Good Morning,
On so many levels, I can’t thank all of you enough for the kind words you wrote to ME yesterday. Your support and consideration means a great deal. Thank you for encouraging ME to be ME!
I truly am getting a bit of a ‘baby bump’….to quote this current human phrase. I am definitely starting to gain some ‘baby weight’. I must say…this is very exciting!
In my life, my weight has always been a huge consideration. When I was an athlete, MY JOHN would constantly monitor my weight….before and after exercise…and then before and after a race! He had a ‘weight tape’ which he placed over my withers and directly behind my elbow….right around my heart area. This tape is scientifically designed to calculate the weight of a horse based upon a very specific formula. Thus, the point on the tape where the 2 parts meet as it is placed around my body would give my weight. The number given is considered to be quite accurate.
Not only did MY JOHN want to monitor my weight, he also wanted to see how much my weight changed before and after exercise. This would be true for any athlete in any sport.
My optimum weight while racing was right at 1200–1205 pounds. I know, I’m a good-sized girl! What is the saying….it is what you do with what you’ve got that matters! Believe me, I truly subscribed to this principle while racing…and continue to embrace it in my life today!)
Thus, right at 1200ish pounds was MY JOHN’S target weight for ME when preparing for a race. As mentioned earlier, he monitored it all of the time and kept a detailed record of it while I was enjoying my time at BARN 55.
All of this goes to illustrate….THE DETAILS MATTER!
Now, my weight is very important for another reason. I have gained ‘some pounds’ for sure…but I do think I look TOO CUTE!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Susan in TN
Zenny-I think Mario should be your baby’s godfather <3
Susan in TN
@Terry Crow: Funny joke! Glad Don is better.
@The Kennedy’s: Thank you for the touching story!
@Cheryl M: TOOO FUNNNY !!
@Judy B: Thanks for the links -will check them out!
@Deborah Richman: Can’t wait to read about Reckless!
@Trina N: Thank you for the link on laminitis-I’m excited that there are new possible methods of treatment.
Thank you to all, fellow Z fans, for your warmth, knowledge, humor and sharing <3
@Charlotte Farmer: Put my check in the mail today for Noor-bless you!
relientkislove
We’re all so thrilled for you Zenny (: love ya girl! I’ll tell you now I’m one of your biggest fans down here in Texas (:
Susan in TN
@Kim S: That does sound like true love! (William and Lacey). Keep us posted !
Karen Gogue
To all posters who posted links today, I thank you!
sissy
Hay girl! So glad you and miniZ are well. I have been wondering, when were you rebred? According to my calculation it was on or very close to your birthday!
Please let us know. Luv u, miniZ, and your team!
Linda
Lady Z, we women need to be a healty weight when with “foal or child” so gain normal prego weight and be proud for what God lets us accomplish. Love and hugs
Trina Nagele
Dearest Z, Good night and sleep tight.
@Dawn Conrad, Deborah Richman, Charlotte Farmer and all Z fans who were touched by the heroic wartime bravery and service of the mare Reckless— I encourage you to visit the facebook page “Official Sgt Reckless Fan Club.” You don’t have to sign up to visit, but if you want to comment, then you ask for permission to join. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_119785361371237&ref=ts
@mars—I enjoyed your post about being addicted to Z’s diary. I recognize myself in your words. Too cute!
@Sarah Powell—Bless you for taking care of all those kitties that others have abandoned. They must love being horse barn cats—what a good life!
@Jackie—Congratulations to Lisa’s Booby Trap! Thanks for the update.
@CARMINE—Thanks for the link to Street Game’s race! He’s doing his daddy proud, and right on time for Father’s Day too.
@LORIE CROW—I loved your post about how you helped bring 90 foals into the world in one year, and how you loved doing it. There’s nothing cuter than a little foal, is there? And thanks for giving Zenny that tip about not gaining TOO much weight so she’ll be able to deliver more easily.
Charlotte Farmer
@Terry Crow – Response to your post #277. I called Bill and left a message on his cell phone thanking him. I also pointed out, in a nice way, that there was no address given on where to donate money.
@Shari Voltz – For whatever you are going through know that everyone on this site is thinking about you and wishing you well. Prayers are being sent your way. I am sure Zenyatta is sending a sweet muzzle kiss for you.
Kari Bussell
@Robyn Henderson- I feel like I know you already…you love Zenny and you have a very beautiful happy smiling face..
Patricia
Hi all,
This is a really late post so I’m not sure it’ll be read by many, but I have a question for anyone that may have an answer… Why is Noor being moved?? I actually have a place in Grass Valley where my horses live ( I live in Lake Tahoe) and know where Loma Rica Ranch is. It seems beautiful. Did they bury Noor in a disrespectful way?? I think it’s wonderful he’ll be at Old Friends, I just missed the post explaining the reason for the move. I appreciate any clarification.
Thanks to all for the kindest site EVER!!!
Charlotte Farmer
@Patricia – In answer to your question, he was not buried in a disrespectful way, but Loma Rica is falling to development. Enjoy the beauty that once was the ranch for if you look at the development plans currently on file the track, where Noor is buried, will be turned into a business park. The rest will be housing. The people that own the property have been very gracious in allowing me to follow through with moving Noor and for that I cannot say thank you enough.
For the most part no one in Grass Valley, only a possible handful ever knew of Noor let alone cared about him. Even after learning of his exploits there was very little interest. He is just this horse who did something or other on the racetrack . . . For multiple reasons that is why I have been moving heaven and earth to get him to a place where I know he will be cared for. Once he is at Old Friends people will visit and learn of him. Noor, who name means “light” in Arabic, will shine like a beacon beckoning people to come and visit and once again hold court to those who come to pay homage to his exploits on the track, especially against the great Citation.
Thank you for asking the question and I hope that I have been able to answer it. Please, if you have any other questions just post it to this site and I will try and answer it. It is very late and I need to get to bed.
Maria K.
You look soo good Queen Z. I love the picture. Take good care of yourself and have fun outside. Hugs and kisses!
Marilyn
The added pounds looks good on you….Queen Z….enjoy your friends and take really good care of yourself…love and hugs…
Kathy Kimber
@Reckless: WOW! I think back to the years when I lived in California and all the times I was on Camp Pendleton and the many times I was at Mainside, where the 5th Mar.Div. is located and I never knew about Reckless. I’ve even been by the stable many times. It would have been nice to put a couple of yellow and red roses on her grave.
Reckless made S/Sgt and being part of, what is referred to as “the old corps” that was a marvelous achievement no one made much in the way of rank in those days but she earned every bit of hers. She was used because she was expendable, sad to say, however, she was a very smart little horse and she made it thru. Because she was a marine they never left her behind and she came to Camp Pendleton, which was proably the first real home she ever had. She was treated with honor and great rerspect. I got to looking and I came across a picture of her. She was at the marine corps ball, yep that is right. She was all dressed up the guys in their dress blues and she was standing at the table where the birthday cake was getting ready to have her piece (remind you of anyone?) It is a wonderful story and I’m so thankful Deborah shared this link with us. Kudos to you lady. This site brings such great things to our attention and I love these heart tugging moments.
Kathy Kimber
At Charlotte Farmer: Thanks for the update how much more money is needed I know people will keep donating and we just have to get there. I really think we will anyway they can never donate to much. Every little bit is a huge help. Thanks for all you are doing. Hugs
Kathy Kimber
@Reckless: I forgot to mention during her lifetime she gave birth to three foals. Trust me when I say she had the very best of care every single day she lived. The Commandant of the Marine Corps doesn’t show up for just anyone. Nor do they do a parade for just anyone I’m pretty sure every year of her life she went to the Marine Corps Ball and had her piece of Birthday Cake Also the person in charge of her care was on his toes every minute of the time. She was blessed. High Hooves and Semper Fi sweet girl.
LauraJ
@Everybody who is donating for Noor, just a suggestion. In the event that enough funds are collected to cover the transport, re-burial, marker, etc., please make sure to give OF permission to use the funds for other purposes. Otherwise any unused funds will just sit there.
evy
You look wonderful, Zenyatta. Keep it up!! We love you.
Heather Myers
As always, you are beautiful!
The Kennedys in San Diego
A beautiful photo of Zenyatta grazing with her paddock mate, Tasty. Watching and HEARING horses graze — how lovely. One of my favorite sounds is that of horses munching on grass. While visiting Barn 55 one day, I got down low with my head next to Zenyatta so that I could better hear her enjoying the grass behind the barn. She looked at me as if to say, “It’s OK. Have some.” A little anthropomorphic, I know, but one of my great memories of her.
DJ
Good morning Sweet “Z” and little “z”,
Happy Wednesday to you both! It is a beautiful morning here in So. Cal. filled with promise and opportunity for Goodness to shine brightly like the Sun. Just like Y.O.U. and your “Z” Family Givers. I will check back later for a new greeting.
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To Kathy Kimber: Thank you for your reminiscence of Reckless. My Father was a Marine, or should I say “IS”. Once a Marine, always a Marine right? :) He was married at the Marines Memorial in S.F. and it is a special treat to stay there when my husband and I are visiting the City. I so enjoy viewing the surrounding photos of the Horses and their honors. I will look for her photo next time, now that I know her history. Semper Fi!
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To Karen G: I think you might miss those “sticky keys!” I know that I can’t wait to have a pair of my own!! Only 4 God children at the moment. Little ones are coming over tomorrow for a swim day…I think I will leave my keys out by the juice boxes :) They fly back afterwards so the memories will ‘stick’.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta,you are more than Too Cute. I love you Big Girl. Lisa g
Terry Crow
@Karen Gogue–Buddy always does better than I do. Thanks for asking. Loved your twenty wishes.@Sarah Powell-agree. @Christine Coleman–If Zenyatta were a three year old this year, she would be a triple crown winner. If she was still racing, she would be the top handicap horse in the country hands down.@Kathy Kimber and Kim S-Thanks for asking about Don. When I told him that people on this site were asking about him, I could see the emotion on his face. However, being an old-timer, all he could say was thanks to all.@Kathy Kimber, Trina Nagele, KImberly Potter, Cynthia H, Susan in TN and Kathryn Cogswell-Thanks for the kind comments on my feeble attempt at humor. Thanks to you, more to come. Now everyone will know who to blame.@Saralee-You must live in the Grand Junction area of Colorado. Nobody doesn’t like you.–@Sunny Boyd–Even though he is a good actor,I have not been able to take Cesar Romero seriously since Batman-@Charlotte Farmer- I will contact Bill about the address to send donations. I think that he is going to do a follow-up article and this would be a perfect time to include the donation address. Off to the dentist.
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
How special for you to have seen Z up close so often. Thank you for sharing your stories about her with us. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
Hope your friend is feeling better. You are so right about Z. Hugs, J.B.
To Susan in Tn.:
You’re welcome. Hope all is well. Hugs, J.B.
To Trina Nagele:
Thank you for the link on new laminitis treatment. Would be great if it works; will save so many horses. Hugs, J.B.
To Signofthetimes:
You’re welcome. I will look on the web for info on Heat Lighting. Hope they don’t retire Sidney’s Candy right away. Would like to see him race at Saratoga. Did you check out Twirling Candy’s race on the 8th of June? Really something. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Dawn Conrad:
Thank you. Yes, Z started Girl Power and it sure has caught on. Hugs,J.B.
To Mars:
You’re welcome.
To Kim S.:
Russ and I thank you and send prayers back to you. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Mars:
Forgot to say Hugs,J.B.
Mary
DEAREST ZENYATTA
HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU LOOK GRAZING IN THE GRASS WITH YOUR FRIEND. I AM SO HAPPY TO STILL BE ABLE TO READ ABOUT YOUR PRESENT LIFE…I ALWAYS ENJOYED EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU…AND I STILL DO.
GOD BLESS YOU ZENYATTA AND ALL YOUR CHILDREN…I EXPECT THE NEXT GREAT HORSE I FOLLOW AND CHEER ON AT THE FINISH LINE WILL BE ONE OF YOURS…HECK…ALL OF YOURS.
MUCH LOVE AND PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOUR SPECIAL FRIENDS…BABIES…FANS…TO ALL WHO LOVE YOU…
Barbara Grimaldi
Thanks for the info on how to keep track of a horse’s weight–fascinating! I thought a horse had to step on a scale! But then again, I’m a city kid from Brooklyn originally. Once again, you teach me about the sport I love. This is a great photo and I’m so happy you make friends so easily and share the grazing time and the sunshine. That’s our Zenny!!! Love you!