Happy Wednesday Everyone,
Today is a day of CELEBRATION! Not only am I sending a HIGH HOOF to my horse pal, RAPID REDUX, for his win #21 in a row yesterday at Laurel, I am also sending one to my dear friend, Michelle, at Barn 55.
Rapid Redux’s victory yesterday has him tied for the modern-day United States record for wins in a single season…19. He tied CITATION who accomplished this in 1948 and Roseben who established this record in 1905. What a wonderful achievement. Congratulations, RAPID REDUX!
As for my dear BARN 55 friend, MICHELLE, she has just completed her MASTERS’ DEGREE in “Marriage and Family Counseling”. Throughout the last several weeks, in particular, she has been incredibly busy….working at the barn…and then studying for her COMPS. YEAH…the results are in and she passed beautifully. I AM SO, SO, SO PROUD OF HER! All of my dear friends who have worked with Michelle during the last several years are as well! This is very special!
When I was at BARN 55, Michelle was not only one of MY JOHN’S assistants…but she also studied massage therapy (human and equine) for 3 years. Thus, she was my personal masseuse while I was in training. Michelle and I spent countless one-to-one hours together. I must say…I enjoyed every moment with her….and I hope she felt the same about ME!
At this time, Michelle must complete a required number of hours applying her skills as a type of ‘practical training’. This is required by the STATE of CALIFORNIA for her to officially be LICENSED as a Marriage and Family Counselor. She is actively doing this right now…working with people on the ‘backside’ (meaning all people who work at the racetrack)…under the guidance of the Winners’ Foundation and it’s staff. The latter organization provides a place where people who work at the racetrack can go and get the proper ‘help’ of various types one might need in life. This assistance is provided at NO COST to the backside employees. It is truly a wonderful source of guidance, counseling, and help for so many individuals at a time in their lives when it is deeply needed.
On another note, Michelle is also a very accomplished rider. One of her wishes before I left Barn 55 for my ‘new career’ was to RIDE ME!
WISH GRANTED as you can see in this photo! MY JOHN said that she and I could take a ‘tour of the barn area’ together the day before I left for Lane’s End. SUCH FUN MEMORIES!
Cheers to RAPID REDUX!
YEAH and a HUGE HIGH HOOF to my dear friend, Michelle!
They both are achieving such special goals!
Have a wonderful day!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Sally B. (Wi)
@Happy Harriet; I got my Register too! I called them as I thought it was a mistake, as last year though I received the Bloodhorse, I never received one. Bernadini!! Yes!!! Another one, I personally saw at Air Drie Stud, was Brother Derek. He was in his paddock, standing so erect, looking over yonder at another of his kind. I was free to go wherever so I fed Brother D. couple peppermints and couple carrots. He is very handsome !! But Bernadini shares the likeness to A.P. Indy and his pedigree seems awesome. I’m just learning. Brother Derek seems to have a good pedigree too. You probably know more than I.
Debbie
hi Z! Congratulations to both Michelle and Rapid Redux!!! Love the photo of YOU and Michelle! YOU have a great day with Tasty YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo
Sally B. (Wi)
@Terry Crow; Thanks! and for the info. I will let her know; you can post too again to her. We are good friends. We will duke it out. She had moved and is 90 miles from me, so I am safe for now until I see her. haha
debbie
hi everyone, just thought if you had not heard yet that Strike The Gold died of a heart attack yesterday in Turkey. Sea Hero is now the oldest Derby winner still alive. My condolences to all of his connections. Zenny, i love you.
carol in utah
good day beautiful lady…hope you and tt are both warm and comfy…noticed cigar is outside without a coat….must be warmer there today…congrats to michelle and to rapid redux…both have achieved very good things…but RIP to Strike the Gold and to Ryan’s Gold…one a champion the other with the heart of a champion
Karen Gogue
Whoop! Congratulations Michelle Jensen! What a lovely lady you were to all who visited the Queen at Barn 55 – and after her departure. Always willing to answer any and all questions and to help those waiting for a photo with Zenny. Not an easy task to keep Z’s throngs of visitors happy and smiling….but Michelle YOU always had that pretty smile and kind word at the ready, and made the Z experience all the more enjoyable….thank you, and I know you will succeed in life no matter where it takes you. But, please don’t leave Barn 55 – We love you!
dunie
HIGH HOOF to you, dear ZENNY!
Jeanie
@All Z’ISTERS
Don’t mean to be repetitive, but is anyone from the state of Nebraska? Does anyone know anyone who lives in the state of Nebraska? In particular, in or around Omaha?
Jeanie
sharon in seattle
RIP Strike the Gold
Carole #42 Wisconsin
High hoof to the accomplishments of Michele and Rapid Redux. What does it feel like to sit on the Queen. Kisses to Z. and TT on your soft noses, and take care of your babies. XOXO
Pam Zacek,
Hig hoofs to them both, and wow, you can sure tell now, with that one picture, Zen your with a baby, its so cute, to see you then and now, High hoofs, to all you special friends, and to you all so, You are sure the special one, and thanks Dottie for another wonderful diary,
Bridget
Wow, is Michelle blessed to have ridden you! A dream of a lifetime…
Bridget
Yes, as someone said, Zenyatta and her team gave us the ride of our lifetime! Peppermint hugs, Z
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Way to go, Michelle. You are a wonder-woman! What an accomplishment, and what a rewarding career to pursue. I know you will make a difference in many lives.
@RR–high hooves to you too! Great accomplishment.
@Terry Crow–keep ’em coming.
@Trina N.–thank you for the mention of Panhandle Equine Rescue. I gave another donation when I thought about the Christmas season and the donkey who took Mary and Jesus to Bethlehem–made my donation for the rescue donkeys in his honor.
On a lighter note, the Horse and Man blog has two heartwarming stories today:
http://www.horseandman.com
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Jeanie–I have friends here in Waco who moved here from Omaha a few years ago. They both graduated from Baylor, but also have season tickets to Nebraska football games! They still have many contacts, if that would help you. Hugs.
Past the Grandstand
Congratulations, Michelle! That’s great. And what a wonderful wish to have granted!
Kari Bussell/sending prayers & love from Tn.
My Queen,
Of course Michelle was granted her wish! YOU are the answer to all our dreams and your connections love making dreams of you come true! You and Michelle look so great in this photo. Please thank Mr. Shirreffs for sharing it with us!
Congratulations Michele!!!
Congratulations Rapid Redux!!!
Peg
You’re a very nice horse, Z. I know Michelle appreciated her ride on you.
D Stuart
@All: Oh my. Stallion Register arrived last night – hunka-hunka burnin’ love!
Am I a redneck if I drool all over the the Stallion Register first, then the Jockey calendar?
@You might be a California Redneck if your surfboard has Dale Earnhardt decals all over it.
@You might be an Arizona Redneck if you know a haboob is dirty, but not a dirty word.
diastu in tempe
tony and sue
Zenny, you bring tears to our eyes everytime we read this diary. tears of happiness though…never sad ones. Cheers to your Michele who got to finally ride her Queen!
Carolyn
Oh what I would give for the opportunity that Michelle had! What a thrill to ride Zenyatta!
Delrene from Carlsbad - (California)
I join in my congratulations to Michelle for her achievements. The thrill of riding on Zenyatta and degree. Zuperb!!
and Rapid Redux – Congratulations to you and those that take good care of you!!! Zenyatta/Dottie … What would we do without your daily dose of good news. I must say please check out Horse and Man today for three wonderful stories of Hope!!! and happiness.
Love to all
Karen Gogue
Diana S.
You STILL ARE a Z redneck! <3
Karen Gogue
Diana S.
You STILL ARE a Z redneck EVEN if you drool! <3
Annie
Congratulations to Michelle and Rapid Redux! Both are wonderful accomplishments. And how about The Tatling? 176 starts is an amazing thing and to go out with a win in such exciting fashion is the icing on the cake. Have a wonderful day!
Glenna
How wonderful, i am so proud of my bestest buddy. Michelle is one of the truly nice people in this world and John and his crew are very lucky to have her.
WILD HORSES
Love love love love love love love love love you Big Z. Now and forever!!!!!!!!!
Lori
ZENYATTALOVERAMY.
WOW!!!!! shes lucky!! and way to go redoux!!! LOVE YA ZEN!
from your biggest fan amy.
Barbara Grimaldi and Little Juliet from NJ
Trina: I agree–this is the season of giving, and Barbara Wood, if we can help mini horses and burros and donkeys avoid starvation–let’s do it!
I’ll bet there are hundreds of Zenyatta fans who see the photo of Michelle with Z who would give anything to have that chance…lucky Michelle.
I lost my cat Daisy two years ago this month…it’s taken me time, but I’ve adopted a two-year-old tiny sweetheart named Juliet from the shelter. She’s 8 pounds with perfect gray/blue and white markings. I don’t know how to attach a photo of her to Zenny’s page, but I just wanted to share this little adoption with more friends. I’ve been smiling ever since I signed the papers! She comes to her forever home next week!
darlene
Must be awesome to have gotton to ride the Queen sad though that she will never be ridden again so happy Z is doing great I just Prey they dont breed her every year it is not good to do so just be happy dear Z love ya.