEAM. In reality, I was at Barn 55 for over 4 1/2 years. I never left their sight for one moment. We spent countless hours together and have so many cherished memories.
In life, it is such a GREAT FEELING to know that you are missed, you are loved, and you can touch someone’s soul to such a degree!
I am truly SO FORTUNATE!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
judy berube
Dear EK:
If you get the chance, watch “Let It Ride”. In addition to the great humor, there are some really good racing scenes as well. Hugs, J.B.
Ollie
Queen Z,
Knowing that you are healthy,happy and so
well taken care does ease my missing you
so very very much.I have your picture and
other memorabilia of you throughout my house, There isn’t a day that I don’t
go on your website. It helps me lots hearing the latest news about you. Love you lots.XOXOXO.
Susan in TN
@Terry Crow and Judy B: I’m already laughing! I’ll try to rent it.
@Trina N: I went to Frankie’s site-oh, my gosh. She is a fighter, isn’t she? Bless all of her caregivers-and did you see the photos of her sweet mother? I sent a small amount of money-wish it were more. Thanks for the link.
@Amanda G in AL: The name of the place is “Angel Heart Farm”-they have a great website. And under “Sites We Like,” they have listed Zenyatta!! Not surprising! It looks like they have expanded but I’m almost sure that it started very modestly.
Rescue at River Edge: Today I did more of the same with Rusty and Rootbeer- brushing, petting, haltering, leading- but I added “combing out mane and forelock” to the routine and both seemed to really like it! I think I have mentioned before that Rusty still has some “baby fuzz” at the ends of his mane, tail and forelock (think “bad perm” )-it’s very cute! He is very good at picking up his front feet. Today I handled his little hooves and kind of “cleaned” them gently and he was so good! Next up- hind feet, here we come! He likes anything new, so when I was walking him, I did lots of circles, figure-eights, stopping, starting- if you have ever seen a dog obedience trial, it was something like that! He stops on a dime and with a twinkle in his eye, like he is in on the game. Then, when he was just standing there, I played “jump rope”-swinging the lead rope around in a circle and, of course, he loved it! Shari Volz has sent some money to the rescue for me to get Rootbeer some treats and a Jolly Ball, which is a horse-tough ball with a sturdy handle (about the size of a soccer ball) and I think he and Rusty will have a blast with it! As I was “working” with Rusty, I was aware that, as usual, Rootbeer was watching carefully. I do everything the same with Rootbeer,except a little slower. I can now brush and rub all the way to his tail and down to his gaskins!! I am so proud of him because it does not come easily to him- to trust, that is. You can almost see him make the decision. He still never offers to kick,etc.-if he is uncomfortable, he simply moves away. His legs are still no-man’s land. In fact, he’s probably taken a step back, if anything. I had been able to pet down to almost his knees, but today he got nervous when I got to the elbow area. That’s okay- we’ll get there! I had to shoo Rusty the Hooligan away because he kept grabbing the side of Rootbeer’s halter, who was not fazed! They couldn’t be more different but ar both wonderful in their own ways and I think they are good for each other.
When I got to the barn, I didn’t see Chester anywhere- had me worried, to be honest. Then I found him in the barn, back in the stall-sized nook where Ken’s farrier supplies are kept. He has found his “happy place”- it’s cool and dark and the other horses can’t reach him! He comes and goes as he pleases, but that is his day room (he has his own stall available, as well). I brought him grated carrot today and he loved it. I brushed him and scratched his itchy places and he stayed with me as I did my “chores.” It’s so cute, I can hardly stand it! He is so quiet and unassuming- and stealthy! I will turn around and he will be stnding behind me like, 4 inches away, just waiting… Sharon Call is going to see about getting him a fly mask like Zenny’s- won’t he be handsome! Well, it’s hard to tell in this little box, but I know this is already long, so I better quit. Warm wishes to all! <3
Terry Crow
@Mary Copelin–A truly inspiring post. Calumet used to race out here on the west coast all the time before one of its horses got disqualified in a big race. Vowed never to come back, and haven’t.@Judy Berube-Knowing the lines verbatim is kind of like being the best at cleaning up after the elephants. Also in the film, since it was made more than 20 years ago, is a young Cynthia Nixon, for you Sex in the City fans.
Susan in TN
@Sharon Call: Just saw your post- the phones have been out in that area for several days- not sure why! Jane usually checks email in the evenings. Let me know if you don’t hear back.
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. How wonderful it was to see Dawn enjoying herself at your barn. Just the mere thought of you brings such joy and love to everyone. You are so special! I am so sorry but we will be away for the next few days and I will not have access to your diaries – on Sunday, that will be the first thing I do – will miss you so. Enjoy the Belmont – let everyone have a safe trip. It should be an awesome race. Enjoy the summerlike weather, eat well for two and have loads of fun with your BBFs. Love you, Angel in Disguise.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
Oh, I don’t know. I think it means you have a great memory. Hugs, J.B.
Karen Gogue
@Trina Nagele – you are a jewel! Thank you!
This is what I wrote, but didn’t send yet (great minds think alike Trina!):
I’d like to thank Zenny and Dottie for having me be a small part of their (yours too) day – anything for you Zenny and your “dear John”! My heart is full – unbelievable! Now I’ve got to figure out something special for Dottie’s Day! Heehee! She deserves that much (and more) from us! Boy! does she ever!!! Lotsa lotsa lotsa love to all in Zennyland of our dreams! Thank you all! :) :) :)
That was for yesterday at the end of #266 – it works for here now! Thank you Trina :)
judy berube
To Susan in Tn.:
Never are your posts too long. Chester is so precious; I’m glad he’s found a place that is peaceful for him. Rusty is very smart and trusting. I think Root Beer will blossom under your care and become more trusting and confident. Hope little Happy and his Mom are doing well. Thanks for the updates. Look forward to them. Hugs, J.B.
Janet Cutting
Hello Everyone and Zenny: This is a very lovely post and is one perfect example of the awesome people we have and what good feelings it brings out in all of us !!!!! Zenny is a happy horse and enjoys her life–lets all enjoy it with her!!!!!
Terry Crow
@Kari Bussell–Majestic Prince was indeed a top horse. Was trained by John Longden. I believe that he was the first person to have ridden a Kentucky Derby winner (Count Fleet) and trained a KD winner, MP. I used to live near Santa Anita and saw Bill Hartack, MP’s jockey, at the grocery store all the time. He had a reputation as a difficult person, but I chanced a conversation with him and he was extremely willing to discuss MP. His opinion was that MP should not have raced in the Belmont and, of course, he was proved to be right. Fred Stone, who I believe has a web site, is a premier equine artist and if anyone has what you are looking for, it would be him.
Karen
Beloved Zenyatta, You certainly have touched my soul. I love you. You will always be in my heart.
Maggie
Zenny is in a good place right now, sharing all her thoughts with us and making many people happy. I can’t wait until the day I go to KY to see her. It’s on the top of my bucket list. Zenny I will be going to the Belmont this Saturday. First time in my life I’m 68yrs old and wish you were there for me to see. YOU STILL ARE THE BEST. Love and Hugs….
Anne
“In life, it is such a GREAT FEELING to know that you are missed, you are loved, and you can touch someone’s soul to such a degree!”
Yes Zenyatta, how lucky anyone is that has love from all angles in life. Touching someone’s soul is the frosting on the cake. You certainly, through Dottie, give us all a reason to remember how important it is to give as there are so many not as fortunate as ourselves. We all share some form of sadness but if we help others we seem to forget our own problems. How great is that?
I am so happy that Dawn got to see your stall and experience such a wonderful day with Team Z and the stars of John’s posse. I am sure they do miss you. How could they not after all the love you gave them and the heart you showed on the racetrack.
Dawn’s email was priceless. Just as your diary has been to all of us.
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Glad that Dawn got to visit barn 55 and that she enjoyed her time there.
Thanks for sharing so much with us each and every day, it is always so enriching and interesting-it never fails to make me feel good in some way.
Keep on sparkling and shining Zenyatta, you are brighter than any star up above?
Love you lots and just the mere thought of you each and every day, makes me smile!
Terry Crow
@Trina Nagele–Thank you for the kind words.
Linda/Maryland
You are fortunate Zenny, but we are more fortunate to have shared, and are sharing you life with you!! We all lover you so much~!!!!
Melissa
Hi Zenny. What wonderful posts today. My eyes were filled with tears of joy. I pray so hard that some day I will get to meet you in person:-). We all love you xoxoxo.
judy berube
To Z Fans:
Here’s an article on Affirmed Remembered http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/63464/affirmed-remembered- by-patrice-wolfson Hugs, J.B.
Hernan Tovar
Zenyatta, Dawn is a very lucky lady. I hope one of these days, I can go to see you, or maybe to barn 55, now I miss you more than ever… Ingrid.
Hernan Tovar
@ Judy B, the Affirmed article is great.
Thanks, hugs Ingrid.
Debbie G
You are one lucky lady, Dawn. I would feel honored to visit Barn 55. I must admit that I’m jealous of all you lucky people that got to see Zenyatta in person. I never had the pleasure. I’ve called Lane’s End a few times, but they won’t allow anyone to visit the Queen. I’m just praying that one day they will allow her to have visitors. I’d crawl there if I had to! It would be worth it just to be in the presence of the greatest horse to come along since Secretariat.
@Misty – I loved your post. It was very touching.
Dona
Help – I’m very unhappy. I just read that Tyler Ba_e will be on Star Billing, instead of Chantal. Say it isn’t so John. Chantal was on her for the Senorita Stakes, why has she lost the mount. Loyalty, is a very important to, as well as fairness. I’m trying to remain calm until I hear the reason.
Paula Higgins
Dawn wonderful picture. Misty also a lovely story. Yes, I can only imagine how much John misses her and everyone who works at Barn 55. I know it was wrenching to leave her in Kentucky.
Dona
S/B “loyalty is very important to me”
AJ from CA
@Judy Berube – thanks for the link on Affirmed. I saw him win all 3 of the triple crown on tv and went out to see him for his farewell parade before he retired….what a magnificent looking horse he was with the stamina of a true champion. As a matter of fact that was the last time I was at a track until Queen Z came around.
WILD HORSES
You sure have touched me in an undescribable way Big Z. There will never be another like you for me. I just watched a few of your old races today. Racing just isn’t quite the same without you, but we all move on. I LOVE knowing you are happy and safe there a LE. They do a great job taking care of you, it is very obvious!!! I LOVE YOU. Lori
Max
Here is a nice video of E in Barn 55.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3itgPo-Tuk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Shari Voltz
Hi Zenyatta doesn’t Dawn look beautiful. I wish I could see barn 55 too. Maybe someday and like the others I would LOVE to see you just once and give you a kiss, tell you thank you for all you do and then I would cry. I can’t help it I am a major weeper :) and you bring out so much emotion in my soul. I had a busy day today. I went to see where my husband works (New job) and then to the Amish country. I thought about you when I saw the horses pulling the buggies. It was such a hot day I felt bad for them because they work so hard for their owners. I was happy that you were out grazing and relaxing at LE :) Well sweet girl it is late and I need to get to bed. I love you and Do hope someday to see you in person. Sweet dreams. Hugs and Kisses from Shari :)
@ Susan in Tn I love all the information about Rootbeer and the others :)
Barbara Wood
Dearest Z–just spent some time tonight with our own darling boy (horse). Horses can make ANY day even BETTER. We all love you ALWAYS!