Good Morning to All~
Happy Tuesday! Everything is moving right along perfectly at the farm. I am able to go outside with my pal, Tasty Temptation, and relax for hours at a time. As you can see in the photo, I am just like so many of you. My coat gets ‘lovely high-lights’ from the sun and I do need to have my ‘sunglasses’ (aka fly mask) on when outdoors.
I must say, this mask is a fabulous accessory to have. Not only does it keep the flies off of my face and away from my eyes…but it also screens out some of the sun and direct light…which is quite helpful!
We have had really warm weather recently. I’ve heard that it is also quite warm back home in Arcadia (by Santa Anita). Dottie looked up the temperature for today and it is to be 93 degrees in Lexington. It is even a bit warmer than that in Arcadia. As I have mentioned before, Charles and the guys here monitor how hot it is for ME. If too warm, I am taken back to the barn where the fans are keeping it nice and cool. I must say, I am one very lucky girl!
It is also the first of the month and as MY TEAM requested, they weighed me. I am gaining just the right amount of weight for this stage of my pregnancy. YIPPEE! I am eating all of the right foods and drinking LOTS of water to stay properly hydrated….so this is all good! I’m really trying to do all the RIGHT THINGS here to be a GREAT MOM!
In racing, for many of the major race tracks, today is a ‘dark day’…meaning the tracks are closed. So for quite a few people who work with the horses, this is a more relaxed day and they have some time off. Whether going to the lake, to play golf, or to have fun in the ocean, I hope everyone remembers to be careful in the sun, drink lots of water, and wear your ‘sunglasses’….JUST LIKE ME!
Have a very pleasant day!
With love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Holly Zemba
Glad you are having so much fun Zenyatta, and I love your highlights and sunglasses!!! Stay hydrated in this heat!!! And hugs to you!!!
Kari Bussell
@Sunny Boyd- That is beautiful! You are gifted…DJ is correct it needs a frame…thank you for sharing-
Karen Gogue
@Sunny Boyd
Very lovely, thank you.
Karen Gogue
@Kari
A lovely post to Joan…and it must be stopped!
Barbara Grimaldi
Had a sort of Advil day and lots of naps…just catching up here. Thank you all for feeling as I do about that trainer. So many of you know about this kind of thing and have taken steps in the past to stop it. I’m a newbie to horses but I am so incensed by this that I will spend a good part of the next few days tracking down a way that we can all unite and demand some kind of enforcement of humane laws. I will call ALDF for its guidance. I’ll keep you posted. Sorry to bring rain onto this wonderful happy site, but there’s a whole lot of love for horses here and if we cannot take a stand and start something, no one can. My love and thanks to you all.
Karen Gogue
@At Joan
You are to be commended for your passion and heartfelt commitment. Kari is right, there are fellow silent Z readers to this site who WILL take up this too. We all must do our part, I know I am…and thank you Joan for the horses, and for what is right and just.
Jackie
B. Grimaldi, thanks for the link. People are down right cruel. The trainer, owner and racetrack should be held accountable. There is somethinhg that racing is trying to institute whereby every foal born there is a fee and it goes into a fund. By doing this and charging this fee perhaps might avoid all these unecessary killings and go for the betterment of the horses.
These beautiful creatures give so much to their trainers and owners at the very least they deserve a life of peace and dignity not to get shot in the head only to be eaten. Just awful. Equine Advocates was instrumental in getting the slaughter houses in the United States shut down. Good for them. Unfortanely we need laws to protect and prevent these horses from being sold to Canada and Mexico.
I find this site both educational and eyeopening. I sit here and say to myself if only I could do more. Why does this have to happen?
Good night my sweet Zenyatta. I am so glad you are in a safe place!
Hugs and Kisses
Jackie
judy berube
Dear Margie:
You’re welcome. I saw Pavarotti live too. My sister and I, and everyone around us was crying. His personality was charismatic and his voice, like no other. Now, if I can only get to see Zenyatta, I can die happy. Hugs, J.B.
Karen Gogue
@Judy B.
Just might get a fire going under them.
judy berube
Dear Z,
Goodnight and Sweet Baby Dreams. Love you so much, Judy and Russ
judy berube
Dear Karen Gogue:
Hope so. Hugs, J.B.
Karen Gogue
@Devora
Noor thanks you, Charlotte thanks you, I thank you and all the racing fans who recall yester-year thanks you, and I am sure that Burly thanks you for ‘his boy’, his love.
judy berube
Dear Jackie:
That Fund from fees collected when a foal is born sounds like a good idea as long as it’s used to place horses once they retire from racing. Who proposed this and has it been enacted? Hugs, J.B.
Kari Bussell
@Karen Gogue- I am really enjoying the smell and feel of soil right now even though I have never been much at gardening until YOU….just seeing your name makes me smile….
judy berube
Dear Barbara Grimaldi:
Hope you feel better. I bet you’re black and blue and sore. You always feel worse the day after. Take care. Hugs, J.B.
jean
Dearest, Beautiful Zenny, You look as lovely as ever. May God bless you and your entire family, including those taking such good care of you. And Joan, Thanks for the info about Senators Graham and Landreu writing legislation to ban the shipment of unwanted horses…I’ve been supporting several horse rescue organizations. I will write letters to the senators also. Let’s hope it will make an impact! Jean.
s (in San Diego)
@Bridget..love the video. So funny, cute and just wonderful:)
@Sharon C. would love to see the video
@Barbara I am right with you. I was outraged when I read this article the other day. Ketih (the man that had rescued the mare from slaughter) had posted it on his facebook page.
I need to be educated please!! Since finding the mare who is now happily placed with a family in Indiana, who have several horses and kids. I have found out more then I wanted to know!! No sooner was the announcement made that she (mare) was placed then pictures were posted of other beautiful TB mares being starved with foals by their sides. Thankfully they are in protected care now. Then I read the article about the Deputy Minister colt…and my blood was boiling. Someone please tell me..how do these “trainer” “owners” get away with this. What do the respectable owners and trainers do with their horses that just are not the runners they had expected? I always assumed they sold them to private owner for other careers. (be it pleasure horses, ponies, future hunter/jumpers, Dressage etc.) Or turned over to places like TROTT, CANTOR or Re-home organizations. A few of the horses I have found raced at the same track. If I can find them…then these people are not really tring to hide. I know there are wonderful organizations that go to the “kill” auctions to out bid the slaughter houses. But the prices break my heart…AS low as $75.00. These are young beautiful and often sound horses. How do we stop this…I can “bail” out one or two a month if someone fosters them…but that is not the answer. Please tell me what is the best course of action .
Kari Bussell
@Trina-Too funny!!Thank you for posting the Dumplings names…I am afraid I confused everyone…I am so hopeless with computers..Mine is ancient and I taught myself what little I know….I fear if I called you I would really make a fool of myself…Would dearly love to just hear your voice and get to know you better.
@ Linda in NJ- thank you very much..
@All who enjoyed links…very glad they blessed you.
@Zenyatta- I hope you are having a peaceful nights sleep dreaming of what it is that brings YOU joy & makes YOU Happy….I love YOU!
Jackie
Judy Berube see attached link on who is trying to advocate charging a fee. I think it is a terrific idea.
http://www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/tags/The+Jockey+Club/default.aspx
judy berube
Dear Jackie:
With PETA behind it and the star from Secretariat’s movie, it’s got a good chance of being adopted. I hope so, because it is a terrific idea. Hugs, J.B.
Susie Cartwright
OK, Ican’t wait till your hair is back to normal!!
judy berube
Dear Jackie:
All of Z’s fans could contact the Jockey Club and ask them to implement this fund; I’m sure that would have quite an impact. That’s what I going to do. Hugs, J.B.
Michelle
@ Barbara Grimaldi – Thanks for the link. Unfortunately, I don’t think we can end horse slaughter. I think the problem is too big. We can donate to organizations that rescue horses, we can write letters to our congressmen but the answer lies within the industry itself. You have to have the breeders, the owners, the trainers, all horsemen involved to commit to do something about this. I have read that there are approximately 34,000 foals born each year and about that same number of thoroughbreds are sent to slaughter each year. It is a HUGE problem. I am not for killing any racehorse but would much rather see a euthanasia policy put into effect. At least that way it would humane. You also have all the rodeo horses, quarter horses, arabians, show horses, etc. It is heartbreaking. Unfortunately, when there is money involved there is always a dark side.
Michelle
@ Barbara Grimaldi – We fans need to start putting pressure on the industry to do something about the slaughter issue. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association is pro-slaughter as far as I know. All I ever see out of the NTRA is concern over gambling.
judy berube
Dear s in San Diego:
That’s the problem. Some owners/trainers go out of their way to make sure they find homes/rescues for their TB’s that are through racing. Like the Moss’ and Dear John. There are other owners/trainers who do no care to do so. Those horses are always in jeopardy. It’s people like you, Keith, Michael Blowin and Z Fans on this site who have rescued horses that make a difference. There are more horses in need every day than there are rescue operations. Don’t mean to go on and on, but this has always been a problem. Granted tracks have adoption programs now. Most States have outlawed racehorse slaughter. It’s gotten better, but the problem still exists. This new proposal by PETA (see link) to the Jockey Club is a good idea. It would help some. We can all help by protesting by phone or e-mails when we hear about trainers like Bird and by lobbying our Congress men and women and Senators and by contacting the Jockey Club to urge them to adopt this proposed 360 Lifecycle Retirement Fund. Hugs, J.B.
Kate Wheeler
Oh, Zenny, you are a picture of serenity and apparently also a fashion queen with your fly mask and auburn higlights. Even the definite but delightful dip in your figure, the up and coming Baby Z, is so becoming. You make the blue grass dazzle. Dottie we thank you for providing this incomparable connection with Zenny, with you, and with each other.
@Diana S: I hope you had a glorious birthday. You truly deserve it for undertaking the herculean task of tagging all of us Dumplings. I got mine today!! It is beautiful!! Thank you, thank you. It is truly the most beautiful name tag I have ever had. I am busy planning social engagements to which I can wear it. I will definitely wear it to the Breeders Cup this year and hope to hook up with you other tagged Dumplings who will be there. Diastu tagged us good!!!
@Karen Gogue and Kari Bussell: Happy premature or belated birthday to you both, whichever applies. I hope you are growing happily younger or older, whichever applies.
@Karen Gogue: Do you need any project and other vague references help with anything?
@Kari Bussell: Thanks so much for the link to the Zoe Bragg video. How joyful she was! Especially thanks for your recently confected “Nothing But Love with the Dumplings” video. What a delightful surprise. I always enjoy watching through the the series of AnimalsRock4Love videos of Zenyatta. You are amazing.
@Trina Nagele: Thanks for putting names for us on the individuals in the Dumpling Gang pictures. It’s always fun to know who’s who.
@Terry Crow: Great joke, Kemo Sabe!!!
@Emily: I’m looking forward to Mine That Bird’s movie, too. I haven’t seen any updated information about it. Please keep us posted.
@Sunny Boyd: What a truly moving tribute poem to Zenyatta,”her name born of a song” as you so eloquently remind us.
@ JAG: isn’t it delightful that last year a number of “Horses of the Year” around the world were mares: of course Zenyatta – USA, and Goldikova – Europe; but also Buena Vista – Japan, Typhoon Tracy – Australia, and Belle Watling – South America, and maybe others I don’t know about. And this year we have the incomparable Goldikova again, Australia’s absolutely amazing Black Caviar, Canada’s glorious Inglorious, and our own Blind Luck and Havre de Grace. I’d say the girls are slowly but surely taking over. Move over boys.
@Joan: I think we are all going to really get active on the Graham/Landrieu bill to ban shipping horses for slaughter. I love your passion. Mary Landrieu is my senator and although she is low key, she is very, very persistent. We need to deluge the rest of Congress.
@DJ: I always look forward to your prayers/hymns to start and end the day. Comfort food for the soul. High hooves to your “diastu St. Ambrose” dedication the other day. Most deserved by Diana S. and her marvelous sense of humor.
@signofthetimes: For you and Katlyn, excerpts from a poem that comforted me when I lost my lab, Mary Jane, several months ago.
My body is gone, but I am always near,
I am everything you feel or hear.
My spirit is free, but I will never part,
As long as you keep me live in your heart.
When I became frail and weak,
And pain kept me from my sleep,
I know all did, what must be done,
For this, my last battle, couldn’t be won.
You will be sad, I understand.
But you didn’t let grief stay your hand.
For on this day more than the rest,
Your Love and Friendship stood the test.
Please do not mourn for me.
I am still here, as you will see.
I am at your side each night and day,
Within your heart where I wish to stay.
Author Unknown
@All: Do you find this website dangerously addictive??
M2 + Little Bit & Ready Lady (The team from the Little Bit Ranch)
A great and adorable post. Thanks Z and Dottie.
Michelle Cross
Repost – Link to the PETA Petition for the Jockey Club to implement a policy to help save racehorses. Everyone please sign this petition and SHARE with all of your FACEBOOK Friends. I just did. If we get it on FACEBOOK just think of the number of people we can reach. Every little bit we can do helps. I know we can’t save them all but we can sure try.
http://www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/tags/The+Jockey+Club/default.aspx/
LOVE YOU Z and TEAM Z!
M2 + Little Bit & Ready Lady (The team from the Little Bit Ranch)
I agree with Michelle in her message to Barbara. There is a root cause to all of this that needs to be resolved. I too read of the 34K TB’s born each year. This is a big problem. Again, as Michelle mentioned, this doesn’t include the other horses.
Delrene
My mind is a jumble of emotions and feelings after reading most of the posts and the links regarding the horrific treatment of horses by some individuals. Rest assured most of these wonderful people on this site will do their part for that I’m sure. On a happier note thanks for the cute video of the horse that loves the sprinkler. It is so good to know that most of these magnificent creatures are treated humanely and loved their entire lives. Thanks to you Zenyatta and Dottie for this forum to share information and share the love for Zenyatta.
You look great in your shades and enjoying the pasture outside. We miss you and will be thinking of you when the Clement Hirsch ( I hope I spelled it correctly) is run. You certainly showed them 3 years running!!!
and thanks again Diana – looking forward to my official dumpling tag. I’m looking forward to wearing it proudly…
Take care all.