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
Nancy
The videos and the ‘first hand’ account of this momentous event were truly awesome. I was startled to hear the whinny. lol. I have to admit that I did kind of worry about that line of humans stretched across the paddock. I know from having horses forty years, that in a game of ‘chicken’ with a horse barrelling down on you, the person usually moves first, lol. I’m so happy Zenyatta is happy in her new home, and she is settling in to a new life. If horses COULD talk, the story would be just like it has been posted today.
Shannon
Zenyatta is living proof that waiting until a horse matures before racing keeps them sounder throughout their careers. Such a lovely sight to see her healthy and sound at six years old. Love it.
Leslie
What a joy the video was to watch…tears in my eyes as I watched you race around that paddock. Thank you all at team Zenyatta for allowing us to be a part of this experience. We never get to see what happens when they retire and try to adjust to their new life. I am sure that not all horses get this royal of a treatment, but after all…you are QUEEN Z ! Love you…miss you…but so glad to see that you are doing so well !
Donna Brenner Bando
I want to know everyday how you are and what you are doing and how you are feeling. The posts are awesome, Z is loved by so many. Merry Christmas to all.
Kay Heigh Blend
This was very well written! Thanks for making it so visual for all of us. I almost felt I was there.
stephanie
as a horse person, this is what i’ve been waiting to here about/see – to see what she thought of finally getting to just be a horse and the pictures and videos just touch my heart and warm my heart in a way i can’t even begin to describe.
thanks so much for sharing this with us. it means so much to me :-)
donalee :)
I have been waiting for this day since you arrived at Lane’s End. I so wanted to see you running free in the paddock! And of course you did not disappoint. You looked so happy. I was so touched by you greeting Mario. It is wonderful that everyone came all the way from CA to share in your big day! And when I saw the part where you were dancing I said ‘there’s our dancing queen!!’ I wonder if any of your babies will be dancers too!
Merry Christmas Queen Z!
And thank you so much to Dottie!
donalee :)
Sunny Boyd
CS.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2010/12/20/hangin-with-steve-haskin-a-response-to-i-lied.aspx
sue w
Zennie…the video was breathtaking. You were having a blast and it showed! Thanks, Dottie, for transcribing Z’s thoughts for us. Tears were flowing while I watched her prance, kick and run like the wind! Her squeals were delightful to hear. Thank God for Team Z both from CA and LE. They understand the treasure they have in her and she returns the love tenfold. Merry Christmas, Zennie. I can’t wait for more pics and videos. You totally ROCK!
Linda Shull
Loved every minute of the video. What a beautiful horse and wonderful owners and handlers.
Sunny Boyd
The response to ‘I lied’ is an article about all the horses before Zenyatta, who made Zenyatta. It’s really quite fascinating. And who of them might have given her her looks, disposition, size & dancing moves. Ha
Patricia Clark Douglas
WOW! What a gal!
Carol M
Thank you Zenyatta team for these wonderful posts — they are so great to read, so I’m very grateful you take the time and keep this up. :) She’s a wonderful girl, but you’re a great team….
La Rae Edwards
Don’t ever let these posts stop they make this chaotic world a much better place. This beautiful gift, Zenyatta, touches old and young hearts alike. Love this wonderful mare and all of Team Z.
Sunny Boyd
Abigal Anderson wrote the response to ‘I lied’.
Henrietta Wolfe
You are, Zentastic! You are my Christmas present. Watching you run, play, dance, snort and greet your family and friends was a pure delight. There are no words in the English language or any other language to describe you. You take my breath away and make my heart sing. I Love You Z, forever!!!xoxoxox Be in touch as soon as possible.
RuthG
Words cannot express the joy of seeing the magnificent Miss Z running, jumping and bucking in freedom. You are so beautiful and seeing you so happy is the best Christmas present I could have. It’s wonderful that your “family” was there to share in your joy and happiness. Miss Z you are magical and ethereal……..
Gina
Wow! Love it Z! Watched the video of you during your “own time” running and having fun! great to watch! Please keep posting…so much fun to read!
Danielle Ruysschaert
I watched the video over and over!! it’s so incredible. It sounds like all of these workers know how truly lucky they all are to be working with such a stunning animal. Anyone working with horses is lucky and blessed. Just think, you could be in an office.
I LOVE these updates, they are so special!!
Thank you!
Nancy
Dearest Zenya,
Thanks to Lanes end for sharing these beautiful moments
with your fans. It was so very special to see Team Zenyatta
there as well. The moment you came up to Mario free was ever
so beautiful. To see him leading you in the snow was sooo very
special. For all your 4.5 years of training and hard work to be a world
Class champion thoroughbred race horse, it was so very special to
see you be a horse bucking and playing and whinnying and galloping
in the snow. You are one very smart horse and now you are
snow broke on those bare feet. Have a wonderful warm cozy and white
Christmas. You have given is all a great and wonderful gift. Thanks to Lanes End and Team Zenyatta for sharing her with us.
Sandra Ryan
You take my breath away! Every day!
Jess E.
Seeing Zenyatta run with wild abandon on her own made my heart swell. It was like watching a child take her first steps. She’s so deserving of this freedom and I giggled like a little girl when I heard her squeals. And oh the bucking! Just like her races, I cheered while she romped around the paddock. No horse deserves it more.
To Team Z – Thank you all for taking such care to keep her sound throughout her magnificent career. Even now, when she’s at rest, John’s checking her legs. What a wonderful family.
Happy holidays to everyone.
Barb France
This time I took my makeup off before reading your newest post…and I was glad I did! I am crying tears of JOY for you and Team Zenyatta. Thank you for dictating words that made me feel I was seeing you while this all took place!!! The pictures show you so happy (tail in the air) and surprised! Can’t wait till the video’s and pictures arrive…your book is filling up and will be a major best seller when it ever is published. We can’t wait…but your journey is still in progress. THANK YOU TEAM Z AND LANE END’S FARM!!! Words can’t express it.
Marta Pilling
Zenyatta, you are such a great writer!!! How wonderful that all your friends came to see you and you shared it with us.
Robbie Hamilton
Ahhh, Zenny, this made me cry!! You SOOO deserve all the happiness you are experiencing, after ALL the happiness you have brought to so many of us. God bless you, Zenyatta. You are a miracle.
Stephanie Lambert
To see you free, off a lead, learning to be a Non-racehorse, becoming a broodmare and all the joys that come with that, makes my heart smile. I love you Zenyatta, I know I say it often, but it is a deep , respectful, in awe, float my boat type of love, that had seen me through some tough tough times, even in your retirement you keep me strong. god Bless You my sweet love Girl, xoxoxoxoxo from Maine
Sheri
I saw the video on Facebook! You looked so happy!You haven’t been able to run like that since the BC! I bet it felt good to run and let out some energy and excitement! Love you Zenyatta and I can’t wait untill your next entry! :D
teresa kuproski
zenyatta that was great! love the updates. please keep it up. hope you have fun running in the paddock. horse of the year!!! teresa
Trish & Mike in Colorado
THANK YOU DOT-ZEN !!! This post is a masterpiece — added to the video on BH–what a treat for us to see and to share with you all. It was so touching to see Mario and Carmen and Mr. and Mrs. Moss and you and John S. with Zenyatta. We really felt like we were floating on air and kicking up our own heels and laughing with you in the paddock. Thank you for sharing this fantastic experience with us, both in words and in video.
Marty
Thank you so much for this video!To see you experience that freedom for the first time… AMAZING! I am thrilled that your family came to be with you for this momentous occasion. I could feel the excitement watching the video.Hearing you squeel with delight gave me goosebumps. Keep having fun and thanks again for the visit.
Love you