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
James GORSKI
Great site, I hope to see this for years to come. I would like to see the halter cam on Z first time you turn her out.
sue
I am SO happy that you are SO happy! I love you Z too much! :) I watch for updates every day….
Shirley Nolan Al-mlaiti
I am still worried about you …from CA to KY THAT IS A VERY BIG MOVE ….I do hope you feel as good as your posts say you are, just makes me wonder Just because you are not as active as you were running on the track …no training anymore that can be ruff when you are so use to it.. got to keep my QUEEN in shape, I know you like being in shape..I will keep looking for your words in your posts TAKE CARE SWEETHEART LOVE YA,LOVE YA, LOVE YA
CJ
Great job Dottie..I love the udates from Zennie via you and your very warm heart…she is such a sweet blessing in this time in our lives when so much seems out of balance..Sea Biscuit comes to mind when we needed something magnificent in our lives..and Miss Queen Z out does even that larger than life love of a horse…She is in our Heart and Mind …it does us good..Zennie I say thank you for coming here to this earth and showing your light to us all..hugs and kisses..precious Angel…
Tania
When is Mario leaving? I’m so upset you’re going to miss him.
I’ve looked at the videos posted on Facebook. I hope you’re not going to be bored out there. Is that what you’re use to?
Bridget Trenary
May you be showered with blessings! So proud of you!
Kathryn Cogswell
Tight in my Ruby Slippers these next few steps, Zenny: This privilege of being welcome in your realm carries some responsibility, too, it seems. Loving all you mean to so many, means wanting to bring something, which could be sort of an informed advocacy. Looking back, as good horse people taught us [“learn what you’ve got here”], it’s clear you came with a loaded powerhouse of something indefinable, until John and Steve and Mario could give you the time and firmness [“we never laid a hand on her”]* to focus that massive power. Love — at least human love — can be so shot through with concern as to keep from seeing the forest from the trees. Your trail now requires a safety net of insight and wisdom, and trust. Patience, too. So for one willing advocate, stepping back from what I think I know might be right for you, and letting those who DO know you best and are giving all they have to your next team, seems respectful — plus a chance to learn something about waiting and listening and watching. That’s what gestation is all about, no, ‘Z?’ Yes it is. Love, everybody. *Please See “A Moment With Exercise Rider Steve Willard,” Zenyatta.com, from ‘An Affair To Remember,’ e`pilot/19SEP’10.
ELLEN ZEHNDER
Dear Zennie
Thanks so much for the latest update. Sounds like you’re doing well and settling in nicely. I’m so happy for you, and that you have new girlfriends(4 hoofs) and human friends (2 hoofs)that are making your transition easy. I look forward to visiting you in the very near future. Be well and stay safe.
Alene
Good morning gorgeous girl!! Dottie,what would we do without you? You are our life line to Zenny. Thank god for you and everyone from team Zenyatta in making this difficult transition for her. Hope everyone in the team is holding their own. i think you know what I mean. As for you Zenny, the minute I get up I dash to my computer to see how your doing. It all sounds great! You`re very bright and will take everything in you`re stride. I love,love, you Zenny!!! Have a GREAT DAY….Hugs and many kisses,Alene
Zen-Fan
I think many of us are just like you Alene! I too get up in the mornings & instead of checking the news, I come right to Zen’s site to see if there are any new updates, photos, etc. This is such an uplifting eperience & I don’t want to miss any part of it…I am sure we all have our own stressors in our lives & this is a place where we can come & be at peace!
Thanks Zenyatta & Dottie for giving us such a great gift!
Sally Blank
Keep up with those baby steps Z. They know what is best. I am thrilled you have several new girlfriends nearby. I’m afraid I brought our Wi. snow & cold with me when I came to see you at Keeneland. I am sorry. I am thankful you have your family still there during your transition. love you
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
saw the most recent pics and video of Zenyatta. She looks absolutely gorgeous. I just hope that she adjusts to her new home well and that if she doesn’t, that Mr. & Mrs. Moss come and get their girl & take her back home in California.
My only wish is that Zenyatta is healthy, happy and loved. She will always live in my heart.
My Love & Blessings to you always, Zenyatta!
LouAnn Cingel
Sharon
I am so glad you are alright beautiful girl.
I would also like to add my thanks to Dottie for keeping us updated, and all the team Zenyatta for being so generous and sharing you with us.
I am planning a trip out there next summer. Hope to see you then.
“best horse in the world!”
sandy
Thankyou so much for keeping us up to date Z!!! You are in good hands and glad to read that you have made “new friends!!” Hope I get to see you in may wnen i go to ky.Be careful in the snow!!!
Sue Fredrick
Well we got there from Wisconsin to welcome you to your new home and it was great to see you parade around. I brought my sign Z “Gods gift to stallions” did you see us in the crowd. We went over to Lane’s End the next day and I gave it to them to put on your stall door, I hope you got it. The pictures of you walking outside are stunning, but then why wouldn’t they be.You are the “dapple queen”. I hope to be back in spring to see you again, so you take care and let us know as soon as you can who your lucky mate will be. Luv you big girl
Stephanie Lambert
I love you Baby Girl xoxoxo
Stephanie Lambert
Looking at your pics Z , I notice there is NO cotton in your ears!!! How beautiful you are! It must be so very quiet in Kentucky :) I am so happy for you , I love you Baby Girl xoxoxoxo
Nancy
Zenyatta, you have captured my heart, as you have millions around the world! I am not a fan of racing in general but I am a fan of YOU!!! I give big kudos to your TEAM for the extraordinary measures they have taken the whole way with your care and well-being, including your emotional well-being as an important part of the whole. And it has made all the difference huh? I hope horse people in all disciplines will open their minds and hearts to what you have shown us all. Here’s wishing you good times, frolicking in the paddock with new buds, while continuing to pose for pictures and receiving LOTS of special treats and visitors. YOU and TEAM ZENYATTA have and will continue to inspire and enrich lives all over the world. THANK YOU!! All the best to you and your peeps! You are amazing!!
Gina Rizk
Thank you, Dottie! It’s wonderful to be able to see Zenny checking out her new home. She is such an intelligent horse! When the gal who made the video of Zenny’s “New Home”, asked Zenny if she wanted some treats, Zenny pranced right over to the window. As if to say her treat(grass)is outside. Most of us probably are concerned that noone could be as intuitive to her needs, or read Zenny’s “body language” quite like her extended family in CA. It is like sending your child to be cared for by strangers. Obviously, they have a wonderful reputation. They know what they are doing, it’s just that they don’t know her personality, yet!
Katie Clawson
We are all so glad that you are having a wonderful time at the farm. I look forward to reading your diary posts every day. To me you are the greatest racehorse ever, I know you didn’t win the Triple Crown like Secretariat, but I still think you are the greatest(even with a loss). Honestly, I don’t think you lost one TRUE fan after the Breeders’ Cup. Love you honey!! You are going to be an amazing mother.
P.S. Zenny, I saw you at Keeneland on the 6th and can’t wait to see you again at Lane’s End.
cindy b
I have been more worried about you and your changes in the last two weeks than I have the 16 horses I have that belong to me. Now if that’s not crazy, I don’t know what is.
I have loved and followed you since your fourth race. I am a Mike Smith fan and that was when you hit my radar. So I have taken most of your “ride” with you. And it has been wonderful. I just hate the mainstream media missed most of it.
I know there are heavy hearts in CA without you and especially in Barn 55 because no horse is more special or loved than you, Zenny!
Will make the trip from NC to KY to see you hopefully soon!
Gloria Jeanne
Dottie and Zenytta- Thank you for the update and the beautiful words. You two work very well together writting your diary. Please kep writting and sending photos. The farm looks great. I know we all want to see Zenyatta turned out live on video when she is ready. Love and Hugs-
Lynn Meier
Hey Zenny…
Do you and your new stable ladies talk about the Stallions on your Farm? ? ? ? giggles…
Love, hugs, and kisses to you sweet girl
audreyc
What IS IT about this phenom mare? She just has something extra, extra special, and she came at exactly the “right time”, where people are so looking for a hero/ heroine – and one they can totally trust- one who has no guile. Look no farther than to an animal to be assured of that. Z certainly will be connected very strongly in history, with Seabiscuit. (although due to our technology, she will surpass him in popularity – sheer numbers) Anyway, so happy she is doing well. I did note a pensive look in her eyes in a few of Barbara Livingston’s photos from Lanes End. Of course, everything now in her life is so very different….Z probably thinks she has landed on another planet! However, she is being treated so well, that surely she will adjust and be happy. The best part of all – will be her freedom in pasture for hours, and equine socialization and friendship- all horses deserve that. Thank you, Dottie, for the continued posts. I am also among those that check on a regular basis…..
Dawn Deems
Reading your diary posts is a part of my daily routine now. Thank you Zenny and Dottie!!
Hugs and kisses from Ohio
Robin
Thank you Dottie & Z! I can’t tell you how much these posts do for your fans. When I saw the video of you in your new barn, I couldn’t stop crying. We just want you safe and happy! Oh, and maybe a little bit closer to Cali!! We love you Z!! Stay warm pretty girl! MUAH!!
Tim
I have to come see z in person someday isthis possiable?
Leslie
Z and team… thank you SO MUCH for keeping up this diary! I love your sense of humor! I know it takes time and effort to do this and so it is extra special that you care so much about your fans. I am so glad you get to go out and look around. You are such a curious and intelligent girl. I’m also glad you are getting to visit with friends and that your new caretakers have gone to great lengths to learn everything from John, Mario, Steve, Dottie and everyone. I’m sure it’s hard for them to see you go.
You are dear to me and I love you Z. One of these days I’ll come to Kentucky to see you. I’ll never forget and will continue to read every diary posting and story about you.
Love hugs, carrots, kisses and guiness to you Z.
Jessica Boyd
Dear Zenyatta.
I adopted an OTTB three years ago (his name is Calabar) and my daughter just brought home one of her own (his name is Forrest View). Neither of them were as successful as you, but that would be hard to beat! We love them tons!
I think it’s really great that you are describing your transition off the track, and I think it’s really wonderful to hear the way all your friends are doing their best to help you with that.
For those of us that have been blessed to have an OTTB enter our lives, it gives a glimpse into where our ponies came from–which is so useful in helping them turn into horses who can do other things.
Thoroughbreds are amazing horses, and they can do many other things after they come off the track. Thanks for telling the rest of the world about your journey!
Securitales Review
There are some interesting deadlines on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There is some validity however I will take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish extra! Added to FeedBurner as nicely