Hello Everyone,
At times, I would imagine we all do this, individuals mentally review the different things going on in their lives. A moment of quiet reflection can be such a positive thing. I usually do this type of ‘thinking’ when I am out walking quietly in my paddock…enjoying the environment, nature, and all of the beauty and peace surrounding ME.
This morning, while I was out grazing and snacking in my paddock, I admittedly came to the conclusion that I have put on a ‘bit of weight’ lately! Not too much….the proper amount…but my body has definitely changed!
While I was contemplating this thought, and of course APPRECIATING the fact that I am currently eating for TWO, I did conclude that I look rather fabulous for a mare at this stage of her pregnancy. My coat is great…my dapples are glowing…and my muscles are still quite ‘toned up’. Having been a professional athlete for so many years, these qualities are extremely important to ME!
Thus, upon reflection, I must say that I have put on the necessary ‘baby weight’, however, I did want to give myself a HIGH HOOF for taking such great care of myself and my body! Without a doubt, I could not do all of this without the loving assistance from my pals here at Lane’s End. They, too, work hard to be sure I am always doing everything right!
At this very moment, while I was deep in thought on all of this, Sarah happened to be driving by my paddock going from one part of the farm to the main office. When she saw ME standing so close to the fence…she jumped out of her car and took this photo. We thought it would be special to share with ALL OF YOU this morning!
YES, HAPPILY…IT’S ME…BABY BUMP and ALL!
Sweetly, Sarah stayed around for a bit. We visited, we played, and we caught up on everything going on in our ‘horse world’. It has definitely been a ‘FUN and FEEL GOOD’ morning!
With Love,
Hugs to All~ (I hope you do something FUN today!)
Z
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Dawn Conrad:
Thank you for the wonderful links of famous foals and RR. Love and Hugs, JB
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Thank you, my friend! I am glad you enjoyed them. They are all such beautiful babies! Hugs to you and Russ!!!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Jeanie:
So happy to hear that these horses will be saved. Wonderful people. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Thanks for all the informative links on mares and foaling. Hugs, JB
Barbara Wood (Texas)
How thankful we are to you, Sarah, for keeping us up to date with pictures!
JEANIE and MARLENE–great news! Praying for even more to step up and save a life.
Shari Voltz\Ohio
Dear Zennyatta I like seeing Your photos In Mrs.Voltz’s Class And I love seeing you race I think you are really pretty And i hope to see your baby become a big racer like you i hope you have a great weekend
Love,Shaylin.S.Stovall In homeroom 215
Rosemary McCauley - So. Cal.
Hi, Shaylin S. I’m glad you posted a message today. It’s very exciting waiting for Zenyatta’s Baby, isn’t it? It won’t be long now.
Shari Voltz from Ohio
@ Thank you Rosemary I will show Shaylin tomorrow. Corey and Shaylin posted at the end of the school day.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Hello, Shaylin! Thank you so much for posting on Zenny’s site today. I have to agree with you, she is really pretty. I hope you are enjoying you time in Mrs. Voltz’s class. You have a great weekend too.
sue and tony
Wow, your class must be exciting. We think your teacher is wonderful to introduce you and your class to such exciting things. Zenyatta has a way to bring out excitement in everyone.
Terry Crow
Shaylin S-Hope you keep posting and letting us know how the school year is going. Horse racing needs more young fans like yourself.
Shari Voltz\Ohio
dear zenyatta i saw your pictures in mrs.volts class and i cant wait to see your baby
my name is cory weyand from 215 mrs volts class
Abigail from Montreal
Hi Cory. We can’t wait either! It’s just TOO exciting, right?
Shari Voltz from Ohio
@ Thank you Abigail. I will show Corey tomorrow.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Cory, so nice to hear from you! I know you have alot of fun in Mrs. Voltz’s class learning about wonderful horses like Zenyatta and of course the very special Mistletoe! We are excited about Zenny’s baby too. Enjoy school tomorrow!
Rosemary McCauley - So. Cal.
Hello Cory. I like that name. I have a cousin with the same name. I’m glad that you are a Zenyatta fan, like all of us.
Shari Voltz from Ohio
Hi Rosemary Thank you writing to Corey. I will show him tomorrow. I hope all is well. I think of you often. I love my picture :)
Terry Crow
Cory-I wish I had a teacher like Ms. Voltz when I was growing up. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta and Z Fans:
Thought you might enjoy this tribute video to Holy Bull. Happy Birthday HB. Hugs, JB
(BTW, Z’s Mikey rode him in his Travers win in 1994).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG3FBHaacxA&feature=related
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
Dear Judy B, what a great horse, he is so handson, thanks for the link hugs, Ingrid.
Cheryl Y
Thanks for the tribute video of Holy Bull Judy !
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
Thank you for the link. I just love Holy Bull and always have!! He has turned into one handsome Stud muffin, hasn’t he?!
Keta
Judy, WOW! I have seen recent photos of him.
But, he is magnificent.
Mike rode him in all races but the first one.
Holy Bull lost the Derby–placed 12th (i think) and did not run in the Preakness or
Belmont. They rested him and he went on to have an amazing year.
Thanks for the link
Deborah Richman
He is beautiful!! Thank you, Judy.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Judy, enjoyed the video of Holy Bull. I always love seeing him whenever I am at Darley. He is amazing!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta and Z Fans:
Just realized Mikey rode Holy Bull in all of his races except his Maiden. He ran 16 times and won 13 races. Hugs, JB
signofthetimes
Oh yes, isn’t that amazing; they were supposed to win the Derby, but
Holy Bull had some sort of issues. Love to hear Mikey talk about
that Champion.
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
You always look so beautiful, love you Ingrid.
Roxanne Cook - Boulder Creek, CA
The current photos have been fabulous. “One picture is worth a thousand words.” Thanks, Sarah.
Gloria
Junior’s coming!! XOXO, Big Mama Z!
suew/Va
Zenny, I love this picture of you and “baby bump”. Once again you are close to the fence…always wanting to me near your human friends and staying in touch with all who pass by your paddock. Yes, you have that maternal glow about you and you look marvelous! I am on my foal watch schedule right along with your folks at LE.
sue and tony
Zenny, thank goodness Sarah is always ready with a camera…she has given us some great shots of you just doing your thing!
By the way, we agree you have filled out nicely…and in all the right places. In a few short weeks we’ll be oohing and awwwing your little one. What a special day that will be!
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
Love these last few days of photos. You are resting relaxing grazing and just being a horse, while that “baby” grows to be a foal soon to be born. Hope your day is wonderful.
Thanks to Sarah, Matt and all of Lanes End for including us in FOAL WATCH, and
of course DOTTIE, for translating everything to us. Am excited to hear who Zenny’s second Beau will be.
XXXXOOOO
Jeanie
@judyberube
Thanks for the link to the Holy Bull video. I just love that guy. Love his name! Love his look! Love his progeny! He just looks like a gray locomotive coming at you. Wow!
j
Abigail from Montreal
Hi Gorgeous Girl, Dottie, TT, Babies & Zen-sters:
Wow, Zenny. You just look great and I’m so glad to hear that you’re taking some quality time for yourself.
The posts on birthing yesterday & today were fantastic reads! I was particularly interested in the one yesterday regarding how “nature has not been kind” to mares as regards birthing their babies. I had never seen it that way before, to tell you the truth. Chiefly, in a birth without complications, the foal is born about 30 minutes (MAX) after the mare lies down. If more time goes by, it’s a potential emergency. Then there’s the matter of the after-birth which causes the mare a lot of pain, making her (sometimes, if not most of the time) almost “blind” to her newborn until the placenta passes. So, thinking of the implications of this in the wild, a predator has a huge chance of success, be it with the mare or her foal. Likely explains why after the first birth, most mares subsequently birth at night, right?
Here’s the exact quote:
“Evolution has not been kind to the broodmare,” Lose said. “The equine possesses an antiquated reproductive tract, insecure and delicate placentation that peels away, a fragile and insecure cervical closure that opens easily, an explosive and rapid style of delivery, and no placental transfer of antibodies to the fetus. The foal comes into the world hypoglycemic, dehydrated, gasping for breath, and devoid of antibodies. No other species we know of is like that.”
One thing for sure: Zenny and her foal are in the best place possible and with the best people possible. This makes the nerve-wracking side of any birthing a lot easier to handle!!!
The other thing in the article that really interested me — but I don’t understand the connection — is that if some of the placenta remains in the uterus, a mare risks getting laminitis (along with all the other things a 2-legged woman can get under the same circumstances). But laminitis? I don’t understand the connection……
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Abilgail; I sure did not know this. You are right; Z is at the right place. I imagine there would be a top vet on hand too somewhere near the barn don’t you? Oh boy, the more I learn the more I think I don’t want to know! ha It just gets me nervous!!!!!!!
Perhaps the placenta once allowed to be possibly affected by outside contaminates may go into the horses blood stream and evolve into lamititus. Can’t think of any connection otherwise. ( Just a guess)
p.s. I’ve got to make a point on reading more of your Vault!
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
One of the many causes of laminitis is a septic/toxic condition, which results if placenta is retained and the problem is not addressed quickly. It can also happen if the horse has pneumonia, pleurisy, diarrhea, or colic, (particularly following colic surgery), The toxins/infecting agents can be bacterial (as is the case with retained placenta) viral, fungal, chemical, or plant toxins. The exact mechanism of how laminitis develops isn’t clear. It may have to do with an inflammatory response and/or with blood flow to the laminae.
PeggyOne
Abigail, horses can founder from many things. The most common is a grain overload or sometimes a grass founder if they’ve foundered before, but it can also happen if a piece of placenta is retained…..or sometimes hauling will do it. Whatever upsets their system seems to be able to trigger that dread disease.
The description you gave of mares foaling may be accurate in many cases but certainly not in all of them. Mares aren’t “blind to their foals” until the placenta has passed for Heaven’s sake! I’ve had many mares foal and been there for each…that doesn’t happen!
signofthetimes
A really cute cartoon for Rachel’s colt and a cute poem, too.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stonestreet-Farms/106318256074478?sk=wall
Keta
Very cute! Made me smile!
Deborah Richman
Loved it! Thanks, signofthetimes!
Sue Noel/Sun Valley,ID
@ Dawn C.–LOVE the videos of the “babies”!! Are they adorable,or what????Thanks so much for sharing that!
I was so sorry to hear that you were “under the weather”—hope all is fine now!! You were in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs!!! ( I can’t wait to give you a real hug at BC 2012!! Happy,happy day today!!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Thank you, Sue! I know, won’t it be just so much fun meeting at the BC this year!!!
Kimberly Potter/Montana
I think the BC 2012 is going to be a “hug fest”. I can’t wait to meet all of you!!!
Thanks Dawn for foal video….love those babies! And Shacklford was first with that beautiful white face.
Hugz
Kimberly
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Thanks to Sarah for yet another great picture of you and the bump. Glad to hear that your weight gain is right on schedule and your body looks absolutely perfect. That wonderful blue grass is looking a bit thin, you and Tasty are certainly doing a fine job of mowing. Many hugs and kisses to both of you.
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Young fan given son of Smarty Jones :-)
http://offtrackthoroughbreds.com/2012/01/24/young-fan-given-son-of-smarty-jones/
signofthetimes
Nothing better than to get a superb pedigreed, gorgeous off the track TB.
She is going to win a lot of Hunter/Jumper classes with this gorgeous moving boy.
Sue Colvin -NJ
cool story. it brought tears to my eyes
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
What a wonderful heartwarming story, I am so happy for this young girl and for the horse. I think I’ll try this technique with ZENNY’S foal and see if it works!!
Deborah Richman
This is such a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing this, Jag!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
JAG, thanks for the link to the article. This is a follow-up to the story I shared from Three Chimneys around Christmas time. A couple of weeks ago they sent lots of pictures and Madison’s description of the arrival of Mad for Shorty. It is very sweet.
Now, around Christmastime we told you that Mad For Smarty, a gelding by Smarty Jones out of one of Three Chimneys Farm’s best mares, Santaria, had been retired from racing. If you recall, he was named in honor of Smarty Jones’s loyal fans, especially Madison Scott, who was a huge fan of Smarty Jones. We’d spoken to Madison’s parents and riding instructor and worked the details out for Mad For Smarty to be Madison’s Christmas gift.
Well, he arrived in good order and Madison wrote us the most wonderful letter to let us know how happy she is to have him. Below is an excerpt from it (warning – it might be a tear-jerker!):
Well, the big day finally arrived! Mad for Smarty arrived at about 2:30 this afternoon, after spending the last day or so in the most impressive 18-wheeler horse van you’ve ever seen. He was unloaded and the lady asked who to give him to. At that point I couldn’t even speak, and just took the lead rope. That’s when I started crying. It was probably the most emotional thing I’ve ever gone though. I’m not an emotional person at all, and have never been so happy that tears were rolling down my face. But I certainly couldn’t control it! Having him handed to me was so incredible… it was as if every moment in my life for the last 8 years has been building to this. I can’t really describe how it felt to finally get my own horse. My trainer and even the van driver started crying too, haha. My parents, grandma, and several people from the barn were all there; everyone was so happy for me and him. After that, I just walked him around outside for probably half an hour or so as my mom relayed the entire story to the two drivers! I then took my horse into his stall and let him settle in. It was a great start to our relationship, everything went wonderfully!
It was about 70 degrees when he arrived; I’m sure he is a bit baffled, coming from a frozen KY! At least he got her in the winter rather than summer. Mad for Smarty was also a bit put off by the lack of grass. Welcome to Texas, that’s what happens when it doesn’t rain for a year. When I pulled him off the van, he refused to actually graze, but walked around with his nose on the ground looking for something green. Eventually he resorted to pawing. Sooner or later he’ll realize that’s the best grass he’s gonna get, at least for a little while.
Mad for Smarty was in wonderful condition. He is still very fit, and actually much more muscular and conditioned than I thought he would be, considering he has been off the track doing nothing for a few months now. He is still very muscular, in the hind end especially.
His manners are incredible. Really, really fantastic for a young OTTB. Everyone in my barn was thrilled with how well he behaved throughout the day. There were no fireworks when he got off the van, he never spooked at anything, he wasn’t overly mouthy or nippy, he didn’t try to bit or kick or play and was minding my space very well, even going in his stall. Again, more evidence of what a classy operation Three Chimneys is! Now, part of his wonderful behavior may have been because he was very tired after the long trip. But I cannot stress how wonderful he was for me today.
I am so, so grateful to everyone at Three Chimneys. I really can’t express it enough. This experience has already been incredible, and it’s just starting. I can’t wait to start working with Mad for Smarty some more, and share his progress with y’all.
Denise in AZ
She has a blog started, so we can track their progress together :) what a great story!!
http://madforsmarty.blogspot.com/
signofthetimes
AP Indy “posing” for his video, TOO CUTE !!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_Y4uTTB1pU&feature=related
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Signofthetimes, Oh thank you for sharing that video of my wonderful “INDY”, he’s a bit down in the back but such a grand old man. Love that alert, intelligent face. I put a lipstick kiss on that cute white nose!! Love it!!
signofthetimes
Interesting that they said that he was has a build like Seattle Slew; wasn’t he a little
sway back, too.
Don’t you love his posing with his ears up; “Yes, I am AP Indy, the champion on the track and as a sire.”
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
It was an honor for me to hug & touch A.P. Indy. He has gentle soft eyes.
Thanks for the link. He is still a hunk.
sharon in seattle
yes, I AM A. P. Indy – Champion!!!
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
I seem to remember that AP liked grabbing at the lead shank when I saw him in the summer. I guess he just wants to make it clear that he’s the one in charge.
signofthetimes
I was going to post the one of Curlin, but he
Tried to be too bossy and handler had to get
A little tough with him before he submitted, hung
His head and said ok “I”ll be nice and walk nice
For these people, the may have a very pretty girl
To send to see me”. Curlin is such a huge strong
Horse. He is probably a real handful.
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
I think that for many horses, the lead shank is a toy.
Mi firiend’s horse likes to play with the clips on the cross ties. He bops them around with his nose.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Love his beautiful face!
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Wow Zen, you sure look marvelous! I’m taking this foal watch thing very seriously and am willing to come to Kentucky, sit out in the pasture, and watch you all day. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do. And I’d be sure and bring lots of goodies along so everytime you walked up to me I give you a carrot or peppermint or pear or sweet potato or banana……well you get the idea. I guess I have Margaret’s foal watch disease. Of course I would watch TT too!
Kisses on your nose from Auntie Sue.
Jan S. / Houston
Sue,
Mind if I come with you. :)
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Sue, If you can arrange seating in the paddock please let me know – I’ll bring the pears.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Hey Jan and Brenda sounds like a plan to me. We can keep each other company and tell Zenyatta stories. What fun! Hugs
Cathleen
Zenyatta, you always look fabulous! Thank Sarah for us for sharing the photo. She’s so lucky she can spend so much time with you (as are all your Lane’s End pals — are they hiring? LOL!) Cathleen XOXOX
Peg
Best baby bump in Kentucky! you’re almost there, Z!
Jill in Jersey
You must thank Sarah for taking all these lovely pics of you so we can all watch that baby bump grow! All us NANNIES are ready and waiting!!
Erin
Hi Beautiful Mom! Was just reading at Bloodhorse.com an article on the special nutritional needs for late gestation mares both before and after foaling. This really explains much of how everyone at Lanes End is watching over you and your precious cargo.Thanks for the continued updates. Can`t wait to have a photo of you and your baby as my cell phone`s wallpaper!
signofthetimes
Trying to find a photo of Bernie as a foal;
not able to find one.
Sue Noel/Sun Valley,ID
@Barbara Wood–I thoght I was right–Thanks!! I’m planning to fly in to John Wayne Airport,in Orange County,since my daughter lives in Irvine. I always fly Delta ,as Delta’s Skywest is our local carrier out of our little airport just south of here. I go Sun Valley to Salt Lake City and then directly to SNA from there.
I’m planning to leave on Wed. or Thursday and come back on Monday or Tuesday of the next week–to leave some time to visit with my daughter and her family too. Of course,I love to go to Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza for a little shopping—and–I MUST always have lunch at Ruby’s at the end of the Balboa Pier!!!
I can barely wait for all of this!! It will be such fun to put faces with Zster names and talk and talk!! Have a wonderful day!!!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Looking forward to meeting you!
Betty
These updates make my day! Thank you very much!!!
Pati
Not too much longer for the BIG DAY! I have reserved my BC 2012 tickets already!!! I am going to be right in front of the winner’s circle again!! Excited!! Does anyone know if we can post pictures on here?