Good morning everyone,
I hope you have had a very nice week. I have. It has been quite relaxing and peaceful here at Lane’s End.
Right before my team left Barn 55 for the summer (remember they had to take everything out for the every other year cleaning process) a friend of Anita’s (John’s sister) came to visit the barn.
He is an artist named Pema. He brought John a lovely piece which is meant to bring ‘good luck’. What a very sweet gesture on his part! Many thanks to him. For people in racing…luck is a very precious consideration!
In looking over the entries for this weekend…..the races look to be very exciting. Again, as seems to be the case during the summer seasons, there are quite a few major stakes races running around the country. They have definite implications as far as the road to the Breeders Cup is concerned.
David is currently at Saratoga for the next few weeks working. They have a yearling sale there next week. He also enjoys the opportunity to visit with the other horses he has purchased for clients and see the ones that have grown up from the matings he has planned for their owners. It is always so much fun to touch base. We horses….are like his dear friends!
Sarah will also be going to Saratoga to work for a few weeks. This is great news as Dottie has asked her to get some ‘fun photos’ from that venue for us to share with you in the diary. This will be so special to get an up to the minute report on the Saratoga happenings from these two people we know so well.
I’m off to stay cool under one of my favorite trees. Have a splendid weekend…enjoy the great racing…drink lots of water to stay hydrated….and most of all enjoy your time with your family and friends.
With love,
Hugs to all~ (especially my John’s mom, Mary Jane, who is truly not feeling well at this time)
Z
judy berube
Dear Kari Bussell:
Just watched your “Mouse” video. How profound and true. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Laura J.:
Re: Valley View, you’re welcome. Russ and I will try each month to make little donations to as many rescues as we can. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Brenda S.:
Just read your post to me on Diary #312. You are sweet. I was surprised to know that Bernie was in Australia. I did know about Big Brown, though. Can’t help worrying about them, but Bernie will be home in 6 months. Hugs, J.B.
Kari Bussell
Yesterday, I found the entire HBO -Bryant Gumball documentary on horse slaughter on youtube. I saw it when it originally aired and it continues to haunt me. I debated within myself if I should mention it or not. I strongly feel it is way too graphic and horrible to post here, but it is informative…warning again it is very graphic shows several murders …..No Day OFF was beautiful RIP ….all I did was search HBO Bryant Gumball Real Sports…..I just felt that everyone who can handle it should see it since we are asking several media outlets to cover it. I very much hope that someone from this diary starts a site. I would ,but I don’t know how. I have liked RIP Deputy Board on FB. does anyone know who started that page? I prefer to know who I am dealing with.
judy berube
Dear s in San Diego:
Thank you for your post to me on Diary #312. That is exactly what happened to me. Couldn’t sleep since knowing about Deputy Board (and I wouldn’t even read the original posting; can’t bear the details). Feel less blue today and more determined to keep sending e-mails urging anti-slaughter policies be enforced and that funding be made available for retired horses’ care. Hope all your dreams of owning a horse sanctuary come true. God Bless. Hugs, J.B.
Kari Bussell
@Judy Berube- Hugs & Joy to you today! For clarity, I wanted to make sure you know that I did not do the ‘mouse’ video….I just put up link….pick4guy did that video. He is a dear, sweet soul and has done some wonderful Zenyatta videos…I hope you are getting over the blues.
Brenda (BS)
Zenny, you certainly got lucky when David first saw you and arranged for you to become a member of the Moss family, but you had so much talent and, with John’s love and guidance, you became the Queen you are because of that talent. You are awesome. Such sad news about John’s Mom, Vic and I send her very best wishes and hope she will feel better real soon.
@ Diana S – YOU made my day. The Z’s Dumpling tags were waiting for me in my P.O Box in Buffalo and we LOVE them. They will be prominently displayed, and proudly worn, at Saratoga on the 20th with hopes that there will other Dumplings there too. Vic wanted a dress to wear for the Alabama and we found one with the same color in it as the Z on the tag so she’s as happy as a clam. I suspect that she’ll be asking next for a hat!! We both thank you, thank you Diana.
@ Judy B – Hope you are feeling less stressed today Judy about the boys who have gone south, sorry my little post caused you concern.
judy berube
Dear Kari Bussell:
I must admit, I was watching the original program when it aired in 2008 and I turned it off. The killing of racehorses has been a part of the sport that haunts me. I can remember years ago Suffolk Downs owners and trainers had no qualms about slaughtering their horses once they could no longer race. I knew more than one owner and trainer who did this many times. Some of these horses were as young as three years old. Suffolk has come a long, long way. Massachusetts Owners and Breeders Association have adopted an Anti-Slaughter Policy and the track now holds Open Adoption Days for retired racers to find them forever homes. I just hope that our individual efforts help convince the powers that be to make the necessary changes that will abolish slaughter altogether. Hugs, J.B.
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Queen,
Have a lovely weekend and enjoy a cool little nap under your favorite tree—oh, you lucky girl! :) But don’t forget to tune in to all the great races that will be happening this weekend. If you listen closely, your name is usually always mentioned! :) The Clement L. Hirsch just won’t be the same without you.
Please send my best wishes to John’s mother, Mary Jane. I’ll be sure to send up a prayer for her.
Hugs and kisses,
Stel
Barbara Wood
Dearest Z–thank you so much for today’s post and sharing with us about YOUR John’s mom. I will be praying for her to get better. I miss my mom every day and know how important they are.
@Trina N. and Judy B–at first I only looked at the $100 donated and got discouraged, but then I thought, “I CAN”T, BUT TOGETHER WE CAN”. Thank you so much for helping.
@Gary Moulton– thank you so much for posting Mary Johnson’s comments. I have a Facebook page but am pretty clueless about how to navigate everything. I will write directly to her and report.
@To All, especially those from Texas–I was really hot under the collar after receiving a reply from our Senator Cornyn, saying he would vote against the bill because it violated individual “Property rights”. WHAT IS THAT?? I called and really let his aide have it (in a civil way, of course). I then called Senator Hutchison’s office, and (Lord be praised), the girl who answered is a former horse owner, who was very sympathetic. I told her she would know best how to phrase it to the Senator. The Senators are on break until Labor Day, by the way.
Also, I have written the CEO of Mountaineer, contacted 60 Minutes, as well as the Nancy Grace show. Will take a break over the weekend.
Maybe Mary and OUR Shari Voltz could meet? Just thinking. Love to you all.
judy berube
Dear Kari B. and Brenda (BS):
Thank you both, so sweet of you. Yes, I’m ready to fight another day. Hugs, J.B.
LauraJ
@Nancy, that is an OLD STORY from way back in February. The horses found homes long ago; they went to friends and family of the deceased and were never actually bound for slaughter. Please do not call that number, and please let people know that this is no longer current.
Sharon Call
@Nancy. This goes back to February and was taken care of months ago. I’m not sure how this got started again but it is a resolved issue and please DON’T REPOST.
judy berube
Dear Barbara Wood:
You’re welcome. My goodness, you’ve been a busy and determined lady. God Bless. Nancy Grace Show; good idea. Hugs, J.B.
Trisha Veazey
Such sad sad news about Duputy Broad. Beyond belief. There has to be a movement to make sure these atrocities do not continue.
Yes Zenyatta, you are one very lucky girl, who just happens to have a team and thousands of fans who are loving , caring humans.
Enjoy your weekend lucky Girl. How’s the bump coming?
Love, hugs and kisses
Sharon Call
@Barbara Wood. Boy, that would fry my potatoes to hear that from Sen. Cornyn! All we’ve heard is what the trainer did, Byrd. No mention has been made if the owners agreed to it although I imagine they must have since Byrd did it. Anyway, if I’m understanding it correctly, SB1187 doesn’t prohibit the slaughter of horses, it prevents the transportation of horses to slaughter houses. If the owners want their horses sent to slaughter, then let them drive the horses themselves!! They can just lie at the borders to Canada and Mexico about where they’re going with the horse(s). Excuse me, that just really makes me ANGRY!
I still think it might be worth checking into to look again at savethehorses.org (I think that’s right). They already have their 501 (c)(3), an organized website and testimonials from celebrity figures. It just seems like a really good starting point. Just my thoughs on it.
judy berube
Dear Sharon Call and Laura J.:
Someone who posted as William on Diary #309 8/2/11, indicated that 52 horses were in dire need of rescue. He said somebody had posted this on Z’s Facebook page. I guess he meant well. None of us knew it was old news that had been resolved well. So, initially myself and other Z Fans were trying to help in what we thought was a dire need. Once, some days ago, when you cleared the situation up for us, I was happy. Don’t know why it’s still coming up as a concern. Is it still posted on Facebook? Hugs, J.B.
Barb Zylbert
What a sad story about Deputy Broad. It is true evil when people are interested in saving a horse or horses, and others go out of their way to thwart them. Just sick. Whoever regulates the trainers in that state ought to cancel his privileges to train as he clearly does not have the best interest of the horse in mind.
judy berube
Dear Sharon Call:
Will check out the savethehorses.org site. Thanks. Hugs, J.B.
Marilu V
@ Laura J: Thank you Laura about the good news on the 52 horses. What a relief. I did not think the new owners were that unkind. Marilu
Sharon Call
@Everyone. Sorry, it’s not savethehorses.org that I was thinking of although it looks like a fine organization. I’m gong to have to go back and see if I can find the other one that was either posted on 312 or 311.
Pattie
I will add Mary Jane to my daily prayer list. I hope & pray she feels better soon.
To everyone else: Have a Safe & Happy Weekend :)
Thanks Dottie for all the information you share with us. I learn something new everyday from reading, the “Zenyatta News” !!
Marilu V
Hello Zeny: Thanks for the information and picture. I have a picture with You and Salvador who is on the far right. He was very nice and helpful when I visited you for the first time. He told me it was OK to kiss you! Gosh, I miss you very much. Hugs, Kisses and Prayers said for you and baby everyday for your safe and healthy pregnancy. Marilu
JAG from California :-)
ALL ANIMAL LOVERS! If you weren’t aware of this I love it! :-)
http://www.aspca.org/News/National/National-News-Detail.aspx?NDate=20110805&NType=National#News1
Barbara Grimaldi
First, I am sending prayers and good wishes to Mary Jane–may she feel better soon.
Second, I am sending my love and admiration to precious Zenyatta–my love and respect for you grows each day.
Third, I am sending love and thanks and respect to Team Z, particularly Dottie, who has brought us all together and helped us find kindred spirits as friends and who singlehandedly has brought racing to millions of new fans through Zennie’s words…
Fourth, I am so humbled by Mary Johnson;s post that I am speechless about what she has done, is doing. All I can do is make phone calls, send cards and emails and donations. I hate the overuse of the word awesome or awe, but in this case, I have to say Mary–I am in awe of you and will support you in any way I can. And I will send this part of my message to her directly to her email address. Keep up the fight, friends, because what we fear and fight for is happening on most tracks in America. I’d like to get my hands on that middleman who contract with the owners/trainers and the kill facilities. The fact that they are also trainers sometimes chills my blood. May heaven bless our efforts.
JAG from California :-)
To quote a famous movie line: “I’M MAD AS HELL AND I’M NOT TAKING IT ANYMORE!!!!!!!” Define responsible ownership… GRRRRR
Marilu V
@ Barbara Wood: Thank you for all your efforts in contacting 60 Minutes, Nancy Grace and the Senators. I hope something can be done with these atrocities. Just let us know how we can help. Marilu
Snoprinz
Thanks for sharing this info on the visit of Pema to the barn and his “good luck” present to John. I wish all the horses lots of luck in their races. I too wish John’s Mom, Mary Jane, a speedy recovery.
Mary Johnson, thank you for your post and for your work saving unwanted racehorses from the slaughterhouse. This is the part of horseracing that I don’t like-the greed and irresponsibility of the owners/trainers. I agree with a previous post in that a retirement fund should be set up for TBs. This is the responsible and moral thing to do. Thank God for people like you Mary and all the horse rescue groups who continue to save horses in these difficult economic times.
lalter
Danny R Bird was the OWNER and TRAINER of Deputy Broad.
Sharon Call
@ALL. I found the link I was looking for. Lex Woofer posted this on 311. It’s http://www.saveamericashorses.org. Please take a minute to look at this site. It’s quite impressive to me and so organized. Testimonials from celebrities, vets, congress people. This might be an excellent starting point for all of us. One question that I have is they list SB1176 on this website. Is that the same as SB1187 in its intent? See what you think.