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
Barbara Wood
Dear Z–
Thank you so much for the hugs and kind words. The pictures of you in the snow today were gorgeous, and I am very much encouraged that you are still our same wonderful girl. I have to check in with you at least daily to find out how you are doing. I am so glad the folks at Lane’s End will work something out in future months so you can have visitors.
Love you always.
Thank you, Dottie, for reassuring us!
Leslie
Diary Post #2700 will be as much fun to read as Diary Post #1. These updates are great, and educational too. Transitioning horses from racing to farm life is a process that definitely does not happen in a day! Thanks Team Z. Love to you all! Zenyatta = HOTY 2010!!!!!!!!!
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, How can you become more regal? And yet you do. I should have known you would be wearing a Rambo, justly so for our Queen. Again, I want to thank Dottie, John, Mario, Carmen, Mike and Mr. and Mrs. Moss for this continued contact with you and for the care they have taken to leave you in such good hands. And to you Zenyatta, thank you for all you give to the world. MUCH LOVE FROM ME TO YOU.
Dana
Great post! Thanks for keeping us updated, Queen Z! We love you!
jeanie langford
Nice post. She does look a little happier today. I am sure the people at Lane’s End know what they are doing and that she is getting the best of care. I find it amazing that team Z just walked away and left her. Maybe that is how it has to be for her sake and theirs.
Melanie
Oh dear Zenny its great to have you only a few states away from me here in PA. I can’t wait to see some of your articles in magazines. I miss seeing you in the races but I know your new friends at Lanes End will take great care of you and update Dottie so we can hear about you everyday.
<3 Long Live the Queen Zenyatta <3
P.S. Does anyone know if its possible to visit her at Lanes End?
debbie
Wow the queen sure looks good–I never knew she had all those dapples. How come they seem to show more on her now then they did when she was racing? I’m not keen on the lip chain either however I know it’s for her safety–they are being very cautious with her–you don’t want her getting loose and injuring herself. I’m sure once she’s fully relaxed they won’t need to use it anymore. Thanks for this awesome post; I read it every day, I love being able to keep updated on how the queen is doing. I have never been so awestruck by such a beautiful creature–she truly is gods gift.
Diana
Thank you so much for the updates. We do so love knowing how your life is going. Your fans love you so much! Someday I hope to come see you at Lane’s End! My husband and I are very excited about it! We’re happy that Lane’s End is working with all the fans and that we’ll continue to get the great diary updates! You are our favorite racehorse by far!! We love you!!
Timmy Todd M.A,
Hi Baby Girl…..There’s a group of us in California planning an odyssee to come and see you in spring….when you’re not too busy…. We love you,,, peppermints and carrots doll…..You big goofy mare…
Love and light
Prof. Timmy
Kathleen
Dottie, thank you for the updates. I’ve had horses most of my life, so I was not concerned about the cold weather as some who have posted. I told a friend yesterday that she’s in such good flesh she should be finding the cold weather invigorating.
John is such a fine horseman that I also knew that he had started gearing her down some weeks ago. It’s nice to know that they’re showing the Queen her boundaries in her new paddock prior to turning her out. All of these things that experienced horse people do that people without horses don’t know about. Thank you for easing their minds, Dottie.
Quarterhossgal
Dottie…like everyone else thank you so very much for keeping Zen’s fans updated.
My favorite pic is #2 wilh the snow and the frosted trees behind Queen Z. She looks regal! Please give us more info about her stall, other mares in her barn etc. I’m glad to see Lane’s End being so careful will her regarding turn out. It sounds like they are doing it perfectly.
Jena Hobert
Zenyatta you look so good. Promise me when they finally take the leadshank off you won’t get to wild. You haven’t been out without a human at your side for about 5 years now. I Know you are going to want to run as fast as you can but go Slow…..we don’t want you to slip in the grass. And if you buck, stay away from the fences ok. Picasso is going to join the herd in 2 more weeks. But I will put him in with one. Then start adding guys back a day at a time. I don’t want the older guys to rough him up too much. But he will want to run just like you will. He has been going out in the round pen and boy is he bored with that. Just be careful!! Dottie, we love you keeping us up to date, thank you so much. Hey Zenyatta, have you seen AP Indy??? Is he cute? Let us know which boy you like okay? Love to you always Queen Z. Secsea Dancer, Salawgi,Simon, and Picasso.
Gloria
Oh lordy! I’m teary-eyed after reading that. I could barely read through my tears as I got to the middle of the post. Thanks to Dottie for continuing to do Zen’s diary posts. Not only do you have to make sure Zenyatta transitions into her new life in KY., you have to make sure her fans do too! Can’t thank all of Team Zenyatta enough for keeping us informed and all of the great photos I’ve been seeing on other websites. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact me. With love and respect!
Kate
Oh, how wonderful to finally have some news and photos of our girl in Kentucky! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to all of the wonderful people who so generously share Zenyatta with us!
KIM
I am so happy that you are okay!I was very worried that you would br unhappy.You have brought so much joy to the world,you should never have a sad moment!
sharon shepherd
Welcome to Ky .Zenyatta…I have enjoyed watching you and following your amazing career.You are the greatest ..The world loves you so much you have brought us so much joy .Can’t wait to see you and that first baby.
peppermint kisses to you
Sheri Osborne
You are one lucky girl for sure! I’m so glad to hear that you’re settling in nicely Zenyatta! Thats always good to hear! Keep on rollin Z! :D
Mary Stanford
It is good to hear each day is getting better for you. It is now time for you to relax after the wonderful racing career that you had. Dottie does an awesome job of helping you write the post each day…you are one smart horse and she is one smart lady. Tell Dottie …thank you!!!
Amber
<3 Love you!Hopefully I will be coming to see you if I can manage it!
Linda (Canada)
Hi Zen…LE looks very nice – I too have never noticed how many dapples you have!
I watched a Youtube montage of your 19 wins….god it was great! – several times the announcers forgot themselves and got a little “soprano” when you crossed the wire YET AGAIN in the lead….what a special racehorse and athelete you were! We all are so grateful we got to see your majesty in our lifetime! I’m not a religous person…but when you look in your eyes and see your infinite patience and kindness….I don’t know…I think you are God’s horse. Take care….and let us know what “date” you like at Lane’s End :)
Barb France
Great to hear your settling into your new “home” and surroundings. I want to thank Team Zenyatta for allowing us into your “world”! This is something that, in my opinion, will bring in more new fans to the horseracing world. I personally have thoroughly enjoyed every second of learning and reading about your world! Keep enjoying yourself Zenyatta…I know I am!!
Darlene Johnson
I am so glad you are settling in Zenyatta and it is wonderful to hear from you. I miss you everyday,so this diary really helps. I cannot find the photos. Please have Dottie let us know where we can find them. Stay warm….it sounds very cold there.
Catherine Uher
I have been looking forward to reading your post all day and am sooooo happy to know that you are happy! An extra big thank you to Dottie for continuing to let us know how you are and for taking time out of her busy day to be your typing “assistant”! Love your picture with your family and you look fabulous in your warm blanket! Can’t wait to see what you are up to tomorrow! Lots of peppermint kisses beautiful girl! xoxo!
Lori Stein
Hey Big Z,
I’m so very happy for you right now. I just read the article on Bloodhorse about you adapting to farm life and I am loving what I’m hearing. Bill Farish seems like he has it all planned out perfectly for you. I also loved the pictures of you. You look more beautiful than ever if that is even possible. I am so excited for you. Please keep the posts from you diary coming and I hope to see you in the summertime. God bless to all!!! Happy Holidays
Leah
Dear Queen Z,
I am so happy you are adjusting to your new life at Lane’s End. You are going to make a great mother.I know you will try just as hard at motherhood as you did in racing. Love you and Thank you for so many exciting memories.
Joan
It is so great to hear the latest goingons with you. The pics are beautiful, you look like you belong Big Z.
I was reading the interview with Mr. Farish and he referred to you as a “Rock Star”, heck we already knew that. I guess he didn’t know how loved you really were until their switch board stayed lite up non-stop!!!Sounds like they really do know how very special you are. I think they know the drill so I am ready to just enjoy your new adventures and quit worrying. Dottie thank you for giving us our Queenie fix, we go crazy and imagine the worst when we don’t get some news. Let’s face it, Zen has a lot of Mom’s and Dad’s,some people call us fans, but it’s like she is our very own family member and we have all the Team to thank for that.
Sweet Zenyatta, stay warm and enjoy your day.
Debbie
love you Z! I can’t wait to hear more and more and more!! xo
Robyn Mullhausen
Thanks for another great post, Z. It must be a lot of work keeping up these posts, but you do very well on the computer with a size 7 shoe! ;) Glad you are enjoying your new surroundings and new “peeps”. You might be one lucky horse, but they are some very lucky humans to have you there to care for.
Elena Erdman
Hi Zenyatta.. please thank Dottie for the posts.. I don’t know what any of us did to deserve this wonderful website.. we get to hear about you and it is so uplifting all the time… you are a regal lady.. I am glad the “baby steps” are being taken and soon you will be able to go out by yourself… that snow can get icy and scarry… I am so glad you are in a farm and having farm things to do.. how relaxing.. always been my dream to live on a farm.. the big sky, the rolling hills, even the snow and the birds and the whole thing is fantastic… I wish I could go visit you soon, but it will be in a little while.. when it gets warmer so we can drive there… like the driving… I am glad you have the girlfriends to chat with… do you miss the boys nearby? of course they are all full of guy talk, right and the girls are so girlie… I look forward to Dottie writing more about you… where do I find your photos? I saw one in facebook and where else are they? I want to download them on my phone… well glorious gorgious lady.. I just want to tell you again, I love you.
Kim Curtsinger
Hi Zenyatta, how did you like the KY weather today? I told you we had a few days of cold, then a few days of decent weather. It will be like this all winter. I’m still thinking about you all the time. Please tell Dottie how thankful we are for her to continue being your “secretary” for these posts. I am sure with your big hooves it’s hard to work the keyboard. Please keep the info coming. Love you sweet girl.