Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #339

Good Morning,

I’m hearing from MY TEAM that ‘working the sale’ requires a great deal of effort, hard work, concentration, and energy! They get up very early each morning and leave for the sales grounds. By that time, David and his crew have already gone over ALL of the horses to be offered that day and come up with the ‘short list’ which Dottie, John and The Moss’ review. All aspects of the individuals are evaluated: conformation, size, pedigree, walk, and other physical qualities! Monitoring the horse’s overall temperament is also a part of this process.

Each horse on this list is inspected. If they make this ‘cut’, the veterinarian then examines the horse and his / her xrays in the repository. The VET also scopes the horse’s throat to be sure “all parts are working well’ for good breathing to take place. A good throat is essential for a race horse!

Once a horse passes all of these steps, the decision is made as to the fair market value of the horse. As many of you may know, at an auction people can get caught up in the bidding. MY TEAM tries to be very careful not to do this. They thoroughly appraise each horse before the bidding begins and really try to stay within those limits while bidding.

If all goes well and the hammer falls while a particular HIP they are bidding on is in the ring, they sign the ticket and he or she is now a part of the racing stable!

Attending a sale as this one, is really a fun process…but truthfully a great deal of hard work. Every moment of every day while there is totally consumed with the SALE. It is all about planning for the future and getting the RIGHT HORSE for the program!

As you can see, BABY REAGAN is resting up for all of the company and activity this week. I think she wants to stay up a bit late on Monday night to see my relative, HIP # 147 sell! I do too!

By the way, HRTV is carrying the first few sessions live on their programming schedule. Otherwise, the internet is the best way to follow the events.

HMMM! This baby thing is rather interesting to ME! Reagan was born on March 7th, 2011. That is about the time MY BABY is due in 2012! I just didn’t realize human babies are so small! They told ME my baby will weigh about 125 pounds or so when he/she is born.) This becoming a MOM is really a fascinating process! I’m learning!

Enjoy the week, the racing, and the sales! Dottie is attending them this week and also spending time visiting with ME! When she returns home, we will update you on all of the action. She also promises that MY JOHN will take some terrific photos of ME to share with all of you!

With Love,
Hugs to All~(To my dear fan who made the Z BLANKET as a thank you….THANK YOU! It is absolutely priceless!)
Z

Reader Interactions

976 Comments

  2. / Reply

    Re: Balance colt: I wish he were staying here; I’d like to see him race. Japan is not the worst place he could go. The racing is high level, the people are knowledgeable, and the facilities are good. The death of Ferdinand was awful and tragic, but it could have happened anywhere including the U.S. (Exceller, for instance, was killed in Sweden.) Plus, this boy is well-enough known that people will keep an eye on him.
    –
    @Barbara Grimaldi, if you mean an auction such as Camelot or New Holland, I heartily concur. You can bet some of them will be offered at 2-year-old in training sales and/or breeding stock sales. That’s the way the business works.

  3. / Reply

    To all my dear Z friends: Thank you so much for your love and support. It is truly helping me get through this. I think this might be one of the few places where I can tell what happened and you all won’t think I am WAY over-reacting. On Saturday evening, I was going to the car with one of the best friends I have ever had- our Saint Bernard, Tiny. He was racing back and forth, as he usually did when headed to the car. This time, he knew we were headed to “his” park. He had just circled back to me-he was right next to me- and he fell on his side. I thought he slipped or something. His legs kept moving. I thought then that he was having a seizure, although he never had had one before. The movement slowed and I gently put my hand on his shoulder and said his name. He didn’t respond but I wasn’t surprised- in my years as a nurse, I have seen a lot of seizures and there is that post-ictal period when person is asleep or very sleepy. But I looked at his face then and he was gone. This all took seconds but seems now like forever. I did
    some chest thumps but I knew it was no use. I believe I was screaming for my husband and shaking Tiny then and calling Beth.After that, it’s pretty much a blur. I’m known for being calm in a crisis, but I know I kept screaming his name and crying. Since then, I have tried not to be too upset around our other 2 dogs, because they are upset enough. But when I get in the car or shower, I can’t stop crying. I was in a bad horse-related accident in November of 2000. I won’t go into detail except to say I had a brain injury (I always rode with a helmet- thank goodness) and multiple other injuries, including a neck surgery that required surgery. Anyway, it certainly could have been much worse-I know that- but it was hard. I couldn’t read or remember anything more than a minute or two. I had months of cognitive rehab. There were a lot of just weird things. Like I could no longer play the piano but I could suddenly draw-really well! Very bizarre. So, I had to stop working (I had been at that hospital for 22 years) and became quite socially isolated and inept. Partly because of language problems and partly because I couldn’t think of anything to talk about. People stopped calling. In 2001, I was doing better. I could drive again, if I wasn’t tired. One day, I went to our local animal control for no real good reason. I went in and told the girl I was looking for a largish dog- I had a vague idea of having a therapy dog. I looked at all the dogs and then the girl said, well, we DO have this really big dog out back in a larger kennel. So, I went back and there was Tiny. He was 7-8 months old, 125 pounds and the behavior of a 3 month old puppy. It was love at first sight for both of us. It was as if we had each found a long-lost friend. He was leaping and licking with slobber flinging from his mouth and green mucus from his nose- he was sick, to boot! He smelled awful! She said he didn’t have much time left and it was hard to adopt out such a large dog. Obviously, I adopted him. I won’t go through all the years of his life or our many adventures because they would fill a book. But I will say that there was something special about him and not just to me. I used to take him to a dog park when we lived closer to Nashville and people there ADORED him. People who didn’t even have dogs made it a point to stop by the park to see Tiny- adults and kids. He was full of a joy that I can’t describe and he adjusted his behavior and activity to whomever he was with at the moment. It was amazing. He was freakishly active and athletic until the very end. He would run huge circles around the park, around people, around dogs- but very carefully. One day he was in a line of dogs who were all running in a big circle- but all the other dogs were toy breeds! Sometimes little dogs would jump up and hang off his flank or flews and he tolerated it with good humor. He collected tennis balls, too. He sometimes had 4 in his mouth at one time! It was too funny!
    We did get through obedience-think “Marley and Me”- and he got his Canine Good Citizen-he always voted haha. Sometimes on the recall, he would run straight at me and then veer at the last moment and do circles around the training facility-joyously, always joyously. Then we went to therapy dog class- 2 times :) and passed Delta Society test (3 tries!) and did some therapy “work”-a nursing home and home for teen boys. He new just what people needed. I met so many people-everywhere- thru Tiny. I learned to socialize again, although I’m still not the person I was before 2000 but he helped me so much! He was a natural herder of the horses- not always a good thing! He knew each horse by name. The cats loved him. There is so much more I could say about him but this is long enough and you get the idea. he was my friend, my buddy. He was my walk-about buddy. We both liked to hike and explore new places. We both liked to drive around in the country. He was my sit- on- the- couch buddy for TV time. He was my protector. He was with me always. He was in glorious health. I am trying to be grateful for his life and the fact that he died without any suffering or foreboding in a moment of joy. Sorry for going on and even with all this, this is a poor explanation of who he was. Thnk you for listening. Love to all- Susan

  5. / Reply

    I’ve enjoyed everyone’s comments about the Keeneland sale. I watched some last night and wow- talk about gorgeous! Saw hip 147! Such pretty babies! Kari and CH- Too funny!
    Thank you all again.

  6. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta I love you sweet girl and pray you are having fum with your family. Sending you many Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
    @ The baby is so Beautiful!
    @ To my Z family thank you for watching the video of Mistletoe she is really something special. The children love her.
    @ Thank you to my friends in Canada. We are lucky to have you as our neighbors :)
    @ To my special friend Susan. You so touched my heart. I could tell when I spoke with you on the phone how intelligent you are. We are all here for you. You have your Z family. I wish I knew why things happen as they do but know you are loved. May God be with you. Tiny went straight to Rainbow’s Bridge. I am sure my Titus welcomed him. Love you lots girlfriend :)

  7. / Reply

    @Kari Bussell, re: #456, This is just a guess. I didn’t see the colt, so I can’t tell you if there was any flaw in his conformation–not that I could anyway. It’s possible there was a physical issue. His dam’s poor record as a producer was probably a factor. She has 8 other foals of racing age, 6 to race, but only one winner. She was a good racehorse, but she hasn’t passed her class on to her offspring.

  11. / Reply

    Good evening Zenyatta,
    hope you had a swell day with lots of rest periods in between :) to keep you cool and comfy.
    Have a restful night and dream sweet
    Pillow chuckle:
    Aim high, and you won’t shoot your foot off. Phyllis Diller :) :) :)

  12. / Reply

    @Susan in TN-You didn’t lose a dog you lost a member of the family. Only a true dog lover could have expressed things so well and eloquently. After reading your post, I feel that I knew Tiny. I have experienced what you are feeling now.God bless you.

  13. / Reply

    @Eveline- Thank you again for answering my question. I was meaning how heavy the horse itself is. Weight seems to be very important in racing Thoroughbreds. I saw an interview with Todd Pletcher and he seemed to know how much Uncle Mo weighed at the start, how much he lost and how much he had gained back before he went back into traning and how much he gained after starting training again. Zenyatta’s team knew how much she weighed at retirement then she had to gain weight before being bred. I read that Mr. Moss commented recently when he was asked about her that her weight was good and she was happy. Then this post states that her foal should weigh about 125 lbs. I’ve been picturing the type of scale at the vet clinic where we take our dog, but larger, ofcourse. That weight tape sounds like a good way to do it. Thanks again for your answer.

  15. / Reply

    Susan in Tn, it sounds like he was so happy because you gave him a good life. You blessed each other and that’s how it should be with our animals. You may never find another friend like him, but you will find one who will mean just as much to you, only in a different way.

  17. / Reply

    @JAG–thanks for the reminder. I think one of our two TX senators is a co-sponsor. The other is a tough nut to crack. I’ve written him twice and called once.

  18. / Reply

    Thank you, everyone. Really. I knew you would understand. This site is a blessing in so many ways. I also wanted to say that I am not the only one hurting in my family or missing him, but I guess I’d have to say, because of the circumstances, that he and I had a special relationship.
    @Terry Crow: I hope this doesn’t seem strange, but I had already thought about you and your “hound.”

  21. / Reply

    Dear Susan in Tn.:
    I’m crying as I’m typing this to you. I have been where you are now. There are no words. Remember how you loved him and he you. Hugs, J.B.

  22. / Reply

    @Susan in TN. I am so sorry for your loss of Tiny. I had a St.Bernard named Tiny Tim when I was younger.(for some reason we called him Sir,because whatever he wanted my Mom would always say “yes Sir”. He was my big, slobbery baby boy, who thought he was a lap dog, with a tail that could clear a coffee table with one swish:). He was my comforter when my Dad passed away. Thank you so much for sharing and know that we all feel deeply for you. Your story brough tears for you and your loss and at the same time brought back loving memories of my dear best friend. God Bless you.

  23. / Reply

    @Susan in Tn, I am so sorry for your loss. I understand precisely where you are coming from. I lost my best friend Holly my cat last year and I was just devastated.. I had her for about l3 years. I believe we will see them again.
    @Dawan and everyone, I have been enjoying the sales so much, can’t wait till Saturday and I am home through the day so I can watch again.
    @Ensign, so wonderful to see your post again and your great knowledge
    I agree with a lot of others. I am so sorry to see Balance’s Colt go to Japan. He was just gorgeous. OMG
    @Judy B,just wanted to say Hi.
    @Zenny love my girl

  24. / Reply

    Sorry Dawn, I do know how to spell your name. Its getting late, Sorry I believe its bedtime here on the East coast. Love to all Peggy

  25. / Reply

    Dearest Susan,
    Your portrayal of your beloved Tiny was so very moving and truly conveyed his unique, joyful, loving, larger-than-life spirit. You two were definitely a match made in heaven. Now he has returned there and will play with many pals, big and little, on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, as he did here, until one day he’ll joyously greet you again. Thanks for letting us get to know him. Hugs to you in this time of sorrow. With all my sympathy, Trina

  27. / Reply

    @Susan in TN~ I am so sorry for your loss of Tiny! He was such a joy and healing companion for you. I too, feel like I know Tiny through your words…I am glad you spilled it here…where we all understand where you are coming from. The pain is great, I know….HUGZ
    KP

  28. / Reply

    Happy Family Day, Zenyatta! Sleep well tonight and enjoy pleasant dreams. Hugs!
    @Ingrid Arnone: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
    @Ensign: Thanks for the information — it’s so good to hear from you again!
    @Susan in TN: I am so sorry about your Tiny. I feel as if I, too, have lost a dear friend. You are definitely not over-reacting. It is always heartbreaking to lose a cherished member of the family. It is never easy no matter how many times it happens. Please take comfort in knowing that Tiny was extremely happy and well-loved. You found each other at just the right time. We never have them long enough, but maybe they leave us to make room for another in need. That has helped me heal more easily. Each is unique and can never be replaced; however, the heart has unlimited spaces. Please accept my sincere sympathy, and may I advise? Go hug Chester, Chopper and the gang. They will understand. Love to you and your family(including your other 2 dogs, of course). Infinite hugs!

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