Dear Friends,
Today marks the end of another year! In my lifetime, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have several very wonderful years filled with the love, kindness and thoughtfulness of so many people.
December 31st can also be a day of great reflection. Often people review the year mentally …and the different paths that took place in their lives. For ME, this was definitely a year of CHANGE. My life and career went from one amazing stage to another…from being the very accomplished professional athlete that I was…to now becoming a broodmare. Hopefully, though, throughout all of these life changes for ME one thing has remained constant….that I have continued to be a TRUE FRIEND to ALL OF YOU….the wonderful people who have shared so many of these experiences with ME!
Additionally, 2011 will always mean a great deal to ME personally for another reason… thanks to ALL OF YOU, MY DEAR OWNERS, and MY DEVOTED FRIENDS AT BARN 55….I became the 2010 HORSE OF THE YEAR last January! I will always celebrate this moment and cherish it! In all sincerity, it did mean the world to ME to be recognized for ALL of my racing accomplishments with this honor. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for your part in helping to make it possible!
I know many people are celebrating tonight and making their 2012 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS! Mine are quite simple yet specific….I want to eat right, stay healthy, and become a terrific MOM! I also want to be a loving friend to ALL of YOU and a great role model and inspiration for MY SPORT! It is so special to be able to ‘give something back’. Each of these goals encompasses a very high level of importance to ME!
TASTY and I, TEAM ZENYATTA, BARN 55, and our LANE’S END pals, ALL want to wish EVERY ONE of you a GREAT 2012….blessed with lots of love, great health, happiness, and the joy of realizing your dreams and cherished special moments.
With Love,
Hugs to All~(HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!)
Z
Oh, this is TOO CUTE! We also wanted to start the NEW YEAR with a HIGH HOOF to celebrate our BRAND NEW WEBSITE DESIGN. My dear ‘tech’ friends, TYLER and KYLE, are working on the final details of it at this moment! The site will be down for maintenance for some time on Sunday. Depending on your timezone, the new site will be online Sunday night or Monday morning. I must say, I think it is going to be ONE FUN and VERY EXCITING NEW YEAR!
CHEERS EVERYONE!
dunie
Happy New Year to THE WORLD’s GREATEST!
Lois Gillespie (DE)
A happy New Year to you, beautiful Z, and Tasty,and your family and friends both east and west- This is going to be such an exciting year for you, and for all of us fortunate to be included in your life!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Missed the cut over from #408, so posting this again.
Dear Zenyatta. You look beautiful as ever in your special yearend photo. Sarah is so kind to think of us and share another wonderful picture of you. I am so happy that you are enjoying standing in your favorite spot and watching everything that is going on. TOO CUTE!! I can see that you are surrounded by winter white, so I am glad to hear you and Tasty are toasty and warm in your stalls after dark. Tonight is the night that we take time to remember years gone by and ring in the New Year, Zenny. How fun!! As I was thinking about the coming year, Zenny, many things that you have shown me came to mind and I thought I would share them. You are such a presence in my life and I love you very much!! So here goes! Here is my list of ZENYATTA WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR!!
May we celebrate each moment of life fully, taking pleasure in the simple things (a favorite tree, a nap in the grass) and enjoying the surrounding beauty.
May we remain ever curious and engaged, ears forward, showing interest in whatever is happening.
May joy be present in our day and fun the name of the (hat) game.
May we stay healthy by eating right with lots of fruits, vegetables and grains. A light treat here and there, peppermints are particularly yummy. And of course daily exercise, perhaps a little workout in the morning.
May we show our love with a hug or a kiss and may we truly welcome friends, family and strangers alike, with heartfelt greetings.
May we treasure those in our lives (just like Tasty and Team Z), being there for one another, sharing our time and giving our support.
May we demonstrate great patience always choosing to be kind and generous.
May our lives somehow be “transformative” to others.
May we remain ever positive and do our best, believing in the UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE, never giving up though our way seems blocked and the finish line is far ahead.
May our blessings be many and our trials few, but if disappointment touches our life, may we face it with grace, trusting that for every storm there will be a rainbow and that defeat is only momentary while victory lasts a lifetime.
May we rejoice in being one of God’s children and respect all of his creations with equal measure, continuing to find strength and peace from one very special “angel in disguise” among us.
And finally as the song says, “When we have the choice to sit it out or dance, I HOPE WE DANCE!”
TO JOHN, ANN, JERRY, MIKE, THE BARN 55 CREW, SARAH, DAVID, THE FARISH FAMILY, EVERYONE AT LANE’S END AND ESPECIALLY MY DEAR, FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL DOTTIE MAY THE COMING YEAR GRANT YOU SAFE RACING, MUCH SUCCESS, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING!!! YOU HAVE BROUGHT SUCH JOY TO ME! TO MY REMARKABLE Z-STERS AND FELLOW DUMPLING FAMILY I SEND MY GREATEST HOPES THAT ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!! THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH AN AMAZING PART OF MY LIFE!! TO MY BELOVED ZENYATTA, MAY YOU REMAIN FOREVER BLESSED AND MAY YOUR FOAL BE A BEAUTIFUL REFLEFCTION OF YOU AND BERNARDINI. LOVE TO YOU ALL! SWEET DREAMS. HUGS AND KISSES. XXXOOO
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
@Shari – I am so sorry to hear about Larry. My thoughts and prayers will be with you!!
@Peggy (N) – Dear Sis, how wonderful to hear your good news! What a blessed start to the new year! Our prayers were answered!! My next appointment at the Mayo is still a few months away, thank goodness! I join you in your wishes for good health to all of those who are in need. The power of positive thoughts and prayer is a wonderous thing!
@Patti from South Carolina – I can’t thank you enough for the link to the HRTV special on AP Indy. It was amazing!! I have to admit when Bill Farish teared up talking about him at the end, well my eyes were overflowing also. I spent several hours enjoying all of the Inside Information videos that were available on the link, including the wonderful tribute to John Shear. Thank you again!
@Granny P – Loved hearing from you!! May you stay forever young!
@Abigail – At war with Star War’s and Daisy doings, too fun!!
@Sue Frederick – Just like you and Gracie, I am surrounded each night with Bindi and Sassy. The bed can get a little crowded but they do keep me very warm, physically and in my heart!
@Nancy – So happy you got to visit with everyone at Barn 55, one of the most wonderful places ever!!!
@Barbara Wood – Thanks, Noel is such a cutie!
@To All Who Continue To Share Wonderful Links – Thank you so much!!!
Sue Colvin -NJ
beautifully written post <3. you echo my thoughts perfectly :)
christine from Va
A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO YOU ZENYATTA AND YOUR TEAM BOTH AT BARN 55 AND IN KY
MAY YOU HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR WITH THE BIRTH OF YOUR FOAL. MAY IT BE HEALTHY AND HAPPY LIKE YOU.
Mary
Happy New Year to you Z, your BFF, Tasty, Ann, Jerry, John, Dottie, and all of Barn 55…and Team Zenyatta. Wow…what a wonderful year for you…cannot wait to see what 2012 will bring. I know it will be exciting to see your baby…see you as a mom….and of course Tasty’s baby. I hope Tasty’s owner will share pictures with us as I am sure your owners will share with us. Love and hugs to you Z…bring on 2012. :)
Mary
Oh love seeing you with John….you two have such a connection. But we see you peeping around for that camera….you are just “too cute” Z.
Jan S. in Houston
What a lovely post Ms. Z. Happy New Year..
Suzanne TX/CA
Happy New Year to all. Such excitement to look forward to in 2012
Joyce Groth
Happy and healthy New Year to Barn 55, Lanes End,John, Dottie,The Mosses.and especally Z.
maryann lane
suew/va I totally understand. I gave up watching after Ruffian. I took no notice of TB racing after those tragedies. But somehow Zenyatta drew me in and now I do follow racing. I too worry when I hear “they’re off”. But to not give these horses the chance to do what they were bred to do would eventually lead to the demise of the breed and wonderful horses like Queen Zenyatta. The world would be a much poorer place if our Queen would not have come into it. So I worry until all of them cross the finish line and gallop out. I applaud and honor them for their spirit and their “try” whether they are the first or last to cross the wire. They give their best for their owners and I love each one of them. Happy New Year to all.
Roberta B
Zenyatta and Tasty Happy New Year to each and all thank you for making this site possible.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear Zenyatta. How special to see and John today. You are such a dear friend,Zenny, and your diary entry today is so very beautiful! Reading it brings tears to the eye. I love you so, I think my heart must burst. Looking back on our amazing journey together stirs such emotions. Seeing you crowned 2010 Horse of the Year was the greatest of joys!! Although the midnight chimes have not yet sounded, I believe your resolutions are already accomplished. We know that you will be a wonderful Mother and as to all the rest, well they go without saying. Thank you and Tasty, Team Z, Barn 55 and Lane’s End again for your New Year’s wishes, bless you all for everything!!! The new web design sounds so exciting, I can’t wait to see it. Happy New Year!!! Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
Kay Hawkins
Happy New Year Zenyatta! Love you!
Susan
Heartfelt wishes and love for a peaceful and happy New Year, Zenyatta and all of your team!! You’ve given so much joy to the world! Bless you all!
JSmith CA
Zenyatta, you are already living your New Year Resolutions, and always have been. May 1000’s more be inspired by your example on a daily basis. I was thinking about Santa today, I believe in Santa, he doesn’t have to be one person, or a religious figure, the myth of Santa inspires 1000’s to do good deeds, help others, and spread joy. He brings out the imagination in young and old. I certainly believe in that. You do the same thing, Zenny, therefore, you are like the equine Santa, 365 days a years, changing people for the better. There really is a Santa! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, prosperous, 2012. Horse Hugs to all.
sue and Tony
@Kari, we loved the birthday video! Jan lst. is Zenny’s “official” birthday and that little video was so appropriate.
Zenny, we are anxious to see the new website and are looking forward to a great 2012 when your little Z/B is born.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
@Cynthia H – Your post was beautiful my friend! Thank you for posting Kari’s masterpiece again. There are no words!
@Kari – Love to you!!!
@Shari – I’m so glad the Larry is doing better. I’ll look forward to your call.
Suzanne G (IL)
Dear Zenyatta,
What a wonderful picture to start the new year. Did you notice that you’ve managed to achieve quite a few of your goals already? Best wishes for a Healthy, Happy New Year to you, Tasty, Barn 55, your LE and CA friends and family. We look forward to your new career as a mom in the few months too. Lots of love and hugs. http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=3297832653881&source=jl999
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
@Karen G – You give me so much joy!!!!!
@Barbara Wood – Thank you for your kindness.
Judy Sims in Florida
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all who share the intense love of you, ZENYATTA, the “Horse of a Lifetime!”
Happy Birthday and may your much anticipated foal be born healthy, sturdy and blessed with wings of an angel. You, Dottie, John, Jerry, Ann, Mike and your crews at Barn 55 and Lane’s End have been inspirations to your devoted fans and the entire world of horse racing. May you all continue to prosper in 2012.
Looking forward to your new website.
Special hugs to Sophie and Stella and Violet and your BFF Tasty.
Your next accomplishment in 2012 will be “MOTHER OF THE YEAR!”
Sarah Powell, Clemson, SC
A blessed and happy New Year to all my fellow Z’sters, to all those at Lane’s End and Barn 55, to all of Z’s connections and most especially to the Queen herself and her faithful friend Tasty. To Dottie, a big thank you for bringing us together and providing a place of support, hope and love.
DebraZ
Health, peace, and plenty to all in the New Year. And here’s hoping for a splendid healthy Z baby!
Katie Clawson
Happy New Year my lovely Zenyatta!! I love reading you’re posts everyday, it gives me something else to look forward to!
Eat all of your food & stay safe! I am counting down the days until you’re due date!! Do we have any ideas on NAMES?!
Love, Katie(future jockey)
Wendy Treadaway
Happy New Year, Zenny! Here’s to a wonderful 2012 for you and all your connections!
Linda
You are an inspiration not only to horsedom but to all humanity – your loving spirit and grace are a gift to us all. You are and always will be the Horse of the Century, Z and to you and all who know and love you, the very best in 2012.
Diane Radu
Happy, Happy New Year Queen Z, Tasty, Team-Z, Barn 55 and Lane’s End! You, dear Zenyatta, are the Horse of a Lifetime and I
knew it the moment I met you in Del Mar in 2009! You ARE also a lifetime friend and have blessed us all with your happiness, your greatness, your courage and your love. I so look forward to your beautiful, healthy foal in 2012! Many blessings to you and your wonderful family for a wonderful 2012. XXXXOOOOOO, Diane
Carole #42 Wisconsin
Zenyatta, we will welcome 2012 with you and TT and the Z’sters from this site and all your connections. We love you forever and are looking forward to another year with your posts, and the arrival of little Z/B. New Years eve kisses on your soft nose and TT too. XOXO
Cheryl Harshall
Happy New Year to you and all of your friends. May 2012 bring you nothing but blessings!
Debbie
hi Z! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND ALL!!! YOU have and always will be my HOY, love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo
Sue in Indiana
Happy New Year,Happy Birthday and Thank you Z, Dottie, John, the Mosses and all of Team Z for keeping us up to date on all the goings on with Z’s life and times. Love it!