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
Jennifer Hodell
Thanks so much for keeping us up to date on all your happenings We all want you to be happy. Very happy. You deserve nothing but the best of everything. Keep warm and as always kisses on that beautiful nose from me…..
Valeria P. Cannon
Hi Lady Z,
I’m so happy that you have someone from your childhood back in your life! Does he take care of your mom and dad also?
Do you remember your mom(horse, that is)? I’m learning a lot about horses from you and I really appreciate you taking the time to explain things/processes to us, Especially us city folks that may only know about horses thru racing. I’m so glad that you like the snow and that you’re happy there on your little piece of heaven. Once you finish you’re adjustment training, how about taking us on a tour of your new digs. Have fun, live large pretty girl, and don’t forget to dance!!!
Thank everyone for me for being so generous and patient with us, and for allowing us a window into your life. Thank you too, I’m so grateful that you allow us into your world. Again, thanks and be happy!
Valeria
snoprinz
Hi Zen, this post is really very educational. I didn’t know you were walking barefoot in the snow. Everyday is a new experience for you out there and also for me reading about you. It must be exciting seeing your first farrier again. How often will your nails be trimmed? Us girls have to have our nails trimmed and manicured every so often. Enjoy your new adventure. I will aways pray for you.
Liz Mahoney
Queen Z ~ Thanks for giving me my Zenyatta fix for the day. Can’t wait to log on and read your posts. Keep them coming!
Cynthia
Hi Zenyatta,
I just watched the video of you walking through the snow and must say, I don’t ever remember seeing the chain through your mouth like it was in that video : ( I hope you’re doing well. I suspect that’s Charles ? walking you in the video? Well, I know you had/have such a magical relationship with Mario and no offense to Charles, but when there’s magic between two living souls, well there’s nothing that can touch that beauty. I wish you well and hope that you’re adjusting to your new life well. Well wishes to Zenny, Mario and all team Z members : ) Please Lex stable, treat Zenny like the majestic horse she is and not just another race horse stabled in your barn, please because she really is special.
richard schwarz
Thanks Z for the open diary! Love reading about you every day
Jane
Remarkable to have come full circle re: your current blacksmith. Thanks for mentioning the shoers. I’d been wondering about them, especially the one back in CA! Glad you’re looking forward to the paddock life!
Alene
Morning Zen. Hope everything is greatin Kentucky I love Kentucky. I would like someday to move there. Just think, then I could see you all the time. But here I am in Pa. Right now I`m going through some hard times. You`re pretty much the only thing that puts a smile on my face. thanks again Dottie. Well, love you Zen. Talk later. Hugs and Kisses,Alene
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, A wonderful, good morning to you. I hope to see another video tonite when i get home. I just love you. Be happy. Hugs and forever love, Lisa g
Allen
Just heard on the news, it is 5 degrees in Lexington and over 10,000 are without power. I hope this doesn’t include your barn. Tell team Z 2 to get you some extra blankets. Stay warm Queen Z LOVE FROM TENNESSEE.
Zen-Fan
Yes, agree with many previous posts…just like “friends forever,” we are…we love you so dearly & I find such a genuine connection with everyone while sharing in these posts. I would love to be an owner of horse such as yourself & have people throughout the world just giving lots of unconditional love & support. I think this speaks loudly about your fan base…we are not going anywhere, but on this wonderful journey you are taking us on…thanks again
Dani
Thank you for the information on your ‘shoes’. I don’t know nearly enough about horses and their daily care so this is really a treat. Every time I get a pedicure, I will think of you having your hooves trimmed!
Mary Davies
Oh you are so precious Lady Z. You have earned every pedicure you get. I knew you would just love the natural feel of “Barefoot”. I have been a nail tech for 30 years, and I haven’t met a lady yet that doesn’t like a monthly pedicure! Well, well, deserved…love, love, love…
Toi
Hi Zenny! I’m glad you’re enjoying the snow. I can’t wait to see your winter coat grow in, and you’ll be a fuzzy wuzzy bear! :o)
Mary
It’s like hearing about Lebron James getting a pair of slippers, an easy chair and a window. You’re sure he’s cozy but is this really what he is meant to do? Missing you and wishing you much happiness and fulfillment.
Robyn Mullhausen
Zenyatta, I am so glad to hear you are a barefoot girl now. I have read that it is a much more natural and healty way for a horse’s hoof to be. Running barefoot in the grass..oh, how much fun (when you have grass again ;) ). Glad your friend will keep your nails ….er ah, hooves…trimmed. Pedicures are great, but I’d stay away from the red polish if I were you.
Margaret Murphy
Well Z it looks like your are enjoying your new life in Lane’s End. You will adjust well I’m sure of that. You have so many people there that love you. Stay well. I enjoy hearing how your doing. Thank you.
ashley
Z <3!!!!! This is sooooo cute!! Glad you got reunited with your old farrier again! I know how great it can be for a horse to reconnect with old memories and ppl. My horse loved seeing her old pasture mates at shows before I moved her and if they moved away. And she loved seeing and hearing of old human friends as well. I am very aware of the shoe issue and what all that meant and its glad to see you are able to be barefoot and have some pasture fun!! Keep us updated!! Much love <3
Robyn Mullhausen
To Zenyatta and Myrna Miller….I too have decided to donate the $ I would be spending on Christmas cards and stamps to a beautiful Horse Rescue org. here in Maryland. Of all the human causes we donate to throughout the year, horses are rarely considered. I am so glad to start a new tradition this year and Zenyatta, you can take credit. Because of becoming one of your fans, I am glad it led me to make this donation to an important cause.
linda
These entries are wonderful. The author of this blog (perhaps we should call her Zen-dotta!) may be doing more to cultivate a new generation of horse racing fans than any other single source.
The ripple effect of this magnificent horse is amazing.
Linda / NJ
Hi Zenny! Thanks so much for explaining this to us. It is wonderful to hear that Johnny, your blacksmith, is back in your life caring for you. It is so nice, I’m sure, to see a familiar face while you are transitioning to your new home. As far as the shoes, I do remember reading some place that it is very healthy for a horse’s feet to go without shoes. Something about you can flex your feet when you walk and with shoes you can’t. Zenny, I have another question. At some point in a previous post you mentioned that you would never be ridden again. I am wondering why? Naturally during your childbearing years you wouldn’t be ridden, but what about afterwards? Just curious. Love, Linda
Quarterhossgal
Ensign….as a quarter horse owner and breeder we would hobble if needed hind legs and didn’t tranquilize the mares. We now use AI so most of the trauma for the mare especially mares with foals by their side is miminal. I’m sure the stallion managers at Lane’s End will use the gentlest teaser stallion for Z and hopefully the real mate will be a gentleman breeder. Just sent a donation to Old Friends in gratitude for all the thrills Queen Z has give her legion of fans.
Mousse
Dottie….The responses to this blog/diary are overwhelmingly female and skew toward a very young group of admirers. This is a great forum to educate these people in the repro process that Zenyatta will be subjected to in 2011. A bit more reality and less “sappie” postings will do her fans an even greater appreciation of her life as a broodmare.
Suzanne G
Thanks to the Z-team for all the care and information. Also thanks to Kathryn for her perspective on things going on with ‘our’ beautiful girl and J. Smith for suggesting donations in her name.
cheryl
FOR SURE—Zen’s last pair of shoes should be kept and put into her museum. When and where will the museum take place. Kenturcy horse park would be the ideal place. Please speak with them about it. Maybe some of us could email and write and request a Zenyatta museum on the grounds. WONDERFUL!
Terri Z
Thanks for all of the postings Dottie. It’s so sweet of Team Z to share all of wonderful pictures and stories with all of us.
Please extend my thanks to each and every member of Team Z to making this possible.
I think what we are experiencing is a revolution in getting info about retired mares. I have not been able to find out any info about other retired mares that I have followed.
And a very big thanks and hugs to the Mosses for making all of this possible.
The Queen Z looks devinely happy in new surroundings.
Team Z has helped transform the sport of racing.
God bless you all.
XOXOXO,
Terri Z
OraJean Stevenson
Queen-Z, Hope you will, very soon, be out rompping, in those gorgious, ZENTUCKY pastures. Thanks to your, ever growing, “Team-Z” for all the great care and love they provide you. Zenyatta, you are truly a very special racehorse…one we’ll never forget !! Fondly, OraJean
Trisha Veazey
Are you sure I am not watching a Disney Classic? You are the most wonderful, uplifting gift of our time. I love each day’s news and cannot wait to see what is happening in your life.
I hope you are truly happy and well. Kudo’s to team Zenyatta for making the trip with you and assuring that you are settled and safe in your new surroundings.
I hope someday you will be back in the loving fold of your family in Sunny California. I hope Ann is still working on Jerry about keeping you in their yard!!
Love hugs and kisses for a wonderful winter wonderland Holiday.
audreyc
Barefoot is good. Zenyatta is learning how to enjoy just being a horse. I think Z looks most like her damsire, Kris S. Look at his picture – and wow – Z greatly resembles him in all aspects. I was reading about him in the 2000 “Old Friends” book. Z really took after her grandsire, not only physically, but in temperament. He was also well loved, and depicted by those who knew him as a friendly, good natured, and very sweet horse…
NancyP
Hello My Beautiful Girl!
So glad to hear that you are well and getting accustomed to your new life. I’m glad you found an old friend – Johnny Collins – to take care of your feet and reminisce about your younger days in Kentucky.
I miss you terribly, but grateful you are happy and well! Thank Dottie for keeping us informed about your experiences and adventures at Lane Ends. She is a marvelous lady, as are her husband John and the entire team.
Love Always,
NancyP