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
Diane Martin
Dottie, you are the best! Team Zenyatta has been so open and transparent with her fans. Team Zenyatta is the Team of a Lifetime. I cannot express my gratitude adequately, but do know, these posts, pictures and videos are WONDERFUL. You have gone beyond expectations and I sure appreciate it. Zenyatta is learning quickly and is happy experiencing new sensations (cold feet, hehehe), new tastes (snow cones and icy grass) and new people who take care of her and love her. She is enjoying her life. I look forward to the next installment of the Adventures of Zenyatta! Thank you, you are appreciated.
Jane
Yeah, MARIO!
Sandy
Oh Zenyatta! What a BEAUTIFUL picture of you and Charles. And thank you for all of the wonderful information you have been providing. It is SO important to those of us who don’t know that much about horses of any type – let alone TBs like you! Like everyone else, I’ve been worrying about Mario and all of your CA “Team Z” friends who must miss you so much so I’m happy to know that everyone is doing OK. Your posts really brighten up the day for so many people. Your Ohio friend Sandy.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, walking around barefoot and all by herself already. You are a very smart girl. I was so hoping my question would have been answered, why did you have to leave California? I love all the horse information you are giving us, thanks to you and Dottie. Let us know if your roommate if Life is Sweet’s sister, what her name is, etc., that would be so cool. I bet Life is Sweet is anxious to see you again as well. I hope you meet you this summer. You are so beautiful, John is such a lucky guy, all those pics of you. He is something else, we all love him. Talk with you later, and have a most wonderful day, My Queen….Lisa g
Kathryn Cogswell
JanJohnson** >>Go BACK >>> to ‘Diary Post #29 [Sunday 12DEC’10]; & the ‘YouTube’of Zen` on a walk + her Song by LGF. ;)
Angela Leech
It simply amazes me how Zenyatta has so many people intersed in our industry. If more owners and trainers would make 1/10th the effort this team has made with access to the public, we would have new fans and patrons ten fold! The Moss’s and Sheriffs are to be commended for all they have done for this sport and have provided a shining example others in the industry should strive for. I’ve been in this business for 40+ years, and I can’t tell you how the Zenyatta story warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes…
On a side note, although many great mares have not been quite as succesful in the breeding shed, I firmly believe, with the care and attention to detail in Zenyatta’s career, we WILL see great things from her progeny! And I simply can’t wait.
Thank you so much to the Z Team for all that you have and continue doing…for Zenyatta, the fans and racing as an industry. Thank you.
Stella Bagwell
Dear Queen Z,
Reading about your day makes mine even more special. I’ve been a horse racing fan all of my life and had lots of favorite horses down through the years, but none have touched my heart like you. You’re truly a special gift from God! Enjoy your day, dear queen!
Love,
Stel
Dani
I tried to count the number of times Charles is mentioned in the postings but lost count…..:)
Terri
You look so lovely in the snow. Stunning. So glad to have you here. :) luv ya
Linda / NJ
Hi Zenny:
You look great! Doesn’t look like the snow and the cold are bothering you one bit. Thanks for all the information. I do find your posts very informative. I’ll speak for myself. I really don’t know much about the training, care and life of a race horse. Thanks a have a great morning!! Love, Linda
Jo
Yesterday morning driving to work I wish I had my camra. On Versailes rd on my left was a rainbow. The sun was shining the snow was sparking and there was frost real thick on all the trees the rainbow just came straight up from the ground maybe fog from a little creek but it was in the direction of Midway rd. Zenyattas farm
OraJean Stevenson
Queen-Z & Team-Z, Thanks so much for this wonderfully informative diary posting !! Love you all for keeping us connected to Queen-Z, her devoted LEF-Team, and her new life in “ZENTUCKY”. Zenyatta, you are, without a doubt, “HORSE OF THE YEAR–20ZEN” !! Stay well, warm, and happy. Much love, OraJean
Lauren
Good Morning Pretty Girl – It seems like you have found a new wonderful friend so I am sure life is treating you well. You will always be in my heart. God Bless you!
Margaret Murphy
Love the picture Z with Charles. I can see he is a happy guy when he is with you. I’m so happy that you have a loving family again. I feel so many folks were worried about you and they really need to know your doing just fine. Love you sooo much Z. Maggie M
cheryl
Wonderful that you are explaining all aspects of Zen’s now life for all the non horsy folk to be able to learn. She looks great!
Maria
Zenny, you are soooo sweet. It made me cry when you talk about Mario. He will always be your special friend. Now, it looks like you have a new buddy. I hope Charles takes good care of you just like Mario. Thanks for all the info. I can hardly wait on the 60 minutes update. I love you!
Patricia
Good Morning Sweet Girl!
I cannot get you off my mind & maybe “^0 Minutes” would consider devoting the whole show to you, instead of a 15 minute segment. It would be wonderful.
Also, I cannot remember where I read this, but maybe they could interview the woman in Florida who own the farm where you were residing, who told David, “you have to come down here & look at this horse!”…because essentially, that was where it all started & I would like to hear her thoughts on what it was she saw in you at that time & David’s reaction when he initially went down there. I hope I am getting this story right…if not, correct me, please!
Second thought, maybe your first foal, JOhn & Dottie could adopt…what a gift?!
Lastly, if all of Charles’ exposure from your website leads to some romantic proposal-how about a wedding at Lane’s End-that definitely would be BIG enough & you could be “BEST GIRL!”
HAPPY DAY-WITH LOVE
kathleen o'mara
Zen, my experience is with Arabian horses, also special and the breed that provided your foundation horses.
Mint Hill
Great updates…I love that picture of you with Charles. I can’t imagine him walking along with anyone else as lovely as you are. Enjoy and I hope you are out with some girl friends soon…
Deana Dameron
Life is Sweet’s sister. Is that Ain’t She Sweet? Let me know. I hope that you do get to spend some time with her sister, you were such good pals, I bet she is cool like Life.
Theresa
Thank you for another informative and fun diary post, Zenyatta!
Linda B
When GOD rode his horse across the heavens her name was ZENYATTA. Charles enjoy your talks with the QUEEN. From her ears to Gods.
Jan
Thanks Dottie for all the great detailed info this time. Just really helps curb our Zenyatta ‘withdrawl’ symptoms not being able to see her race and performing her cute dance. I hope the racing industry is prepared for the negative backlash if she is named Horse of the Year this time. History records show not all recipients won the Breeders Cup. This should never be the deciding factor. Who else agrees?
Andrea
Hello John
Could you please post some Zenyatta foal photos?
Jan
I goofed! Meant to say backlash if she is NOT awarded Horse of the Year.Yikes!
Heather Myers
Zenyatta, you look grand out in the snow with Charles. Am I imagining things or are you getting a bit of a winter coat? It looks great. I love winter coats on horses….so plush. You might consider asking Jerry and Ann who you are betrothed to. The world is waiting to know. I think you would like AP Indy!
Leslie Sworsky
These posts are just too sweet! I cry every time I read them. Zennie, I saw you race your last race on November 6, and I am so glad I took the time to go. Just to say I was there is a thrill; you were simply amazing. How is Mike Smith doing? He must miss you horribly. I am sure they all do. Thankfully we have Dottie to help us speak for you. Wonderful job…please keep it up…we cannot get enough. Love you, big girl.
Suzanne
You & Dottie are doing such a magnificent job of keeping us informed & consoled…you are as devoted to us as we are to you, & that’s the way it should be! Your explanations & points of view are priceless…we all have a tremendously strong bond with you, Zen…may it continue to flourish as long as we all shall live! I also feel compelled to mention that I am also an avid fan of Rachel, & this continuity that you are providing is what many of us also expected from her & her people…but it has not come to pass…I was so worried about her, after hearing & seeing nothing for months, I suspected some kind of foul play, especially since she left so suddenly & without any fanfare whatsoever. Then, just one photo was published recently, & to me, she looked lonely & bewildered…I just wish her people were doing for her/us what you all are…thank you for everything, & keep setting the positive example! <3
Zen-Fan
Yes, Suzanne(earlier post)
This is REALLY GREAT that the Mosses & Shirreff’s are ADVOCATES for Zenyatta. Sometimes all that people need is to SEE someone else do what should & needs to be done. This is the time & Team Z has stepped up to the plate & scored a “home run!” I wished that some of the journalists in the racing industry, instead of bickering over HOTY in their articles, would talk about the “handling” of Zenyatta & how this can change the “face” of the thoroughbred industry. I think some people just think it is rich people using these horses to expand their wealth…there is A LOT of LOVE in the industry & I think it needs to be recognized whenever possible.
Love you Zen & Team Z
Sharon
Hi Beautiful girl!
I like the idea someone posted about having a Zenyatta photo album for the fans to buy.
Enjoy the day, and thanks Dottie for all the updates.