Good Morning,
I absolutely LOVE this photo Anne M. Eberhardt took the other day. Here I am with my dear friends, Mario and Carmen. I wanted to mention, just in case you did not know, Mario and Carmen are MARRIED. It is so special to share all of this with them. WE WILL BE FRIENDS FOREVER! I have spent a great deal of time with these 2 lovely people. I think I’m now OFFICIALLY PART OF THEIR FAMILY! I’ve heard that photos of ME are all over their home and in their family albums…right next to those of their children and relatives!
Carmen had never been in the snow before Monday. It is so cute. When I was looking out my window, I saw them taking pictures of each other in the snow. I loved watching them!
Mario has told John countless times that THE LAST 3 YEARS HAVE BEEN THE BEST YEARS OF HIS LIFE! He simply can’t believe it! His pictures have been in magazines, newspapers and on TV with ME! Carmen feels the same way.
John was teasing Mario while they were here…’Did you ever think, Mario, that you would go into the paddock or on the track and people would be calling out your name?’ The crowd was literally chanting…MARIO, MARIO, MARIO the last time I paraded at Hollywood Park. It was GREAT to see how much people appreciated him….and all of his work with ME! While John was saying this to him, all Mario could do was smile…so proudly!
As this is the season for being thankful and reflective on one’s life…I want to say….I AM ONE VERY GRATEFUL HORSE to have been BLESSED TO HAVE ALL OF THESE SPECIAL PEOPLE WITH ME EACH MOMENT…TO HELP ME BE THE BEST I COULD BE!
I TRULY COULD NEVER HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT MY LOVING TEAM ZENYATTA!
It is so comforting to me to be able to say this…and let my friends at Barn 55…and now at Lane’s End…know how much THEY ARE APPRECIATED. Often, in life, people do not really say these things and let their FAMILY, FRIENDS (and in my case…MY FANS) know exactly HOW SPECIAL they are to you. I wanted to be sure to do so!
Things are not always easy and every single day is not always perfect…but I have truly been blessed to be in an environment where THE LOVE OF THE HORSE ALWAYS COMES FIRST!
IN THIS SEASON OF GIVING…WHAT A GIFT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN!
Have a wonderful day!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Roberta
Horse of the Year and… TEAM of the Year. This website is the first thing I check every morning, and the love and positivity always starts my day off with a smile. Whoever conceived of this idea deserves an award!
Shannon
Mari-O!, Mari-O! Mari-O! You are one lucky dude and you shall always be remembered in connection with Zenyatta. Just like Eddie Sweat has been with Secretariat. YOU are part of history, man.
Jess
I miss you very much Zenyatta!!! There will never be another one like you, who could ever run in your shadow of greatness. See ya soon in Kentucky!! Love, Jess
Marian M.
You are a gift to all of us who have had the good fortune to be alive in your era. You are a gift to your sport and, also, to the future generations that will speak your name reverently, as a champion racehorse for the ages. Merry Christmas to you and all the members of Team Zenyatta at Barn 55 and at Lane’s End and to my fellow Zenyatta fans!
When I bring my retired Thoroughbred racehorse and her Quarter Horse pasture mate their Christmas treats on Christmas Day, we’ll all three make a toast to you as we nibble on our cookies.
Have a happy Christmas, Queen Z.
Linda B
Dear Zen,
Words of a true champion. Your knight and his lady are special. I hope they both know how much they helped you be who you are.It is the people who were with you the most that gave you the environment to be relaxed and develop a true unique spirit. Enjoy your time with them . Thanks again Team Z Have a BLESSED CHRISTMAS
Megan
Well said and well written as always.I did not know Carmen and Mario were married,that’s just fabulous.So glad you appreciate everyone who is behind you and your fans.We adore you Zenyatta.You don’t have to do to much to give other than being yourself as we are always in such awe of you.Merry Christmas Z,Team Z,Lane’s End,Backside 55 and the readers.Thanks for this post as always Dottie,you’re the best.
Cheryl Denton
Zenyatta, you have done more for racing this year than any horse in a long time. Thanks to this wonderful thing called the Internet your fans can keep up with you and it is my sincere hope that all of your new fans will develop interest in horse racing and will become future fans of this great sport. We truly need positive messages and positive people like Team Z. Thank you thank you thank you! Love to you and yours…..
Jenna
To Team Zenyatta. How kind and giving you all are, and more so in this season of Christmas.
Thank God for the Mosses whose love for this horse goes beyond anyone’s words. To the Shireffses, Mario, and Carmen. Thank you so much for all that you’ve given to Zenyatta’s fans and, especially, Zenyatta. With all the sadness and sad stories in this world today that affect people and, sadly of all, animals…it’s so wonderful to see such love and kindness.
God bless you all..and most of all Miss Zenyatta :>
Thank you so much for everything!
Cheryl Smith
Each post just touches me! You are loved by so many people! I am so glad that Mario and Carmen were able to spend some time with you in the snow. Thanks again to Team Zenyatta and Lane’s End for letting all of us spend a little time with you through the pictures and posts.
May God Bless you and I wish for you A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Jenna
Oh…and she’d better win Horse of the Year *_*
Rhonda Clements
It is a great photo, you can tell she really loves him, I am sure they miss each other a lot. All I can say is what a gift the world has been given in Zenyatta and thankfully she got the right owners who are continuing to share her with us. It has given me something to look forward to through this first holiday season without my Mom. Amazes me how just the sight of her brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. Thank God for the blessing he gave us all in the gorgeous glorious Zenyatta. I am positive there will be no other like the Queen in my lifetime, she is my Christmas gift, thank you
kathy
Dear, dear Zenyatta……you and your people have been a gift to us, the fans. Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas (Feliz Navidad, Mario and Carmen)and a most Happy New Year!
Edie Dickenson
And what a gift you are to us, Zenyatta! I love you! Merry Christmas! Edie
cheryl
you are the gift to us all, in a great big package, proubly never to be duplicated. but maybe in your off-spring merry christmas and a full-filling new year. cheryl from oh-io
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
I too love this picture. Tell Carmen that “snow thing” is over-rated, especially when you have to shovel it for about 4 months!! It loses some of its sparkle. Glad they were both able to enjoy it though while visiting with you. Pics like that make GREAT Christmas cards. Merry Christmas with Love to ALL. .
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, Yes, this picture is my favorite too, (well, so far). I saved it in my Zenyatta file and it is titled “a picture of love”. You have such kind eyes that are so expressive of your bond with those that you love. I also loved the portion on your video when Mario was walking you around the paddock and he stopped to let you sip some water, touched your mouth with his hand so tenderly one could feel his devotion to you. Carmen and Mario look as if they are such a good match and love pours from them to you. You are the best thing in this troubled world. MUCH LOVE FROM ME TO YOU.
Debbie
Merry Christmas Z and Team Z. You’ll have a white Christmas for sure. It’ll take a miracle for us to have one in Texas! You are a lucky girl!
Karen Line
Merry Christmas, Zenyatta and Team Zenyatta! Thank you for the joy that you have given — to witness a true Champion in our midst, to be a part of your journey is a great gift to us all.
We’re all still with you, Queen Z!!!
Sandy Twigg
It was so wonderful to get to see you and Mario reunite. Very obvious the bond that you two share! Then on TVG’s 2010 Year in Review John got a special mention for all he has done and is!
Loved it! All your people have been so special, but then you know that! I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year!
Thank you all~~
richard schwarz
You cant keep making me cry like this!! You deserve all this love!!
Happy Holidays
Joani Jiannine
Merry Christmas Zenny, and a blessed New Year!
Merry Christmas and a super New Year to all of Team Zenyatta, with many thanks for the daily updates and unbelievably gorgeous pictures!!!
Mario and Carmen, John and Dottie, Steve, Mr and Mrs Moss, Mike, and the many others that had a part in Zenyatta’s daily life. Also her ‘new’ team at the farm!May all your days be bright!!!
Judy Sims
Dear Zenny:
You and your team are the best gifts any of us, your devoted fans, could have ever imagined. You all are what life’s all about- Love, devotion, integrity, hard work, humor, patience and sharing. Such a class act. You light up all our lives and bring great joy to all who have been touched by your spirit and greatness whether near to you or through seeing you on television, videos and pictures. God bless all of you and especially Mario and Carmen. It’s so great that you all can stay in touch and that Dottie is kind enough to share your escapades and thoughts with your fans.
You are the Queen, HOTY, Horse of the Decade and Horse of a Lifetime.
Warm hugs & nose kisses.
Love you now and forever.
Judy 8-)
Kim
Happy Holidays to you, Queen Z, and all of Team Zenyatta–in California AND Kentucky! May your new year be as blessed as this year!
Jane H
Dearest Z, I have had horses all my life and I must tell you that this experience has been one of the greatest associated with the racing world. How much the other owners and trainers have to learn from your teams of helpers. We who appreciate the beauty and grace of the horse, know how special you are. Being able to know about you and your world makes my day. Thank you to everyone for sharing the treasure that is Zenyatta.
Vicki B.
Zenny, I don’t even know how to describe the look on you, it seems so tender, like you’ve lowered your head just inviting Carmen & Mario to touch your face. Makes me think you’re really glad to see them, and have missed them.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, that is a beautiful pic of you, Mario and Carmen. I think you are all fortunate to have each other.
Merry Christmas Zenny and to all of Team Z and your new friends at Lane’s End!!
Love you,
Leslie
Rosemarie Cola
Happy Holidays Z! Glad you are so happy! Stay away from the eggnog!
love,
your biggest fan in NJ
RGGC
Donna from Baltimore
Queen Z – your team has so much class. I was unbelievably impressed when the Mosses and Sherriffs brought Mario and Carmen with them to see you turned out for the first time. I don’t think many owners would have done that. Of course there aren’t many who love their horses the way your connections love you. Such a great thing to see – and thanks to them for sharing it with us.
Cathy P
Hello Zenyatta, yes it is great to have people in your life that help you be who you are and more. You are one very lucky lady, (but I think you know that already). What a great picture of you, Carmen, and Mario, it would make a great Christmas card. How did Carmen like the snow? Did she and Mario through snow balls at each other? Merry Christmas team Zenyatta and to Lane’s End, and god bless you.
Susan Willis
Thank you Miss Zenyatta for the gift of you!