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
Karin
Happy to hear of your great check-up! Love being a part of your daily life…we too, share the same Birthday of April 1st…love it!
Barbara Wood
Good night, sweet girl. Hope all is well with you tonight. Love you always.
debbie gustafsion
Zenyatta , I fell you deserve horse of the year and i am gonna speak up,,,,i know our vote dont count ,,,but jut maybe,,someone will look at the picture here and see who it really belongs to …………..THE QUEEN…ZENYATTA…..NITE GIRL:)HUGS AND KISSES
Gary Moulton
This is my favorite Chirstmas Horse story and I like to share it every year about this time with the forums I visit. You might have seen it before and it is a little bit of a long read but if you really believe in Christmas it is worth it in the end.
THE GREEN PLACE
The old gray horse sidled up to the pasture fence with little dancing steps. The place seemed familiar, yet somehow strange. The grass was greener than any grass he’d ever seen, and when he looked closely at the white paddock gate it had a kind of pearly sheen, and there was another funny thing. A big, black cloud hovered just inside the gate. The cloud wasn’t up in the sky where it properly belonged. It was like a great puff of black smoke rising from the grass. Suddenly the cloud dissolved and revealed a horse. He was a small chestnut with a blunt head and one white stocking and brownish hairs in his tail and mane. The gray horse thought he had a kind of old timely look to him.
“Hello, old gray horse,” the chestnut from the black cloud said.
“Hey, that’s a real good trick!” the gray horse exclaimed. “Where’d you learn it?”
The chestnut disappeared into the cloud again, but emerged
immediately. “Learned it the day I was born,” he replied, with a whinny that sounded like a chuckle. “You see, I was born on April Fool’s Day and there was a total eclipse of the sun. So they named me Eclipse. I was always playing tricks on people too. Used to kick my grooms and try to throw my riders and I bit the auctioneer that sold me.”
“My name is…” the old gray horse started to say politely, but the tricky chestnut ducked in and out of his cloud and interrupted rudely.
“Native Dancer,” he said. “I ought to know you. I’m your
great-great-great-great-great – I always lose count of the ‘greats’ – but anyway, you’re a descendant of mine. almost everybody is, in fact. The Thoroughbreds, that is.”
“Are you the gatekeeper?” Native Dancer asked.
“Mostly,” Eclipse replied. “I’m on duty whenever one of my
descendants is coming up. That’s mostly so far as the Thoroughbreds go. Old Matchem has a few left and he takes over when one’s due. And poor old Herod, he’s posted here occasionally, but there’s not many of his male line that aren’t here already.”
“What is this place” Native Dancer asked. “I guess I’m kind of lost.”
“The Green Place,” Eclipse replied. “That’s what it’s called. The Green Place. Most of the horses that get lost, come here. We have to send some back of course.”
“Why?” the Dancer asked.
“Because they don’t belong here, that’s why. Long before I came up there was this fellow Bayard, for instance. He was a devil-horse. Belonged to an old necromancer named Malagigi and he did the devil’s work. Helped that villain Aymon of Dordogne to triumph over Charlemagne, they say, and a wizard named Michael Scott had a big black beast who used to stomp his feet and set al the bells of Paris ringing. He even caused the towers of the palace to fall down one day.
The Big Guy doesn’t want that kind here. But we have Jesse James’ horse, and Dick Turpin’s too. The Big Guy says they did nothing wrong themselves. They were just faithful to their masters, and The Big Guy thinks that’s a virtue.”
“Who’s the Big Guy?” Native Dancer asked.
“You’ll find out!” Eclipse answered airily. He lowered his muzzle and pushed the gate open. “You might as well come in. You understand you’re on probation though. The Big Guy makes his decisions about new arrivals every Christmas. Let’s see, it’s November 16, the way you figure things down there. So you won’t have long to wait anyway.”
“I’ll bet The Big Guy is Man O’ War” Native Dancer said as he moved inside and gazed over the emerald green expanses that seemed to stretch into infinity.
Eclipse snorted. “Don’t get smart, boy” he said. Then he added, “You’d lose your bet too. the way a lot of people lost their bets on you at Churchill Downs one day.”
Native Dancer felt hurt, for his ancestor had touched a raw nerve. His lip tremble a bit as he replied defensively, “That Derby was the only race I ever lost.”
“I never lost even one race,” Eclipse said unsympathetically. “So don’t get smart up here. The Big Guy doesn’t want any smart-alecks in the Green Place. Remember that.”
Native Dancer was a sensitive sort. He felt as if his eyes were teary and he hoped Eclipse didn’t notice. “I won 21 out of 22, and Man O’War only won 20 out of 21” he declared. “And my son Kauai King won the Kentucky Derby.”
“My sons won three Derbys at Epsom” Eclipse said. “Young Eclipse took the second running and Saltram won the fourth and Sergeant won the fifth, and I’d have won the bloomin’ race myself, only they didn’t run it in my time. So quit bragging. Somebody’s coming and they might overhear you and tell The Big Guy, and that would be a mark against you.”
A bay horse who seemed even more old-timey than Eclipse ambled up. “Is it my time now?” he asked eagerly.
“Not yet, Herod,” Eclipse answered in a kindly fashion. “Old Fig’s on duty now. One of his is on the way.”
“Who’s Old Fig?” Native Dancer asked. “I never heard of that one.”
“There’s a lot of things you never heard of, boy,” Eclipse replied.
“His real name is Figure, but down there they called him Justin Morgan, after his owner. Here he is now.”
A very small, dark bay horse with a round barrel, tiny feet, and furry fetlocks came bustling up to the gate. “OK, OK, I’ll take over,” he said busily. “Where is that boy? Can’t stand tardiness. I’ve got things to do. A load to pull, a field to plough, a race to run, a trot to trot.
No time to waste. Where is that boy?”
In the weeks that followed, The Dancer met hundreds, maybe
thousands, of horses. Some of them were famous, and some of them were his ancestors and a few of them were his own sons and daughters. He met a snorting white stallion named Bucephalus who had been approved for the Green Place by The Big Guy even though he was rumored by some that he was cursed by the deadly sin of pride because he had carried a conqueror named Alexander.
He met another gray horse who limped because he had stepped on a rusty nail back home just before he became lost forever. His name was Traveller, and he was a war-horse too, in the days when a man named General Lee had owned him. There were other soldier steeds, two of them descendants of the bustling little stallion they called Old Fig up here. One was Phil Sheridan’s black Rienzi and the other horse called both Fancy and Little Sorrel who had been the mount of Stonewall Jackson.
Native Dancer found Man O’ War an amiable sort despite his proud aristocratic bearing, and he grew especially fond of a bony old fellow named Exterminator, who patiently answered all but one of his questions. He asked the question of everyone: “Who is The Big Guy?” And the answer was always the same: “Wait ’til Christmas.”
He met Messenger and Hambletonian and Hindoo. He met horses that had dared the dreadful fences of the Grand National. He met a horse who stared blindly into the emerald darkness. His name was Lexington. He met horses who had pulled circus wagons and horses who had pulled brewers’ trucks and horses who had drawn man’s plows over the fields of earth, and he met others who had been the mounts of kings and captains.
Always the answer to his question was the same: “Wait ’til Christmas.”
Eclipse fussed over him and kept a watchful eye on his behavior and said he neighed too much and asked too many questions. Eclipse could not stand the thought of The Big Guy banishing one of his descendants from the Green Place. And Native Dancer did not wish to leave. He doubted he could ever find his way to Maryland again if The Big Guy disapproved of him. And the Green Place was very pleasant in all respects. The grass was lush and he met so many interesting horses.
Back home he had sometimes been troubled by nightmares, for a Dark Star haunted his dreams, but now he slept peacefully and rarely remembered the Derby he had lost. He became nervous though, as the weeks went by and the stars grew brighter.
And finally it was time.
On a night when the skies burned with starlight all the horses gathered as near as possible to a little hillock of the vast paddock. There were hundreds, thousands, maybe millions of them, a murmuring and expectant throng that seemed to stretch over the emerald grass beneath the diamonds in the heavens.
Eclipse was very tense. He hovered over Native Dancer, whispering, “Look your best now. Be quiet and humble. The Big Guy will be here any minute.”
Suddenly the vast throng was silent as the stars themselves. The Big Guy stood on the hillock in a blinding blaze of starlight, and Native Dancer could barely contain himself. He choked back a whinny of derision and whispered to Eclipse, “Is he The Big Guy? He’s so little! And he’s not even a horse! What did he ever do?”
Eclipse whispered, “He’s a donkey. He carried a woman heavy with child to a small town on another night when the stars were bright. It was a long, long time ago.”
Tania
How do you know if a horse is happy? I read a post where someone thought you looked depressed.
Margo Johnson
I am VERY concerned about her mental state going from adoration/mass people around her to being “barefoot (which I like) and pregnant” in a field with no cameras and fans, or her usual people that have been with her for 4 years. I worry that she will feel abandoned and start to languish…
PJJ
WoW, Gary that was a beautiful story.
Yes, the donkey was so much more special, As he carried Mary when she was with child, that child being baby Jesus.
ON a starlit night long, long, ago. And to him we can think our lucky stars for some of the most gifted thoroughbreds we have seen in our lifetimes. But, I think all thoroughbreds are special, some more than others.
Gloria Jeanne
Zenyatta will adjust to the calm of the farm and be happy with the other horses – she has a new extended family caring for her. Her Cailifornia family will come visit her and fans will be allowed to say hi when it’s time. Zenyatta will adjust. She’s a wonderful strong happy horse. Believe
Barbara Wood
Wow, Gary, I have tears running down my face. What a beautiful Christmas story. I can’t wait to show this to our daughter. Her quarter horse is the great grandson of Bel Sheba (Alysheba’s dam) and Raise a Native (son of Native Dancer).
Merry Christmas everyone!
Quarterhossgal
Gary….what a timely atory and what a perfect place to share. All of Zenyatta’s
fans are first Horse Lovers, then fans of Queen Z.
Suzanne G
Thanks, Gary, for taking the time to tell us the Christmas Story. Many thanks to everyone who writes these great posts and comments and takes care of ‘our’ girl.
Theresa Buck
lmao you know ms Z when I first got into horse racing I was kind of as you might say *green* I had to learn all of that and being 7 years of age that is still young and I know one day you will make great babies but as for now just take one day at a time….can’t rush into theses thing it takes time to find MR. RIGHT, just be a little picky for now, play har to get for awhile then the right one will come along…enjoy your retirement….I will be checking for updates here just keep being yourself never change…..still love ya sweetie
DJ
Thank you so much Gary! I am going to share the story with my Father who just sent me a beautiful Zenyatta throw blanket yesterday for Christmas. I sent him the Zenyatta Beer Stein and we opened our gifts together on the phone and both laughed as Zenyatta has brought us even closer than ever before! You are a blessing…and may the “Big Guy” bless you too Queen Z! Darla from Redlands
Charlie Crumpton
I am concerned about Zenyatta’s health. How often are horses bred? How long after birth are foals taken from their mothers? As Zenyatta is exceptionally intelligent, won’t this be difficult for her after she becomes attached to the foal? I do hope she is not bred ad infinitum as I can’t help but believe that like any mammal including humans this will result in a strain on her health & perhaps a shortened life span. Mares don’t seem to have the longevity of some stallions. The great Seattle Slew comes to mind.Is this due to constant breeding?
audreyc
Beautiful post, Gary. ..what a lovely Christmas story! Many other posts throughout this forum were also wonderful – addressing issues of the downside of racing, that is so important in bringing increased awareness, as well as posts regarding other animals. Look what you are doing, Zenyatta…you are bringing many people together to discuss & help educate one another regarding the animal/ human bond and connection, that is so important, and that feeds the soul. You are becoming more than the “rock star” race horse, or even “among the great ones.” It appears your true purpose goes beyond the lift to racing. Of course, this could not happen without your team, and Dottie’s posts. Well, dear Mare, you have become a muse!!! Zenyatta, the great race horse, that went on to transcend racing…..
sue w
Zenyatta…I just saw pictures of your mom and she is stunning, just like YOU. Now I know where you got those kind eyes and gentle nature. She seems so sweet and content with Steve and Mario during their recent visit. Backside 55 also has a great post about dental work and even shows a picture of the dentist doing his thing. Amazing what we are all learning from you and your connections. For those who worry about her having babies…don’t
It’s natural for her to have offspring and she is at the right age to start. I highly DOUBT the Mosses will turn her into a breeding machine. They care so much for their horses and always seem to take the extra step in caring for them. I’m excited to hear more from Zennie as she progresses into the next phase of her life. I’m sure she’ll share interesting insights into her upcoming pregnancy. I believe she will be an excellent mother.
Helen
Zenny, I had to laugh at Charles at first, really what did he think you were going to do to him? I understand the caution especially with a new horse in the barn but he wanted to kiss you and when you tried to kiss back he would back away. Sorry, just thought it was funny. I would let you kiss me any day and feel those fuzzy whiskers and smell that wonderful aroma! However, in your youth things would have been a tad different. You were an opinionated woman!
By the way, the picture I just say of you Mom was wonderful. She looks as kind as you are now and very lovely!
I am glad things are going well at Lanes End for you! See you this spring baby!
Sharon Call
Sue W or anyone else that knows. Where did you see the pictures of Z’s dam and Steve nd Mario? I’d love to see that. Thanks!
Quarterhossgal
Just a short answer for those wanting to know if Zenyatta will become a breeding machine, with the good treatment she has received from the Mosses I hope that does not happen. Remember the value of Zenyatta’s babies will be off the charts. Of course buyers would wait to see how they do on the track but I’m guessing that her babies will remain with the Moss family. Mares carry their foals on the average for 11 months, some breeders will breed the mare back 9 days after foaling when she comes into heat. This sometimes is determined by the time of the year she foals. If the baby is a late foal they will most likely breed her back at 9 days. If is an early foal they might wait until the mare’s next heat cycle to breed her. Most mares are bred every year
but some owners are willing to breed every other year to give the mare a chance to recover from the pregnancy. If the mare has a difficult delivery she is given the time to recover. The Mosses seem to be very caring owners and I feel money won’t be their primary goal, the health of Queen Z and her babies will be.
Kathleen
Good morning, Queen Zen. There are a number of articles about ‘Horse of the Year’. To tell you the truth, I think you should have won that honor for the past two years, and certainly again this year. I’ve decided that if you happen to have done most of your racing in California, the East Coast ‘establishment’ looks down their noses at you. So, I’ve decided that the gild is off that rose. The honor means less if it’s decided based on East coast bias. That being said, love all the updates, the videos, and the pictures. I miss you like crazy.
Barbara Wood
Sharon Call–
All those great pics are on John’s website,www.backside55.com.
Sue
Dear Zenyatta…Just had my partial ” Z FIX” of the day…like everyone else, I can NEVER get enough of you. Without a doubt you deserve to be the HOTY. Even tho you were one nose back at the finish, you were , by far, the fastest of them all. But I’m not going to get too worked up about it all, because , as we all know,you are THE HORSE OF MANY LIFETIMES.. & THAT TITLE remains yours EXCLUSIVELY! You are on a pinnacle that no other horse ( or owner) can fathom; so unless you receive the HOTY title, it will become pretty much meaningless to thousands.
Christmas is just one week away; I sure hope you’re ready!! Can’t wait to see what Santa will bring such a fine Lady!! I PRAY you are happy & not just waiting, patiently, for someone to bring you home. That thought just tears me up. I try not to think in those terms, but they sneak in & fill me with sorrow. You are such a good girl. XXXOOO Sue
NorCalFan#1
Seeing Mario and Steve with Z’s mama reminds me of the same giddiness, excitement and wonder that we had when given the privilege to actually meet Zenyatta back at Hollywood Park. We know how it feels to see her videos–imagine what it’s like to stand within feet of her–it’s un-be-liev-able! Thank you so much for sharing the Queen Mother with us!
Linda B
Hi Zen,
Have you been able to hear your Cal friends on the phone or skype? When I am away I call my greyhound and my hubby said his ears go up so I know it helps.Of course you are sad . You are a sensitive creation and you have feelings. We can see them in your eyes Z.One thing I am sure of Zen is your Higher Power has his hand on you. Love you Dear Queen
Mary Alice Kier
Dear Zenyatta — loved the terrific photo of your beautiful Mom, Vertigineux. Maybe you could get the Land’s End gang to get a photo of you two together for old times sake?!? What a memorable photograph that would be for racing history!! I can hardly wait for your next post and hope all the baby steps in your transition are going well. All your fans here in So Cal still miss you and these posts you share with Dottie are our baby steps to make an equally important transition.
Elena Erdman
Hi Zenyatta. I go to this site every day. I love it. It is rainy here in California and cold. Al my cats are in tight round balls, does Kitty do that?
I am a member of the Tournament of Roses and this year we have an entry “Saving Americas Mustangs”. There will be a float and real wild Mustangs walking along the float. Madeleine Pickens (T. Boone’s wife) started all this. She owned Cigar and now she is doing this. Tell people to go to her website and visit and see what she is doing. It is very exciting. She loves you too. We all love Zenyatta. Your rule beautiful lady.
http://www.madeleinepickens.com. Gary Moulton, your story The Green Place is fantastic, thank you for sharing it. Merry Christmas.
Sally
I am enjoying the diary post more & more!
Z, so and your friend were born on April Fools Day. Well, you fooled everyone else back when you were up for bid; and your first run against the boys! You are amazing.. I am sure Dotties sister is an amzing person too; Dottie is. Happy to hear your check-up was wonderful. love
Cathy P
Hi Zenyatta, thank you for the up date. I’m glad you are getting your check ups. I can’t wait to hear about your Dental check up, I’m a Registered Dental Hygienist. And did you know that your dental health effects your over all health, yep that’s true, so make sure you get your check up and I would think you also would get regular cleanings. Love hearing all about you, it makes my days. Lots of love and hugs, Cathy
NancyP
Hi Beautiful Girl,
Queen Z – Everything about you is perfect, so it is not surprising that your physical was perfect! Glad to hear they are attentive to all of your needs. Good luck with the dentist! Walking barefoot is a lot of fun! I use to love walking barefoot on the farm in California when I was a young girl – especially on hot days – which was frequently.
Did Salena have her baby? Boy or girl?
I know all of your babies will be beautiful, smart and fast like you!
Hugs to you and Dottie,
NancyP
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