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
Mary McQuire
Love, love, love these updates and thank you, Zenyatta and Dottie, for explaining why you are being handled the way you are. I had no real concerns but some of your friends have concerns (sometime I think they are a bit ridiculous)and the explanations alm them down. I have no doubt that your safety is everyones concern.
Linda / NJ
Oh, Zenny, one more thing. Christmas is right around the corner. What would you like for Christmas? Please let us fans know what we can send you. Love, Linda
Dani
Zenyatta – It’s Sunday morning – you have probably already been outside by now. Maybe more than once. I have just been looking back again at the photographs Anne Eberhardt took of you and you still just take my breath away. You against the snowy landscape is just so stunning. You’ve said you could stare for hours at the beautiful setting you live in now. You know, that is my favorite image of you – when you are just gazing out into the distance, taking everything in. You’ve such a tranquil look about you. Yet there is such intelligence in that gaze. Lane’s End really is a very pretty place and I know you will come to love it more and more as you experience the different seasons there. It will be such a wonderful experience for you. I’m sure everyone there is so thrilled to have you and they will fall as much in love with you as the rest of us have. We do all appreciate the wonderful and tender care they show you. So, please enjoy your Sunday. And thank you Dottie once again for being the voice and spirit of Zenyatta and keeping us posted.
Cheryl
Hey Zen – all of us fans worry. I know I think about you an awful lot. But you know, yesterday the farrier was here doing my horses. I have a wonderful sweet Arabian mare and a new half Arab yearling who was not sure about getting his feet trimmed at all! I am so very lucky to have a farrier who knows how to work slowly and gently and help guide a young horse through new experiences. It was a totally positive event for the young horse. So, after that was done and I stood holding my beautiful mare for her shoes and she nuzzled my cheek I was thinking about you and your transition from top flight athlete to a mom and how very very careful they need to be with you too. So…have you seen any of the guys? Pick one with really good feet!!! Love You, Cheryl
Kathryn Cogswell
‘Z’ and All: This morning’s Wash. Post has another rehash of the awards for racing, and who should be what. As no expert, still wish to say that, in trying to research and learn something, lots of good horses over time gain awards honorably and with merit; few become those which rivet hearts, delighting with that thing Steve Willard calls “Want.” Not even the best horse people can put it there; it’s in the horse — a controlling, impelling fusion, but it takes grooming — with traps and glitches along the way to block it. Mr. Willard says he doesn’t know another trainer [praising Mario, but not himself] that could have taken an absolute pistol of a filly, doing handstands perpendicular with her back hooves up the drain spouts, and, by never laying a hand on her, give her the time and firm, loving direction to level out and make history, than ‘the Nebraska farmer.’ She can still be a handful, he says, but is mostly ‘straight ahead,’ not ‘hooo,’ the ‘hussy’ that she was. You have to smile. All that’s gone into this grandeur might not find an award expansive enough to crown her or knight those who brought her this far, but the greatness came from the inside out, and now that the lightening in the bottle has illuminated training and racing, it seems time to enlighten the industry so that the more painful inconsistencies weakening breeding, training, racing and acknowledgments, get attention. People ultimately respond to quality, and it is that in ‘All About “Z”‘ that draws up and holds them. There just aren’t enough awards to quantify her. And maybe that’s the problem: the judging and the prizes are too small.
Patti Viola
Beautuful Zenyatta…so happy to be able to keep in touch…Thank you for the updates to your progress. The world loves you!
Ellen Zachary
Glad to hear things are going well for you in KY, Ms. Zenyatta…sure do miss you and your family!
Zen-Fan
I decided to look back in history at the HOTY awards. It hasn’t been since 1944 & 1945 when Twighlight & Busher were fillies nominated for HOTY for two consecutive years. Here is a chance to duplicate history with Rachel last year & Zenyatta for 2010! People can say it is not about popularity…but what has made the Great “Z” SO popular? It is simple…she is just absolutely the Best Horse out there and it just happens that she has a great personality, lots of love, & many human-like qualities that with no doubt probably seduce even “Blames” most loyal fans. She is magical, on & off the track & put to the test again, I think it would be Blame lookin’ at Big GirlZ Back! She worked hard, not to say the other horses didn’t, but looking at all of the other nominees, it “should” be NO CONTEST…ZENYATTA HOTY 2010
Sam A
Yes, Zenyattta, education and schooling are wonderful things. Such instruction can be found in a 50′ diameter round pen and a method known as “Join Up”. And since you are not racing any more, learning what “whoa” means won’t hurt you either. Ground work with long lines is a nice thing to know. Will help you stay supple, keep your muscles toned up. A Dually halter will gently help you to understand many things relating to good leading manners. But these things will only be of value if your humans will take the time to understand the methods and proper use of these valuable techniques.
On a different note, who is also at the barn equine wise? Bet many of your fans would like to know who you may hob nob with.
Hope this information is of benefit. I am hoping Jerry and Ann have chosen A P Indy. God bless and keep you and yours.
sam in AZ
Mary Alice Kier
Zenyatta it seems like you are getting the drill down on those baby steps and delighted you are taking the time to provide Dottie with all the updates for your growing fandom. It’s wonderful to get a peek into your new life at Lane’s End while we’re all dealing with your departure. Meantime, hopefully all your fans have gone on to the PETITION SITE TO VOTE YOU HORSE OF THE YEAR at: http://thepetitionsite.com/1/zenyatta-for-2010-horse-of-the-year/. Right now there are over 5,700 votes and it would be great to get to 6,000!!
I can hardly wait to see the photos and videos of you on your first day loose in the paddock with the new girl friends!
sue w
I just visited the website “Notes from the field – Backside 55” and found some lovely photos and a video of you. Oh my, how you stir the heart and soul of us mere humans.
Hope you get get out in the paddock soon and run to your hearts content.
Rachel
Just saw some of your videos on facebook and ready your posts. You look so good Zenyatta! Thank you for continuing to share with us as you adjust to life on the farm. You’re so smart I’m sure you’ll adjust in no time.
Michelle
Thanks so much for all the news and thanks to John, Dottie and Sarah.
Linda (Canada)
Zen – I think I’m going to get a hat with pink and teal stitching on it just saying…..”Queen Z” on the front and “Barn 55” on the back…only racing fans will know what that means.:)
I bet Mario misses you..you’ve been his “girl” for 3 1/2 years.
Thanks to Team Z (1 & 2) for keeping up these posts and taking care of you.Racing will not be the same without our Superstar!
I hope Disney or someone is smart enough tomake a movie about you soon….if they move fast, you can “play” yourself – between babies :). The only problem would be finding a couple of gorgeous 17′ 2″ gals for your stand-ins(we all know there is only one you!)
Have a great day Ms. Zenyatta!
Penny
Thanks so much Z (and Dottie and Lane’s End) for these updates, photos and videos. They mean so much to us fans. And, as owner/caretaker of several retired racehorses, I thought the explanation of the lip chain was perfect. Hope you have a safe and happy first day in the pasture!
Ann M
Hi Sweet Girl,
You and your team are wonderful.
Thank you for what all of you have done for all horses and horse racing, and especially for less fortunate horses. You have done so much more than you know.
I would like to know what thoroughbread or horse charities your team recommends or supports.
I would love to send you a gift, but I think, beautiful one, you would be very very happy if donations were given in your honor to help those horses and those who care for them.
You are a blessing in our lives, and you have given us the gift of a lifetime.
You elevate the entire discussion on horses and racing to the highest plane – as have your team.
Just by being you –
God Bless You All
and Merry Christmas –
With much love to my very favorite horse!
johni Lingron, Rohnert Park CA
I used to work on the backside and the windows, I am glad they are keeping you settled with the lip chain, I know what they are and how they work and though they may look harsh they are not a big deal, compared to having you take a bad step, so get your surroundings down and your footing and enjoy your new home. We love u, you are a beautiful girl.
mars
Here is a link that I had not read before. It is wonderful and wanted to share it with those who also missed it. It just demonstrates how badly needed Zenyatta was and is. Our country needs someone who is pure of heart and that is our Queen.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2010/11/11/zenyatta-stirred-the-emotions.aspx
Jody
Hey Z!
So glad to hear you are happy and are being well taken care of! Love you so much!!!
Linda (Canada)
I agree absolutely with “Zen-Fan” about HOTY….the Horse of the Year has got to be more than just who wins the Classic (has to be – Zen won last year and didn’t receive it). I know they say her races weren’t difficult and hand-picked..yada yada…she won how many Grade 1’s? Those weren’t ‘cream puffs’ she was racing against, and when the test came in 2009 to beat the male horses in the world…she did that too! She has made over 7 million $$ and won 19 straight races! (does anyone know how DIFFICULT that is?)
The Eclipse should be about who has made an indelible impact on racing – people who were never interested came just to watch her…that’s star-power!!
nancy
Z should be HOTY, she should have had this twice already. But if she does not we all know who the real HOTY is. If it were up to the fans she would be. Hope Z your having a nice Sunday. Look forward to the next post.
Mary G
Hi Z. I am glad to hear you are enjoying your new life at Lanes End!. I remember once flying to Ohio and due to weather our plane being diverted to Lexington KY. I had a window seat and was amazed at how beautiful it was. We saw miles of green framland and horses grazing. It looked so peaceful and just think one day soon that will be you! Your new stall looks cozy and soon it will start to feel like home. Many thanks to Dottie and John and the team for all the wonderful updates. I know you are in good hands and look forward to hearing about your continued progress. Love you Z!
Linda Bulger
Morning sweet Lady,
Just signed the petition for you to be HORSE OF THE YEAR. Hope others will follow.You are more than a champion race horse. You embody all that us humans should try to be to each other. Proud yet understanding, strong, athletic yet gracious with loss, smart yet a teacher by example. You are GODS Thoroughbred.
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, I wonder if, when you are staring out your window for hours, you are merely looking for your familiar family. God bless you dear one that not one moment of loneliness is in your life. MUCH LOVE FROM ME TO YOU.
Elaine
I’m so glad everyone is taking careful care of you and making sure you get acclimated to your new home. I’m sure Lane’s End is a beautiful place to be…..but we still miss you here in California.
Have you seen your friend Life Is Sweet yet?
Debbie
My beautiful Z, hope you had a great weekend and stayed warm. I am so glad to hear the team from Lane’s End are taking such great care of our pride and joy. I am getting a care package together for you to mail out tomorrow!! Hope to come see you soon!
EJ
Much as Lane’s End looks beautiful and treats her fine, Zenyatta must miss her people and all her other people that love her, came to visit her, kiss her, and talk to her. I hope they talk to her at Lane’s End and love her, not just treat her nice because it is their job. But then, I think Ann and Jerry Moss will have carefully vetted all – they do adore their wonderful horse and really I cannot recall ever having seen any race horses owners so likeable and estimable as they.
DaZfan
I’ve been very fortunate to have visited Lane’s End farm & I agree, it is a beautiful place & living there will be fabulous I’m sure. Please do take care & as for a “KY girl” myself, I say “welcome home”.
Linda / NJ
Thank you Mars for sharing this link with us. It really is a beautiful article. It’s amazing how many lives Zenyatta has touched. I attended the Clement Hirsch race at the Del Mar this past August. I like so many fans lined up along the paddock. I watched as one horse after the other started making their way from the paddock to the racetrack. When Zenyatta turned the corner and I saw her for the first time there was something so magical about her. Her presence was unlike any of the other horses that passed by. She truly is larger-than-life. I never had the opportunity to touch her. But I feel so fortunate that I had the chance to see her. I agree with Zen-Fan, Linda and Nancy if there was ever a horse that deserved HOTY, it is Zenyatta! God really did break the mold after creating her. And God made sure that his precious creation was placed in the hands of some really wonderful people: Jerry and Ann Moss, John and Dottie Shirreffs, Mario, Steve Willard and Mike Smith. Their actions of love speak even louder than their words. They truly love her. Many thanks to all of them for appreciating her and keeping her safe. Good night, Zenyatta!
Delrene
Dear Zenyatta – thanks for the explanation regarding the lip chain…. Also re: how big and beautiful you are. and you are a very big, beautiful girl. When I was watching you at Hollywood Park in the paddock – some of the people – men, were saying – She has a rear-end (or $%@) to die for!!!! I’m sure it will be hard to find the perfect male thoroughbred for you – I agree with Mike…. None are worthy!!.
Have a wonderful week at your new home in Ky.