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
Henrietta Wolfe
Well, you seem to be getting a little use to your new, Ole Kentucky Home. You have such a great outlook on all of it. I believe way more than all of us looking in. I guess it just all boils down to the great big fact that we miss you with all our hearts.I am so gland that we will get to hear from you cause we could not stand it if we didn’t. You have a great day, a happy day, a sunshine day and a loving day. I Love You Zenyatta!!! You are, SIMPLY THE BEST!!!!!!!!!xoxoxox
Leslie
Hi Zen, I’m happy to hear from you and thrilled that you are doing great and enjoying life on the farm. Yes, there is a transition period and some adjustments, but you deserve to have the good life. I miss you but I know your best interests are at heart. You are loved by many.
Thanks, Dottie, for keeping up Zen’s diary. I enjoy it immensely and I look forward to hearing what is happening with her. I sure love her!
Thanks to the Moss’ for sharing Zen with us! She means a lot to me and I enjoy being able to continue watching her.
Happy Friday everyone!
Love you Zenny,
Leslie
Fran
Hi Z: Thanks for the post. I knew you would love it in your new barn. My horse, Doozey, told me that you would love it! I visited her yesterday. She is in training (eventing). She was a racehorse once (not a very good one-I don’t think she would be mad at me for telling you), and then we got her when she was 4(off of the track). Anyway, she said it takes a while to get adjusted to the good life, and she loves her Kate a lot. Doozey said being a racehorse is a a lot of hard work, and she loves her life with Kate and me a whole lot better-she especially loves her carrots and candy! Love you Z!
Jill Mabry
Dottie, thanks for continuing with the daily posts. It’s been great to hear how well Zenyatta is adjusting to her new life. You have no idea how much we appreciate you keeping us connected to our girl. We love you all, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Until next time, hugs and kisses to you – XOXOXOXO
We love you,
Jill
Elaine
I’m glad you are happy at your new home. It looks like a beautiful place to live. I’m sure the Mosses and Shirreffs are making sure you are well taken care of….yes, you are lucky to have so many people around you who love you so much. Don’t forget all your fans in California. Thank you for the diary posts. We wouldn’t mind you coming back for a visit sometime!
Meredith Gibbs
It is so special that you have such wonderful people in your life. We try to be the same way with our horses too. So many are not as lucky as you and me.
jim
i think about you all the time. i love you and miss you. god bless you on your new journey
Julie
I think her first born should be named Mondatta!
Janet Cutting
Zenyatta and Dottie: You two are the best! Dottie, you for sure give a lot of people a happy heart. Im sure after the celebrations this past weekend and seeing all the loving fans– it’s all worth it and everything is good in Zenyatta’s world. Bless all of Team Z and the animal lovers out there!!!! Cheers Zenny!!!
Lyn Lyons
Thanks *so* much, Dottie, for keeping us posted on our fabulous Zenyatta! We love her and are so grateful to be able to keep track of her thru your updates!
Kathryn Cogswell
Thank you everyone. So comforting . .. all of the good news from Dottie & ‘Z.’ This site is like the fountain of youth! Smiling all the time. ~ Bye, Bye, Bye.
Jan
Thank you Dottie and Zenyatta for thinking about your fans… Lots of Love from Texas.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, I have been looking over some unworthy men, and I find Tiznow OK. (Notice the Z) He is 17 Hands and he beautiful, and he has a good racing record (nothing like your tho, sweet Queen). Anyway, I am just anxious about you having a baby girl, ZivaZ. See you tonight, I guess I need to get some work done. Lisa g
Zen-Fan
Dottie! Thanks again. I hope in some way by continuing on with the diary, it serves to benefit you & help you stay connected with Zen & her fans, instead of it just being about us! We cannot thank you enough…do you know if/when the follow-up piece with 60 Minutes is going to air? Probably after the awards ceremony in Miami in January?
Linda Deutsch
Dottie…words cannot express the appreciation we feel for you, John, the team and continuing these posts. A giant hole was left in our hearts when Zennie went to KY and it means the world to know that her new team will love and care for her in the same way. We are all lucky to have her in our lives and thanks to you all for sharing her with us.
Cheryl Heath
The pictures are just wonderful and adore the posts. Thank you so much.
I live a short distance from Lane’s End and today the weather is a little warmer and the sun is out. Tomorrow, even warmer and then more cooler weather again. It is a beautiful Kentucky winter and I know Zenyatta will learn to love it as we do. She is at one of the most beautiful locations on the earth with good people to care for her. I know she misses Team Z, but I am thinking they will remain very close to her.
ruffianruns
Thank you for the updates. You seem to really respond to our worries with just the perfect thing. It really helps me to know that John was preparing Zenyatta with schedule changes before her trip to KY. Thank you all for taking such good care of our beloved girl.
Jenna
Forever thank you, Dottie. I really appreciate the updates. I’m feeling so much better. I love the photos of Z in the snow. I live in the Northeast (yay!! Z’s closer than ever!!) and snow takes getting used to but she is, afterall, a horse. She loves it. I love the photo of her prancing a bit with Charles. Her ears are totally perky…good sign! Can’t wait to meet her. How long will John and Mario stay with her????
Merry Christmas!
Jenna
Quick comment: I’ve never been to KY but that background of the photos are gorgeous…can’t wait to see them in warmer weather. Rolling hills…I love it.
Ella Emery
Zen- “Girl” was I tired from staying up past my bedtime last night. But I would not have been able to sleep without saying goodnight! I just got home from school & was so happy Dottie did another post for us. Me & my friends in my kindergarten class are almost done with your Christmas card. I have a care package to send too, but my mom says we have to figure out the address because all we have is a PO BOX # for you…
I am sure my mom won’t give up…she is like you in that way! Have a great weekend and thank you for helping to create beautiful dreams for me every night!
Love, Ella
Dani
Dear Zenyatta – After reading your posts and the articles on the Bloodhorse and DRF websites I am so happy to know that everything really is working out great for you and that you are adjusting well and enjoying getting to know everyone. Thanks so much to your buddy Dottie for helping you out with the diary. She is wonderful, isn’t she? Take good care and don’t stay up all night talking to the other girls. Get your beauty sleep!!
Rita Boucher
Thankyou for the updates. Yes, you are a lucky girl for sure…keep us posted!!
Judy Sims
The pictures of Zennie walking in the snow and looking around at beautiful Lane’s End are wonderful. She is so regal and looks happy in her new surroundings. Thank you, Dottie, for your continued diary postings. I look forward to my “Zenyatta Fix” everyday. What an inspiration she is and all of you connectied with her are.
I know she is getting the royal treatment she deserves since she is “The Queen.”
God Bless.
Alyssa
Thank you Dottie, for doing these updates.
I think some people who are not completely familiar with horses are having a hard time understanding that horses adjust to cold weather a lot better than humans do. Zenyatta is in a heated barn with a blanket, so no she is not cold. And when she is out walking around, even though it’s around freezing, she does NOT need a blanket. Her coat is short, yes, but she’s still a HORSE and they’re made to be outside, and especially since she’s always moving, she stays warm. Also, anyone who has watched multiple videos knows that even Mario used the lip chain on Zenyatta sometimes (in fact, I think he ALWAYS schooled her in it before every race). Lane’s End is perfectly capable of handling her. It’s asinine that some people think they aren’t – it’s a multi-billion dollar farm that’s home to MULTIPLE million-dollar horses. They aren’t going to hire inexperienced morons.
Marilu Villanueva
Hello Zenyatta! So good to hear you are happy and adjusting well. Take good care of yourself. This is a good time to thank your family – the Moss’, Dottie and John and all who have been kind and generous with their time. We are grateful to them for sharing you with us. Dottie, thank you again for doing all of this. Zenyatta and all of you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Diana Hanson
I look forward to hearing from you! No matter how rotten my day may be, reading a post is quite uplifting. Look forward to new photos. I now have your photo on my office wall with some of my other favorite horses; Barbara, Big Brown, Street Sense, Thunder Gulch and of course Rachel. You are so amazing and beautiful. Enjoy your days becasue you so deserve them Queen Z.
Pamela J Hebert
Hello Zenny! You are the luckiest horse in the whole world to be loved so much by everyone. The Moss’s, John, Mario, Steve & dear Dottie are dedicated people who truely love you to have done all they have this week for you. You are in a wonderful new home surrounded by them & others who will feel that same way once they get to know you. Thank you for telling Dottie your feelings so she can relay them to your fans. I’m sure if this is not in time where you want to be your family wouldn’t keep you there. God bless them & you Zenny Moss
Pamela J Hebert
Hello Zenny! You are the luckiest horse in the whole world to be loved so much by everyone. The Moss’s, John, Mario, Steve & dear Dottie are dedicated people who truely love you to have done all they have this week for you. You are in a wonderful new home surrounded by them & others who will feel that same way once they get to know you. Thank you for telling Dottie your feelings so she can relay them to your fans. I’m sure if this is not in time where you want to be your family wouldn’t keep you there. God bless them & you Zenny Moss
Ann Maree
Dottie (via Zenyatta’s Diary!), how wonderful to know you are staying in the loop. I know this will ease the minds of Z’s fans….me, too, for sure! I am just so impressed at how much preliminary care and attention went into this transition! You all are doing a great service to the industry in the way you care for all of the horses in your care. I am probably going to lift a couple of paragraphs and post on the Facebook page…not all 55,000 fans will make it to these Diary pages (probably a good thing!), and I’m sure you have read some of the concerns people have shared, especially during the “blackout”!!! I know it’s because Z has brought so many new fans to the sport, most with very little if any background with either horses or racing. It is just unprecedented for people associated with a horse to be so in tune with the fans, at least in a hands-on way. That is a story in itself. I’ve said this before, but I see a really terrific movie about a wonderful once-in-a-lifetime horse and truly, a once in a lifetime owner/trainer combo. I would love to see Jeff Bridges play John! Perfect casting! He did a great job in Seabiscuit. Ok, I’ve drooled enough! Thanks so much for everything! By the way, you have a great looking son! Cheers! Merry Christmas! Ann Maree
Beatrice Lian
So nice reading about Zenyatta in her daily posts – thank you very much, Dottie. Looking forward to seeing her videos & pictures. Hugs & kisses to Zenyatta always!