Hello everyone,
Things continue to be very exciting here for me at the FARM. LOOK AT THIS! I did so well my first couple days in the paddock that I now have been introduced to my first BUDDY. She is in my barn and stabled right across from me. Her name is Pirate Queen. We are really doing very well together. She is gray and I am dark brown/black so it is easy to tell us apart. I am having SO MUCH FUN!
Our schedule is rather nice! In the morning, we walk out to the paddock together. At that point, when we are settled into the paddock, we get ‘turned out’. (This means the shanks are taken off and we are now ‘free’.) Then we get to play, run, jog, and graze! Here we are just relaxing and grazing. I often grazed with a friend on the grass back home in Barn 55…so this is all very normal for me. At home in CA, Harmonious and I would spend hours outside together. Then I’d also graze with Zardana quite a bit. I like having friends and being able to share my time and experiences with them.
I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s Diary. I tried to give you lots of details about my time ‘being free’ in the paddock. Dottie really helped me put my thoughts and feelings into words for you! Each of the moments was so special to me…and seeing my TEAM Z FAMILY again made that day even more precious! WOW!
THE BLOODHORSE video is also amazing. I hope you have been able to watch it. As I mentioned, Anne M. Eberhardt and Alex from the magazine were here filming and taking photos. They did a fabulous job capturing ‘the moment’ and my time outside! I hope you enjoy it! I personally want to THANK THEM for their hard work and dedication to our sport! They really wanted this experience to be very special and memorable…not only for me and my TEAM…but for the FANS! Again, THANK YOU!
I’m off to go play some more with my BUDDY! I wonder if she has a nickname. I have several of them: Z, Queen Z, Zenny, and Lady Z to name a few. I’ll find out and let you know. I am so excited. This is great FUN!
Cheers for a wonderful, wonderful day for each of you!
With love,
Hugs to all~
Z
sue
Enjoy your friend, Z, and happy holidays!
Elaine Valenzuela
What a fun time! I could only imagine what fun it was to have to wear any of that equipment. It sort of reminds me when I took my dog to the dog park for the first time-no leash and new friends! Yipee!
Joan
Well it just keeps getting better Zenny, now a best bud.Your were magnificent on the track, I just got my pics of the last day at HP today. They are beautiful, but I have to tell you they are nothing compared to seeing you romp in the paddock yesterday. Now you are out with PQ, it just keeps getting better and better. I am very happy for you. It was very sweet to see you and Mario together again, very moving indeed. Each day is better than teh dya before and we are all waiting on each new chapter. Have a great Christmas, all of team Z, LE ,PQ and you Lady Z.
Renee Marsh
I just love all the up dates on Zenyatta, I just love her, I hope you will keep me posted with her always
Cynthia
At first, it was incredibly difficult, and many of us did not want to accept the fact that you were leaving your old life on the racetrack behind. It was such an intrinsic part of you, that some of us actually thought you would be badly affected, would long for the thrill of competition, and would pine for your beloved family and friends, both human and equine. However, a new world has been slowly opening for you, bit-by-bit, guided by the loving knowledge of those who know you best. With every diary, we are watching you blossom into the most magnificent, glowing creature. There is a different spark in your eye. You have learned new dance steps (be sure to teach them to the other “Queen” who is your new friend and condfidant!), you carry your tail in the most proud and flamboyant manner. Soon, your paddock will not be able to contain your radiance! You are still and will forever remain “The Queen,” and we your captive, enraptured audience.
Helen & Guido
Z-We read an article in Bloodhorse today about your ancestors. It was so interesting and you certainly have a wonderful family tree. Recommended reading for all your fans.
Debbie Thomas
Big mare brings so much joy – lovely.
Shanna
I loved the Bloodhorse video! That’s great that you’ve got a new friend Zenny!Thanks for sharing all these new photos with us all.They really brighten my day :)
Linda Shull
Would love more video of you and your new friends.
Kimberly
Zenyatta, I cry every time I read your posts and see new photos. This video was no different. So glad you have a new buddy to hang with in the paddock. I love you Zenyatta…. Your #1 fan in Montana!!
Carolyn Allen
So glad Zenyatta that you have a new friend. It’s always nice to have friends to spend time with and you certainly deserve to have one. Your video was wonderful as is everything about you. Your #1 fan in New York State. Love you!
Mary Moore
It was great to see you running free in the paddock at the farm!! You looked wonderful!!
Marilyn Klotz
Oh Zen,
I am so glad you are happy. Merry Christmas, we all love you!
linda
After reading this charming diary for many days, I think the word I will always associate with Zenyatta is “Yippee!” — perfect for this spirited, inspiring, happy horse and the way she makes so many people feel.
Yippee to you, Zenyatta! That video was spectacular.
Janet Cutting
BLOODHORSE–EXCELLENT VIDEO!!!!! You sure know what its all about—- Z is running free and loving it and wasnt it fantastic that her team and family were there. I think Z was showing off a little for them. Just really a beautiful sight to see. Hey Zenny, when Sara or anyone is doing a video of YOU– tell em to give you a good close up–zoom in on that face–thanks everyone — very much enjoyed. Take care, Janet C
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Dear Zenyatta: I agree with you that we all must continue to thank Dottie for her unflagging ability to write on your behalf, to thank Bloodhorse and the photographers for the exhilarating video and beautiful still images, and of course to thank your entire extended human family. Without their efforts we would not be able to see you and hear your thoughts after your racing career ended.
Today’s Diary Post #37 was as calm as the mirror image of two horses grazing side by side, compared to the elation manifest in yesterday’s posting and photo. Today’s picture is as important as yesterday’s. You have begun to be part of a herd—this normal and necessary horse environment will now be the location of your life. I love this image because it is so uneventful—unless you realize that this may be the first time you’ve grazed with another horse since you were a youngster. No lead lines, free to do what horses spend most of their time on—grazing. Have you ever wondered, Zenyatta, how slender stalks of grass or hay (and grain and not to forget mothers’ colostrum and milk) could produce a creature as magnificent as a horse? Your incarnation of horseness makes the transformation seem even more mysterious (bloodlines notwithstanding).
Zenyatta, I have a sweet young black Labrador retriever called Nynke. She is very friendly and I fear I’m spending too much time reading your Diary Posts and writing about them. Before you, I spent as little time on the computer as possible. I’m going to try to return my attention to Nynke for she is my Zenyatta, a nonhuman creature who enriches my life immeasurably. Be assured, I will not give up being a fan, but I must put some balance in my days. I know that you understand about love and loyalty.
Much love and respect–Robbie
Michelle
You and Dottie are so good at writing your updates that I think you should write a children’s book. I am not a little girl anymore (just a little kid at heart like most horse lovers) but I think it would be very nice. You could donate your proceeds to TrottUSA or Old Friends to help out other horses. I know I would buy one or even a series of them.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, Henrietta said Zentastic…that could be your baby’s name, female or male. Perfect. Please forgive me that I really, really wanted you to race one more year again. This is Lane’s Beginning…this is your real life. I am so glad you have the people that you do that love you so much. Must confess I love everything about horses and horseracing, but did not care much for owners, you do not have owners, you have caring adoptive parents in the Moss’. I thank God for that. I am off to your FB and watch your video again. Cannot get enough of it. Please forgive me, when I saw your tail go up and you buck, and your neck go side to side, I was so happy and excited, and later I could not believe how selfish I was to want you to race one more year, again. Hugs and Love, Lisa g
Judy Sims
These daily posts are the greatest. How marvelous your new life is progressing. You and your team are truly amazing. Your “Freedom Video” is so spectacular and I have watched it over and over and my heart fills with such joy for you.
I have this saying I send to my friends on special occasions and I can adapt it to you and how I feel about you and I’m sure your many fans would feel the same: “Some people (horses) come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints (hoofprints) on our hearts and we are never the same. You have left a giant hoofprint on mine!”
Enjoy your new friend, Pirate Queen. How fitting two Queens chilling out together!
It still looks mighty “chilly” in Kentucky.
Have fun and tell Dottie she is one fantastic scribe and so appreciated by all us fans eagerly awaiting all the daily news about you.
Hugs & nose kisses and hello to Pirate Queen.
Judy 8-)
Valeria P. Cannon
Hi Lady Z,
I’m soooo happy for you and wish you and Pirate Queen the joyous holidays to date!
And as my Christmas present to you, I’ll be making a donation in your honor to Heart of Tuscon, a rescue group who are trying to save the life of Dyna King aka Gifted, a son of Dynaformer. Anyone else interested in helping, please go to Heart of Tucson website or facebook page. My donation will be in the name of Zenyatta and Barbaro. Merry Christmas, Lady Z, and’ God bless us all, everyone!’
Valeria
Bobbi
The video was fantastic for us to see! And thanks so much, Dottie, for keeping Z’s voice out here for us. Z, my favorite nickname for you is just, “The Queen.”
Pam Zacek,
Im so glad you have your own new best friend, and buddy out there in the padlock, thats great for the company, and Horse talk, may yu both have a great day and fun out there.. I loved yesterdays, video of you running free , and still think of that as the greatest Christmas present I could have, your so cool with everything and thank Dottie and all for there extra help and going a extra mile for all your fans, You have a great time out there grazing, and eating, that great blue grass.
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
So happy for you Zenyatta and glad that you are now being able to mingle with other horses so that you aren’t totally by yourself. You are looking absolutely gorgeous. Be happy you sweet darling. You are forever in my heart!
My Love & Blessings to you!
LouAnn
Deborah Lawson
Zen two Queens in the paddock awesome! I did a quick search on your new buddy, and new she is. Both of you should have lots to talk about.
Valeria P. Cannon
The story about Dyna King can be found on http://www.bloodhorse.com under tracking Barbaro’s
brothers/In the spirit of Christmas. Please everyone let’s help Lady Z to make this a merry Christmas for him, please!
Joyce
I am happy for you Queen Z. You have a new best friend, and what fun watching two queens graze together. I saw the your video on Bloodhorse website, awesome. It is so wonderful to see you run and play and enjoy your 2 footed friends (that would be team Z). Just hearing you squeal with happiness while you played moved me to tears. Thank you to the Moss’s for sharing her with us. Zenyatta is America’s horse for the ages. Do you have any idea when her fans can visit her at Lane’s End? I never got to Calif to see her as I live in Fl-always hoped she would run at Gulfstream. The videos are great. Again thank you for sharing her with us.
Quarterhossgal
Thanks to Dottie, Bloodhorse and all Queen Z’s family who made her first turn out so exciting and beautiful. Watching Ann Moss and Mario and John with Z, I can just feel the love and respect they share with Zen. Racing needs to show this side of the animal-human bond not just the sad tales that see to make the front page. Zen has brought so many new admirers to racing, let’s remember it is thanks to her west coast team that she was shared with her fans. And now Lane’s End is beginning to realize how many thousands of people love this special lady.
Rita Boucher
Every day I look forward to reading your updates. Thankyou again and again.
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, Your video knocks me over! I was laughing with such joy at you experiencing your first taste of freedom. Your bucks are GOOD. One question, what is the gold piece hanging from your halter just above your name tag, something is inscribed on it but can’t read it in the pic. It is so moving to have Mr.& Mrs. Moss, John, Dottie, Mario and Carmen share this important day with you, each of them are truly the most loving people I know. And now a good buddy by your side, life just keeps getting better all the time. Thanks to all on Team Z CA and Team Z Kentucky for sharing these priceless days with us. MUCH LOVE FROM ME TO YOU.
Carmela Bozulich
Ahhhh..doing what horses love to do, hang with friends and just be. You & Pirate Queen look very content!!