Good Morning,
It is still chilly in KY…but I am really getting used to the weather now. Horses like cold weather and do well in it. I am beginning to get a bit of a winter coat (which means my hair is growing…a natural thing to help me feel very comfortable in this climate). My dapples are still there…which is fabulous news. P.Q. (my buddy) and I go out and graze in the paddock for hours each day now…weather permitting. We are becoming great friends and really enjoying ourselves. Life in Kentucky is very nice! I am very comfortable with my new surroundings. Also, keeping in touch with TEAM ZENYATTA back home and my CA friends is a total JOY for me! There is not one day that I do not hear from them! (THEY REALLY LOVE ME!)
Yesterday, Abigail Anderson wrote in and asked if John and Dottie had received the things she sent to them. YES, and THANK YOU SO MUCH! I would like to introduce Abigail to you. She is the woman who wrote the lovely article about ME in The Bloodhorse Magazine. Steve Haskin posted the piece for her…and it is beautifully done. I am still blushing thinking about all of the very nice things she said about ME! Abigail also contacted Steve before the 2010 Breeders’ Cup and had a special request. He sent her email to my dear John…and John granted Abigail’s wish. Abigail had a mentor and friend named Marjorie Dawn Cooper Gawley who had struggled with a terrible disease for 75% of her adult life. Marjorie’s joy during her life was dancing. She LOVED WATCHING ME…my races and my DANCING. (Marjorie was a DANCER at heart!) Thus, Marjorie’s final wish was to ‘go out dancing’. To quote Abigail…”Such was her connection to Zenyatta—in Zenny’s dance Marjorie saw what I saw: an affirmation of the power and the beauty of a living spirit, dancing out her joy.”
Abigail, who had been a life-long teacher and was closely bonded to the Quebec School System and its 2000 members, had one wish: could Zenyatta in some way run in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic in Marjorie’s memory?
WISH GRANTED! That is why you see my RACING BRIDLE in the above photo. John put MARJORIE’S name on my BROWBAND before the race…and SHE RAN right with me every step of the way in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Needless to say, this made me feel very, very special!
Abigail said at least 1500 of her teachers tuned in that day to watch me run. (“They’d like to think they accounted for a big increase in the ratings as well.”) Before the race, they all did research on me…and several teachers even taught things about me and special things Team Zenyatta had done to their students. They have continued to follow me via the internet and read my DIARY each day! How special is this!
What a complete HONOR for me to be thought of in such a way…to be allowed to help provide a TRIBUTE to this wonderful and respected woman and her memory!
As I mentioned above, the photo is of my RACING BRIDLE. It is made of English Leather and this bridle was only worn by ME. I wore it in all 20 of my races. In the mornings, I had another bridle that I used for my daily training exercises and workouts. This way John felt my equipment was always special and perfect for me.
The BROWBAND referred to above is a part of the bridle. (A bridle has 6 main parts to it. As we go along, we will discuss all 6 parts…but for today…we will focus on the browband.) The browband loops across the forehead of the horse and stops the bridle from slipping back. It should fit perfectly to the horse. It should not be too tight or too loose. If it does not fit perfectly, it can cause a horse to ‘shake its’ head’ a bit.
Please note, in some of my photos, I have a blue/white browband.(John’s stable colors!) David had this made for John to use. In most of my photos, it is brown leather. That is the one I used in MOST of my races. In many photos, you see a small space highlighted in the middle of my brown leather browband. This is where John had ‘AN ANGEL’ attached…to guide me safely home all of the time. It is next to this ANGEL…that he placed MARJORIE’S name.
What special moments and memories!
With love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Kaye
Oh!!!! ZENYATTA WHAT A WONDERFUL FAMILY YOU HAVE.IT IS A PLEASURE FOR ME TO FEEL A PART OF THIS
Nancy Kleck
Love reading your posts! Now I know what the white band is in the middle of your brow band! I just recently painted an oil portrait (vignette) of you and Mike, and that little thing mystified me to no end! (It’s in the painting) I have painted a lot of Thoroughbreds, and you are one of the most beautiful mares I’ve ever seen in my 25 years.
sue w
Oh, dear! I am teary eyed again after reading this post. Team Z is beyond special…there are no other words. John is in a class by himself as a trainer and humanitarian. No wonder our sweet Z always returned sound and healthy. She is heaven sent and was surrounded by angels as she ran. I hope Dottie and Zenny write a series of children’s books because both of them have a true gift for inspiration and an abundance of love that flows from their words and actions. My entire family and extended family now reads this blog. I’ll just echo what so many have said. Zenyatta IS the HOY, horse of a lifetime and horse of the century.
Samantha, Lilly & P'nut
May your angel guide you throught your life.
maggie
beautiful story. you are horse of the year (and century) in my opinion-for your racing achievements and above all, the hope and love, you give to all of us.
Christine Coleman
Thank you so much Zenny for teaching us about horses and giving us an inside look into your world. You are an inspiration in so many ways. Bless your connections for sending Marjorie’s name with you on your race…You’re magnificent Big Girl! I love you. Tell Dottie and all the contributors to your diary that she has no idea how much we look for our daily association with you. She’s the greatest!
Judy Gadwood Loves Zenny/California
Zenny ~ I don’t know how many times I’ve fought back tears when I read your diary! Oh, they are tears of JOY!
I knew about Abigail’s letter (I have a friend who asked about contacting John, and if I felt he would comply with the request). I felt he would (he’s such a nice and gentle man). So, I knew about Marjorie’s name attached to your bridle before you race. Yes, she was racing with you and brought you home safely. That was PRIORITY!
We saw a photo of you where one of your cotton balls looked like an angel :-)
Always in my heart XO
Debbie
Thank you for another heartwarming story. Just beautiful.
Stella Bagwell
Queen Z, I believe angel wings were also on your hooves as you flew around the race track–angels carrying an Angel!:)
Your loving spirit has touched us all.
So glad to hear your winter coat is growing and that your dapples are still showing. When the spring grasses come and you slick off again, you’ll be dazzling. I was at Oaklawn to see you run your second Apple Blossom and have a photo of you wearing the winning blanket of flowers. You’re so beautiful! I cherish the photo and all of the precious memories you’ve given me and my family.
God Bless you Z. Enjoy the snow!
Kisses and hugs,
Stel
Debbie
Speaking of Rachel Alexandra (Mary Bobolis), it was not a case of not showing for the Breeder’s Cup, she was yanked and retired by her owner before she could do so. If anyone would care to go to the Stonestreet Farms website, you will see a tab for Rachel. If you go there, there will be another tab for “Rachel’s Diary” and there you will find a note written two days before the Breeder’s Cup wishing Zenyatta all of the luck in the world. I think the two of them would have been best friends if they ever met. Two wonderful horses, both deserving Horse of the Year. This year it should be Zenyatta!
DEBBIE GUSTAFSON
YOU ARE GONNA ALWAYS BE BEAUTIFULL,,,,,LONG HAIR ARE SHORT,,,,QUEEN OF ALL QUEENS,,YOU WILL ALWAYS BE,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Alene
Zenny, I`m back again. Just got done reading about Marjorie,bridle, browband, and John… VERY special tribute to a brave person who loved to dance… You`re the BEST dancer!!! I LOVE YOU Zen… How about the Angel on your browband what an awesome thought. God would bring back from your races safe and sound…. Team Zenyatta does`nt MISS A BEAT when it comes to you. Just think how lucky you`ve been!! Everyone treasures “ZENYATTA”… I like Zenny. Well,still at work. Must go …Love you sweetness!!!! hugs and big kisses…Thanks DOTTIE
Kendra
that is a lovely story and reinforces the fact that team Zenyatta are truly good and wonderful people.
Elizabeth
Team Zenyatta- Please consider making a Zenyatta calendar for Christmas 2011. There are so many beautiful pictures of her that a calendar would be a lovely gift. I looked everywhere this year for one but didn’t find one….
KerrieL Bassow
Now this is newsworthy! Zenyatta is a goddess and the good people who make things happen in her name are angels!
Joy
Such caring from Team Zenyatta!! what special people you all are you so deserve Zenyatta,,,and Abigail’s writnig was absolutley spell binding and so full of knowledge.
Team Zenyatta are the most kind and caring thoughtful lovving people
thank you.
jahlgren
What a very sweet story. Yes, you and your team are angels for being so compassionate and attentive to the fans, and to Marjorie’s request to “dance like lightening” down the track with you at the 2010 Breeders Cup.
I read Abigail Anderson’s wonderful article on Bloodhorse.com. It was so moving, informative and very, very interesting. Zenyatta, your family history is quite a amazing. I can’t imagine who your future beau will be or what his family bloodlines will be, but together I hope you create a magic foal or colt for us to admire, and follow in the years to come. Lotsa love,
Nancy
Thanks so much for sharing the information
on the article by Abigail. It was absolutely wonderful article about your
impecable lineage. The angel on your bridle is so special. I remember hearing
about the name in your bridle during the Breeders Cup Classic 2010. That race will go down in history just as the close photo finish losses did for Seattle Slew, Secretariat and other champions. It was so awesome. As for horse of the year, I am soooo tired of the politics. You are Horse of the Decade and in five years will
be in the Hall of Fame. Let Blame put that
picture in the Stallion Directory. Actually I think it is sad that some many of these beautiful three year old colts are being retired so young. I am soooo greatful for The Mosses letting you race in 2010. I had heard of Zen at the end of 2009 and would have never known of your kind gentle spirit, humor and extravagance as well as your fierce competativeness had it not been for them changing their minds to race you one more year. An then to be a part of your retirement and becoming a broodmare. Just a very special experience. Thanks to all
involved.
Carrie
Want a wonderful tribute! Zenyatta you have touched so many lives, including mine! Love you Z and Team Z.
Margie
Well, there’s always something to take my breath away each time I read these posts. Today was no different. I told you before I thought you were an angel sent by God; now I know for sure you’re also surrounded by angels. Is it any wonder, then, that you came to be in the Moss family along with their exceptional extended family. It was meant to be. They were the only ones who knew how to love and care for you and your enormous spirit. They let the angels in…
As always, I love you. And, God rest Marjorie’s soul (Marjorie is my name,too, and now it feels more special)
Jitka Bělušová
Its unique Zenyatta Hey you girl! I love your dance and your good heart, I love you very happy greetings from the Czech Republic in Central Europe:))
Janet
Thank you for another wonderful post. I look forward to reading it every day. Love you Zenyatta!
Abigail Anderson
Wow! Thank you, Zenny and Dottie, for this lovely retelling of a story that will always be very, very close to my heart. English teachers are supposed to never be “word-less” but I’m afraid I am after reading this diary entry….probably because I’m sitting here weeping. I didn’t know there was an angel there too, even though I did receive the photo & forwarded it on to Marjorie’s hubby, David.
I just think that that’s incredibly beautiful….an angel to bring Zenny home, safe & sound.
Of course, I will never forget watching the 2010 Classic and must tell you all that it shadowed Marjorie’s battle and her courage. So many times, Marjorie came through when it seemed impossible to do. And, yet, it was that “deep through the heart” courage that carried her through, always with a smile and always ready to help a child or a teacher or a good cause.
Zenyatta and her precious, precious Team answered so many prayers throughout Z’s career, and my wish was but one. Still, in granting it with such complete generosity and kindness, you allowed us to close a circle of life and open a new one in which we carry Marjorie forward with us into the future. Just as Zenyatta taught us to do that night. I know that Marjorie sat with Zenny, guiding her home, and reminding us of the great courage of a great thoroughbred …… which stretches well beyond the wire, always.
With love to you all and remember, Dottie & John, you always have an invitation to visit Quebec!
Patricia
This story about a personal part of your connection to people, re-affirms why you capture our hearts & uplift our spirits.
I have believed from the first time I read about you & then saw one of your pre-race videos with the fans, that you were not an ordinary racehorse. Then after I became more acquainted with The Mosses, John, Dottie & all of Team Z, my interest was not solely about your racing ability, but about your interaction with all of these wonderful people who care for you & your fans. I believe also, that you & the Mosses were guided to each other & the love that you possess with each other, draws all of us closer to you.
I don’t know if the Mosses have any children, but in some ways, I am assuming they regard you in that way & how proud of you they must be…your giving spirit must have come from their teachings & they did a fantastic job & have earned everyone’s respect.
John & Dottie are absolutely lovely people, so what a better Team to have around you! I so look forward as to what will come in the future. I know your foals will have this same caring attitude & they will remind us of one of life’s greatest lessons…if you love someone “truly” they will ALWAYS love you back!
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, you have got me crying again. Angel on the Angel. Marjorie with both. Wow, you are truly a gift to us from God, you truly are, and your Team and Parents. Wow, I am just not really knowing how to express myself regarding this post. Wow. Love and Hugs..Lisa g
Mariel
Oh Zen! What a special family you have!
You are considered a gift to all who know you & love you but I must say that your friends & family are a HUGE part of that! Very inspiration people – thank them ALL for the beauty & gift of themselves!
~Love to ALL!!
Maria
Thanks for the wonderful post. May an angel keep you safe. You’re such an amazing horse. You have touched so much people. We love you Queen Z!
Becky F
The amazing story continues to unfold. I am beyond speechless, but oh so grateful to Zenyatta and her “connections” — how it all came together so perfectly, each piece fitting exactly where it belongs. What a gift! Thank you, forever and always!
sharon shepherd
What a beautiful story, I think Johns angel watched over you and kept you safe in all your races,You are a special angel Zenyatta and the wonderful people who are Team Zenyatta are so great…
mary bobolis
This is in response to Debbie “Speaking of Rachel Alexandra (Mary Bobolis), it was not a case of not showing for the Breeder’s Cup, she was yanked and retired by her owner before she could do so.”
Debbie, a bit of clarification:I was referring to RA not showing for the 2009 Breeders Cup last year – not this year.