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
Bobbi
Hi Z! I’m so glad you and your friends are helping those of us new to the world of Thoroughbreds understand more about your life. The entry on shoes was great and I look forward to hearing about more “basics” from you. We miss you here in California!
Barbara Wood
Wow! More great updates. I don’t dare miss checking on you several times a day. Thank you so much for the “60 Minutes” info because I was wondering how to contact them. Now I know you’ll let us know.
About Ireland–I was certain that you would have to give up your Guinness habit when you are expecting; HOWEVER, I recall that when we were in Dublin, we were told that new mothers in the hospital receive Guinness and their slogan is “Guinness for Strength”. Now I fear there will be a run on it because all the trainers will want their horses to be as fast as you!LOL.
Please wish all your LE and Barn 55 family and friends the merriest of Christmases from all of us. Love you always.
muffin
Looking beautiful as always, Z. :) We all truly appreciate and love these updates!
Lorie Crow
Hello Z glad you are doing so well you deserve it. You are a gift from God and I will never forget you, but I can’t stop missing you. more everyday . Z have they decided who they are going to breed you to yet? Time is getting close. Take care Merry Christmas TTYL.
Donna
I am an animal lover and have been my entire life. But, unfortunately I have never had the opportunity or means to have a horse of my own.
The first introduction I had to Zenyatta was in the show Mike Smith was taping about Jockeys. Mike describe this larger than life horse which he spoke about with such love and admiration that it made me very curious as to what animal could possibly be so extraordinary that Mike sounded as if he was describing a racing god. Then I saw her and all my questions were answered.
Since then I have had this overwhelming love for this horse I have never even seen in person, which seemed rather odd, except that I now see I am not alone. Zenyatta is a larger than life horse that is so talented in so many ways, not only can she run like the wind she can dance like Grace Kelly (dressage).
Virginia Wood
Queen Z – please let Dottie know how great it is that you two are educating the general public about racehorses. I am an owner, groom and asst. trainer so I understand all that is going on with you. It is great you two are teaching everyone about lip chains, shoes, and in general what the life of a race horse is all about. Once again you are opening up the world of horse racing! Thanks!!
Michelle
I love these updates. Thanks for keeping us posted and educating us too.
Naomi
Hi Zeny-you look like you put on a little weight, did you or maybe your winter coat is starting to grow out? Charles looks happy and more relaxed with you :) and because of you he’ll probably have his own fan following with the ladies I’m sure. I was never a horse person B-4 Zenyatta and I have certainly learned so much about horses and their care and how they adapt so thank you all for making this blog possible and for keeping us so well connected to our “Queen!”
Kim
Zenyatta, you have no idea how cute you are<3
You are just the cutest tthing in the world:)
Thank you everyone who is updating us fans, it's amazing:)
WE LOVE YOU QUEEN Z♥
Lorie Crow
I almost for got to tell you, I got my last Christmas in the mail yesterday, It’s that Tapestry Afghan of you, and I just love it, I also got a picture of you winning the BC last year and the Commemorative Collector’s Issue 2010 and that picture that came with it is the best picture of you, it is just beautiful. Santa gave me every thing I asked for this year hope he’s as good to you. Love Ya
jahlgren
Well, I bet Barn 55, Hollywood has done their share of shedding tears over your absence, Zenyatta, but I’m sure they like seeing the videos and pictures, too. I don’t think normally they would get to see their “kids” once they’ve left, so this is great.
Again, THANK YOU, Lanes End and all the crew there for taking the time to keep all of her fans and the public up-to-date on Zenyatta. She really is a one of a kind mare, and THE most famous one to date in racing history.
Debbie
Great photo. Charles is really cute. You are a lucky girl! :)
Ensign
@ Nancy,
LOL, you beat me to the while in Ireland have a ‘visit’ with Sea The Stars ;-) Of course, there are many fabulous PROVEN Euro stallions, but that will never happen….
While I come to read & not ‘pretty pony post’, I do really LOVE today’s photo : ) THanks for sharing!
Marilyn
You are so loved….and Zenyatta you so deserve it….I love the daily updates and so glad you are liking your new home. Love and hugs
JAJ
Zenyatta, I am so glad you are taking the time from your busy schedule–well, your schedule might not be so busy, but I bet Dottie’s is–to help those who love you learn about Thoroughbreds and the horse racing business. There is so much misinformation out there! I’m a very small breed-to-race breeder/owner and always try to give honest information about the business to those people who might just be fans of one or two special horses. I wish more people in the business would take the time to educate the fans. Thanks for doing your part.
sherry drish
WEenjoy all the latest on you. I have two pleasure horses, been a owner for 28 years, I call our horse, RAVEN, a ZENYATTA, because he is black and the same size of you but never as beautiful as you, sweet Z.
Shari Voltz
Hi Sweet Girl. You look so Beautiful and Charles looks happy too. Thank you for teaching me about Thoroughbred horses. That is my favorite horse and I hope someday to own a rescued one. But for now I have you and your diary.
Thank you Dottie for keeping us all informed. I love Zenyatta and she helps me get through some of the hard times in my life. I love you sweet girl. Enjoy your time outside and stay warm. Love from Shari in Ohio
Shannon
I love your updates, it gives us a window into your new world and makes us all feel like we are still with you. Thanks so much.
P.S. Charles is a very lucky guy.
Kathleen Marsh
I was thinking about your shoer last night, and how he was the one who put your first shoes on. And then about the picture of the gentleman with you when you had your foal picture taken. And then about the attendant that led you around when you were in the auction ring. Did they ever have even the remotest clue just who it was on the other end of the lead shank? That just has to give one goose bumps!
Alene
Hi Zenny!! GREAT diary post today. I`m so glad that your happy and getting acclimated and aquainted with everything. You are a big grown up lady now Zenny. Soon you will be a proud mom. I am very proud of you beautiful girl!!! Thank you Dottie…Hugs and MANY KISSES, Alene
Sandra Frey
So glad to see you are getting settled in here. So sorry it is so danged cold. Wait till the spring…you will be awestruck by the beauty in Kentucky. You were just a kid when you were here last, but it may come back to you. Take care, Zenyatta! You are loved!
Shanna
What a beautiful photo Zen! I just love all your diary posts :)
Lisa B
My Precious Zeny, You are looking so good. I bet Charles is loving all the attention he is recieving now days. All the info that you have shared with us on thoroughbred horses are so apreciated. I am getting into the pedigee of thorougbreds and it is so interesting. Love You Much Baby Girl!!! Stay warm OOOXXX Thanks again for the update:-)
Alyssa
Not sure if Dottie reads these, but maybe the next entry you could discuss Zenyatta’s lack of a blanket? There’s some people that seem to be over-reacting about it. I personally understand why she doesn’t wear one when she’s out walking, but a lot of other people don’t. It would be another good opportunity to educate people that don’t have horses, as well.
Jo Ann
You are spoiling us with so many delightful letters, pictures, and videos! Thank you so much!
Khara Covington
Looking at this picture again Big Z, I am realizing Charles is kind of hot himself. You two look great together!
Jennifer Adelman
Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us. So glad Mario is adjusting well after taking such wonderful care of her 24/7. He kept her feeling loved and happy alog with all the keepers of Barn 55. Her disposition shows that great care.
I just love TB’s and plan to adopt one when I retire in 5 years and have some land. Hope to give a good home to an OTTB.
Enjoy your posts very much and I am so glad your happy in the winter wonderland! You look sooo gorgeous in the snow.
Hugs!
Selene McCarthy
What a fantastic post! I can’t help but ask how is Mike Smith doing? He loves you so much, Z and no one has mentioned him.
If you went to Ireland you might never come home! You would love it so much! My horse is from Ireland..the horses in Ireland are very special…just like you! I look forward to these heart warming posts every day! Thanks to all of team Z for this unique correspondence.
kcinla36
Hi Z thank you so much for the updates, I was soooo sad and worried when you left CA but the pics and diary entries are awesome, glad you are happy and transitioning well to farm life. Thanks for answering all of our questions and providing so much info on Thoroughbreds. Glad they’re giving you some Guinness there, I was wondering about that. Cheers! :)
Gloria Jeanne
What’s Charles last name or facebook link?