Good Morning,
Everything seems to be moving right along with MY PARTY. The Breeders’ Cup Official Announcement was released yesterday…and everything is progressing beautifully. This is so exciting!
In the meantime, I’m getting myself ready for all of the events and my photo sessions. The weather at this moment (I’m using the term ‘moment’ as it can change very quickly here in Lexington) is PICTURE PERFECT. I’ve heard at home in Arcadia and also at Barn 55, it is raining a bit today.
As you may know, weight gain is always a big consideration and something that is constantly monitored when one is ‘in foal’. I am very pleased to report that the amount of weight I’m gaining while carrying BABY Z/B is right ‘on target’. I guess you could say that at this time, I’m gaining the perfect amount of weight…and in all the right places! Yippee!
For those of you who have asked…NO GUINNESS! I’m drinking lots of water and really trying to do ALL of the right things!
I’m so used to being an athlete and having my muscles toned and fit…that this “BABY BUMP CONCEPT’ is a new ‘look’ for ME! But I must say, I LOVE IT!
Enjoy your day!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Sharon call
Hey, Z. Love your sun-bleached look especially with your color coordinated blanket. Everything sounds really good for you and Baby Z/B and that makes me really happy.
Marilu V.
Hi Zenyatta! Good to hear things are going as planned for Your Party! If there is anything I can do to help make your Party a success please let me know. I am in California and will help in whatever way I can. Hugs and Kisses, Marilu
The Kennedys in San Diego
@JAG According to the fetus development time line posted earlier – At Day 180 (6 mos.)”The fetus has quadrupled its weight in just 30 days. Mane and tail hairs have appeared; it’s about the size of a beagle.”
JAG / California :-)
@ Kennedys
Thanks!! ;-) That’s basically I wanted to know LOL
Judy
p.s. See you Saturday ;-)
Brenda S..
Zenny, You look absolutely marvelous, with your very fashionable sweater, is it cashmere? With your sun bleached look you and your sweater are almost the same color. Make sure that you get lots of rest at this very busy time and have lots of fun with Tasty and all your family at your big party.
Angie
Hey Z, you look fantastic. Stay healthy and enjoy your free time. Soon you’ll have that little baby to chase.
JAG / California :-)
@ MARGARET
“Just not sure how in depth you want me to research and say online here.”
That’s okay, I’m just another “aunt” waiting to get updates from the horse’s mouth. I’m just chillin’ until her due date! :-)
Judy
Sally B.
Another lovely pic of you sweet Z. You know my black lab and chocolate lab used to lighten up during the summer time. A redness appeared in my black. I am so happy to hear everything is right on track for you!! I still don’t have all my weight in the right places. (Everything now is pulling toward the earth)hee hee
I will never give up hope in seeing you to give you a kiss on your nose. For now I am tickled to be a part of your party. What dress attire is appropriate for your luncheon Queen Z? Would it be no jean casual such as at the Breeders Cup? Last year our Hotel gave us tips which had said no jeans or tennis shoes etc. if I recall. In honor of you I want to dress right for your party. Thanks Sarah. Love you mucho, with 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z
@Jag; How about Z wearing the attire of Winnie the Pooh and friend Eyore etc. I think that would be adorable, especially since Z has her baby bump.
Kendra
UN BELIEV ABLE!! I’ll try to make this story short, but thanks to you Zenyatta, my life has taken a turn. Soon after my husband passed away, a friend mentioned this most interesting horse that was on a real winning streak. Didn’t take long and I was hooked. So much so, that when you retired, I just had to visit Lexington. While in Kentucky learned from a cousin that “horses are in my genes”. Suddith Rawlings, a cousin, was a renowned horse trader that lived in Ringo Mills, Kentucky. Upon his death, the Kentucky House of Representatives put forth a resolution of adjournment and 7 state representatives were his pall bearers. With a little research, I found Suddith’s sister, still alive and with a very good memory. Besides having a treasure trove of horse stories, she had been a teacher in a one room school house. Wasn’t expecting a lady with 2 degrees and quite the knowledge of my Mom and Dad. So, I will be returning to Lexington to meet Wanda, Sud’s sister. Thank you, Zenyatta. You truly are transformative.
Barbara Wood
Z–any look you wear is marvelous to us!. You will always be beautiful.
@Dawn Conrad–thank you for the kind words.
@Sue Fredrick and Sue Noel–left you messages at the end of #349. Ditto Terry Crow.
@Margaret I love all the info. you can give us! Thank you.
Andrea Morris
Will an announcement be made regarding the sex of the foal? When should that be?
JAG / California :-)
Santa Anita Restructuring, Management Changes
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65381/santa-anita-restructuring-management-changes
Judy
Carole #42
Zenyatta, You look great in your sweater…I bet you are enjoying that blue grass inbetween getting plans underway for your party…I know it will be wonderful and I wish I could be there. (in spirit only)..all you Z fans will have a great time. Love to you and baby Z/B and kisses on your soft nose.
KikiSim
Z!! I cant wait till baby Z/B is born:) I’m sure he/she will be just as good as you! You look beautiful, as always, today Zenny. I am trying to buy tickets to YOUR special party, and I’ll see what I can do ;) Stay safe, girl!
Jeanenne Cliffman
You and Baby Z/B look GREAT!!!! Keep up the good work. Love you, xxxxoooo
JAG / California :-)
Expect Full Gate for Keeneland’s Woodford
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65378/expect-full-gate-for-keenelands-woodford
JAG / California :-)
@ Andrea Morris
It’s MY understanding the Mosses don’t want to know the sex of Z’s foal. Unless that’s changed, I expect WE won’t know until the Queen delivers :-)
Judy
Chris H
I found this website when our mare was in foal — don’t know how to copy and paste so hopefully this is the correct address: http://www.eagleridge-twh.com/fetus1htm.
It was very interesting to see what size our little baby was throughout the long pregnancy.
Allen
Zenyatta you look great! Thank You Sarah,Dottie,and John for all the wonderful pictures. This party will be the party of the year. Have a good day Z.
signofthetimes
@Andrea Morris
The Mosses do not sex type their foals, they always like a surprise !!!!
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
You look so good in your “sweater”. I bet it was custom made. There are not many horse sweaters for sale in the Equine Boutiques. So glad you are grazing, hydrating and playing these days. I know your calendar also includes time blocked out for relaxation. XXXXOOOO
Anty G
You are one hellava horse!! You bring so much joy and hope to so many people. I LOVE you, Zenyatta! Here’s to an easy foaling. xxxooo
sharon in seattle
the beautiful sunshine on you, Zenyatta, looks so good – especially as we in Seattle are starting some cool, drippy fall weather. Stay well, gorgeous girl !!
Robin
Z you look wonderful as always!
I wonder if Dottie will have a video feed when Zenny gives birth! That would be awesome!!!
Lot of love to you Zenny and Baby Z/B
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Kimberly Potter
My Beautiful Zenyatta~ I love you!
BABY POTTER UPDATE: The power of prayer is UNBELIEVABLE! Momma had ultrasound today. Baby weighs 5.5 lbs. That is compared to 4 lbs last week and when they said she had quit growing. THANK YOU ALL my Zen Nation…I am in tears. It’s not going to be long now….
Candace Jones
Zenyatta looks beautiful and happy…the change in her coat is that gorgeous Ky sunshine reflecting off of her :) I know that little Baby ZB has to be the most anticipated foal birth EVER.
Thanks for the update Dottie :)
Candace Jones
PS Thought you guys might like this information about foal development…this is just a basic description for an “average foal”…which we all know is not a word that will ever describe Baby ZB :)
The First 2 Months
In the beginning, the foal embryo grows the slowest. It starts as the egg cell that divides many times for 2 weeks until the embryo resembles a blob. By day 32, it resembles a tadpole. According to “The Complete Equine Veterinary Manual” (Marcy and Tony Pavord, MRCVS, 2004), the umbilical can be seen in ultrasound scans by day 45. At the end of 2 months, some equine characteristics will emerge, such as four tiny, hoof-tipped legs, the beginnings of a tail and a wide strawberry-shaped head. The sex of the foal can also be seen at this time. The average foal embryo at 2 months will be 3 to 3.7 inches (7 to 10 cm) in length.
3 To 6 Months
Less dramatic changes take place between the second and sixth month of a horse embryo’s growth. The foal’s head, body, neck and legs lengthen so that the embryo is easily recognizable as a horse. Hair first begins to grow around the foal’s lips and then spreads over the body. The hooves and sex organs will be nearly developed. Closed eyelids can be seen over the foal’s large eyes. At the end of 6 months, the foal should have grown to be over 22 inches long (56 cm) and weigh between 12 and 13 pounds (5 and 7 kilograms).
7 Months To Birth
The foal embryo grows the most rapidly during this period. At the end of 8 months, the mane and tail hairs will be growing. The body and legs will get even longer and the foal will rapidly put on weight. By day 270, the horse’s coat of hair has mostly grown in. At this time, the color of the fetus can be determined. At the beginning of the eleventh month, milk teeth will begin cutting through the foal’s gums. In a normal gestation, the foal will also turn from lying on its back with the head facing the mare’s head to sitting on it’s hindquarters with the head facing the tail. The forelegs become stretched out alongside of the head so the foal is positioned somewhat like a diver. If the foal has not turned, then birth can be very difficult. Although the normal gestation of a foal is 11 months, there are those that take up to a full year to develop.
Margie
Hi Zenny, looking good Sweet Mama! Love you, of course!
@JAG – thanks for the link about Santa Anita restructuring.
@Cynthia Holt – I hope you are “safe” in the SA’s restructuring. I sent JAG’s link to my sister Charlene as I’m sure she will find it interesting. Was concerned because I saw “marketing” was affected. I hope these are good changes for SA…
Julie DuVall
Yes, Z, it is raining here in California! It’s a nice steady light rain, just the kind we need after a long summer. I’m glad you are enjoying good weather in Kentucky (at the moment!). I hope Ebby and Zazu and the rest of your Moss/Barn 55 friends are all snug in their stalls today!
Joan
Of course you are gaining the perfect amount of weight, dear Zenyatta. You are perfect! :) I’m sorry you have to give up your Guinness but you will be glad you did once your very own baby is at your side. You look so beautiful in the Ky. sunshine. (Thanks for the updates, Dottie. It’s so much appreciated.)