Happy Tuesday!
YEAH…THANK YOU TOM AND JOHNNY!
I am so busy here with my new friends. Each day I am feeling more and more confident in my new surroundings and I get to stay outside longer and do a bit more. The lads here are getting me ready to be ‘free’ in the paddock soon. Each day, we are making headway towards this goal! It is exciting! I’ll keep you posted when it happens.
This morning a helicopter flew overhead while I was outside…and I did not even blink. I am used to BIG AIRPLANES flying above me. They flew in and out of Los Angeles International Airport all of the time while I’d be outside grazing at Barn 55. So this was a very normal occurrence for me!
Several of you have asked questions about MY SHOES. So I asked Dottie if we could give you an explanation about this to help everyone have a basic understanding of the process. She and I consulted with John so you would have the proper information.
When I left the farm and went to the Keeneland Sale as a yearling, I had on what is called TRAINING PLATES. These are shoes made of steel. They are a heavier, larger type shoe that is used to help a horse do basic training. (I also wore them at Jeanne Mayberry’s farm when I was there as a yearling and a newly turned 2 year old.) They handle the wear and tear of basic training very well…especially in the early stages. A thoroughbred race horse normally gets new shoes one time per month. Of course, individual differences do apply…this is just a baseline.
When racing, John would have me use ALUMINUM SHOES. This is a lighter-weight type of shoe and it can be tapered to a horse’s foot. Tom Halpenny was my blacksmith while racing. He is a lovely Irish gentleman who has worked in this field and been around many very accomplished race horses his entire life. Tom would work with John on my feet…and they would constantly be reviewing how my shoes would be customized just for my needs. This is a real skill and a blacksmith is extremely important to a horse!
After my last race, John had Tom take off my Aluminum Shoes (the ones I wore in the Breeders’ Cup Classic)…and put Training Plates (Steel shoes) on me. As I was still at the barn and doing some light exercise each day on the training track, the steel shoes were the best ones for my feet. They were perfect for this stage of my day to day activity. Additionally, they were another baby-step in getting me ready for farm life. I wore them to KY last week.
After a couple days at the farm, last Thursday to be precise, my shoes were taken off. NOW…are you ready for this…my blacksmith here at Lane’s End is the same person who took care of my feet years ago when I lived in Kentucky! His name is Johnny Collins. He is the same man who put on my shoes when I went to the Keeneland Sale in September, 2005! He took care of my feet when I was a little girl! Now, here he is taking off my shoes at the farm several years later. This is absolutely adorable! Johnny told me he’d been keeping track of me and all of my progress since then! It was so great to touch base with him, my first blacksmith, after all of these years! We had a blast sharing all of the FUN times since we last saw each other!
Now, I’m BAREFOOT (no shoes)…which is great for a horse at the farm. You are outside playing in the field, thus, no shoe issues/problems can develop! It is very safe! That is why I commented the snow felt so good beneath my feet…no shoes! It is fun! From this point forward, Lane’s End and Johnny will monitor my feet. My darling ’4 hooves’ will be constantly checked…and ‘trimmed’ as needed. FYI—-Trimming a horse’s feet…is like you trimming your nails and keeping them properly groomed and cared for as needed. The objective of ‘trimming’ is to keep the horse’s feet nice and healthy!
I hope this information is helpful.
Now…HOW CUTE IS THIS! Johnny is back taking care of MY FEET! I am still smiling about this. Isn’t it amazing how so many things in life go FULL-CIRCLE! I am so fortunate!
With love,
Hugs to ALL!
Z
Cathleen
Every girl should have plenty of shoes in her closet for every occassion! :))
Sharon
more wonderful news, a reunion with an old friend. That is SWEET for sure! Thanks Dottie and Team Z for every word of every post. Withdrawal from the thrill of Zenyatta’s racing career is still rough, but the posts, pics and videos help a lot.
ZENtucky!!! Love it!!
Cynthia
Hope they kept your last pair of racing shoes. They belong in a place of honor.
Robin U.
Zenny, you are making so many people happy with your terrific posts and fantastic videos. All your fans were so worried we were going to lose touch with you now that you’re retired. Not so! I LOVE reading your blog each day…it makes me smile no matter what else has happened. Wish your family back in California all your wonderful caregivers at Lane’s End a very Merry Christmas from us!
Terry
Thanks again Z and Dottie! I look forward to the diary entries everyday! So so glad things are going good, just like you said “Baby Steps”! I always learn something new about the care of horses. Very interesting about the shoes. Thanks for helping us through this proccess! Much Love to all!!
Sheri Osborne
Wow you would not believe how much I learned and figured out from that z! Thank you! I think its so sweet how your first farrier is now working with you! he must be honored to be the first one to shoe you, and be one shoing you now! I’m happy to hear… or read… how well everything is going with you during retirement! and I asked this before in an earlier post, what adress can I send you something? I have a picture I drew of you and i really want you to see it! Love you Zenyatta and happy retirement! :D
Danielle
I love reading you diary. Thanks for keeping us informed. Forever a fan, Danielle
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Zenyatta: A few minutes after Dottie posted this #31 there were 9 comments. Now there are nearly 40! When Mr. Farish said he’d never seen anything like the number of fans calling LEF, he ain’t seen nothin` yet. You look sooo happy in your paddock. And loved. That makes us happy. Ta` ~ Khc.
Jane
Love your song Ms. Z. Thanks Team Zenyatta.
Tania
Thanks for answering, I asked and you answered. I love your diaries Z!!!!!
Lisa B
A Special Hello to my Precious Zenyatta! So great to hear that you are now walking around on barefeet. I grew up in San Diego Ca and Hawaii and running around barefooted always felt so good. Thanks so much for explaining the different shoes you wore. It is so nice to hear about all the people who are watching out for you. You are so blessed. The updates and videos are so much appreciated. Thank you Dottie, Sarah, and all who are involved in keeping us informed. Stay warm OOXX
Susan
Dear Zenyatta,
I was just wondering if you knew how Mario is doing since he left you in Kentucky? I know it must have been sad leaving you behind, (I know it would have been for me!),so I have just been kind of worried about him. You look wonderful…and your new “people” look very kind. You keep them straight!
Marty
I’m glad you’re adjusting. I miss you so!!!! It’s so beautiful in Kentucky right now. Enjoy yourself….Can’t wait to see your babies…
linda b
ok Queen Z. advice.. pink toe polish and do not eat yellow snow…Love from Harley Greyhound lol Love that girl
Shirley Nolan Al-mlaiti
I loved reading todays Diary Post about your shoes being taken off, boy I bet that feels good and now your hoofs can now grow freely and to have your same farrier you had when you were a yearling , how wonderful…I hope they keep your dancing shoes they are so very important Stay Happy beauitful Zenyatta and enjoy the snow on your feet..LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU
Maria
This was a great post. It’s very interesting & informative. Thank you. That is really cool that Johnny is back taking care of your feet. I am sure he will take good care of our Queen. I love you. I just sent you a Christmas card especially made for you. I hope you get it soon!
NDfilly
Wow! Super fun mani pedi’s now for you!
Gloria Jeanne
Agreed- We are fans for FOREVER! Can’t wait to see you running around with your foal along side. That is such a wonderful thought and it makes me smile. It would be nice to know what Mate will be chosen for you. Maybe the powers that be will let us name the babies as they start coming along. Love you so much missing you tons!
It’s hard for me to think I won’t be able to just jump in my car and come see you at Barn 55- But so you know I am always thinking of you and how much joy you brought me through the years, yes, it’s been that long.
Rosanne Glynn
Thanks again Dottie for taking the time to keep all Zenny’s fans informed. She is the most precious creature on earth, she tops all the animal stars. (Included Flicker) haha…I hope they make a movie about her and Mike. That would be a great idea! She is the most loved horse and I love her more than she will ever know.
Rosanne …kisses oxoxox
Lanie Johnson
That’s great news Zen!! It is always assuring to reconnect with old friends! Tell him I said “HI” and thanks!!
I’m still trying to finish up shopping and hoping to get something in the mail to you next week!! Anything you’d really like? We are giving our grandkids a trip to the ocean in June for Christmas so I didn’t have to get but one or two gifts for them this year! We ususlaly go overboard so it seems strange not to have a lot of gifts this year!
Do you have a Christmas tree? I sure hope so…it would be nice if fans could send you ornaments with their sentiments and love on them and you could keep them always! I hope Lane’s End thinks that’s a good idea! I’m sure you would get some intersting ones and real treasures! Be nice for us to be able to put our names on them for you or pics of our families!!
I know you are going to love the paddock and I can’t wait til you start! I know we are having bitter weather right now…everyone is complaining! But, it’s the holidays so makes it a little brighter!Stay warm sweet girl..I love you…you and me friend..under the moon..over Ky!!
Anna
Aww! Zenny, I’m so glad you get to work with one of your old friends. Have fun on the farm, sweet girl!
Mariel
I’m so happy that you have been reunited with an old friend. Yes, it is magical when things like that happen! I think it’s wonderful & delightful that the Dottie & John keep everyone informed as to what is going with their girl out here in Kentucky.
Keep it coming. I await every post!!
LOVE & JOY!!!!!!
sharon shepherd
My beautiful girl Zenyatta….Your picture is now on my facebook page in my family album pictures yeah right there with my son,daughter and grandson…i took them in Louisville at the Breeders cup where i got to see you up close …can’t wait until i can visit you at the farm …Enjoy playing in the snow …Love you Lady Z
Suzanne G
Glad to hear you’re barefootin’. Good News that your ‘old farrier’ is your ‘new farrier’. Always fun to know someone! Was he the first one to see you dance?
Special thanks for keeping us up-to-date and for the wonderful info about shoes.
Suzanne
Joan
I’m glad to learn about your shoe situation – or lack of shoes, Zenyatta. That is lovely you have been reunited with your very first blacksmith. I’m glad you enjoy the feel of snow on your feet. That’s not a good feeling for humans! It’s wonderful news you are nearing the freedom of the pasture. I am sure you will love that.
J Smith
Donate in the name of the Queen! Zenyatta has given so much joy and in return receives so much love. I notice some people ask what she would like for Christmans. Speaking for myself,I really don’t need more ‘stuff’ I have asked family and friends who may be thinking of buying me a gift, to insted, make a donation to their favorite animal charity. I have made donations in several peoples name to Training Racehorses Off The Track. http://trottusa.org/ Zenyatta has given several items to this organization to auction off, raising much needed $ to help her fellow retired race horses who are not nearly as fortunate as her. Even though we sometimes think we can’t make a difference, imagin if even half the people on Z’s face book page donated just $1.00. That would be over $25,000. raised! What a wonderful holiday gift that would be for the Queen of our hearts and all those who have been so kind in sharing her with us. There are many horse rescue societys, if you prefer to help locally, just google Thoroughbred Horse Rescue and add your state. Lots of options come up. It’s always wise to call or do some kind of check to make sure it’s a good organization before donating. I did look at Charity Navigator but didn’t see many horse charities on there. Alternatively, you could volunteer at the rescue place if it’s near you. Now we are being so well educated in horse care by our lovely Zeny, how fun would that be to connect with other fans in your area and volunteer once a month together. She would be so proud of us for helping. By the way, make sure to have the kleenex box handy when you start looking at the rescue sites, so very sad the plight of a lot of retired horses. Did u know Ferdinand ended up at the slaughter house? Ferdinand! How did that happen. Hope you don’t mind my suggestion, I’d just like to give back in some way for all that the entire Team Z have done for their fans.
Pamela J Hebert
Zenny, Thanks for the updates.you look like you are acclimating very well. That’s wonderful!! Your new friends seem to be enjoying being with you. Love the video with you in the snow. I’m keeping my eye out for the latest 60 Minutes piece on you. Any idea when it will be shown? Thanks Dottie & John!!! p.s. What are the names of the ladies in the barn with you?
devvie gustafson
Sweet, Sweet Girl….I know you are so happy to back with your first groomer, he will take care of your wonderfull feet like before, i talk to you everyday, because you are in my heart and soul, I have your Picture and of course Racheal’s picture hanging side by side in my living room…..you are always gonna be apart of our family…enjoy the snow girl!!!
Karen Schmiede
Just love watching you in the snow. Looks like you are very happy in Kentucky.
Helen & Guido
So excited to hear you’re back with someone who has taken such good care of your feet. Being such a good dancer you certainly need to have your feet well groomed. Isn’t the snow great? We love it also. It’s also great to be able to read your diary and see the videos. Thanks so much!!!!!