Dear Friends,
In life, one may experience so many emotions for a great number of reasons. Today, I am feeling such a sense of GRATITUDE as I’m hearing all of the reports from Louisville in relation to their very strong storm last evening.
From this morning’s updates, last night they had tornado warnings in Louisville. The National Weather Bureau alerted this area the storm’s path was in line with the University of Louisville and Churchill Downs. As this is the middle of the racing meet at Churchill, the barn area had approximately 1400 horses based there as well as backstretch workers in residence. I’m not sure of the numbers for the University, their grounds and housing etc.
At about 8:10 in the evening the storm hit Louisville. As you can see from this photo MY JOHN took while we were there last Breeders’ Cup, the University is very close to the race track. Per Darren Rogers, the Churchill Downs publicist, “9 barns were damaged to some degree and the Track Chapel. They were barn numbers 5, 21,22,23,24,25,26,28 and 40.” (I know this backside well. I stayed in the barn located somewhat behind these when I was there. I walked around this area and these barns each day while preparing for the Breeders’ Cup.) “NO backstretch workers or horses were hurt,” per his report….”but the strong storm did create significant damage.”
Without a doubt, everyone is extremely GRATEFUL to the Louisville Fire Department, their Metro Police, the local Gas and Electric Company and The Downs personnel for all of their work, help and guidance to these people and horses during this time.
I’m also hearing via additional reports from the DRF and The Bloodhorse that Rogers Beasley from Keeneland is working with Churchill to offer stalls for the horses and housing for the workers at this race course. Keeneland is in Lexington…so that is about an hour or so trip from Louisville. Sallee Van Company is working with Keeneland to coordinate the transport of the horses and workers during this time.
It is amazing to ME the different things that can happen so quickly….in a moment or so…and then suddenly change the path or direction of one’s life. One minute, these horses are quietly in their stalls resting, the workers enjoying their lives…and the next minute things are in such a completely different state.
All of this simply reminds ME for the zillionth time, one must really ENJOY and APPRECIATE each MOMENT! You simply do not know what will happen in the future!
Blessings to ALL at this time who are dealing with the results of this storm. I am so GRATEFUL that we are hearing NO ONE WAS HURT…either human or horse! This is truly something to be THANKFUL for today!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Judy (Maass) Gadwood (CA)
Little FRANKIE lost her battle to live :-(
We lost a long battle with Little Frankie. Three weeks to the day from when she arrived, she left us. Just not the way I had hoped. Her and Momma Lilly’s stall is empty now. Her memory and spirit remain with us at Bear Creek. Never to forgotten. Another will day will dawn along with new opportunities to help others just like her. Give us the strength to carry on as we started.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bear-Creek-Mobile-Veterinary-Services/168208163700
Edie Dickenson
Zenny, you are such a wise horse! I love you!
Sarah Powell
@ Judy Gadwood – lit my first candle today in gratitude for all being safe. Thanks for the link to that site!
Cynthia H.
@Sharon Call: That reminds me, the first time I visited Versailles, I dragged out high school French and was prouncing the name as I was taught, “Vare-sigh.” Locals were looking at me weirdly. By the time I departed, I was saying “Ver-sails” like a native. Beautiful place!
@Dawn Conrad: If you have time to make it to Shaker Town, you will not be disappointed. The cooking is so divine, you will swear that the food came out of an angel’s oven. And the biscuits practically have to be nailed to the table, they are so light and fluffy!
Sarah Powell
@ Judy Gadwood – after posting just scrolled up and read your post about little Frankie – so, so sorry – prayers headed your way.
Cynthia H.
For all those visiting the Bluegrass area, “Shaker VIllage of Pleasant HIll” is well worth your time. Reservations a must, in the high season.
@Judy (Maass) Gadwood: I am so very sorry to read about Little Frankie. She was terribly injured. Everyone truly did their best to save her, and gave her continuous love for three weeks. Prayers, hugs, and deepest gratitude to you and to all who allow their hearts to be broken time-after-time through their compassionate concern for all animals.
Cheryl Y
There are some great photos if you go on Bloodhorse.com and look at the news for (Through The Lens:Zenyatta At Lane’s End Farm) The photos are by Mathea Kelly.
Lil from KY
Sharon Call-In today’s Lexington Herald Leader, it was stated that horses ran loose for a time Wednesday, & that by 10:30pm, Churchill said that all horses had been secured and accounted for.Vans were brought in to remove horses from torrential downpours and from the barns.
Thank goodness, no horses were injured. I think Churchill did a tremendous job in taking care of the horses. Let’s pray that these terrible storms end soon.
Zen–Goodnight & sweet dreamsto you & little Zen.
D.Lawson
Zen, you said it all in this post. Last night saw the tweets and was fearing the worst, so glad that horses and humans were not harmed. This spring and beginning of summer weather has been atypical for us, hope it changes soon!
Kay Hawkins
So glad everyone is OK! Very thankful YOU were not there. Love you Z.
Lil from KY
Cynthia H—Ditto on your comment about Shakertown! I have been there many times& the food is fantastic. Try the coleslaw and the Shaker Lemon Pie, yum yum
Versailles is a delightful little town, especially beautiful in the winter at Christmastime, when all the lovely old homes are lit up with Christmas lights & candles in the windows. Glad you got to visit.
Does anyone know why Zenny is not wearing her fly mask, I hate to think of those pesky flies bothering her.
jeanie langford
So thankful that no humans or horses were injured. Churchill will rebuild and I am sure the horse community will help stable the horses and keep folks working. Glad to know all is well at Lanes End and you are ok. Was worried when I turned on the news this morning. Sleep well. Hugs and Kisses and a little peck for the foal.
Kendra
Zenyatta, sure miss ya. Dottie, is there any chance of a Zenyatta Day after Zen delivers her foal and there is no chance of “Us” causing any problems for her or “the baby”? Thank you for all of the entertaining and educational diary entries.
Jackie
Good Evening Queen “Z”. I have been out of touch for a few days. Having my father here has been quite enjoyable and hectic at the same time. It is so sad to see how one day can change your life forever. After suffering a stroke in late February I can’t imagine at 80 years old making much more progress. All we can do is have patience, strength, kindness and lots of love! Gee sounds like Dottie!
I was horrified waking up this morning to hear of the tornado that struck Churchill Downs. Thank goodness only damage to buildings and there was no loss of life or any injuries. AMAZING!
I see Mikey was on Ebby. I understand he was rather excited as John stated ” like a kid with a new car” What fun for him to ride your little sister. Who knows maybe one day he will ride your baby!
Looking forward to taking my dad this weekend to Hollywood Park. Hope it will be a good day with nice weather, good races and safe trips for all!
Get some rest. Hope the weather improves.
Hugs and Kisses
Jackie
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: How scary that storm must have been. I am so glad that everyone (horses and people) are okay. It is so nice to hear when these unfortunate incidences happen people pull together to offer their help. There are many storms along life’s journey. They do teach us to appreciate the little things we experience each day that make us happy. Every day we should be thankful for our many blessings and not take them for granted. Take care, Zenny and stay safe. Love, Linda
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zenyatta,
thank you for the up-date, I am so glad that everybody 2&4 legged is alright, I was losin’ some sweat there last night. Imagine 1400 horses and their guardians, what horror that could have been.
Yes, St. Frankie was holdin’ the watch.
Don’t you look spiffy with your wraps and all slicked up, the Glam Mare bringing Hollywood to Churchill Downs.
You were sthg, you still are, really, just on a different stage in your life.
I am truly truly glad that you & everybody 2&4 legged @ Lane’s End is alright, and everybody in the Churchill Downs area, too.
Have a real good night :) :) :)
KIMBERLY
Oh Z, Last night I was watching the weather report from California. I was sooo worried when I heard tornado warnings for Churchill Downs.. Thank you Dottie for updating us that nobody was hurt. You are ALWAYS thinking of us…
Nitey nite ZZZZZZ.
Signofthetimes
Thanks Gloria Jean for the link with comments
From Mike Smith’s about “E”. Sooo exciting for
Everyone.
Sweet dreams Zenny girl !!!!!
s (in San Diego)
So thankful that everyone is safe and unharmed.
Abigail from Montreal
Zenny & Dottie: Your description of the tornado that hit Louisville & Churchill Downs was so moving it made me cry. But through the tears, I marvelled at how skilled you both are at evoking and grounding human feeling so that those involved (equine & horses) emerged as something more than people and horses far away (from Montreal). Thank goodness everyone came through it unhurt!
@ Judy (Maas) G: I am so saddened to hear that you lost Little Frankie. You are so courageous to help these animals, while facing the possibility of losing them. I admire you deeply but share your pain. Hugs from me to you and your team, Abigail
judy berube
Dear Judy (Maass) Garwood:
Very sorry little Frankie’s time was so short. Our condolences to you and all the people at Bear Creek who did everything they could for her. God Bless, Judy and Russ
Signofthetimes
@Judy (masses) garwood
So sorry to hear about the loss of pecious
Frankie. Foal are sooo very delicate. You and
Your teams valiant efforts are soo very special.
Through your care she was allowed to fight and
Now live in peace with all of her other little foal
Friends. Thanks for sharing on this site.
Quarterhossgal
Zenny…..we are so thankful that everyone at Churchill (human and animal)are safe. Especially all at Lane’s End.
We had a tornado touch down in our state on Monday. A friend of mine has a large boarding barn with about 125 horses and the roofs were blown off the barns and trucks and tractors over turned etc. As soon as it was on the news and the all clear was sounded many horsemen from all over the area rushed out to help with all the animals. We,too, were lucky no humans or animals were injured! Now all we have to be concerned about is the Mighty Mo, the flooding has displaced many people and animals. My friends that have Hooves and Paws Animal Rescue have received requests to house over 50 horses. They are way over their capacity so they have been asking for temporary foster homes.
Zenny, you are so right we all need to appreciate the moment! Although it is amazing to see how many really kind people are out there ready to help, either filling sand bags or housing people or animals.
Snoprinz
A big Thank You to all who helped and protected the horses and humans during the storm. Take care Zenny, you are always on my mind.
candi cartier
ohh zenny am so relief you alright and thanks be to god no one hurt the human and horses and everything is alright it is very scary for this situation and pray to the lord that we are all safe on earth.Good night my queen be careful and be safe we love you candi from florida.
s (in San Diego)
@Charlotte, I usually make my donation to Old Friends on-line. If there a way to direct a seperate donation to you and Noor? Or should I just mail it? Please advise and Thank you for what you are doing.
Karen Gogue
I lit a candle for our newest Angel in Heaven – brave, spirited Frankie, rest in peace little one with Angel Kisses forever
more. (Under group name Frank)
Irene Caty
Hi zenny, that picture of you walking out to go to your last race sent shivvers through my spine. I will never forget the way you ran that race and how hard you worked to beat Blame. You did such a superior job of running that race that at that very point the world fell in love with you. Blame won the race and the world fell in love with you for your effort to win the race from 20 lenghts behind with mud in your face racing to catch him.. Thank you for breifing us on Louisville with the storm and dammage. I am so glag the people envolved and the horses are ok. They got alot of good help when needed. Thanks to all that helped in this needed crises, you are the greatest. I am thankfull that you are safe Zenyatta and hope all will be ok soon for the Churchill barns. Love you and keep safe.
Marshall (girl's name)
Glad you are safe at LE and that no one, equine or human, got hurt at CD.
@Judy Maass) Garwood: So sorry that little Frankie has left us. Was hoping that she could be made well again. My heart goes out to you and the Bear Creek team. Sincere condolences and much gratitude to all for being so caring.
Delrene
Thank you Dottie and Zenyatta for updates on tornado at CD. I hope you all enjoy better weather soon. so scary for all God’s creatures.
I was saddened to hear of Frankie, but she knew only kindness and love from you at Bear Creek clinic and it is true that this sweet little soul is now free from pain. Thank you for taking such good care of her. Life can be so hard on all of us.
Take care all.