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
Sheri
That is so sweet Zenyatta! I love Mario! He is awesome! And that is a great picture! I have a picture of me and the horse I used to lease just like it! Love you Zenyatta and you really are a lucky girl! (Early) Merry Christmas!! :D
darlene sanner
Out of all the pictures taken that day this is my favorite The love just shines in all eyes Thank you again Team Z
Barbara Wood
Dearest Z–
What a lovely photo. Love it, love it, love it!
Also love the story of the “Old One”. Beautiful story of Christmas love.
Good night, sweet girl. Talk to you tomorrow.Love you always.
Gina Rizk-Smith
Querida Zenyatta, I just wanted to wish you and your connections a very Merry Christmas full of beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing your video with us. It is heartwarming that your Team celebrated your first experience of “running free” in the paddock! You seemed guarded at first, but everyone would agree you ran with pure joy in your heart. Zenyatta, you ought to invite those negative East coast turfwriters to visit you. You’ll cast your spell over them, too! We all love you so much! Best wishes for 2011!
Alene
Hi my sweet girl. You are truly everyones blessing forever! This picture is very touching,Zenny. I cry looking at most of your pictures. This one I didn`t. Why, you could see all the love and trust in everyones eyes. Yours included Zenny. Mario, Carmen, and everyone ….Lets never forget JOHN took care of you every step of the way. Literally. Now everyone at Lanes End is continuing on. Zenny, you are a very lucky girl to have been loved and taken care of by such WONDERFUL and smart people. We all treasure you and the unforgetable memories you have given us and the sport of kings (Queens)… I love you very much and never miss a day letting you know that. I wish you a wonderful XMAS and I wish both of your families. Both old and new. The happiest and most healthy New Year!!! Many many hugs and kisses Zenny….Alene
Danielle Ruysschaert
Z, If you could talk, I truly believe that this is exactly what you’d say. I pray that every single horse gets to experience the love that you receive. I start with myself… I give every horse at my barn (neglected or not) as much love, tenderness and affection as I can.
Merry Christmas Z and family. May you teach the world how to respect horses, not bully them.
Lynne
How wonderful to see you in the paddock with your first horsey friend. I am so very happy for you.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Zenny
Your friend Lynne
Heather MacMullen
You are a very lucky horse to have a family whose devotion to you is unconditional, but I think that I, or should I say we, the public are even luckier. Without them, we would not have been included in this most amazing journey. I applaud them for the love and care they have given you and will be forever grateful for their generosity. May all of you have good health and happiness for many years to come. Happy Holidays!
Elena Erdman
Happy Christmas Eve Beautiful Zenyatta. I love the picture of you and Mario and Carmen, how precious and loving you all look. You are a gift to all of us and the Mosses are wonderful for sharing you with us. You have made us happy and continue to give us such wonderful surprises with your posts. I love the story Diana sent, what a beautiful story. I am glad it turned out the way it did. We are grateful and thankful you have come into our hearts and warmed us and comfortted us and made us smile and laugh and we laugh and smile with you and John and Dottie and all of Lane’s End friends. Sometimes things get hard but when reading all the wonderful posts and seeing your pictures, the smile always comes out and the warmth comes out. I thought I was not going to see my son this Christmas and he is coming over. There are miracles and you are one big miracle. Merry Christmas precious one. I love you.
Shari Voltz
Dearest Zenyatta such beauty and love in that picture. I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas. I want to wish all of Team Z a very blessed and Merry Christmas. I sent your care package out today from little Steubenville, Ohio. This package has so much love in it from my 5th grade class and from me. I hope you like everything. God bless you sweet girl. God Bless all of Team Z. BIG hugs and kisses from Shari in Ohio.
Diana Hanson
What a beautiful and loving photo! You can tell they both love you so much Zen! I want to wish ALL of Team Zenyatta a very blessed and Merry Christmas. To you Queen Z, I hope Santa brings you all the carrotts you can dream up! Lov ya Big Girl!
Sunny Boyd
Happy Holidays, Zetty,
what a beautiful picture of you and Mario & his wife Carmen. How noble you look!! Everytime I see you I’m awe struck. What it must be like to see you in real life!! I hope the Californians will all return to a safe home, it’s just unbelievable, the destruction in some places there, I hope all the horses at the barn are ok. Some horses had to be rescued. Yeah, you could tell Mario was very protective of you @ the Hollywood Park Parade. He made sure people were giving you space.
Robin Porcelain
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of Team Z. Thank you for sharing Zenyatta with the public that loves her. What you are doing is greatly appreciated, and I pray that the entire thoroughbred industry will realize exactly what you have done!
Ann M
Merry Christmas to all of you – love you, sweet girl –
Jenna
I also hope Carmen and Mario are able to visit you often…as well as all of us!
Barbara Wood
Before I leave you tonight, I just wanted to add what I posted on another blog: you are one of our national treasures. I really mean that. Love you always.
Stephanie Quilichini
Zenyatta-You have the best TEAM EVER!! They have been amazing to your fans and we will always remember that! Happy Holidays to Team Zenyatta! Love the Picture!
Paula Higgins
Great story Willy Eagle! We are all very grateful to all of Zenyatta’s family for their devotion to her, their love and care. You all are simply the best. I am so glad Mario and Carmen got to see her in person again. Their close bond is clear for everyone to see. Zenyatta loves him.
Everyone, see Claire Novack’s piece on why Zenyatta should be HOTY. Also, John Prizzi(sp?) has a poll up as to who should win HOTY. It’s Zenyatta by a landslide.
lisa
I was one of the fans chanting Mario at Hollywood Park. What a great gift of love you share. I was sad thinking of you being separated when you move to KY. It warms my heart to see distance will not change your love. Merry Christmas to all of Team Z and thank you for enriching our lives.
Lori Stein
Hey Big Z,
OMG! I saw the video of you being turned loose on Bloodhorse and it is so amazing. You look so HAPPY to me and that is just great to see. I love that all your California connections(except Mike) came into town for your big day. They love you so so much. When your Mom (Ann) looks at you there is so much love in her eyes. Your time with Mario also looked very special. I hope Bloodhorse never takes that video off, I can watch it over and over again, just like your races. The comment in one of your posts that said you never saw John Shirreffs without a baseball cap, well I remember one time. When you won the Classic in ’09 John threw that cap up into the crowd. That was so special and the next time the camera showed him he had another cap on. Very cute! You truly are one very Loved, Lucky girl. I am so happy you look like you love your life on the farm. Kudos to Lanes End. Happy Holidays to you and Yours and I hope your Calofornia family are safe and sound with all the bad weather. Godspeed! LONG LIVE OUR QUEEN!!!
Love, Lori
Mary Stanford
It is true…we should tell our friends and family what they mean to us…and I know your friends, family, and fans all love you Queen Z for the love, joy, excitement, and fun you have given to us. You are one special horse and we all love you!!! We cannot wait to see what the future holds for you and I am so happy we can share this journey with you through the posts and pictures.
RHONDA C
DEAR QUEEN ZENYATTA, THE PHOTO OF YOU, CARMEN AND MARIO IS SO VERY SPECIAL. I HAVE NOT SENT YOU A NOTE LATELY, BUT I HAVE BEEN KEEPING UP WITH ALL YOUR NEWS. I READ LANES END WEB SITE AND THEY ARE TERRIFFIC FOLKS. AND I LOVE THE WAY THE MOSS’, JOHN, DOTTIE, MARIO, CHARLES AND THE OTHER FOLKS AT LANES END WORK TOGETHER TO TAKE CARE OF YOU. I WATCHED YOUR VIDEO OF YOUR FIRST DAY OF RUNNING AND PLAYING. LORD, HAVE MERCY GIRL YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL. I COULD SEE THE LOVE IN THE EYES OF YOUR FOLKS WHEN THEY LOOKED AT YOU. QUEEN ZENYATTA YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU. XOXOXOX
Gina
Christmas Blessings to you Zenny and to all the people who love you and take care of you. Such a sweet picture of you with Mario and Carmen, their looks of joy make me smile. I hope you have many many reunions with Barn 55, it must kill them to have you so far away. I’m so happy we have pictures and posts to enjoy your wonderful life with you! xxoo
Elaine
What a wonderful picture of you, Mario and Carmen. My sister and I were lucky enough to spend about 30 – 40 minutes with you and Mario one day. Both of you were so gracious. My sister was able to be with you both three times and even gave Mario a gift for you…..Cowboy Magic. I hope it helped your tail.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays. Thank you for keeping us so close in your heart.
Louise Bland
We’re the people who’re lucky to have a special horse like you, love us Zanyatta.
We’re the Lucky one’s to have you cross our path in life so we can be with the best of the best and have you for just a moment when you’re happy, smart and amazing. My love to you—and thank you for being my friend. Hugs and kisses.
Lanie Johnson
Thanks so much for posting this picture! It is so touching.Hi Mario and Carmen!!!Thank you so much for caring so for everyone’s special girl…she loves you all deeply..you will all go down in history together! That’s just the greatest! Welcome to Ky Carmen..it’s an honor to have you!! We are going to have snow on Christmas Day I do believe! Enjoy!! I’m so thankful that Zen has her sweet friends with her! Thank you for all your hard work..you have memories for a lifetime! How wonderful! Have the Best Christmas ever..God bless you and yours.
Yes, Zen, in the end..we take with us after our journey..our friends.All of you have touched my heart throughout this incredible few years. How nice that you can spend relaxing time with all those who love you. Indeed “The Team” love you and will always be there for you. Won’t it be great when you introduce a new little one? Glad too that you have a new “horse” friend there!
Hopefully I can write some tom night…will be busy making my lasagna and homemade rolls most of the day..sauce takes forever!
Merry Christmas to all of you..each one of you has changed the world…literally. Thank you so much…may the Good Lord look down and bless your families and friends…have the peace that He brings.
Goonight Sweet Girl..you mean so much to me..I love you…no other horse has made so many people happy..there are no comparisons. Run free in the snow…keep warm and kisses to you.
Here we are you and me..under the moon..over Ky.. and isn’t it grand!I love you!
Dawn Conrad
Dearest Zenyatta, it is you and each and every wonderful individual that surrounds you who are the gift. You have given us simple joy and we will be forever grateful. For almost four years, I have followed your star. I was never on twitter or facebook and unfortunately never got to meet you in person, but since reading the first postings on this diary, I have had to be a part of it. The feeling is simple joy. A celebration of what can be good and right and true. With Dottie’s help and everyones kindness we can enter the world of Zenyatta each day. A world of great fun and breathtaking beauty. How special is that! We all have challenges, demands,trials and tribulations in our lives that can push the simple joys aside. Health, work, the economy. I have danced with cancer myself a couple of times and have been blessed in the positive outcome. I am facing another possible surgery in the near future, however, and am trying to approach it with my usual optimistic attitude, but every so often those little doubts arise. Your gift of simple joy melts those away, allowing my mind and spirit to leave what might be and return to what is. The wonderful articles, blog responses, stories, pictures and videos that have been shared with us from various sources on this coming of Christmas have been breathtaking and provided the true words and images of peace and joy. The faces of Ann and Jerry and John and Dottie and Mario and Carmen literally glow when they look at you and the depth and expression of your gaze is remarkable. I can’t wait to see you face to face myself Zenny. Thank you all again and may the peace and joy of the season touch your hearts as you have touched mine.
Meredith Gibbs
The best thing about the people who love you is they know where all the best scratch and rub spots are. You look like you are really enjoying yourself. You have given a wonderful gift of yourself to everyone. Your team is really something special. They all deserve every good thing for the way they treat their horses. That is the best gift to the racing world.
Julie June Stewart
Awwwww – look at how doe eyed and sweet Zenyatta’s face is…. she does recognize her beloved Carmen and Mario – this is such a touching photo… thank you!
Ellie Hamblen
That’s really part of the magic of Z- How she ended up going to the perfect group of people. Every one of them has influenced how great she came to be. This is the BEST picture……..Mario and Carmen are AWESOME and very important to Z. I love Mario- he looks so proud, you can tell Z means the world to him. And she just adores him, he is her rock! May they enjoy many more visits together. God bless Z and Team Z and Merry Christmas to all :)