Hello Everyone,
I am having such a great time! I want to share it with all of you. As Dottie mentioned (and yes, she will continue to do my Diary for you…as we are in daily communication)…each day I am introduced to new things here at the farm. She referred to it as ‘baby steps’…as I have not been at a farm since I was a yearling. Earlier in the week, I was out on the grassy area by my barn which is the same size as my grazing area in CA. Yesterday, Charles, one of my new friends, took me for a walk around one of the bigger paddocks. Remember, I have not experienced this in years. This was the next step in helping me to be exposed to a new paddock area. It was fabulous! While doing this, I noticed how beautiful it is here at the farm, the snow felt fabulous beneath my feet, and the weather was rather crisp—but nice. It reminded me of the kind of weather we have in CA when the barn first starts getting active (5-ish in the morning) in the winter time.
Charles would let me stop and stare at the view, the trees, and the paddocks. I love to just stand and look at the things around me. In CA, I could do this for hours when I was outside. I am able to do this here, too, for as long as I want. I had a great time!
There were also some people here taking lots of pictures of me for some magazines. (I think I look pretty good…if I say so myself.)
After my afternoon walk…I went back into the barn with my girlfriends. We had dinner and relaxed. We also got nice and cozy for the evening. This is super! I really like this routine.
I know that many of you have been worrying about me. I am doing GREAT! It is a bit of an adjustment, for sure, but a wonderful one. John had already been slowly starting to prepare me for the transition while I was still at the barn. He had different routines and patterns introduced into my daily schedule for weeks before I left. It was all done to help me with this transition to farm life. I am so fortunate to have people who love me and have great horsemanship skills in my life. They know exactly what is required to help me with every step of my well-being.
Charles, Todd and Andy all worked with John and Mario learning everything about me. These guys are doing everything perfectly. They know all of my likes and dislikes and are really trying hard to meet my every desire. They have been great!
Sarah is helping with the videos and photos. She has worked for David for a bit now and knows Dottie, John and the Moss’ very well. Then, of course, DAVID (Dottie’s son) is here! Remember, he is the one who ‘DISCOVERED ME’ at the Keeneland Sale way back in September of 2005. His efforts were so instrumental in my becoming a member of my Moss / Shirreffs Family. I really love to see him when he comes by the barn each day to visit. I can’t thank him enough for loving me way back when I was just a yearling…Hip #703! Again, LUCKY ME!
Please enjoy the photos we are trying to put on line for you. I am sending all of you ONE BIG KENTUCKY HUG! I know all of my friends at Barn 55 are reading my Diary each day…and I am sending BIG KISSES TOO! John told Dottie last night that Carmen was walking around the barn yesterday with my new KY photos on her cell phone! Everyone there is so, so proud of me and how well I am doing! I know one thing for sure…I AM ONE VERY LUCKY GIRL!
I will keep in touch.
With love,
HUGS~
Z
Khara Covington
Thank you SO MUCH for this update! This diary post sounds more like the Zenyatta we knew before she left CA. I love you so much Z and think about kissing your soft nose all the time. I will never forget it. I wish I could do it everyday!
Manuela Hudson
Thank you so much for continuing to update us on Zenyatta!! It’s good to know she is doing so well! Can’t wait to see her running free in the paddock! And thank you, Dottie, for putting love and kindness in every word! We love you, too!
Lynette Lucas
I’m so glad that you are loving your new home!!Please keep the posts and photos coming because we want to keep seeing you and hearing from you because you are the greatest girl in the world!!!
TS
Well, good for you, girl! I still wish they would have let you retire undefeated instead of getting greedy, but that’s the way it goes I guess.
Good luck in the breeding shed :)
Terry
Oh Z & Dottie, you know exactly what to say! It was so good to hear all of the things John had done to make things go more smoothly! I would give anything to know what you and your “girlfriends” are talking about:)! Boys? Shoes? Handbags? Or the state of the economy? Ha Ha!! You are almost all I think about!! Thanks to you and Dottie for reminding us, that everyone knows what there’re doing!! You make us sooo happy!!
Tressa
I appreciate the Zenyatta updates and just wanted say how incredibly impressed I am that you’ve taken on this endeavor. May God Bless You and Walk with you… as I know that if I had hundreds of people second guessing my every move (Ky/Ca, shank/no shank, blanket/no blanket) I’d lose my mind. Perhaps you could get some help from local experts to pen articles explaining these kinds of choices to Zenyatta’s new-to-horses/racing fans. Good Luck!
Donna
Dottie, I am so glad you are the one keeping up these posts. You know her so well, and we trust your “transcriptions” of the Queen’s messages.
She does look good in the pix I’ve seen so far. I don’t like the lip chain thing – hopefully that will stop soon. The farm is indeed exceptionally beautiful. I hope her new human “friends” and caretakers come to love her as much as we do.
Karen Line
This is SO great ! I laugh, I cry and I visualize what you’re doing, Z! Lifts the soul! Most heartfelt hugs back atcha’ girlfriend. You have a wonderful family, and new members who must feel very lucky to take care of you and help manage your new life.
See you in Kentucky when they start to let people come and see you in your new home!
Keep you then exceptional communication between you and Dottie, Queen Z!!
Isabelle
I was just wondering if zenyatta is doing her dance in her new home. In the videos of her walking outside I haven’t seen her dancing. They’re real short videos so I can’t tell. Anybody know?
Carolyn
Lucky girl gets a Rambo Blanket!
Gerrie P.
Can’t wait to visit you Zenyatta as soon as it is allowed.
Please remind your caregivers that you are our Queen Z.
Vicki Riechers
Dottie thank you so much for the dairy. I have been so blessed to have enjoyed seeing Zenyatta over the past couple of years. I even got to visit her in the barn. The country and horse racing are dealing with difficult times and Zenyatta has been a ray of sunshine. God Bless Zenyatta and all the connections!
Debbi Martin
Z, tell Dottie thank you for taking the time to send us messages from you. Yes, you have a million mother hens all fretting over you, but your human people know exactly what they are doing and love, love, love you and have always done what is best for you despite the trends. I have the utmost faith and confidence that you have been and will always be the best cared for horse there is. Love from all of us!!!
Bonnie Long
Sending you hugs from Colorado Queen Z – I was in Kentucky on Monday and saw you at Keeneland. Thank you to your owners and team for sharing you with us fans. I got to drive around the area by Lanes End and it is beautiful. I know you have an incredible view there – Love you!
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, your post makes me so happy, of course, YOU will adjust well to your new surroundings. I sure do miss the only ATHELE that is really a mentor that kids and adults can look up to today. Mixed that you are not racing…I pray everytime you race and relieved when it is over…then celebrate that you won. I E mailed Oprah, hope she gets it. Thought you might be a great series to have on her new network. Hey, then we can all enjoy you again. It is not just California that misses you so. I am in Texas, and introduced you to alot of people in Oklahoma and Texas..and guess what..they fell madly in love with you. I hope the pictures are posted when I get home from work tonight. I cannot wait to see them. BTY, I ordered my Zenyatta, Blood Horse issue. I cannot wait to receive it. I love you, I miss you, and I wish I lived in Kentucky. I have learned a few things reading the posts from the beautiful people of Kentucky. I am glad you are with your girlfriends and will be happier when you can walk, eat some flowers, and run with the other girls. Until tonight, Lisa g
Susan
Glad your transition is going well Zenyatta!!!!
hugs back,
Susan
Becky Fredericks
It is wonderful to hear you are settling in so well, Zenny!! Have you seen your “lil sis” Life is Sweet yet? We love hearing about your new routine and thank Dottie very much for keeping us all in the loop! Saw the pictures of you walking with Charles on Bloodhorse.com — you are looking good! Can’t wait to see you when you get all woolly with your winter coat! Sweet Dreams and Peaceful Days, dear girl!
Rosanne Glynn
Dottie, thank you so much for taking the time to tell us what Zenny is doing every day!It is so awesome, you and Zenny are very special and God Bless you both. I love to hear what she is doing and how she is adjusting and I love Zen more than she will ever know! oxoxox
Rosanne
sue
Hi Zennie…as always it’s always great to get the news straight from the “horses mouth” so to speak. It usually takes a bit of time to settle into a new environment but you are doing it so quickly. Everyone is so proud of you. I read an interview today on Bloodhorse.com with Mr. Farish. It seems as if we will get to visit with you once you are familiar with your new home. Such good news …it will be great to share some time with our “Queen”.
RHONDA C
DEAR QUEEN ZENYATTA, GOD BLESS YOUR FOLKS FOR LOVING YOU SO MUCH. TELL DOTTIE WE TREASURE EVERY WORD SHE WRITES ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FOLKS; AND, WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING MORE. YOUR NEW TEAM SOUNDS LIKE THEY REALLY CARE ABOUT YOU. WE ARE WAITING TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THEM. AND THE PICS ARE GOING TO BE ICING ON THE CAKE. WE LOVE YOU, QUEEN ZENYATTA. ANY NEWS YET ON WHO THE STUD THEY HAVE CHOSEN FOR YOU. HE HAS GOT TO BE EXTRA, EXTRA SPECIAL, YOU KNOW.
Astrid
Thank you so much for the updates!!!
Zenny-girl, Charles is a lucky guy:) Your new place looks great and I am happy you are adjusting. I am sure the new Team Z will love you just as much and give you the best care! Everyone knows how valuable and how much loved you are by your connections and fans!
I just hope Mike can take you for a ‘spin’ when he comes to visit you. Take care, sweet Zenny. Sending you lots of good wishes. We all love you and keep dancing!
Patricia
Zen-
I love hearing from you…I read somewhere, that your new paddock area will be about 3-4 acres! I live in the country on a piece of property that used to be a horse farm many years ago…our front field is about the same area as your new paddock. So, I took my dog out & just walked around & listened to the songs of the whispering pines, the crunching of the snow under my feet, smelling the fresh air & thinking of how much you are going to love Lane’s End.
The Mosses, Shireff’s and Team Z, you know this deep down inside, will always love you as do your fans & what does “Zen” mean…living in the moment…you will have so many precious moments & we all will be right here with you.
Love you lots!
Shanda Hooton
So glad you are doing so well Miss Z. I know one thing I bet your friends at Hollywood Park miss you very much! We are all very proud of you! You are the best and you bring such joy to all of us. : )
Shanda Hooton
Sending Hugs right back to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Sharon
Dottie, you are one terrific “medium” for Zenyatta!! thank you so much for the posts. I saw the Bloodhorse pics today of Zenyatta taking her walk around the new paddock, the sun shining on her dapples. Wow, she’s just so gorgeous! All of us Zenyattaholics are VERY grateful for your efforts to keep us in touch with Zenyatta’s new life! Hugs from Seattle.
Wendy
When will it be announced who the lucky stallion is?
Susan Haynes
I can’t believe how much I look forward to these postings. I hope I get to see you in KY. I do love you.
Anne B
Thanks Dottie, for keeping us posted. Still have tears streaming when reading these posts, but maybe one day I can do it dry-eyed. Glad things are going well for the Queen. I hope they have plenty of cameras for photos and videos when they turn her out for the first time, free in a paddock! We all can’t wait to see THAT! Please post as many as possible on her FB page!
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
Queen Z, Just received my Commemorative Issue from BH. YOU LOOK ABSOLUTELY AMAZING IN THE PHOTOS!! Love it, love it, love it. You appear to be one cool customer in KY taking in all the sights. Hope you like cats! It was great hearing from you this morning. Could someone please tell me the site for the Horse of the Year Petition mentioned in an earlier post? Thanks in advance. Long Live the Queen!
Linda Bulger
Judy thank you so much for the link. I sent it on to my 6 yo grand daughter who has been asking every day ” how is Z”. I was so thrilled to see her and she does look Happy. Tears of joy this time. Thanks for the post. Zen,I saw the knight by your side Looks good girl.
Thanks for the folks in Kentucky for understanding what SHE means to all of us.
A joy in times that are hard for many.