Good Morning,
Last year, on this very date, was my first full day living in Lexington, Kentucky….at Lane’s End Farm. Here is MY JOHN walking ME around in the area right by my new barn. He was helping ME in the acclimation process to my new world. We were both so cozy and warm in our wonderful winter jackets enjoying quality time together…just as we had done so many times during the prior 5 years.
MEMORIES….they are truly something to hold dear! A charming friend of Dottie’s who was a very talented artist, Joy, used to always comment to her that “MEMORIES ARE ONE’S BEST PAINTINGS”!
It has been a fabulous year….and I am blessed in so many ways.
One very special way, which I deeply treasure is ALL of YOU. I am still in awe of how many special and loving FRIENDS I have….from all over the world.
Just yesterday, MY JOHN received a FAN LETTER from a 10 year old American girl, Tessa Mc Dowell, who lives in Moscow, Russia. She loves horses and horse racing. To quote Tessa, “I especially love the beautiful mare you trained, ZENYATTA. She is one amazing horse; one of the greatest ever.”
Tessa wanted to know all about ME….what it was like to train ME… how I was as a race horse and how I am doing now. This is so special. I feel very touched for several reasons. As I mentioned earlier in this Diary posting…I AM BLESSED IN SO MANY WAYS.
Additionally, as today marks my one year anniversary living at the farm, I’d also like to thank LANE’S END and ALL of the wonderful people here who have worked so hard to make this transition to my new ‘MOM-TO-BE’ life so relaxing and enjoyable for ME. To Charles, Matt, Sarah, and Donna….a special HIGH HOOF to each of you for all that you do for ME each day!
I am truly one very fortunate HORSE!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(A special HELLO to Tessa in Moscow!)
Z
Karen Gogue
Birthday gal Dawn
You never fail to leave me speechless with your elegant eloquent posts…bless you dear friend as you are treasured also….
Allie in Texas
Zenyatta, your love and caring transcend all geographical borders. You unite people from all corners of the world. You are so special. Z, you are an ambassador of kindness and though Jerry and Ann own you, it’s as if the whole world has adopted you. Have a peaceful season.
Susan from Fl
Happy 1 year to you! Peace & Happiness always to u Z!
dunie
Got to see and touch you the day you arrived in Ky. Will never forget! Joy to you always, dear QUEEN!
Karen Gogue
Jeanie ‘lucky ducky’ you!! heehee LOL! I LOVE IT! And I love and miss you Zenny! Horsey Kisses – remember? I always said that to you when I’d see you and you seemed to respond with a gentle nudge of your soft nose, wanting kisses..one day I will tell you that again my sweets…
Especially Horses / California
Zeny, it was so hard to say good-bye to your racing career. While you will always exude beauty and grace, to know that we would never again witness the display of “Zenyatta the magnificent athlete, radiating racing power in every inch of her God created body”….well we were left with aching hearts. We realize that every book has a new chapter; every season is surpassed by the next; so while the transition has been bittersweet we are so grateful that your connections have eased the passage by their kindness of sharing you with us to this day. Dottie has expertly treated the process of change like two sections of a musical composition…from racing crescendo to hoofs that rock the cradle!
Jan S. in Houston
Zenyatta,
Yes Z, you are blessed in so many ways, as we are blessed to have you in our lives. Can’t wait to see a picture of your wiggly belly. :-) Keep warm and cozy Big Mama.
@ Tessa in Moscow. Welcome..
JAG ~ Zenny's Auntie Judy / So. CA
Hummmm Cold Hoofs ~ Warm Heart! :-P
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Hi Mamma Zen!! Happy Hump-Baby-Bump-Wiggle-Giggle Day!! YOU are always just TOO CUTE!
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A whisper into your tummy ~ Dear precious Baby Girl or Boy: March 9th, Sweetie! May God bless you with a safe beginning into our world. You have the most Loving and Beautiful Mommy!! Xo
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@ Dottie and John ~ thank you for sharing this beautiful photo of Our Queen ~ SMILE SMILE SMILE :D
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Auntie Judy
JAG ~ Zenny's Auntie Judy / So. CA
REMEMBRANCE DAY ~ PEARL HARBOR. Rest in peace.
Leslie Bonnette
This morning a year ago – I was still thawing out after waiting to see you at Keeneland. It was a thrilling evening – but so very cold – and when you arrived for us to see you and bid you the best in your retirement – WHAT COLD????
Shari Voltzfrom Ohio
Dear Zenyatta Happy Anniversary. I remember that day well. Look at all the snow. You and John look so happy. Thank you for letting us be in Your life. I will love you always. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@ Hi Sweet Dawn Happy Happy Birthday!!!!
Jenna
Zenyatta is loved far and wide.
My goodness…one year. And baby will be here in two shakes!
Libby Sneed-Lexington,Ky
Yes,Z, I remember fondly one year ago yesterday, standing out in the 22degree weather with snow coming down, waiting for you to arrive at Keeneland. You arrived and I was close enough to reach out and touch you!! You were so beautiful and tall; it was the thrill of a lifetime!! Thank you for all the pleasure you have brought to my life!!
Lori
I love this photo. You look so pretty in the snow. I’m so glad you are happy in your new home!
Katie
I can’t believe it’s been a year! Look at all that SNOW! I love how happy you are. It brings a smile to my face :) I know we all can’t wait to see your wittle baby! March will be here before we know it! Love you Z.
The Kennedys in San Diego
AWESOME MARIA
Barbara Grimaldi/NJ
Karen Gogue, I am with you today, remembering Pearl Harbor. When you approach the Arizona Memorial, all talking in the boats stop and it’s as if you are on sacred ground. And on all sides, the great Arizona is still leaking oil that comes to the surface in tiny burps. The day I was there was a day when one sailor was being buried with his shipmates in the AZ and divers went down to put his urn securely in the hull. Flowers and leis floated on the aquamarine water…yes, today, the day of infamy…how i wish the world would learn its lessons from its history
The Kennedys in San Diego
AWESOME MARIA clocks her first work since last June –3 furlongs in 38:07 Breezing.
Chris Balmes
Zenyatta is so lucky to have a new friend – Tessa in Moscow! You will love hearing all about her every day – we all do! I can’t believe it has been a year – almost every day this site brings tears to my eyes and chills me all over – but in such a beautiful way! Hi Z!
Cheryl
Love your touching and informative updates. It is hard to believe a year has passed. You are always close to us in our hearts! Love you forever!
The Kennedys in San Diego
Zenyatta is now at about Day 240 in foal. At this point, the fetus is “about the size of a small lamb, has whisker-like hairs on its chin, throat and muzzle.”
JAG ~ Zenny's Auntie Judy / So. CA
@ Kim S in Tampa FL
Thank you for the compliment on post 391 regarding my entry for the Z statue. Trying to express my deep feelings of Zenyatta on a tiny standard size post card (in one paragraph) was almost impossible ~ to say the least, but I tried, just like everyone else!
JAG ~ Zenny's Auntie Judy / So. CA
@ The Kennedys
BAAAAA (just kidding!) ;-)
Auntie Judy
Kimberly Potter/Montana
My Beautiful Zenyatta~ It is us who are blessed! You are a true treasure in our lives. I love you Big Girl…and am so excited about the birth of your foal. It’s just around the corner!
Love Always~
Your #1 fan in Montana!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z, Dottie and Z Fans:
Can’t believe how quickly the year has flown by. Very exciting to think the baby will be here in just a few months. So glad your whole experience at Lane’s End has been so wonderful for you. Love you and love to all of you. Judy and Russ
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Terry Crow:
So glad you are OK and to see you posting again. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear DJ:
Glad your back. Love and Hugs, JB
Sharman Woll
Happy Anniversary Z, I am so glad your being so well cared for and shared with all of us out here who love you so much!!! Interesting, today is also Pearl Harbor Day – another very historical day in our history !!! How neat, to share such a special anniversary – but fitting because your Positive Warmth and Grace from you and your Team – is such a Blessing to SO MANY PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD NOW !!! Two very important things, in the history of our country!!! One, very sad……..but One Very HAPPY an that is the JOY of ZENYATTA an all the wonderful things you have brought into our lives this past couple of yrs with your shared racing career and your Wonderful Owners and Team and all they do for so many people and animals !!! You guys are SUCH A BLESSING to ME and so many more. THANK YOU from the BOTTOM OF MY HEART for sharing Z with us, you have NO IDEA How Much It Means to me at this point in my life !!! I am 57, and I feel You are all Family now. God Bless You Z and Dotti and John, an the entire Team around you Z. Thanks for everything you guys do!!! With Love an Hugs to all of you, but Kisses for Zenny!
!!! :)
Katie Clawson
Dear Zenyatta,
I (and several others who have commented) remember where we were a year ago. At Keeneland in the below freezing weather waiting for you to arrive! It was well worth the wait and the numbness in my fingers so that I could get at least ONE last glimpse of you before you went off to Lane’s End. That was the only time I ever got to see you and I desperately hope that I will be able to see you again.
I remember that day like it was yesterday! We were all waiting and waiting and waiting. Finally we hear, “The Queen is on the grounds.” I will never forget that. I saw the lights on your van and when I saw where they were going, I and my little sister, ran to follow it. I was right there when you stepped off the van, as you walked to your stall filled with straw and when we were all told to leave the barn. The thing that topped it ALL off was when I got a picture with MIKE SMITH! I saw him just as we were all supposed to go away. My hands were shaking. He saw my knitted hat that says “Zenyatta” and said to someone “Hey, look at that!” That was my chance to get a hug from him, so I did! I was starting to cry because I was so happy!! I didn’t want to annoy him so I walked away. He called after me and asked if I wanted a picture. I couldn’t believe it, I couldn’t even speak! I just nodded my head and said, “Yes.”
If I was thinking clearly, I would have asked if I could see you, but my mind was completely flustered. I also would have told him that I want to be a jockey! I get upset about that to this day.
Will I have the chance to see you again, Zenyatta?
I love you with all my heart,
Katie(future jockey)
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Jean:
Thank you for the lovely Christmas card to Russ and me. Couldn’t make out the return address, so this is my Christmas Card to you. Love and Hugs, JB