Good Morning to my DEAR FRIENDS,
I hope all of you are having a wonderful Saturday. I am doing GREAT! Yesterday I asked Sarah to bring some TREATS for my guys, Charles, Todd, Andy and all of the others, here at my KY Barn. She and her family have lived in KY for quite some time, thus, she knows all of the FABULOUS GOODIE places. Well, she stopped by Magee’s Pastries (she says it is the best in town) for some special breakfast goodies for them. They looked yummy and were a big hit!
Also, the people who work here at Lane’s End are now trickling in to see me. I am beginning to meet everyone who works here at the farm. It is really fun! They also told me they are reading the Diary each day so I am really working hard to keep everyone up-to-date.
I am continuing to go outside and become more and more acclimated to my new environment. I have to be honest…it is so much fun! Each day, I am becoming so much more comfortable and relaxed in this gorgeous setting. So many of the things are just like CA…I have a barn cat (same color as one at Shirreff’s Barn) named Kitty. They tell me he has been here for quite some time…and he really likes me. I have gorgeous trees to look at and beautiful geese by a pond close to my new paddocks. It is splendid! I just stand and stare at this beautiful setting for hours!
As you know, each day is baby steps to help me to feel more and more relaxed and comfortable. I know several of you have asked why I am wearing a lip chain now and then in some of the photos. I consulted with Dottie and John so I could properly explain this to you. Bottom-line, it is just for my safety and well-being.
Since farm life is new to me and I am really excited and want to explore all of the areas of my new environment, I need a bit of structure at first to be sure I do not do too much too soon. In truth, if left to my own thoughts…I’d probably rush around and skip too many steps…which would not be in my best interest. So, it is applied just to remind me to settle down. Per John, “the way we are using it with me is just a mild way of reminding me to be careful and relax…not to jump around where I could step on or hurt myself.” Since I was 2…this would be done every so often when a new setting was being explored by me…not often but when needed to PROTECT ME. Once I was comfy and everyone knew I was fine, it was immediately removed. The same thing is happening here now.
I respect the fact that my handlers want me safe and this mild little reminder makes ME focus on my safety. Like I said, it is only used briefly and then when I have my focus and am really paying careful attention to what I am doing…it is removed.
John said to tell you it is like a gymnast learning to do a balance beam activity etc. They use the ropes at first to be sure the person does not fall and get hurt. It is simply for safety.
Each day, I really making great progress…if I say so myself. I must be really, really honest…I know girls do not like to talk about their weight…but I am one really big girl (Dottie said we can say 1200 pounds ‘ish’). Thus, I am very, very, very strong and I am feeling great. So, all of the things are being done for my complete safety. I understand this and deeply appreciate the fact that my handlers want me safe and happy. I am so fortunate people care so much about ME! Thank you for also wanting me safe!
I wish all of you a wonderful weekend. There are some great races and games going on the next few days. I do love SPORTS! (Oh, maybe that is because I am one terrific athlete.)
Enjoy you day!
With love,
HUGS TO ALL~
Z
Susan
Dear Z,
Never had any doubt that you would love Lanes End, and they you! I understand completly about that lip shank thing, and know your new people are treating you with all the love you so richly deserve.
Janet Cutting
Hi Zenny: Cats are great–I have a 23 yr old that wakes me up at 6am every morning to go to work!! You are in a great place and with fantastic people– I too say, remember to take those baby steps– have fun with everyone Z– your the best. Oh, dont forget to let us know when you’ll be on 60 minutes. Best to All, janet cutting
rosemarie bandura
Yes I was concerned also about the lip chain, especially when I googled it and read about it. Hopefully this will just be a temporary measure and that it doesn’t hurt you zenyatta! Hugs from British Columbia, Canada!
NDfilly
Z, part of what is so special about you and your advanced writing skills, is that you are educating so many people about horses and equine care. I enjoy learning from you and I am sure many of your fans will have lots of questions about becoming a mother. Thanks for educating us many folks that aren’t in the horse business.
PS You don’t look a pound over 1150 lbs! You carry your weight so well.
saharagold
Can’t wait until you’re “snow broke” and can go out in the paddock and run around with the other girls!
P.S. Tell Dottie to ask the powers that be if 1) we can get your Zenyatta song VIDEO on iTunes, and 2) if all those great videos on the Breeder’s Cup site they made for you can migrate over here to this site. (I am scared they will take it down someday, and I won’t be able to watch your song video! And I love the Del Mar video, too, but it’s on YouTube).
Megan
Thanks for the updates,truly puts me at ease to know Zenyatta is doing so well.Love You “Z:
Nancy McNaul Applegate
am very glad that John is there with you, Zenny. He must be a comfort to you now. you’re a healthy strong-minded girl…soon you might not even want him around so you can do it all on your own. he might feel badly at first but he’ll understand.
spring time is beautiful here…warm sunny days, rolling soft hillsides, soft breezes. Zenny, you’re gonna feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven.
Robin
Good Morning Z! Thank you for explaining that all to us, now I understand the reason for it. We sure miss you here in Cali! Stay warm and safe pretty girl! Love you! MUAH!! XOXO
Nancy
Dear Your “Highness”
Thank you for the update. Every life change takes some getting used to. Your people have paid attention to every detail. You have a nice place to live. If you get bored, call me.
Bridget
Hi Zen, I ordered an 8 x 10 picture of you at Lane’s End yesterday out in the snow. You look stunning! Are you enjoying chit chatting with your new girlfriends? That’s great you’re making new friends with the girls. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date. You look mavelous! Love you!
susan vest
i never worried about the chain………………………….i guess cause i know john loves you………am so glad he is there with you…………..hugs
Rita
Great to hear from you Z. The photos of you in the snow are wonderful. Stay warm, lots of hugs to you.
Kathy B.
LOL about Kitty! I watched you “play” with the kitty at Shirreffs barn before you left…you two seemed very comfortable together. I saw a pic of new kitty and thought it was fitting it was so much like old kitty….another little reminder of the friends who love you back home! Thanks so much for the updates…I love love love reading them! Take care big girl!
Jackie from Maryland
Have a very happy weekend, Z! You look remarkable. I’m so glad to know that you are loving your new Kentucky home…and being loved by everyone there (even the cats). Lottsa love and many hugz from MD!!
Trish & Mike in Colorado
Thank you for the wonderfully careful explanation, Dot-Zen !!! It brought tears to our eyes to think how carefully and thoughtfully people care for you. We marveled at the pictures of you at Lane’s End and just could not believe what a beautiful, stately, elegant creature you are. Those dapples are something else. The posts you send us are really little masterpieces of writing. Thanks again.
Rita Boucher
Thankyou for keeping us posted. The people who question the use of a lip chain do not know animals at all. You guys have instincts and are impulsive like a teenager. I believe, based on your history, your family wants to take only the best of care of you. Don’t worry about your weight young lady, I too am a big ol’ gal, and strong as..well..a horse. You look perfect as one God’s greatest creations. Keep us posted!!
Ellie Hamblen
Dang, I miss that horse! No more trips to H. Park and Santa Anita to watch her race and get the “admission goodies”! Never was lucky enough to get back to the barn, though. Now what will I have to look forward to?? Well, Zen’s baby, but that will be a while. Will have to save airfair to get to KY!!
Selene McCarthy
Great post, Z..so sweet of you to explain things, but girlfriend, if you at 17’3″ are only 1200 lbs., then I am Twiggy! That would make you pretty skinny in my book. I’m thinking 1300″ish” and at your height you can carry a few extra lbs. On a hot thoroughbred you can never have too much weight. You burn calories staring out the window! More of you to love, that’s what I say! So let’s have a Guiness and make a toast to the barn kitty!
Khara
Thank you Z for the post this morning. I was walking home from the gym when I read it. You are one awesome athlete! Stronger than any horse I saw you run against, even Blame. That is what initially drew me to you. Thanks for explaining all of the reasons for the lip chain and everything. I don’t know much about horses but I am sure learning a lot since I have become one of your biggest fans. I think we are all just so worried about you and we are missing you in CA. So we are being very protective because we love you so much. Have a great weekend and I am so glad you have a barn kitty. They are special friends, aren’t they?
Liz Mahoney
Hi Queen Z! Hope you are keeping warm, I’m further north than you so hopefully you’re not getting the current rain/sleet we are. Has all of your family gone back home? I hope you truly are staring out your stall window at the scenery and not looking for them as I know how attached you animals become to your humans. Stay postive and know they and we all love you!
Tania
Are you bored Z? I saw the videos of you being walked and it looks boring.
Christine Coleman
So good to hear you are taking your baby steps and adjusting Zenny! To Dottie and the LE’s staff helping with the updates, THANK YOU! Not only are you doing a superb job “dealing” with the unusual fanbase Zenny has, but you all are doing so much to EDUCATE those of us who don’t know anything about the day to day care of racehorses, both retired and in training. You guys are the best! Thank you for taking such good care of our Zenny. She’s a gem and we love her dearly! And mostly, thank you for putting up with us! :-)
Kari Bussell
Happy Saturday to you beautiful girl. thank you for the update…and yes my Queen, you are one terrific athlete.I love you madly deeply!
sue
Only request from LE, please make sure you loosen grip alittle on Z, so that she can raise her head high. This is what’s so beautiful about her, how she raises her head to hear and look.
You are beyond a great racehorse. Your mere essence is something to behold. Your prance before races, then the calmness when walking into the gate (you know), the gentleness you show to your fans who visit, your spunkiness with your handlers were you no it’s OK to play because they know you.
I think this is all a testament in how you were raised. Sheriff, 55 and the whole crew did a beautiful job preparing you but not breaking you… An example of that was in an interview, where they described the infancy of your training, when they said “they never raised a hand to you, but were just firm.” Z, I love the men and women who helped become a beautiful horse as much as you.
Much love.
LisaGood
I am glad to hear that you are happy and that they are keeping you safe. The safety of a horse such as yourself is very important. I have been keeping up with your daily updates and hope they continue. Todays post left me in tears. I work with racehorses and own one of my own so I understand the use of a lip chain. Love ya and hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Astrid
Zenny-girl, good to hear from you! I have limited horse care knowledge but figured your lip chain was for your safety and similar to a prong collar for a dog.
When our dog hurt her leg badly and we had to walk her on pure ice (we get that a lot in Canada:) we put a prong collar for her safety so that she pays attention and slows down. We didn’t want her to get hurt more and like you she has a go-go-go personality and her weight is in the -ish category:)) (all muscle of course just like you:))
Pretty soon, she could run free again and so will you! Then you can dance in the snow!
Speaking of dancing, I think you started a trend! I saw Mine that Bird and Lava Man dancing. They must read your diaries too! Of course your dance steps are more sophisticated!:)
Lots of hugs to you! I love every ounce of you! You are PERFECT! Say hello to your kitty-friend and wishing your humans (Team Z-1 and Team Z-2) a great weekend! I know they will take good care of you as they have always done!
Kathleen Burnham
Hope you are having a good day today!! I LOVE hearing from you and being able to follow you as you become more aquainted with your new home!! Sounds like everything is going well. Stay safe and enjoy each and every minute of your new life!!
Maureen
So glad to hear everyone has your very best interest at heart. we all love you so much. wouldnt it be great to have a zenyatta/ rachel Tea…and raise money for some of the horse rescues that are pulling horses from the lots? maybe keeneland can arrange something like that soon.
Sue
Hello precious Girl!! Wow, this move is a HUGE adjustment for everyone!! Your surroundings do look gorgeous; just hope you can get out & “play on your own’ VERY soon. I fall into quite a funk when the “reality” sets in (over & over) that we will NEVER see you saddled up again!! Despite how beautiful , & natural, you look in your new home, I can’t help (selfishly) to wish you were going to be in one of those races this weekend. It’s just NOT the same without you!! And I can’t help to believe that you have to miss it also, & wonder ” where did it all go; Why am I not on the track doing what ‘I thought’ I did THE BEST? And worse, ” Am I not racing because I lost my last one?”. That just drives ME crazy; not being able to ‘explain’ to you why things are the way they are & that this is not a punishment for something you did; but only a change for your best welfare.
Is John still there with you? I thought he had left, but someone made reference to his presence so I’m hoping you can let us know. It would be MARVELOUS if he was, but I don’t dare wish.
We all truly love you, as you well know by now, & will ALWAYS make sure you have everything you deserve & want in life. You are AMERICAS’ DARLING…..something LE thought they knew; but, actually had NO IDEA!!!
Hope the weather warms a bit for you; melting the ice so your freedom will come sooner vrs. later. XXXXOOOO Sue
Quarterhossgal
Z…am so happy to see the daily post. I understand your California crew went home on Wednesday and you are now cared for by the Kentucky team. Here in Nebraska we are having single digit temps and wind chills -25 degrees. My horses are safely tucked in the warm barn with their favorite barn cats. I think your weather in Kentucky is much better than here. Let us know about your stable mates and when you are turned loose either in the round pen or a small paddock. I would love to see a book filled with pictures from the time you joined your California team through your first pregnancy. I’ve been trying to find the Breyers Zenyatta
and everywhere I’ve looked they are SOLD OUT. What did I expect from the HOY girl?