SURPRISE, SURPRISE!!
Good Morning All!
What a day I had yesterday…all filled with GREAT surprises! I now know all of my friends here at Lane’s End had a wonderful surprise planned for me…and they filled TEAM ZENYATTA in on it!
For days, as you know, I have been walking around in my new paddock. The Farm wanted me to be totally familiar with every inch of the area. This is all part of my ‘baby steps’ process. Each day, I was given a bit more space to investigate and explore with Charles, Donna and the crew here! They ultimately had me on a very loose hold during these adventures. I was also given ample time to look at all of my beautiful surroundings and thoroughly relax and enjoy my time outdoors.
After several days of this, the FARM felt I was totally comfortable with my new paddock. A plan was then developed to establish the day when I could be ‘on my own’ outside. It was organized for this to take place YESTERDAY. TEAM ZENYATTA WAS PART OF THE PLAN…and they flew into Lexington TO SHARE THIS MOMENT WITH ME!
As I was being prepared for my morning ‘walk’, David and Mike picked up Team Z at the airport. SURPRISE! Within minutes, they were all right here with me at my Lane’s End Barn! SUCH FUN! (Carrots and mints for EVERYBODY!) Yippee!
Barbara Livingston, from DRF, and Anne M. Eberhardt and Alex, from THE BLOODHORSE, were also on hand. Sweetly, ANN MOSS was going to take some of her own videos…….and MY DEAR JOHN brought his new camera to add to the fun!
When I was ready, we all walked out to my paddock together. It was crisp…but not as cold as the last time they were here. For quite a bit of time, I walked around with Charles. We wanted to show everyone how well I handled this. We walked all over this large paddock…and I checked out everything….just like I have been doing for days now. Ann, Jerry, John, Dottie, Mario and Carmen…all thought I was doing very well. I was really feeling very confident in this space and with the footing.
Then, suddenly, (and to my surprise…and delight) Charles took the shank off me. I was allowed to be ‘ON MY OWN’. Lane’s End positioned many people from their staff all over the perimeters of the paddock area as they wanted to be sure I was very logical and safe at this moment.
GUESS WHAT???? I WAS! At first, I just played around with some alfalfa they had carefully positioned in 2 places in the center area of the paddock. I moved from one patch of this to another…walking and grazing. Then I thought…Hmmmm…this is different! I don’t really have anyone right next to me. Suddenly I looked up and saw so many of my friends all standing several feet away. At that moment, I noticed Mario. I walked over to him and stood there. He hugged me and scratched my neck like he has done for YEARS! It was so special! I walked over to the Moss’. Ann and Jerry both hugged me and gave me some great treats from home.
Then I looked at my dear JOHN…and walked over to him. He gave me several loving pats and then looked down and ‘checked my legs’. (Old habits just don’t go away. This is a TRAINER kinda’ thing. John has checked my legs every single morning for over 4 1/2 years. It was like great old times!) For several minutes more, I was able to walk around and greet all of my other friends. THIS WAS REALLY GOING WELL!
Now…I thought…HMMM! Let’s see what happens when I walk farther out to the other part of the paddock. So I did. I walked around looking at everything. I was careful..and enjoyed this. I WAS ALL BY MYSELF! I stood at one edge of the paddock just staring over the fence. 2 squirrels were playing in the tree…and I just loved watching them. I walked over to see the geese playing in the pond. I then went to greet all of my Lane’s End friends standing in each part of the paddock…..making sure they knew I was safe.
This went on for many more minutes. I just walked, looked, stood…and enjoyed every single moment.
Then, the thought occurred to me…CAN I JOG OFF and RUN? No lead pony, no Steve, no Mike Smith…no equipment…JUST ME! I put up my tail and planted my feet in the snow. It felt good. I jogged a bit and felt the brisk air on my skin. I stretched my legs and stepped right out! Hmmm, I thought! This is fun…and it is really going well. I went over to the other edge of the paddock. Donna was there to meet me. WOW!!!! Am I really doing this? I’m all by myself!
I pranced to the side of the paddock where all of my other friends were standing. I danced for them…and even walked right over to Dottie and gave her a BIG KISS!
I walked back around and greeted every single person as I made my way to the far side of the paddock! SUDDENLY (my confidence now was really strong)…….. I TOOK OFF!
I stretched, I bucked, I played…and then I RAN. What a lucky girl! As I rushed across the paddock, I squealed with delight. It was my way of THANKING EVERYONE for my wonderful, wonderful life.
What a LUCKY, LUCKY GIRL I AM!
After running free for several more minutes, Charles put the shank back on me. As you know, they have to monitor my time like this to be sure I am safe and don’t get too excited at first. The crew then took turns walking me around the paddock some more. Mario took his turn…and it was ALL FABULOUS!
I HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME!
After all of this exercise, it was time to go back to my barn and have something to eat. My friends and TEAM Z followed me and stayed and visited with me for hours.
What A MOMENT, what A DAY…and what SPECIAL MEMORIES!
I hope to share more photos of this day with you soon. Thank you to Barbara for the one we are using today. This day was all very, very special to me…and I know in my heart it was also very special for all of TEAM Z. They traveled thousands of miles to share this one new stage of my life with me! They all told me…they would not have missed today for anything!
What more could a GIRL want or have…than so many people who love her SO MUCH!
With love,
HUGS to ALL~
Z
Sunny Boyd
Dear Zetty,
what a great report from Lanesend!! And, indeed what a lucky horse you are. The picture above is just sweet. All four off the ground, tail & head high. You’re havin’ a special time. You squealed, like a pig? I didn’t know horses could squeal. I am really glad for you and for your people, the regard & concern they are all showing for you, is setting a great example for the race-horse industry. Thanks for the up-date.
Mary Stanford
I have watched the video of you seven times now and had tears at such a beautiful site seeing you run on your own. It was great seeing the Team Z who love you so much. You can see the love for you on their faces. We all love you Z!! You have so much fun and joy ahead!! You are such a sweet horse with a kind heart. You are from Heaven!!
Ellen Zachary
oh, what a wonderful diary post…you’re making me cry tears of happiness again…SO MUCH LOVE to you and all your humans!!!! Happy Holidays, gorgeous girl…
Ann M
So glad to see you so happy, sweet girl, all the best, and Merry Christmas!
Love you, sweetheart~
Marty
You really look like you’re enjoying yourself. I’m so glad I was not sure how you would handle the new environment. But it looks like you’re are right at home. Great transition!!! Love you lots. Continue to have a great time!!!
Anna
I saw the videos of your first solo flight around the paddock, and the diary post on the event added so much to them. Zenny, you were so beautiful galloping on the snow with your coat all dappled out. You were a very good girl your first time out, but I knew you would be. Stay safe and healthy, Zenny! I love you!
Jody
..incredible.. God Speed Z
Mariel
This is what Christmas is about – family getting together from across the miles and celebrating their love for each other, and for life. It is clear that Team Z has a bond that will never be broken. Just as it is clear that Zenyatta has an intense love of life! What a charming and romantic scene watching her romp and play and cry out with delight! As if to say, “This is amazing! This is wonderful! Thank you all!!!” Oh, and maybe a “WOOOOOO_HOOOOOOOO!!!!!” in there as well.
Thank you for this gift. The gift of Zenyatta. How very lovely and generous of you all to take the time to continue to share her life with us – her devoted and loving fans. You bless us every day with your kindness. Have a very merry, joyous and beautiful holiday season!
Michelle
Delightful!
Shannon
Just like in the POLICE song,
Every move you make
Every step you take
I’ll (WE’LL) be watching you
There’s never been another horse like you.
cheryl
WONDERFUL! I too hope Mario can be with Zenyatta from time to time. They seem to have a real love affair going.
Annabel Girard
a horse running free is a wonderful sight — even more so when it is Zenyatta!
Annabel Girard
a horse running free is a wonderful thing — it’s even more special when it is Zenyatta!
Gloria
Such a great post. It brought tears to my eyes seeing the videos and photos on the various websites of Zenyatta being so frisky! God bless that horse. Love her madly!! Thanks to everyone who bring the videos, the photos and the updates we continue to get! Got to love the interne. Merry Christmas to all of Team Zenyatta and her fans! XOXO!
Alysse Jacobs
There’s little more fulfilling than seeing a horse just being a horse. It must have felt great to finally get to really run again and to see your whole “family” again.
Tory in Georgia
I love your maiden athletic figure. I am sorry that you won’t be keeping it. I wish you would be able to run and run to your heart’s content – just race like you love to do. I know you are keeping up a happy face for us all, but having to be in the barn all the time in the cold has to be tiring. I just hope that ALL the human love really does sustain you.
Susan Haynes
What a beautiful sight to see you running. I wish I had been there to see you running.
Sharon in Ohio
Wow ! It was all is so wonderful Z…your very own special day! You were flying like the wind and soaring like an Eagle ! Kicking up your heels and playing in the snow! It was so fantastic to see you and hear you living it up, enjoying a wonderful present from your family and friends! It was a wonderful Christmas present for us also! Thanks for sharing with us Merry Christmas Z !! Sweet dreams about your wonderful day ! :)xxooxox
Jan Mitchell
It’s painful to think of you and Mario apart…..two hearts that beat as one.
Sharon in Ohio
Opps! Wow ! It was all so wonderful Z…..
Robin
Z – We are so thrilled for you and your team. What a special day. We are all crying tears of joy. They are amazing humans and great examples for the rest of the industry. Queen Z – you are one of a kind. Enjoy that Kentucky air and your freedom. Just wait until Spring with all of that great grass!!
Laura Miller
It is wonderful to see the care and love Zenyatta receives, however, it makes me wish that all Thoroughbreds could have the treatment they deserve when they retire or become injured. At that point so many of them are tossed aside and may end up hurting themselves when they get to run free for the first time or maybe they are already injured and since they aren’t winning money anymore, they are abandoned and don’t get to live the life they deserve. There are many second chance organizations out there who definitely make a difference. Hopefully, since the public has become so fond of Z, they may learn more about the racing industry in general and how they can possilby give back by helping some of the lesser known horses live wonderful lives like Z!
Linda / Maryland
OMG Zenyatta~ You are even more beautiful running free. You are fabulous!
We all love you so much~!!!
Cheri JAckson
I got tears in my eyes reading this story!! I imagine this was a beautiful sight to behold. Lucky girl and lucky humans who were fortunate enough to observe this special day!
Sharon
who thought that at the age of 67 I’d be crying while reading post #37 from the fabulous Zenyatta!!! Dottie, you are amazing! That Team Z flew across country to be with Z on her special day only confirms what we already knew — what we have here is horse, owners, trainer, groom, hotwalker, racing manager etc etc of the DECADE and the YEAR 2010!!! Kudos to EVERYONE!!
Cheryl Harshall
Just awesome. Every time I watch you I cry. What an awesome girl you are. What a wonderful team of people you are associated with. Thank you sooo much for sharing her with us. Zenny stay safe and enjoy!
TZ
Oh Zenyatta, you are so special! It is great that all of team Z traveled back to Kentucky to see you on this great day. I hope you continue getting acclimated and that all of these people come back to see you several times a year.
This is an example of how all horses should be loved and cared for. Stay safe and enjoy your new adventures in your paddock.
jane
Hi Zenny!
This is the day I’ve been waiting to see!
What a wonderful Christmas present for everyone involved!
You really made me cry when you stopped to “talk” with Mario! I know you’ve missed each other – it was just so moving to see the two of you together again, sharing a quiet moment.
And you really made me laugh out loud thru my tears listening to you whinny as you were running! If one listens really closely, they can hear: “Yeehaw! I’m freeeee!!!” LOL
It’s just beyond words to see you get to be free and act like a horse.
You dont have to be so much a composed diplomat for the world of racing now; you can cut loose and be silly all you want!
May God bless you with all black-type stakes winners, Big Mama!
Luva yooo <3
CV
Just watched the amazing video of you running like the winds in your paddock. I can imagine how wonderful it felt to be free for the first time since you were a foal.
I have a question for Z’s people. Does she have shoes back on her front feet again? I know they were all pulled off some time ago, but it kind of looked like she might have them back on the front.
Anyway, I’m so happy for you Zen, and love the fact that the people who took care of you all these years flew in to see this moment.
Karen Line
Everything about this day, this experience of freedom of glee is just so moving, Queen Z. Everything about you is wonderful . . . so wonderful!
What a Christmas gift to all!