Happy Monday!
What an incredible weekend! So many fun and exciting things happened here in Kentucky…and the World of Sports! It is amazing how much can take place in just a few days! I hope your weekend was equally enjoyable!
Firstly, I want to wish MATT, my dear friend here at Lane’s End, a HAPPY “BELATED” BIRTHDAY! His actual birthday was on Saturday…and we all had a great time sharing it with him. He is such a special friend to ME and always so attentive to my every wish. I can’t THANK HIM enough and truly wish him a fabulous year in every regard! YEAH, MATT!
I’d also like to send a note of CONGRATULATIONS to my racing friend and colleague, RACHEL ALEXANDRA, on the birth of her first foal…a bay colt by Curlin. Per all of the reports we are reading this morning, she foaled January 22nd at 2:40 EST and all went very well for both MOM and FOAL. They say the baby ‘resembles’ his Mother. How cute is this! Heartfelt wishes to ALL involved with this lovely colt…and his dear Mom, Rachel Alexandra!
It is really something to ponder…the circle of life. Here we are, Rachel Alexandra and I….both such accomplished race horses…each honored by being named HORSE OF THE YEAR in consecutive years…and now to be broodmares at the same time. Rachel Alexandra has now foaled a healthy, 125 pound colt….and I’m due in several weeks. It is truly something to think about…how each stage of life has such special and unique qualities to enjoy, reflect upon, and appreciate.
I must say, I think the saying…”TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES” does have a very deep meaning.
To the PRO-FOOTBALL TEAMS who played so hard yesterday to make each of the Divisional Championship games so exciting for all of us…THANK YOU for 2 thrilling games. Congratulations to each team on a wonderful season…and to the victors a special HOORAY! Next weekend is the Pro-Bowl and the following week…the SUPER BOWL! It will be so much fun during the next few weeks to follow the New England Patriots and the New York Giants on their paths to the BIG GAME!
To all of my HORSE RACING pals…who won and or ran well over the weekend…a big HIGH HOOF to each of you. The 3 year old divisions, involving all of the Kentucky Derby and Oaks preps, are starting to really ‘heat up’ now. This is all SO EXCITING!
Here’s wishing you a lovely week!
With Love, Hugs to All~
Z
Debbie
hi Z! Happy Monday to YOU!!! Happy belated Birthday to Matt!! and Congratulations Rachel and Curlin;) Yes, the weekend was very full of excitement, I was disappointed that Amazombie scratched at Santa Anita but for the best, congratulations to Lady of Fifty and Mr. Bowling and all!, the football yesterday was extremely exciting! Good luck to the Patriots and Giants! YOU and Tasty have a wonderful Monday, enjoy each other before YOU and she get busy with YOUR little ones;) Love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo
Gloria Jeanne in the "O.C." SO CAL
Happy Birthday Matt
Congrat to the NY Giants and the NE Pats – can’t wait for the SuperBowl
Keri Mattingly
Happy Belated Birthday Matt! We are all so excited that Rachel Alexandra is doing well and has a beautiful new colt! He is very handsome. Can’t wait to see your bundle of joy Z!! I’m sure that you will be a wonderful Mom too!!!!
Chris Balmes
Hi Z: Happy Birthday to your wonderful friend Matt! And, congratulations to Rachel – her foal is adorable – love his white marking on his face and it just makes it all more exciting to await your baby…………….can’t wait to see the first picture of the two of you together! Love the picture of Rachel and her foal touching noses………………….Also can’t wait to see Tasty’s foal as well. Wonder who will be first – you are Tasty? Thanks every day to Matt and Sarah and many others at the Farm for their special attention to Z and Tasty. Enjoy your day………………………….
Ronni
Happy Belated Birthday Matt!! Congrats to Rachel Alexandra and her connections on the birth of her colt!! There are some very cute pics of him, especially loved the first kiss pic! Next up, you and Tasty!!! Looking forward to your little ones making their entrance into the world!
Elizabeth in NM
ZENNY, You are the cutest Momma – coming over to the camera to give us all of the news! Thank you, Sarah for the wonderful photo!
Happy Birthday, Matt! Thank you for all you do to care for ZENNY.
It’s so nice to get all of the most recent news here! Congratulations to Rachel Alexandra and her new colt! This is such an exciting time of year, with new little lives coming!
Praying for all Mommas and Babies coming, especially YOU, ZENNY and Baby Z!
LT
You’re next Zenny, and may I say you’ve filled out nicely. High Hooves…
Jeanne from Texas
Hi Zennie…..was reading your post this morning and it came to me if you’ve had one of those “sonograms” that tells the sex of the baby? Just wondered. Seems like if they can do it on us, they could surely do it for you too! Just a weird thought! Saw a piece about Ebloussante yesterday morning on HR-TV. I really enjoyed it, she doesn’t look as big as you but a beautiful mare all the same. Make sure our grand photographer, John, is on hand when you start to foal, so we can have lots and lots of pictures!!! God’s blessings to you all; thank you for all you do for all of us out here in horse-land!
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
Eblouissante is *almost* as tall as her sister :)
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Yes, they can do it on horses. It was known that both RA and her stablemate would be having colts. Someone noted awhile back that the Mosses choose NOT to know ahead of time.
signofthetimes
The Mosses don’t sex type any of their mares.
Andrea
I am glad they don’t. It is so much better to be surprised. Even though they might not know for quite awhile!
Beth Alexander
Yes I was very excited to hear about Rachel and her colt – they are both beautiful! Anxiously awaiting the birth of Z & B’s foal soon……….I just want you to have a healthy foal and you to be safe as well. Happy belated birthday to Matt and thanks for all of Lane’s End for taking care of our Z. Love you always!
Nancy
I didn’t know horses cared about football. I stand corrected.
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
LOL!
What, you never saw the ad in which the Budweiser Clydesdales play football?
Zenyatta has many interests that are unusual for a horse, but then she is a remarkable horse. She is a big Dodgers fan — they even used her in an ad campaign.
Andrea
This Is My Town…great campaign! Billboards all over LA freeways. Different celebs and personalities on those billboards. Our Z was one of them!
Janet Newman
Passing on the birthday wishes to your Matt. Congratulations to Rachel A/Curlin and all their connections on the birth of their colt. He is a cutie, but I have to say his white socks to his back legs are Daddy’s. Now we will have to see what RA and Bernardini produce next year. I am very excited to see your little one Z. Whenever he or she arrives will be fine and I pray for your safe delivery as well as Tasty’s. I know you will be a great Mama.
Randy
I remember when your due date seemed so far in the distant future and now it’s almost here. Rachel and her foal are so sweet together and soon we’ll be seeing pictures like that of YOU and your little filly/colt. I hope you and Tasty have a wonderful day in your equine paradise because that’s exactly what it looks like… just breathtaking. Happy Belated Birthday to Matt… hope he had a great day on Saturday. And for what it’s worth Zenny, I think you’re having a girl.
Jan S. / Houston
Zenyatta,
You’re looking good as ever. HAPPY BD MATT……Congratulations to Ms. Rachael. Her
baby boy is adorable. Waiting in anticipation for your new baby to arrive. Yes, great football games yesterday. Take care Big Mama and say Hi to Ms. Tasty. Any recent
pics on E. xoxo.
Sharyn - Vermont
What a busy weekend it has been – RA colt is so cute – loved the pictures of the two of them! Surely we all can’t wait to see your baby – so exciting!!
Happy Birthday to Matt and thank you Matt for all the special care you give Zenyatta!
And lastly, congratulations to the Patriots and Giants for two very exciting games……
Enjoy you day and DO take time to smell the roses!!
Shannon From Cool
Wow! Looks like the 2015 Kentucky Derby could be very promising should Rachel A’s colt make it to the starting gate. But what would be better then having YOUR foal be there too.
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
I have the feeling Zenny’s baby is going to be a “late bloomer” just like her and E. So maybe not a Kentucky Derby winner but possibly a Breeders’ Cup winner! Then again, neither foal might end up at that level of performance; that’s part of what makes racing so exciting … the next big horse can come from anywhere!
signofthetimes
So very true Julie, Champions are so few and far
Between; Street Cry has 4 or 5 after breeding 100
+ mares per year since 2004
Andrea
So true! It really is something unknown, as the song goes! Who can explain heart! But, if anyone can pass it on, Zenyatta and RA are the ones to do it!
Linda
Can’t wait to see your baby. Rachel Alexander’s colt is beautiful.
Shanda Hooton
Oh Z……congrats to Rachael A. and her new Curlin foal….he is a dandy. With that said his birth just made me soooooo excited for you to give birth. I cannot wait to get word of this miraculous day!!! Waiting anxiously……take care and get lots of rest! Love you!
Jeanie
CALLING ALL Z’ISTERS
MARLENE DODGE HAS PUT OUT AN ALERT REGARDING SIX HORSES STANDING IN THE RAIN AND SLUSH AT THE NEVADA FEED LOT. SHE HAS POSTED PHOTOS AND THEY ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL. PLEASE HELP MARLENE RESCUE THESE DEAR SOULS FROM CERTAIN DEATH AS THEY WILL BE SHIPPED TO A SLAUGHTER HOUSE IN CANADA WITHOUT OUR HELP. THEIR SHIP DATE IS JANUARY 28, SO WE ONLY HAVE FIVE DAYS. PLEASE GO TO http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com TO DONATE TOWARD THE $2,550 WE NEED TO RESCUE THIS GROUP. IN THIS GROUP ARE A LOVELY PALOMINO MARE, A 2-YEAR OLD PAINT FILLY, A 4-YEAR OLD QUARTER HORSE GELDING, A YEARLING BLACK FILLY, A CREMELLO MARE AND A STUNNING MALE SORREL YEARLING. HOW SAD, ISN’T IT, THAT WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT YEARLINGS AND 2-YEAR-OLDS SENT TO SLAUGHTER WHEN THEIR LIVES ARE JUST BEGINNING. PLEASE HELP IN ANY WAY YOU CAN. THANK YOU!
YOUR HUMBLE J
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Thank you, Jeanie. I already sent a donation. It would be wonderful if people could help out a little in honor of RA and her new little one. We could do the same for Zenny later.
DMCQ
Great idea Barbara!
Darlene Daniels
My check is on the way. Great idea Barbara. We cant really buy “baby gifts” but we could send money in their honor. I love that.
Stephanie in San Diego
Pay Pal…whatever did we do before you? Love the idea of a donation as a baby gift for new little Rachel Boy.
Marshall (in NC)
Jeanie,
Just sent a donation to Valley View! Hope we can save and help these sweet creatures!
Thanks for the alert. All the Best!
Gloria Jeanne in the "O.C." SO CAL
Rachel Alexandra
First video of my baby.
http://www.stonestreetfarms.com/info/wp-content/uploads/First-steps-small.wmv
http://www.stonestreetfarms.com
Video of the Colt – now this is way cute.
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
Awww, that is so cute! She keeps close watch over him, doesn’t he?
I love his little socks.
Kimberly Potter/Montana
Gloria Jeanne~ Thank you for the video! TOO CUTE!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Ooooh! How precious! Thanks for sharing the video. I am always amazed at how so many people “find” these things – it must be in knowing where to look!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Gloria Jeanne – This was wonderful, thank you so much! You can certainly see Rachel and Curlin represented in this little foal. It was lovely to see how much she was already caring for him!
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
She seems to be fascinated by him.
Vickie A Dana Point
HOW CUTE! Thank you – I am so happy for them – she sure seems to be taking to being a Mommie!
Mary / Lynchburg, VA
That is so sweet about Rachel having a colt…….yes how your lives have changed…..going through all the different stages in our lives is so much fun….might have a few bumps along the way….but mostly a lot of joy. You will love being a mom. I know I love being a mom to my two sons….they are grown now….but still close with them. My 27 year old called me Sat night at midnight and said mom can you talk….have something I need advice on. I loved that moment. It is great to be needed……and Z…..you will have a little one soon who will need you…….and you will love it. Hugs to you Z….. beautiful Queen!!!
Margaret
Happy Belated Birthday to Matt! Thank you for all the time you take with Z. Grooming and feeding her. Checking her out making sure all is as it should be. A huge responsibility and one that you do so very well. Sincere thanks hardly seems enough for all you do.
Congrats to Rachel. I heard the news yesterday sitting at Kansas City Airport. I sadly didn’t see the pics til last night. Such excitement. Baby looks wonderful. I hope to see video soon of baby bouncing around with mom.
This will probably be a quiet time for both Rachel and her baby. This is that time for bonding. She may be monitored via closed circuit tv. In a day or two they’ll be let out (maybe today since baby was born on Sat).
This is the most AMAZING time you will see. A spindly foal, one that has trouble finding its legs and balance and within hours that baby is running around–at least has the capability. That first time standing–no fears. Baby will try several times and fall each time. Baby may rest between. No fears. Baby is a bit shell shocked. He was inside mom, nice and warm and now he’s in this totally strange environment! Somehow he has to find his feet, get that first milk (this is where people might step in and offer quiet reassurance and help).
People may offer help to dry off foal, but they’ll let mom do most of the work. All that nuzzling triggers hormones and bonding stuff. The nuzzling stuff may trigger baby’s tummy that he’s hungry–to help him go find that nourishment.
This is the MOST AMAZING time to be allowed to watch. Absolute magic.
I know this isn’t thoroughbreds but Beth Freeland Gypsy Vanner horses (you can find links over at Marestare.com) is a great place to watch this. You can see how protective mom is. And all the magic that having a baby is.
Please note for any kids that might be here–please get your parents permission before going there. You can watch live births but some parents may object for whatever reason they have. So please be respectful of your folks and their feelings.
Watch for any video they release for Rachel. Everything you see is what Zenyatta will experience.
This is the magic of what miracle of life is. Forget biology and all the science. It doesn’t apply when you watch all the bonding stuff. It doesn’t apply as you watch a baby learning where its legs are the first time. And learning about balance. Finding mom’s teats for that first meal. Watching mom nuzzle baby and whuffle. You will be absolutely mezmerize!
Happy Monday to all!
Keta
What a wonderful description of those moments after a foal is born!
That is why this site is so great–It is shared love & shared eduation.
Thank you, Margaret
And, Happy Birthday to Matt who will be there to share the magic!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Margaret – Thank you for sharing your wonderful description of such a special time. Loved it!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
High hoof, Margaret!
Kim
Zenny-I couldn’t sleep last night and it wasn’t due to the storms we had here in Central KY. Hope you and Tasty weathered the storms o.k. I was hyper excited about Rachel’s baby. I simply can’t wait until yours is born. I’m betting on a little filly for you. When your baby is born, I may just jump over the moon!! This is indeed a very exciting time for you, Rachel, and Tasty. One down, two to go.
Have a great day Zenny.
Love you, big mare
Kiim
Debbie G/Kentucky
I’m with you Kim! The storms didn’t bother me last night. I was just so excited about RA having her baby I couldn’t sleep either! I wonder how Rachel’s BFF Hot Dixie Chick is doing. She was due at the same time as Rachel. If I’m this excited about Rachel, it’s scary to think about how I’ll react when Zenny has her baby!
Abigail from Montreal
Hi Zenny, Dottie, TT, Babies & Zen-sters:
I got home from walking Daisy to this news about Rachel and her new baby boy! He did look like a bay in the very first photos but today he’s most definitely a chestnut. But his face is his mama’s, don’t you think? I’m just knocked out by how wonderful it is to have telecommunications today and how immediate the news of Rachel’s first born feels! This must also be great for human families — I mean, I could have SKYPE-D with my grandparents once a week & when/if I have grand-babies, it will be even more amazing.
I think it must be magical to be with Rachel & her foal today. Just to be able to watch all that tenderness and wonder. I’m SO HAPPY for her and all of her connections!
This is getting EXCITING, Ms. Zenyatta ….. in a few weeks, that fuzzy baby will be yours & Bernie’s. and I just KNOW that we’ll get movies, because Ann & YOUR JOHN will have their cameras-in-hand. Can’t wait!!!
Happy Birthday, Matt. Thank you so much for taking such great care of our big girl!
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
What an exciting weekend Zenny. Happy belated birthday to your Matt, please tell him we love all the care and affection he gives you. Thank you Sarah for the photo and It seems that I’ve not thanked Dottie for quite some time for her dedication in putting all your thoughts into words for us. Rachel’s foal is adorable, a star and two socks, and so considerate to arrive in the afternoon. Your paddock looks a bit frosty in the photo and you are looking quite round. Take care of yourself and keep warm and toasty. Hugs and kisses to you and Tasty.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Brenda,
I left you a note on #422
Sandy
Keta
Hi Brenda
I notice the Ontario and wondered if you knew anyone who could help with this.
Yes, I did post this earlier today. But, with all the Rachel excitement it could be overlooked
If not, I do understand. Thanks
This was tweeted by Jen Rotz of Three Chimneys Farm on Sunday Jan 22nd
Can someone please recommend a good equine rescue/rehab facility near Ottawa, Ontario?
Here is her FB link
http://www.facebook.com/ThreeChimneys#!/profile.php?id=151202009
Thought Z’s group might have an answer
Happy Monday!
zenyattaloveramy!
Yay! for rachel! so excited for about her baby! Love him so much already! Thanks for the update zeny! love ya! FROM YOUR BIGGEST FAN AMY.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Hey big Mama, and boy you are getting big, you look marvelous and so matronly. Soon it will be your day to shine with a brand new bundlye of joy. We are all so anxious for that day to come. Meanwhile, let us bask in the joy of Rachel’s new baby and how beautiful these new little ones are. I would just love to throw my arms around him and squeeze him. He looks like mama without the white strip and what a nice little body he has.
I also want to add my Happy Birthday wishes to your loyal caretaker Matt for being the best at what he does!
Kisses on your nose and TT too
Kimberly Potter/Montana
A big HIGH HOOF and congratulations to Rachel Alexandra and Curlin and their strapping colt. What a beauty he is! Just watched the video that Gloria Jeanne posted, and Momma RA is so very attentive.
Zenyatta~ the anticipation for your Baby is almost to much to bare….the count down begins…. I love you Beautiful Girl!!!
Happy Birthday Matt~ Thank you from the bottom o my heart for all you do for OUR QUEEN!
LOVE and HUGZ to ALL
~Kimberly
Alene
Hi Zenny..great weekend ! I was so excited to hear about Rachel. It`s such a special colt. Rachel and Curlin…WOW!!!! You are next. Zenny and Bernie`s baby,girl…I understand, Rachel has an appointment with Bernie sometime this year. So many wonderful things happening. It`s all miracles. Well,stay happy and warm. Love you, Alene
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z, TT and Z Fans:
Happy Monday to you. Congrats to RA and her new baby colt. Won’t be long now when we’ll all be over the moon congratulating you and TT too. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
Janie (in L.A.)
Happy Birthday to Matt, and thanks for all the love and attention you give to our precious Zenyatta. And congratulations to Rachel Alexandra and Curlin on the birth of their darlin’ baby boy! TOO CUTE!!!!