Good Morning All,
Yesterday, as further details and reports were published in relation to the tornado and Churchill Downs, it continued to amaze ME that there were no injuries of note to human or horse. The photos published during the day showed the level of damage… and it truly was miraculous! Thank goodness for the quick reactions and assistance by so many wonderful people. Also, it was mentioned that the actual construction of the Churchill Barns…with the hay storage areas located above the stalls being so strong and well built…added to the safety of so many horses in this storm.
There is a phrase MY TEAM often reflects upon when hearing certain things like this and it is LUCKY US! This thought certainly applies at this time to this situation.
I must say, I was so touched by your comments yesterday referring to GRATITUDE, CHERISHING THE LITTLE THINGS and BEING THANKFUL! These feelings and emotions are so important to practice in life.
With this thought in mind, I truly want to again express how THANKFUL I am for ALL of the wonderful people I have and have had in my life. On so many levels, it certainly has been a bit of work to get ME to the place where I am today. I do understand that I have talent, but I am also fully aware of the fact that I could not have done it by just having talent or by myself. So much in life depends upon people working together for the best interest of one individual or another or the greater good for many.
Thus, while grazing, the thought occurred to me to THANK my pal at Lane’s End, MATT, for being so terrific to ME. So I did! I walked right over to him and gave him a BIG KISS. I must say, I do think this caught him a bit by surprise. As you can see in this photo, I made him laugh. I think at this moment, Matt truly thought I was TOO CUTE!
This morning, Dottie mentioned that I currently have over 86,000 Face Book Friends! Wow…I am deeply touched by this number!
I’m sending each of you a BIG THANK-YOU KISS too!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(All 86,131 of YOU!)
Z
Deborah Richman
Z, I love this picture of you kissing Matt! You look so sweet and playful, I can’t help but :)
@Frankie…with a tear I read the news of your passing, valiant little one. In your short life you touched many hearts. Enjoy your romp with the angels, sweet girl.
@Helen (Michigan)…so sorry about your son. Thank you for sharing his beautiful poem.
@Abigail from Montreal…great work!! So glad we have become familiar with you through this site.
@Shari, Brenda, and Dawn…you are going to have so much fun in Kentucky!! Love all the suggestions from everyone.
@Terry Crow and Katherine Cogswell…I am laughing out loud!
More, please!
@Kathy Kimber…how cool that you contacted Sgt. Grit about Sgt. Reckless!
@Charlotte Farmer…Love reading your stories about Noor. It sounds as though he was not only great, he was TOO CUTE :)
@All Z friends…Have a safe and happy weekend with those you love, whether human, furry, feathered, or scaled :)
Sue Fredrick
@Shari, Brenda, Dawn and Karen Gogue(I talked with you privately about this) check the previous post #280 Alexandra Bowdoin has posted a link near the bottom, to the Thoroughbred Park statues, JUST FABULOUS, if you have time it’s well worth seeing. Have Fun
Irene Caty
Zenny, I’m sure Matt thinks you are TOO CUTE just as I do. That was so sweet of you to go up to him and give him one of your famous kisses. I would have liked to be Matt at that moment. I’m sure that will be one of his unforgetable experiences with you. So glad to hear that your Facebook Fans have grown, that just shows how much we all love you and think of you daily. You look so beautiful in the photo, thanks for shareing, I really enjoy the photos. Bless you and stay safe Queen Zenyatta.
Mary Lynn
“Long time listener, first time caller” meaning I read every Zenyatta post, and have been a member since around 55K facebook followers, but haven’t left a reply before. This one touched me, as many, many others have, but I just had to thank you and your team in written words, and say you and Matt are indeed TOO CUTE!
Karen Gogue
@Sue F.
Thank you!
Grandma Bea Gobee
Plans are being made to honor the memory of Barbaro during his 5th year of passing with an FOB Reunion in Louisville, KY April 29, 2012. An on line auction will be held & we wonder if there could be a donation from Zenyatta, a blanket, a halter, a barn tour. Please contact me, the chair of this event at 570-588-0880 or e mail me: bgobee@evenlink.com. The world is invited to this event with proceeds going to the laminitis fund at new bolton center, PA Thank you! Grandma Bea Gobee
Lynn ..... (nearby Hwd Park) California
Zenny, Do you you realize how special you are treated by being one of the most sweetest mares in the world! Cranky horses should realized how much better life would be if they had a better attitude. All of John Shirreff’s crew are magic with horses. Mostly all of the horses stabled and trained with him are so sweet and happy. That’s what I think, since I kissed most all of the horses at barn 55. I can only sends my kisses to you here. …. so muuuuaha :)
judy berube
To Kathryn Cogswell:
We remember that show; “out of the mouths of babes” Hugs, J.B..
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Yet another great article about a wonderful TB and Z is referenced http://www.drf.com/news/west-seattle-boy-still-going-strong-age-12 Hugs, J.B.
Kathryn Cogswell
Oh, Deborah Richman: Went from Z`s kiss for Matt to laughing w/ Mr. Crow`s mirth, tears w/ Judy (Maass) Gadwood (CA) & little Frankie, then amazement learning the horses at CD stood their ground, waiting for their people to come get them. If this isn`t a spectrum, what is? Thank you a lot. Khc.
Joan
I love that photo, Zenyatta. I hope Matt knows how lucky he is! But you were so lucky, too. You were blessed with Mr. Shirreffs who knew how to train you so you could be the best you could be (which was pretty amazing!) and you were blessed to have the Mosses who didn’t mind everyone being patient with you and not pushing you too much so you could become The Best. And seeing the photos from Churchill, I am so thankful no one, human or horse, was injured.
Marshall (girl's name)
Zenyatta, thanks for the kiss and many more back to you on that gorgeous soft nose! Enjoy the weekend in the bluegrass!
@Terry Crow: Keep the funnies coming, please! We all need more laughter!
@Kathryn Cogswell: Loved the Art Linkletter story. Hilarious! Thanks!
@All Z fans: Have a wonderful weekend!
Kathryn Cogswell
Hi, judy berube: Jay`s brought West Seattle Boy front & center and he`s such a solid, good-looking fellow. Since he won the claiming race is he still w/ his people or someone else? Do so want his future secure. Someone else ^ asked how these races work. Thank you for the link. . .. Kc.
Charlotte Farmer
@Grandma Bea Gobee – God, I remember it as if it were yesterday, posting and praying every day to the New Bolton Center’s website that they had set up for Barbaro. Hoping, as so many others that he would make it, and then crying when the news broke about his passing. I know that the late Allaire du Pont, Kelso’s owner, donated her time and energies to the Center. She also had Kelso making appearances to raise funds for various charitable causes. I have a picture of Mrs. du Pont and Gretchen Jackson, Barbaro’s owner, at the ground breaking of the Center and the dreams of what that facility could accomplish.
We can put a man on the moon but we can’t get a handle on laminitis, which also took the great Secretariat and so many others. I hope that our Zenyatta is represented in this “noble” cause.
Fran
Well,Z, Matt is not bad looking so I am sure it was very easy to walk up to him and give him a big smooch! Very cute, and he looks as though he enjoyed it! It is cooler here now, and Kate rode Dozey this morning. They had a lot of fun together-they are a real team. You can tell how much she loves Kate too. Well, it is late Friday night here. It was a busy day. Sleep well Z. And you are just the best of the best! xxoo
Jane Wade
You’re such a sweetie and I’m sure Matt enjoyed your kiss! Enjoy your weekend!
Good luck tomorrow to Cloud Man and Zazu and Cozi Rosie on Sunday!!
I heard that Mike rode Eblouissante on Wednesday! She has big shoes to fill but we all look forward to seeing your half sister race in the future! We got to meet her last week and she’s so sweet…runs in the family!
Thanks John and Dottie for the visit!
judy berube
Dear Katherine Cogswell:
West Seattle Boy wasn’t claimed out of the last race he won at Emerald Downs on 6/19/11. Just hope he is not claimed if he runs again in the future; that’s the risk in Claiming races. If you check his pedigree, he has Northern Dancer and Secretariat in his ancestry. Not too bad at all. I think Ms. Baze and Mr. Carmody want to keep him and make sure he finds a good home when he retires. I hope so. Hugs, J.B.
Patricia
@Charlotte Farmer
OMGosh!! How funny is that?? I honestly hadn’t thought about Lola in, well, a long, long, time. I really didn’t know anything about our ” party girl” except what I learned from local lore, but in researching her I find she lived a relatively calm life while in Grass Valley, although she did have a colorful past. We love girls with ‘tude…
I’m going to be driving out to Loma Rica, now that I know about Noor, I feel drawn to the area. All the times I’ve driven by there and never knew…Thanks again Charlotte Farmer =)
Elizabeth
Thank-you for sharing the great photos by Sarah. Lucky Matt! Who wouldn’t want to be kissed by Zenyatta?! We miss seeing you on the track, but we do enjoy the posters and Fred Stone pictures of you. You are still the Queen of our hearts. :-)
Kathy Kimber
@TerryCrow: You just have to try and post a joke a day. They are so sweet and we need that gentle humor: Hugs
@Charlotte Farmer: I really enjoyed the story on Noor. I pray everyday and light a candle that we get him to Kentucky.
@GrandmaBee: This is a noble cause. Our dear Barbaro so brave thru it all. Good luck and Hugs to all.
@Judy M Gadwood: The Lord sent angels to protect those horses that is so amazing they remained calm.
@Jackie: I have nothing against Blame but agree with you completely. I guess it is just a case of “The Good Ole Boys” having to get one last snipe in.
@Zenatta: Darling girl you sure have an eye for the cute guys (you rascal you) Love the picture
Brenda
I have to post again, it’s Saturday morning and I’ve just re-read everything so here I go.
re: the picture (another good one from Sarah)it seems to me that maybe Zenny had just had a good gallop around her paddock and ruffled up her coiffure a bit, hence a bad hair moment. It happens to me all the time!!!
@Sue F I’ll definitely be going to the the TB statues. I’ve added it to the day we go to the cemetery where Victoria wants to see some of the Civil War graves.
@DOTTIE Thank you once again for all that you do in the name of Zenyatta. You’re bringing so many people together and I think we’ve become a huge, if extended, family.
Maria
Lots of love to you Z! You never cease to amaze with your great heart.
Lobieb
Just how lucky can some people get to actually work with Z. Bet there are so many people out there that would give their eye teeth to be able to care for her each day. Extra kisses for you Z and the little one.
Jean M.
Beautiful Zenyatta, How dear of you to surpise Matt with a big smooch and how lucky is he. Please thank Sarah for her lovely photographs and express to Dottie how grateful we are that she spreads so much happiness and light to everybody. And a great big kiss back to you, precious one.
Terry Crow
@Kimberly Potter-I always try to respond when someone send a question or a comment my way. If I don’t, it is only because I missed the post.@Carolyn Caswell-Brown–I did not provide the link you cited but I do remember Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color in its many forms.@Kathy Kimber, Marshall, Deborah Richman, Judy Berube, Librarian, Kim S, Trina Nagele and Charlotte Farmer and anyone else kind enough to post me a note–You can’t stop me now. On a serious note, the passing of a man named Mark Gerard or Girard should be noted for various reasons. He was a vet, cared for Riva Ridge and Secretariat along with many other prominent horses. His practice was pretty good, making over $200,000 per year. For some reason, he felt compelled to get involved in one of the most notorious frauds ever involving horse racing. Back in 1977, he the vet for some South American horses. A really good horse was run under the name of a poor one in claiming race in New York, won, and paid more than $100.00. I don’t know how this was possible in an era of lip identification but he got away with it somehow and made something like $80,000 on the race. The only reason the fraud was detected was because a picture of the winning horse was published in South America where some citizens recognized him as the champion horse he was and not the one whose name he ran under. Gerard (or Girard) spent a YEAR in jail and was working as a show and jumping horse vet when he died. A YEAR? He should have gotten at least a 10 year stretch and should have been banned from anything to do with horses. Guys like this and the people surrounding Life At Ten get my blood boiling. I know it is not right to speak ill of the dead, but I can’t help it in this case. I don’t know the whole story, it was 35 years ago, but anyone interested can probably get more facts via Google.
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: I missed sending you a note last night. Anyways, Happy Saturday! I would definitely say–lucky Matt. Sarah is quite the photographer. Her photos are terrific because she captures the right moment. As always, thanks Sarah for sharing. Zenny, not only are you enjoying your new home at LE, but the pictures show that everyone there really enjoys you too!!! I am so happy the tornado didn’t travel to your area.
I am sure that everyone involved in the storm at Churchill Downs is saying “Lucky Us.” It just goes to show you how quickly things can happen. I read that they had to chase after horses that were running loose. Those horses must have been so scared and those running after them must have been in a total panic. It was nice of those that had empty stalls to offer them to those displaced horses. Zenny how are you feeling? You look wonderful. All the pictures from Sarah show that you are well taken care of with lots of love and affection. Your fans appreciate that!! Take care Zenny. Love, Linda
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I love you so much and you have brought so much joy to my life. The photo is so priceless! Matt is one of the luckiest guy in the world to be with you each day. What a Blessing for him & You too! I am so thankful for all the horses & people to be safe @ Churchill. I know from seeing the effects of a tornado close up here in Alabama, it so terrifying to see and the lasting effects it can have on people & especially animals. The animals can’t express their fears and the next time strong winds come with a storm how the horses will react. I know they will be scared. I had a friend here whose house exploded, they were thrown out and the horses were sucked out of the barn all lived. One horse had a bad injury to the shoulder but is recovering. Thank goodness for the barn construction @ Churchill. I haven’t been writing Zenyatta like I usually do. I do read your posts but my heart is broken. My sister-in-law, Kathy, breast ca returned I wrote you that but yesterday I was devistated when I found out the cancer was seen in 2008. The Radiologist circled it on film and left it out of the report. Kathy asked for the films to take for second opinion and saw the red mark on the film,called the Dr and asked and the Dr said “I just left it out of report, I’m sorry but I will add it on now as a attachment.” Zenyatta, the cancer has spread now and I am so upset and heartbroken it could have been removed 3 yrs ago. I love you Zenyatta, I just wanted to share with you, thanks for listening.Take care of yourself, eat well, have fun & rest in the wonderful Ky sun with your friends. Our good health makes us all wealthy and I’m so happy you are blessed with good health & great people that take such great care of you. You are as beautiful inside with your heart of compassion & love as you are outside with those heart stopping good looks. Sending Hugs & Kisses From Alabama With Love, Amanda G.
Amanda Gilliland
If anyone has responded in the past couple of weeks to me or ask me anything I apologize for not responding. I only have time to read the posts from Zenyatta and not all the comments. I will caught up when things come down.
Linda in NJ
@Jackie: Thanks for the link to the story of: See You At Peelers! Wishing that filly all the best. It is horse stories like this that should be widely publicized to bring about more of interest in horse racing.
Maggie
Dear Z: My computer room is my Horse Room. I have very famous race horses framed on the walls, along with many articles regarding famous race horses. You are right over the computer desk. I can see you and Mike Smith #4 Breeders Cup right at the finish line. This makes me so happy to see you at your best. Stay well, happy & healthy. Love you.