Hello Everyone,
As you can see in this photo, I am out walking with Charles and enjoying myself. Everyone at the farm is teasing Charles about how many new friends he is getting on FACEBOOK now that he and I are pals. It is very cute! Such fun!
I am so glad you enjoyed yesterday’s Diary on SHOES. I do hope as you read these Diary Pages you are learning things about race horses and the horse industry. All breeds of horses are very special and unique. As I am a THOROUGHBRED, my Diary will be directed to this breed. Thoroughbred race horses are very special. John used to always tell me that when I was at the barn! It is a breed to be cherished and the history of the pedigree lines is fascinating.
I’m going to take a couple moments and answer a few of your questions this morning.
So here goes…
1) 60 MINUTES…from what they told Dottie, they will air my original segment during the summer and then add the updates to it. They often do this with segments…and mine is one they are planning on using. We’ll let you know when we hear more.
2) MARIO…my adorable, wonderful Mario! He does miss me, for sure, but as he told John, he is SO HAPPY I am happy. He really appreciates and loves the fact that I was able to have such an amazing racing career and then retire so sound and healthy. This makes Mario so proud! This is what is helping make the transition easier for him.
I will always LOVE MARIO and totally and completely remember every single moment that we shared. I could not begin to tell you how many times he brushed me, put on my stall bandages, gave me a bath…and most importantly HUGGED ME! We also spent countless hours outside just relaxing and enjoying the sun together while I was grazing! I will always remember MARIO and LOVE HIM. I know he feels exactly the SAME WAY ABOUT ME!
John is really trying to keep Mario and the entire barn up-to-date on my progress. Dottie sends ALL photos and videos to John for the barn to see. John has lots of computers at the barn…and all of things are shared with my Barn 55 friends. (FYI…John is a real camera buff! He has zillions of photos of me on a constant slide-show on his one computer at the house. He loves taking pictures and has taken lots of photos of me since I was 2. In reality, John has my entire life in photos! It is wonderful to see all of these stages I have gone through during the last several years.)
3) Christmas Tree…yes, I do have a Christmas Tree at the farm. Also, I noticed that one of you put a photo of your ZENYATTA HOLIDAY tree on my FACEBOOK page. It looks fabulous! Love the ornament at the top of the TREE!
4) Guinness…yes, I do have some Guinness here…and sometimes a bit is also put in my feed. Interestingly, the Guinness Company wanted ME to go to Ireland this spring to visit and bring John, Dottie and the Moss’ with me. Great thought…but not sure that would fit into my schedule. Sweet of them to offer, though.
5) My barn friends…yes, we are getting to be more and more acquainted in the barn. For now, I walk around in the paddock by myself. Soon, I will be able to start buddying up with one girlfriend at a time. As this is all new to me, it will be another of those baby-steps we are talking about. I will get introduced to one friend at a time in the paddock. Eventually, I’ll be out there with several friends all at once, but for now, I just see them outside across the fence. They really do seem to like me, though. It is a nice feeling!
6) LIFE IS SWEET…I have not seen her yet as she is in a barn with mares who are IN FOAL and will be foaling at a similar time. At this time, we are at different stages of our lives. I am just settling in at the farm and doing the acclimation process and she is in foal and with mares who are at the similar stage of their lives. Soon, I hope there is a time, though, when we will be able to meet again. During our time at John’s barn, we were very, very good friends. Interesting fact…Mario groomed and took care of BOTH of us!
Dottie, John, Mario and Steve all got to visit with LIFE IS SWEET when they were here last week. They told me she looks fabulous and very happy. She was always so lovely! Isabelle (who was her regular rider…like Steve was for me) and Jenny also went to see her when they were in KY for Breeders’ Cup. It is wonderful how my Barn 55 Family keeps in touch with us even when we are not with them. It is a special bond we ALL SHARE for sure.
Also,I think Life is Sweet’s little sister is here in the barn with me. I’ve asked Dottie to please check this out. If so, she will be one of my paddock friends. Again…amazing how things are so interwoven like this.
Today, in addition to all of my outings in the paddock and visits from friends, I have a few appointments…blacksmith and vet. They are just checking in on me to be sure I’m in perfect shape. Just like you guys, I have to keep myself in tip-top shape and do my regular check-ups. I’ll have to check and see when the Dentist is coming next. Sonny was my Horse Dentist in CA. Wonder who it will be here?
Take Care…and have a wonderful December Day!
With love,
Hugs to all~
Z
Sue Fredrick
Hi Zenny, gosh you look beautiful in the snow, and what a handsome man you have doing your bidding!! I just read about all the pictures John has of you and I agree, he has to make something up so we can see all of them, especially baby pics. I love the posts Dottie takes the time to do she does a great job telling us about your transitions. I can’t wait to see you trotting around that beautiful pasture with all your girlfriends. You are truly “the people’s horse” Luv
Tere Thomas
Please keep the diary posts coming – just like everyone else I love hearing about your days and vicariously go through your progress with you! What a special treasure you are ZZ – much love to you and your team!!
Beth Alexander
Do you realize how important these diary notes are for your human fans? I love it when I open facebook and there you are with a diary update. It really makes my day! Enjoy yourself and hope to see you soon!! With love always………
Jan
Zenyatta,
Like Angelia Jolie, you are more beautiful every day. “Perfection”, and Charles, WOW!!
Brad Pitt… Thanks for the updates on all your pals in CA. I’m glad you are being well taken care of. Kudos to all your handlers at Lane’s End. Your dedicated fans from Cypress, Texas.
Nancy
Dear Zenny
I am not sure if Charles were to wear gloves
he would be able to hold you as gently but firmly.
He is used to the snow and cold. Those of us who are from
snow country know that not wearing gloves and hat
in what we consider warm weather is appropriate.
Thanks to Team Zenyatta and your Lanes end
friends for keeping us abreast and informed about
Thoroubred transitioned. My horse bay gelding 17 hands
was retired off the track and now I understand
him better. Especially turning to the left is better
the right.
Have a wondeful cozy relaxing day queen Z
Kathryn Cogswell
All smiles!! ~ That article in THE PILOT 19 SEP’10 [“An Affair To Remember”], and statements from Steve Willard about himself through the years, sort of echo some [above] in *jim`s comment today. It also appeared in ‘Notes From The Field: Backside 55’ under “A Moment With Exercise Rider Steve Willard.” ~ More smiles: Linda said yesterday this site is ‘ZEN-DOTTA’ — & DOESn`t it sound mythical? What IS it about this place?? ~ O, Right! .. .It’s the terrain, the climate, the visions, the natives and the melodies. Thanks alot all. Khc.
Alexandra Bowdoin
Dear Z,
First of all, you and Charles look just
Marvelous out there in the snow! You look
very relaxed today!
John, Please make up DVD’s to sell for Horse Rescue Organizations!! What a way to help out unwanted horses in this economy.XOXOXOXOXOXO
Mary Stanford
Thanks for the great post….so interesting….got a few tears thinking about the friendship you and Mario have. I am like Mario…I will miss seeing you race…but knowing you are sound and healthy….never got hurt …is the most important thing of all. I just look at one of your racing videos when I miss seeing you race ….and I still get chills when you and Mike take off..even knowing the outcome. Such wonderful memories…now you are making new ones along with all those who love you so much.
Robyn Mullhausen
Wow, Zenyatta, what a wonderful, informative post! Appreciating you filling us in on everyone. Sooo glad you have a Christmas tree! Good to be walking around a little by yourself in the paddock. Everyone is so worried about you slipping in the snow and it is good to be cautious, but I just saw footage of horse racing (I think in Canada) and the track was completely snow covered! 60 Minutes really recognizes your greatness, and you make a much better subject than some of the humans in the news, looking forward to their video. As for Guinness, I should think they would come to KY. after all you’ve done for their name and besides, you are preparing to be a Mommy and don’t need all that jet lag to Ireland and back. Wonderful to read how John, Mario and all your friends at Backside 55 are keeping up with you, but it looks like you are making friends in KY fast, both horse and humans. I thought Charles was “smitten”, but in this photo it looks like “love”. ;) You don’t take long to win everyone over girl.
Scott Ashley
AWESOME ZENYATTA… VERY AWESOME!!!
Marie
You’d make a great poster girl for Guiness!! you should go to Ireland and visit them. Think of the ad campaign they’d have — Queen Z pictures world wide!!!! Not that you’re not already famous worldwide.
Love reading your daily posts, it’s a great way to end my work day.
harold
just love these post diary’s every day.history in the making.
Linda Shull
Love this and would love more and more pictures and movies.
S
Great Post Z !! I have to LOL reading the comments….Some of us are like old mother hens… Charles – gloves, Z-Blanket. Zennie..you look so relaxed and happy….looks as if you and Charles may be getting comfortable together. Stay warm you two and eat your veggies :)))
maggie
Thank you Zenyatta and Dottie for giving us all this information. I have been going to the races for 30 years and know so much more now about the horse and operations thanks to these posts. You are the greatest mare that has ever run and will always have a special place in my heart. Saw you 4 times in CA. and can’t wait to see you at Lanes End
ELLEN ZEHNDER
Dear Zenny
Thanks for the update. Your diary notes are such fun. I can picture you dictating what is to be said. I just know you are that intelligent. Be well and happy.
suew
Zennie…you are making Charles a rock star just by having him next to you. Of course Mario was your first “leading man” and very special to us, too.
Dottie…pleeeeeease have John share some of those adorable pics of Zennie as a two year old. We’d love to see her as a youngster. I am just absolutely amazed that Team Z is so willing to share everything with us. What a magnificient way to learn about horse racing and to stay in touch with the Queen herself. I could read these posts all day. Please don’t stop.
Joan
So glad to see you enjoying the snow outside, Zenyatta. Thank you for answering our questions, even one I wanted to ask but didn’t! I’m glad to know about Life Is Sweet, and I’m glad to know why she isn’t with you at this time. I hope you do get to see her again later on.
Carolyn
Remember Zen – “watch out where the huskies go and don’t you eat that yellow snow!” You look content and it’s obvious Charles has taken a shine to you!
Terry
Sweet Sweet Zenny and Dottie, you spoil us with these updates and info. It is really super nice that you take the time everyday to do this. I hang on every word!! Love the info on Life is Sweet, she was always one of our favorites! Keep up the good work and Happy Holiday’s to all! Good Luck to Charles and his new found fame!! We love everyone who loves Z
Jan Mitchell
Jena I agree with you that Zenyatta would make a perfect dressage horse and that she would absolutely love it.
Bryna Dambrowski
Zenny – I just love your updates. I can’t wait until I am able to come and see you in Kentucky. It will have to wait until the weather is warm and Land’s End begins to allow visits – you are such a beautiful girl!
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, You look absolutely beautiful in the snow like a Christmas card! Charles looks good with you. Thanks for the wonderful posts. They mean so much to keep up with you. I am thrilled you are adjusting so well. I wish you would ask John to get someone to put a picture book of your life together. That would be awesome!!! I would love that as well as all your fans to have a photos of your life growing up.
Zenyatta,I know there is NO stallion worthy of you! I agree with Mike on that!Secretariat would be if he was alive. I worry about you,Zenyatta. You are such a special horse with very unique qualities that can be shared with so many. There will never be another you, sweetheart. I love you, Zenyatta!
Sending Hugs & Kisses from Alabama, Amanda
Patricia
Yes, you would be great in a Guinness Advertisement! Boy how their sales would rocket…
To Charles-can we hear from you on how this feels to be taking care of the “Queen?!”
GOD(literally) can this get any better?!
Zen- you know when you love someone, setting them free is so hard on the heart…for Mario to be so close to you daily, there must be SO MUCH LOVE that has filled both of you & that is what will help with the transition. One of the greatest things I admire about you is the reciprocity…it is never a ONE WAY street, so to speak.
Thanks again to all of you who have made these posts so endearing & so special.
Love to all
Elizabeth Barrow
The Guinness folks should feature you in an ad campaign!
Tamyatta
Hi horse of my dreams, don’t tell my beautiful sweet cat but thoroughbreds are the most gorgeous animal ever and there will never be another as stunning as you no matter how long I live!I love looking at all the pedigrees, I usually spend hours a day on them because I am helping a racing website putting in all the info I can find on all the horses, and I do mean all. Some records go back to the 1600’s. I find it fascinating to see who has who in their family tree. Your tree sweet Zenny is loaded with champs, of course. To name a few, Native Dancer, Nashua, Hyperion, Tom Fool, Count Fleet, Nearco, Bull Lea, War Admiral, Challenger, Case Ace….WOW..no wonder you are a living legend!!!! And you are the kindest, most beautiful, most intelligent of all the horses….ever:)Stay warm. All my love to you always, XOXOXOXO
Diana Hanson
Your photo is framed and greets me everyday when I walk into the office. SO BEAUTIFUL!!! Lifts my spirits. Glad you are settling in. I really look forward to the posts and photos. You are so lucky to have so many people care for you! What an awesome feeling! Lov ya, Queen Z.
Tamyatta
Oh, I got so excited I forgot..I wanted everyone to know you have Man ‘O War blood running thru your pretty veins!!!!!
Sug
Zenyatta, you are a class act, girl. I love hearing about your days in KY. And now, lessons that we can learn from you. I’ll check in daily to read your dairy posts. Here at this Christmas season, you are one of the things that make us “BELIEVE”.
Lori Stein
Just love these posts. So much good info and being able to keep up with you Big Z makes me feel just as close to you as always. Never a day goes by that I don’t think about you. There never will be one either. In my eyes you were and will always be the perfect racehorse. There was not 1 single thing about you that isn’t special in every way. What a blessing we are all here to adore you. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!! Love, Lori