Good Morning,
Yesterday was an especially FUN and REWARDING DAY for ME! I was able to relax, graze, and reconnect with dear friends.
As many of you may know, one charity I have consistently worked to help throughout ALL of my career is OLD FRIENDS. This organization which is based out of Kentucky (and now has a branch, The Frankel Division, in New York by Saratoga) works to enable “OLD” racehorses….no matter what their ages….to live their lives with joy, purpose, and dignity.
Michael Blowen is the founder of OLD FRIENDS. Yesterday, he came out to visit with ME and update ME on the progress, accomplishments, and goals we are meeting….and how I have helped in this quest.
A dear friend of Michael’s, for many years…since he was a writer for the Boston Globe….came along for the visit. I think she was truly as excited to MEET ME as I was to be introduced to her! Her name is Angie Dickinson. Angie has spent her life in the entertainment industry and met so many amazing people…but, I must say, I think she really did GET A KICK out of meeting ME! Every time she touched ME…she giggled. Now this is TOO CUTE!
Additionally, Angie has also done a great deal on so many levels to support OLD FRIENDS.
I truly believe it is FABULOUS that my dear retired racehorse pals have so many wonderful people from so many different walks of life who constantly do SO MUCH behind the scenes to help. For Angie, Michael and myself….it is a gesture guided by passion and love for the HORSE. We are extremely grateful for all of the generosity and LOVE people show to our dear ‘retired’ racehorse friends.
With Love,
Hugs to All~(Great meeting you Angie!)
Z
The Kennedys in San Diego
Interesting article in today’s San Diego Union Tribune on trainer Richard Mandella whose barn was featured in the film,”On the Muscle.” If you haven’t seen the film, I think you will enjoy it.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/aug/23/mandellas-specialty-winning-1-million-races/
Sharon Call
@Kari Bussell. Thanks so much for that delightful video of Tempo and Mom and Uncle enjoying their baths. What a wonderful and happy baby. Can’t beat it!
Sharon in Seattle
@Kari – what a Wonderful video of Tempo’s first bath!! thanks for sharing. The horse rehab center where it was taken is just north of Seattle. Makes me want to visit! Yes, I got your message in #325. I’ll be in touch soon.
TO ALL OF Z NATION – you blow me away with your compassionate words for all of us who have posted about our challenges. Blessings to all in return!
Sharon Call
@Dawn Conrad. You said so beautifully what I was trying to say and fell a little short. Your ability to let the written word flow so deeply and descriptively is one of God’s gifts.
Anne
Wow Z! How cool to meet another super star just as yourself. Angie Dickinson! I didn’t realize how involved she was with race horses. God Bless her.
She was fun to see on the Johnny Carson show, as he seemed to have a big crush on her. Who wouldn’t?
Michael is always out there trying to find people to help with the horses at Old Friends. A gal in our partnership just raised enough money to help rescue a horse by Chief Seattle. I think his name is Chief Export.He made a nice living for his various owners but… as we see so many times that doesn’t seem to be enough. This gal works hard trying to find any decendent of Seattle Slew who is in trouble. She then emails us and we help in any way we can monetarily. This particular situation worked out great as Michael took him as a new boarder at Old Friends. What a guy!
I met Michael a few years ago and he took us around Old Friends introducing us to the gang that was there at that time. They had a hard winter and spring this year,losing some fine individuals. Always sad to hear about their passing but we do know they lived a great life staying away from the slaughter houses. They are truly the lucky ones.
If you go to their website and sign up for Sunday emails, I think you all will enjoy Val’s weekly comings and goings of the farm. She does a tremendous job and you can tell she truly develops a strong connection to all of them. They all love the horses at Old Friends.
I always look forward to her emails on Sunday night. I think you all will as well…even you,Zenyatta… ha…
I am happy for your visitors today. It seems they were thrilled to see you in person,just as those of us, that have, in the past. You always took our breathe away. It sounded like Angie was feeling the same way.
Brenda S..
@ Terry C – Great joke. I’ll have to reconsider where I’ll end up – I like to be warm.
darlene
love old friends been there many times thanks for helping them Zenny love ya always
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta. You are such a giving spirit. Oh you sweet girl. I just love what you do for horses and humans. You are alive in my room again. The children have started asking questions and wanting to know about You and Mo. Little by little they will start to get Zenny fever. You draw us in just with your sweet ways. I am reading a book about Man Of War and the way he is described reminds me of You. They are going to write books about you too. I just know it. Well sweet girl have a great night and tell TT hi for me. I love you and send many hugs and kisses, Shari and Homeroom 215 XXXOOO
@ To my Z family I am going to place a bet on Uncle Mo. I am not real experienced with this but it is fun. I really don’t care how much I win for me it is not about the money but I just want him to win. So all I can say is GO MO GO !!!! Also GO THIRSTY GO !!! :)
@ Please don’t forget about Our Mims and the rescue that Susan in Tn helps with. God Bless :)
Shari Voltz
@ Dawn your post is amazing. I think God must talk through your soul. I love you sweet friend.
Judy Idriss
Hi Zenny, Must say you are looking as beautiful as ever. Mommyhood sure agrees with you. What a nice surprise to have Michael & Angie visit with you. I had the pleasure of visiting Old Friends a couple of years ago. Such a wonderful experience. God Bless all who help support this wonderful endeavor. Love to you always!
Barbara Wood
@Elizabeth–thank you so much for the lovely poem.
@Shari Voltz and Susan in TN–I think I shared the Our Mims info. (it’s been a hectic day) with Barbara Grimaldi. I gave her the link to their site where it explains about the current project.
Robin
I just got my Zenyatta Horse of the Year sweatshirt today in the mail! Love it! And I just ordered a Zenyatta mouse pad as well. I truly adore you Miss Z!
XOXOX from SoCal..
You look wonderful! I love the pic of you with the Rainbow..
Lisa g
@Kari, that was wonderful. Tempo certainly stole my heart. Just like a child, finding the small things exciting, and when she ran to her mama when she saw her mama rolling, well, you know. I hope they video Zenyatta and her little one when he/she gets her first bath. Always thought the horses looked contented getting a bath, but cute Tempo took it far beyond contented..Too Cute, and so precious…Thank you..I love you..Lisa g
Lisa g
@Terry Crow: Gotta love that one, thank you. Lisa g
Tracey - Ottawa, ON Canada
Yes Michael puts his heart and soul into the farm, as one can tell when you have the opportunity to talk to him. Wonderful man indeed!! Hey Zenyatta please consider retiring at Old Friends as you will certainly receive the royal treatment as the rest of the beautiful boys and girls do!!! I am always excited when we come to Kentucky to make a point of visiting the farm. Hope you and baby are doing well!! Hugs to you
Signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
Glad you had a great “business” and “fun” meeting
Today with Michael and friends. Angie Dickenson
WOW!!! Bet you were thrilled to meet her too.
And cutie Matt holding your lead line. Hope you had
fun in the paddock and some great healthy snacks.
XXXXOOOO
Lisa g
@ShariV, yes, bet on Baby Boy, have fun. You know he is going to win rather you bet or not. I only bet on the special races if my cousin goes to Remington and spots me. It will be YOUR BIRTHDAY, when Uncle Mo flies to the wire. I will be visiting Baby Boy later this week, hope there is an update before the race..This reminds me of what I wanted to ask Gary Moulton, will do now…Lisa g.
Lisa g
@Gary Moulton, Do you bet online? Is it safe? Please let me know..Lisa g
Robyn Mullhausen
Obviously Angie appreciated being in the presence of your greatness, Zenny. God bless you and your friends for caring for so many of the retired racehorses. They all deserve a retirement like yours.
Signofthetimes
@JAG
Thanks for posting the link on Blind Luck and
No Pacific Classic. She is such a talented filly,
But small. Those US “boys” can be pretty tough
Running on the dirt. I would hate to see her burn
Out like RA or get hurt. Great goal for her the Ladies
Classic. HRTV commentators said BL is no Zenyatta,
Zenny is built very sturdy and has a lot of strength
Due to her size. So easier to battle that raging testosterone.
They were really commending BL trainer and how
He takes care of his filly’s. Trainer’s who can train filly’s
Well have to be very sensitive. Just like YOUR JOHN,
Zenny. He used to say Zenny is a girl with a little sly
Smirk. TOO CUTE!!!
Lisa g
@All, I forgot about Burt B until mentioned here about Angie and him. My mom adored him. Terry, maybe you know, but wasn’t he the won who wrote all of Dionne Warricks songs back in the day? ‘Do You Know the Way To San Jose’! Just wondering…Lisa g.
Lover of Horses
My grandparents took me to visit Old Friends last summer! It was really amazing! Old Friends is a wounderful organization that does wounderful work. Creator, one of the stallions at Old Friends, was actually going to be a fighting stallion in Japan, but Old Friends saved him. I’m so glad the did!
Signofthetimes
@Kari Bissell
Love the foal video. Definately ready to rumble!!!
Thanks for finding and making such wonderful videos.
Lisa g
@Lover of Horses, What is a fighting stallion? I have not heart of this? Lisa g
s (in San Diego)
@Jenna..WELL DONE. “Pepper Anderson” :)
Rhonda Clements
It is a great charity one I donate to myself and have for years, every horse who has worked for somebody should retire in dignity!! Thanks to the Mosses for caring and giving back, big hugs to you Zenny you are a wonderful ambassador to horses everywhere, thanks Dottie for keeping us involved, u r truly wonderful
Susan in TN
@Barbara Wood: Thanks- I found it!
Signofthetimes
@JAG
Thanks for posting the link on Travers. So much
love that Shackelford with his great big personality,
Stubborness and tenacity. Howerver, can’t help but
Cheer loudly for Bernie’s boy, Stay Thirsty. Will he
Replicate his “Daddy’s” wins??? Really coming into
His own and may have not been paid enough attention
To early on by his trainer. A real late bloomer. Hope he
Runs next year. Mike Repole is going to have to buy a breeding
Operation for all of his stallions. I am sorry retiring a two
Year old is sad. That horse needs another career working,
Not breeding. Sorry for the soap box.
Barbara Wood
@Kari Bussell–precious baby Tempo made my day!!
Terry Crow
@Brenda S and Lisa g-Glad you enjoyed the joke. Don’t think that staying warm should be a criterion, though. @Lisa g-He was the songwriter and at times the accompanist. Saw the both of them in those roles at Lake Tahoe years ago.