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
Linda B
Hey Sweet Z,
My human folks took me out in the snow today in my jacked and on a leash, I walk very slow in the snow. As a retired racer I am used to running and it is a hard not to do that. I snukkkk out this afternoon and ran two laps in the yard…They were watching and called me in …lol, So what do your humans say to you? They tell me I am a good boy and they kiss my nose..My human is excited learning things about you . Keep teaching Z. Your friend Harley retired Greyhound
Leslie
Hi Z! You look so pretty!!! Thank you so much for telling us so much about what’s going on for you and answering people’s questions! That story about Mario was so touching and I love that John has all those pictures of you over your lifetime! What cool people you’ve gotten to hang out with and who have helped you. And… your new people… like Charles are VERY lucky to get to walk next to you and talk to you and pet you! Thanks also for the update on Life is Sweet… I can see that you are at a different stage in life… but oh… who is the papa with her?
Please say thank you to Dottie and everyone for their time in helping you write this diary! It makes me happy!! and obviously a whole bunch of other people too!
Quarterhossgal
Zenyatta each new picture shows how your charm is working on Charles, he is getting the same look on his face that Mario had when he walked you! Doesn’t take long to fall under your spell. Today is my birthday and for gifts I asked family and friends to donate to a thoroughbred charity of their choice in honor of ZENYATTA for all the thrills she has given her legion of fans. You are helping many other horses by just being ZENYATTA.
Cheryl
Hello Z! I just love to see your posts and videos! I come home from work and do my chores, kiss my horses and tell them dont be jealous but I need to check on ZENYATTA!!! I look forward to it every day. I tried to explain the phenomenon of yourself to a coworker today who is not into horses and he actually understood. He has seen wild horses in the Utah desert and described how it made him feel – the majesty and magnificence. I told him he had it exactly about you and how you make us feel. I love you! Take good care and stay warm – the weather reports look very cold in Kentucky!
Rita
HiZ, love to hear from you, must rush and get ready for work. Love you lots.
Mary McQuire
I have your photo as my wallpaper on my laptop. You were on my bucket list but I did get to see you at Barn 55 at Hollywood Park and I had my picture taken with you (Thank you, Steve Willard!). Now I will add seeing you at Lane’s End to my bucket list. I come home everyday and check to see if there is an update from you. I know with time the updates will slow but in the meantime it sure is fun!!!!!!!!
Mary McQuire
Forgot to ask when Mario, John, and the Mosses will come to see you again?
jeanie langford
I love your diary so much. It is great after a day at work to smile. Love you so much QUEEN Z. Do not let them send you to Ireland like Rags to Riches. If Sea the Stars wants to meet you, he can come to Kentucky. Our Queen needs to stay in the good old USA.
Lisa T
I so look forward to your diary posts Zenyatta! I have always been fond of horses and hope to have my own one day. You are sooo beautiful and sweet, I fell in love with you instantly; you have captured my heart. I had never been to Hollywood Park (or a horse race) until your farwell party and it was great to be able to see you in person; you were just a few feet away. What a treat that was, I will treasure that memory always. Glad you are doing so well and look forward to your next post. LOVE YOU!!!!
Carole
Zenyatta, I would like to hear more about your winter coat. Are you growing one? What causes this to occur? I understand that the shorter days(less light)in late summer is a more important factor than colder temperatures as with precipitating estrus. Are you under lights to bring you into estrus? We can learn so much from you.
Barb France
I just love learning about the world of Thoroughbred’s. Even though I have never owned a horse, I know that there is so much going on “the backside” before you come out to run a race. I have started reading about all the other great racehorse’s. I’d read a book about you but you haven’t written one yet (but I know you will some day)! The picture with Charles looks like a great Christmas Card…a great smile and Zenyatta! Hope he loves the “limelight”. I miss seeing Mario and hope he knows we all still love him, too! Most of all my picture of Z are with Mario in them and he is always smiling! Thanks again for the updates…they are a wonderful uplift to my days!
Kathryn Cogswell
Happy B`Day, QHG!! !
Catherine Uher
Hello beautiful girl! I have just spent another grueling day at the Dr’s (cardiologist this time) and couldn’t wait to get home and read your diary for today! I absolutely love your new picture! You are looking gorgeous as always! And I’m not one bit surprised to hear that Charles has developed quite a following (thanks to you!) as he is pretty cute! I love hearing what you have to say everyday and thank you so much for letting us know how Mario is doing! I also worry about everyone else who was a daily part of your life and wonder how they are adjusting, especially John and Mike. I have just found out that I will need a kidney transplant (I just turned 38 so this kind of sucks) but I’ve survived cancer twice along with other serious health issues and you are bringing so much light and hope into my life right now, so thank you from the bottom of my little heart! I go out to my uncle’s ranch almost every day to play with his horses (2 of which I’m very attached to as they are me) and they ar giving me such a sense of peace and comfort and hope. Oh gosh, here come the tears. I can not express in words what you mean to me and what everyone around you that shares you with us means to me! Please give them all a big hug for me to tell them how much your daily posts, pictures, videos, etc. mean to me! I absolutely love the idea of John putting together some type of photo album/DVD/book for all of your fans to buy and raising money for the Thoroughbreds that aren’t nearly as lucky as you! That would be awesome! And you could autograph the cover with your right “dancing” hoof! How cute would that be! I love you so much beautiful girl and can’t wait to see what you’re up to tomorrow! Lots and lots and lots of peppermint kisses and hugs from me! xoxo!
Kathryn Cogswell
O, Gloria!! Just read your note about the 55K Friends on ‘Z`s’ FB site* — NOW it`s ‘Backside * 55’ for sure. Can you imagine??
Carrie
True story: My son-in-law bought me a Breyer’s Zenyatta..just because he saw the tears in my eyes when I was holding it at the feed store.. So crazy in love with my Zenyatta.
Jess
Hay Zenny, it’s nice of you to mention all who were on your team, and took care of you.
I know you’re well taken care of yourself.
You’ve heard of Sammy Davis Jr.’s famous quote of “Here comes da judge.” Well ladies and and gentlemen; “Here comes da Queen!:
Kathryn Cogswell
[Wish I had consolidated these thoughts]! . .. Are you getting Aloe Vera For your tum` ? In a transition, that`s as good a continuity as your Guinness.
Cathleen
Dear Z,
This is a fabulous post. Thanks for answering all our questions. I’m so glad John and the gang got to see Life Is Sweet when they were at Lane’s End. I wonder if she was laying down when John was there. Some of my favorite videos are of Life Is Sweet lying around and John trying to get her up to go to work! Glad everyone is doing well. How are the Moss’? Especially Ann. I think she was probably very sad leaving you (Jerry too, but Mom’s get especially emotional). Speaking of Mom’s, maybe in one of your posts you can write about your Mom. We hear alot about your Dad Street Cry, but I don’t know much about your mom. Glad all is going well. I just recently got my Breyer Zenyatta Xmas ornament. Can’t wait to put it on the tree! I bet Charles is becoming very popular — helps when you’re with the hottest girl in horse racing! XOXO
Darlene Johnson
Hello Beautiful Girl…I love reading your daily diary. It is very informative. Do you remember when Michelle got to ride you around the paddock for the last time? Today I made copies of that photo and am going to frame it for Michelle and give it to her for Christmas. It is a surprise. I also have a fabulous one of you and me with Mario hanging the Christmas stocking I gave you. Did you ever find the Guiness that I hid inside it? I think you probably had to leave the stocking at barn 55. It would be nice to have one at your new barn. Take care and keep writing to us.
Cathleen
Dear Zenyatta,
The next time you talk to John, can you tell him he should take the thousands of photos he has of you and publish a book. I know it would sell like hotcakes! And since you love giving to charity, some of the proceeds could go to your favorite charities. I just know your fans would love it. And John and Barn 55 could include stories about you with the pics.
I’m sure you’ve heard of Fred Stone. I have his book, which is full of the most beautiful water color pictures of some the most famous thoroughbred racehorses in history — of course you’re in it! And I have his gorgeous watercolor print of you and Mike (also signed by Mike, lucky me!). It’s hanging in my great room and is the focal point of my house. Everyone who visits comments on how beautiful it is and for my non-horsey friends I share with them the story of the greatest racehorse in history — YOU!!!
I hope to see you someday. Please let us know when you are fully acclimated and can visit. Hugs and peppermint kisses, Cathleen
Deneen
LOVE LOVE LOVE these posts!!! Big Mama Z — you and Charles look very relaxed and happy!! It makes me smile!!! We all love you so much!! Stay warm and sweet!! Happy Birthday QHG!!
Kristi
LOVE these posts. I read them every day now and enjoy the sweetness they add to my day. Thank you for continuing to post! I have seen Z race (and win!) several times in CA, including ’09 Classic and #19, and traveled to support her in her bid for the ’10 Classic. It’s hitting me harder than expected that she won’t be out there racing, dancing, wooing the crowd or taking home the purses anymore. These stories of her happy new life are a huge consolation. Thanks again. <3
Kimberly
MISS YOU BIG GIRL. HOPE YOU ARE HAPPY IN YOUR NEW HOME! I GOT TO SEE YOU 4 TIMES AND HAVE TO SAY THAT PHOTOS DO NOT DO YOU JUSTICE. U ARE MAGNIFICANT!!!!!!!
Sunny Boyd
Wheehee, wheehee, Zenyatta, wheehee.
Wow, your schedule is very scheduled, check-ups, dentist, vet, people. It’s almost like you’re still in training. Ireland wants you to be their Guinness horse, how cool is that? Your daddy is from the Emerald Isle!! If 60 Minutes is running your segment in the summer, you might be in foal:)Carrying a little valentine. Thanks for the up-dates.
Irene Caty
It sounds like everything is going well for you Zenny. I will keep watching to see how it all goes. You just dont seem like the same Zenyatta. The snow, the slow pace you do things, the no shoes. I guess that is just not what I wanted for you. I am thankful that you are healthy and that you are adjusting well. I will keep in touch with your posts and God Bless you my sweet Zenyatta.
Danielle Ruysschaert
I love reading these posts. This has lifted a long time disgust that I’ve had for the racing industry, being a Dressage rider. Hopefully, it will help me to realize that not ALL people in the racing industry are disgusting and inhumane to the horses. A lot of them are, though as they start horses much too young, and leave them to retire with massive pain by the time they’re five. This is simply unfair and it’s all for the sake of money. Seems like someone should be out there protecting these creatures.
Linda Henderson
Thank you, Zenyatta. I enjoy each and every word.
Robin
Dottie & co. – Thank you so much! We hope to adopt one or two retired racehorses someday, and books and your posts are really helping to teach us. We love you, Zenyatta-sweet. We all want you to be as happy as possible. I bet your number of friends on Facebook is growing like crazy.
Christine Coleman
Hi Zenny..I didn’t get online until late today, but I caught you post! One day at a time! You are making good progress and the happier you look the happier we, your fans are! If you overhear any of the peeps mentioning stallions they are interested in for you, make sure you give us the 4-1-1! We promise not to let on you told! LOL Love you my BIG BEAUTIFUL THOROUGHBRED MARE….
Jackie
Beautiful Queen “Z” what a wonderful update. I so enjoy them on a daily basis. As I do every day, can’t wait to get home from work just to check your posts, facebook, any new photos, articles and look back at the hundreds of articles and photos I have. You brighten my day!
Stay warm.
Hugs and Kisses.