Good Morning to all,
Yippee! As I mentioned yesterday, I had my first official veterinarian check-up here at the farm. This is done so they can get a baseline on me and get to know everything about me and how my body works. It is equivalent to you going for your regular check-up…just to be sure all is A-OK! Well, I am very happy to report that I am in FABULOUS SHAPE! Everything about me is just WONDERFUL! Great news! (I kinda’ knew this…but it is always great to have this confirmed.)
My feet were also checked…and I am doing very well BAREFOOT! Also good news! These are just the basic things that need to be done for me….just like you. The Dentist will be next…and I will keep you posted on that.
A woman working in our office, Selena, is about to have a baby. I think she is due on Friday…from what I’m hearing. Good luck, Selena! We will be thinking about you and wish you well!
Several of you had questions about ‘my having a baby’ in your comments. Hope the following information proves helpful to you. As we go along, I will explain more things to you about all of this, but for now, please consider this a starting point.
As you know, with humans, a baby is carried for approximately 9 months. For horses, the gestation period is approximately 11 months. Obviously, individual differences always do apply.
In our industry, the breeding season does not begin until mid-February ‘ish’ and lasts until late June ‘ish’. This depends on the individual farm, horse, and owner of the horse. This is a baseline.
Race horses basically have 2 birthdays. I was actually born on April 1, 2004. That is my real birthday and it is recorded on my official records. BUT…with race horses for racing purposes, ALL horses ‘celebrate’ a birthday on January 1st. This way…all 2 year olds will ‘technically be thought of as being a 3 year old’ on January 1st…no matter what date the horse was actually born. As of January 1st, I will ‘technically’ be thought of as a 7 year old…yet, I will really not be 7 until April 1st. (By the way, I just love my birthdate…April 1st. Dottie has a sister, Frannie, who is also born on this date. She calls us her April 1st Birthday EXACTA!)
So, when you go to the race track and see certain races restricted to an age group, this is how the horses fit into that category. For instance, the Kentucky Derby Trail and the Triple Crown is totally restricted to 3 year olds. The individual horses birth dates may vary from January — June, but they are all considered 3 year olds.
Same for the Kentucky Oaks for fillies…all for 3 year olds. Some may be born early in the year…others late…but they are all still considered to be 3. In the Racing Form, they give the MONTH / AGE for each horse. Perhaps when you are looking at the horse and his/her past performance charts in the FORM, this would be something to note as well. Have fun with it!
I’m off to play with Charles. (Several of you have asked, his full name. It is Charles Stewart William Campbell. He is a Broodmare Manager here at Lane’s End.)
Have a splendid day!
With love,
HUGS TO ALL!
Z
Barbara Wood
Hi again Z–
wasn’t that a great post from Robbie Kahn? I agree with her completely!
Is there anything to the rumors about A.P. Indy? If so, that surprises me, because he has so many kids already.
Good night, sweet girl, and thanks again to your connections for actually CONNECTING us with you and making us all honorary members of Team Z!
Sharon in Ohio
Z you amaze me more and more as time goes by !! I knew that you were the first female to ever win the Breeders Cup, but just found out this evening that you are the only horse to win it TWO times ! Just some of your firsts !! Just think out of all the horses in history, you are the BEST EVER and that you love your fans as they love and adore you. Thanks for all that you are to us, I am sure that in this new chapter, you will amaze us even more !!I will bet on it! Love you much Z
Lou from TX
Hey Queen Z…so glad your physical went well. Not that we would have expected anything less. You are one lucky Queen to have so much love around you all the time. You know we as fans love you so very much. Hopefully I’ll get to come back to Kentucky and get to visit you while I’m there.
I’m so glad Charles is taking such excellent care of you. You deserve the best. I’m glad you two are getting close. It’s great having a good friend around that knows you and understands you.
Stay warm my beauty and I look forward hearing from you again tomorrow. Love you always.
Sunny Farm
Dear Dottie, John & all at the Z-Team.
I think it’s just wonderful how you have taken the time for all of ZENYATTA’S fans , and how you have been so helpful to people to understand more about racing & the beautiful Thoroughbred !
This goes for Lanes End farm as well.
Your kindness is SO appreciated !!!
ZENYATTA’S web site is such a happy place to visit ! Sending you all best wishes and have a Merry Christmas !
p.s. That is “Way cool” about ZENYATTA meeting up with her original farrier once again !
Sandra Ryan
Has Bertrando called you for a “date” yet?
He is quite handsome you know.
Samantha, Lilly & Peanut
Whoooo a BROODMARE manager, how exciting Z, does this mean that come February you will be starting dating???
Sue
Thank you dear Z …for putting a smile on my face (the 1st), after a long, hard day. Just looking at you cheers me up & puts things into their ‘correct’ perspective. Good Night XXXOOO Sue
Sunny Farm
Dearest ROBBIE PFEUFER KAHN;(Dec 17th)
I just read your post. You are an amazing & inciteful woman. Please know that horses still DO talk to humans. It is the humans who don’t slow down long enough to actually learn the horses language. My horses “Talk” to me all the time and they do a lot of talking to each other. The Arabian & the Thoroughbred are “Known talkers”, having been domesticated for hundreds of years. There are other breeds that “talk” a lot as well. Horses have such a highly developed nervous system and are so aware, that they learn quickly as well as learn to “read” a person very quickly, especially a persons body language & moods. A horse doesn’t have to actually speak like a person to talk, they have thier own language, both voice & body language.
I have loved reading your post today and sincerely thank you for taking the time to write. Best of luck in your retirement !
Socorro
Great to hear our Queen is doing well. Thank you for the updates. This means alot to many of us who comment and don’t.
S
Really hope they do the Right thing and name her horse of the year ! Polotics aside she deserves nothing less’. Blame is a really nice colt and Goldikova a super mare but neither compares to Zenyatta!
Jennifer Hodell
Thank you for all this great info. For people who are not familiar with how all this works it is just Zentabulous….As always kisses on that beautiful nose from me….
Kristoffer Nielsen
First of all–many thanks to Robbie Pfeuter Kahn for her fascinating commentary and kind reflections. And for those who surround you, Zenyatta–for keeping your magic in our lives–also very grateful. Keep the posts coming! And the idea that Lane’s End might allow fans to visit when it makes sense is a nice sign of hope in some difficult times.
Snoprinz
Hi Zen, that was good news about your routine physical and foot exam. I expect the dental exam to be OK as well. I’ve heard people recommending aloe vera for you to take. What effect does it have on a horse?
Wishing you, Team Zenyatta in CA and your LE team a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Keep warm and sleep tight Zen.
Dottie Combest
Hi Zen, love your info page ~ very cute ! my name is Dottie also, and strangely I also have a sister name Frannie ! does your Dottie have another sister name Connie ? if so that our moms must have known each other ~ lol ~ I wish you the BEST for your gestation time ~ hope your delivery is an easy one !!!
Anita
I could of told you everything about you is ‘Just WONDERFUL’! Love you, Z. Have a great walk in the snow, Big Girl.
Marci
Thanks so much for these continued updates. I find it amazing the impact you have had on everyone – as it relates to the renewed interest in horse racing, TB’s and the equine in general. You are a supreme athlete with charisma that has captured our hearts. Thank you to you and to your connections – and your new family at Lanes End. Ready Lady and Little Bit (our horses who are a TB and QH respectively) send their regards too! Thanks Dottie for keeping us close to our Zenyatta.
Gary Moulton
Does anyone know the most famous horse born on April Fools Day? Well it’s only the great undefeated horse “Eclipse”. He was born during and named after the solar eclipse on April 1st 1764. Eclipse is also the horse that the Eclipse Awards are named after. The American Thoroughbred Horse-Racing Awards decide “Horse of the Year”.
Maria
Thank you for the update Zenny. Have fun with Charles. Luv you!!!
Dottie Combest
Hi Zen, me again ~ don’t know if anyone told you that you share a Birthdate with the great Eclipse ~ all the more reason for you to get the HOTY “Eclipse Award” ~ he was born over 200 years ago and in all that time you are thee only one to equal his 18 undefeated wins in a row !!! During his April 1st birth, there was a total Eclipse of the Sun it was dark like midnite (the color of your coat) even tho you are listed as a bay, you look very dark in most of your photos cause Mario kept you so shinny ~ God bless everyone and a happy healthy Christmas !!!
Shirley Nolan Al-mlaiti
Hello Queen Z,
ENJOYED your Daily Post as I do everyday, I do so look forward to it everyday..I have followed you for years I remember when I first saw you you were on Animal Plants JOCKEYS and it took place at santa Anita Lucky day whenI watched that I have followed you for years now I will rest knowing have the greatest of care sleep well my Lady and ck in with you tomorrow,
LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU , LOVE YOU
Nancy
Perfect! Well, you are of course but I am talking about your new “job.” At the track, you were the ambassador for racing and now you are also also a teacher. Keep up the good work. These blog entries will make a GREAT book!
Georgia Miller
Thank you so much Dottie. It’s as if Z is dictating this to you. I’m happy to hear that Zen is adjusting well and is a happy and healthy horse. I can’t wait to hear who the Mosses have picked for a sire. It’s tough, there are so many great stallions out there. I play and watch Liza’s “Zenyatta” song every day. It makes me smile. Stay safe and warm Z.
Dani
Hey Z! Greetings this morning from blustery Washington DC. We had our first little bit of snow yesterday. Hopefully the rest of the winter will be just as uneventful. Last year we had 30 inches in one day. Even a big, tall girl like yourself would have trouble navigating through that.
Kudos on passing your physical with an A+. No surprise, of course. I meant to tell you that in the last diary post photo you looked the picture of health and happiness. And more gorgeous than ever. Maybe they should rename it Lane’s End Resort and Spa. And good luck with the dentist. I hope you have been flossing. You know how they go on about that.
Since there seems to be so much talk about babies (and best wishes Selena), I will throw in my two cents. I’m voting for A.P. Indy. He’s my favorite. And there is something to be said about older men Zenyatta. By the way, IndYattaJones. Very clever.
I had postage stamps made from a headshot of you. I think they turned out rather well. I have adorned my Christmas cards with them. I was going to send one to you but I figured you would have a stack of cards about 17.2 hands tall so I sent it to your friends at Lane’s End instead. They’ve been great with you and I just wanted to let them know how much I appreciated it. Don’t worry, I didn’t forget to send out cards to your family and friends in CA as well.
Dottie, again thanks to you and Team Z for this exemplary website. You, like Zenyatta, are the truest examples of what an ambassador to the sport of racing should be. You’ve really made all the difference and as we have all said, it is very, very much appreciated.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, Yes, it is great to have it comfirmed but we all knew just by lookin at ya, you are in magnificent health. Do not worry about the dentist, I am sure everything is great there as well, I have seen you laugh (so cute), and you look great. I hope that you might consider dating Tiznow before you make any final decisions on your upcoming relationship to be. AP is my second choice. Have a couple a beers with the guys and then sleep on it. It just seems so weird that you will never race again, and Mike will never be in the winners circle with you again, hugging and kissing you…Have a great day with Charles…and please, keep warm and keep your toes toasty. Love you so much….Lisa g
Stella Bagwell
Many kisses to you this morning, Queenie! I hope the Christmas spirit is starting to flow through your new barn and that you and your new girlfriends will enjoying singing carols together! Have a happy day with Charles and be careful when you’re out in your snowy paddock! My horses love to run and buck when the weather is chilly, so I’m sure you’re itching to do just that.
Much love,
Stel
Sondre
Hi, Z-girl – glad you are doing so well – love these posts, Dottie! I think the diary should be called Team Zen-Dotta – sorry I just couldn’t resist…(-: You two are just the bright spot in everyone’s day! Cheers and tell Charles to keep up the good work.
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, I was thinking last night about Charles and you bonding and this thought came to mind. As Queen, I believe you have the option of bestowing the title of Prince on him so this works out really well. I love his name, in itself speaks of royalty. Again, how befitting you that this would come about. Can you do no wrong? Perfect girl, have a great day and remember all of us who love you so much and wish only the best in every moment of your life. Stay safe, healthy and happy. And a special thank you to Prince Charles for his care of you. Lucky guy!
EJ
Zenyatta – though I have never met her – reminds me of the huge german shepherd dog of my childhood and youth. He too looked you in the eye and by his mere presence brought joy. He too was exceptionally intelligent. But Zenyatta is also a superb racemare and I am getting increasingly upset about all the crap that is raised against her by people who are… having problems with a strong mare being better than the boys. She deserves to finally be Horse of the Year. Had she won the BC this year too, Beyer would still have been yacking on about some other horse for HOY. Zenyatta for HOY – and a lifetime award for her would be nice too. Special awards for Shirrefs and the Moss as amabassadors for racing would also be appropriate.
Sandy
Hi again,
Forgot to say before that Charles has a VERY impressive name – is he of Scottish (or Irish) heritage perhaps? Have a great day – maybe it’s finally stopped snowing down there!
Mary
Dearest Zenyatta…
After following your whole racing career to get up every morning and read your diary is so special to me and obviously many many of your fans as well. And to have so much information as well, just yesterday we were talking about what you wrote about today…it was guess work on our part but now thanks to you its knowledge for fact:)
I am glad you are happy comfee and warm, there are so many nice pictures to be found…I’m not sure I would have ever gone to the internet to follow any one, I never have before…but Zenyatta…you are my “Champion” of my lifetime and as long as some one will write this lovely diary for you I will read it, and I will write you. I have loved horses all my life, I grew up in Chicago Il. and didn’t have much oppertunity to see many horses up live but I moved to Arizona in 82 and bought my first horse in 85…she was my pride and joy, she had to leave me and go to Heaven 10 years ago and I expect she will meet me at the “Gates of Heaven” when my time comes…we will ride thru Heaven together…I still talk to her, she lives in my heart.
You are the closest I have felt to a Horse since My Ladie, I write to you like I always talked to her, she was my best friend, so gentle, kind and sweet, just like you.
Thank you for giving me that.
Zenyatta…”I love you”…I will write you tomorrow.
Stay warm today…Its cold here in AZ., can’t imagine Kentucky…
Love you…me