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
cheryl
Just one more reason why the Z team is the best in racing. If Our Queen is not HOY, there will be riots in the streets!
Timmy Todd M.A,
Hi Silly girl…..:) I am glad to hear of your winter coat…..YOu sound yummy and warm and doing well….I got to see that filly “Switch” who ran so gallantly against you at Hollypark…and with no Zenyatta around she won…:) It was nice to know that the girls you played with when you were a racer, continue to do well….She ran so hard at you and you so gently beat her back and reminded her of your prowess, power, and place-at-the-throne! We love you Zenny…..( Dottie and John, Steve, Mario, and the Moss’ Much love and light for 2011 :)
Prof Timmy
(Post Scriptum: Hey Zenny if you keep adapted to the cold weather I am going to have to trade in your custom (Pink with green trimed), UGG boots for sandles or high heels…… Silly Dancing Girl!
Ann Maree
Hey, Z-girl! Was so very glad to read about Abigail Anderson and your connection to her. I have posted and re-posted her response to Steve Haskin several times, including the “Notes” on my Facebook page. What a remarkable woman she is, and such a beautiful article about your ancestors, and a real tribute to you. I love it when people like her, with such unshakable credentials, talk about their love for you, and how much they respect and admire not only your career, but the effect you have had on their personal lives, as well.
Happy New Year, Zen, to you and to all of your connections and family at Hollywood Park, as well as those at Lane’s End.
Hugs, Ann Maree
Jeanne O.
Zenyatta and Dottie…Just a note to tell you how much I enjoy (as a rider of horses and mules)all of the technical info that you are giving your fans on this web site. Everyone is either learning new things, or appreciating the info that you are telling us. Keep it going for us, Please!
Judy Sims
Hi Zenny & Dottie:
What a beautiful and inspirational post today. It’s hard to type through the tears I can’t seem to stop shedding. John, like you, is one in a million and such a gift to horse racing. The guardian angel on your browband is so heartwarming and truly contibuted to your staying safe during all your races and placing Marjorie’s name next to it for your Breeder’s Cup race was the “crowning” touch (you are the “Queen” after all). Your last race was the most valiant of your fantastic career. What you lost by a nose was a win in all our hearts and will establish your legacy as the “Greatest Racehorse EVER.” You have the heart of a giant and the soul of an angel. God Bless you and your fantastic team.
Still anxiously awaiting video of your rolling in the snow.
Hugs & nose kisses.
Judy 8-)
ELLEN ZEHNDER
Dear Zennie
I read Abigail’s article last week. It is one of the most exquisite pieces I have ever read. She’s a marvelous writer. It was so nice of you to wear her name on your browband. I know that was special for both of you. Through your fame and fortune you, and your connections, have not lost touch with the real world. I think this is one of the reasons that people relate to and have fallen in love with you. Like the great Seabiscuit, you have given so much hope, and understanding, to the common person. Don’t ever let go of that. Be well dear one.
Debbi M
You and your team are a GIFT to the sport of horseracing.
judith berube
Dear Z,
Thank you and your team for the daily diary posts. It’s so good to be able to follow along with your new adventure. Glad you have settled in so nicely.
Love,
J. Berube
Gloria Jeanne
Dottie,
Thank you for having Zenyatta share this story with everyone. I heard about Margories request and that John had granted her wish…. I noticed the headband had something written on it when they did close up’s of Zenyatta before the race. This is such a touching story for everyone. John and Team, the Moss’s and everyone dealing with Zenyatta are so wonderful and add something grand to Horseracing that is some times missed. Thank you again – I can’t say it enough. Love and Hugs to you all.
Sharon Call
To Abigail Anderson: what a wonderful phrase “deep through the heart” courage. It says so much about your friend Marjorie and,of course, Zenyatta and her wonderful Team Z. I’m hoping Zenyatta’s Team Z in KY will prove over time to be of the same ilk. So far, they seem to be. FOOTNOTE TO CA FANS: I saw on the news a few days ago that CA now has a Hall of Fame. So far, it’s all people. How many of you believe that Z deserves a place in that Hall of Fame? I know she’s KY bred, but she spent most of her life in CA, living and racing, and is thought of as a CA horse. I think correspondence should be sent to the CA governor’s wife about a place in the CA Hall of Fame. Maria Shriver is the one who’s heading up that project. Something to think about and work on.
Beatrice Lian
Reading this made me so sad & yet happy to know that John made someone’s wish come true! You are a very special person, John. I wish I could be a small part of Zenyatta’s life just like Team Zenyatta. You are so lucky to have had the opportunity to bond with her.
jim
Another beautiful story. thank you so much. i love you and pray for you daily. god bless
janet guidos
Hi Zenny! I so look forward to you daily blogs and enjoy them immensly!
I had a wonderful Christmas as it was a
Zenyatta Chritmas all the way. My son, who represented my presence at Hollywood Park for your FAREWELL made me a video of all the activity,got me a program, and The DVD of Zenyatta ‘The Living Legend’.
What a wonderful day it was.
My new years’ wish is to put meeting you in person on my ‘Bucket List.’
So be assured, Zenny, we will meet one day!
Have a wonderful, Peaceful and Happy New Year to you and yours.
Jan
Kari Bussell
My dear sweet, precious, beautiful Zenyatta–what a beautiful, breathe taking story. You always amaze and inspire.I agree John’s angel helped keep you safe. I love you so very much.
Joan
I read Abigail Anderson’s article and it was simply brilliant. I am so glad you were able to run for her friend in the Classic. I am glad you are adjusting to our colder weather and have such a good friend in PQ. Love to you always, dear Zenyatta.
Dani
Hi Zen, you sound happy as ever. Your days are full of fun and its good to know that you and P.Q. are hanging out and having a grand time of it.
I bet you and TEAM Z were just blown away by Abigail’s essay and the wonderful way in which she told the story of your heritage, not to mention that she is another fan that sees you as a ‘gift’ to us all. It was all the more wonderful, then, to hear about her friend Marjorie’s name being put on your browband. There is so much compassion and kindness in the people around you, as well as in yourself. It is a beautiful community and hopefully its message of caring and giving will spread its wings out even more.
Thank you again for the information on babies and bridles. It is so much more fun and interesting to learn these things from you (and Dottie) than from some book. I am taking notes and hope to be well versed on the world of horses some day. Now, will there be a quiz at the end? :)
LIsa in Colorado
Z: What a girl you are and what wonderful connections you have. Your angel in your browband and the story of Marjorie were just too wonderful. You are so very loved by so many. I just love hearing your stories.
Nancy McNaul Applegate
“the beauty of a living spirit, dancing out her joy.” that’s exactly what i thought of you, when the video of your running free for the first time at Lane’s End was shown. pure horse joy.
Debbie
How touching that John placed an angel on your browband! Each race I prayed for your safety first. The love your team has for you fills my heart with happiness!
Z, Queen Z, Zennie, ZZ,,ZFabulous, Z Apple of My Eye, by any name I love you!!
Robin
Hi Queen Z!! I am just AMAZED at how AWESOME & GIVING you and your team are to all of your fans. It just makes me SO HAPPY!! I am happy to hear that you are getting used to your COLD weather. Cold and Rainy here in Cali! Miss you Z! Stay safe and warm pretty girl!! MUAH!! XOXO
Susan
I didnt know it was possible. But I just fell MORE in love with Team Zenyatta :)
Rita Stack
A beautiful story and tribute to Marjorie. Queen Z and family you lift the human spirit,the greatest gift of all.Thank you.
Louise Bland
You’re magic. Zenyatta, I always knew you were either an angel or one was guiding you all the way. Never fear, the angle is here! It’s a gift we all receive by being near you—it’s magic! Hard to explain…
Hugs and much love.
The Kennedys in San Diego
A truly moving story. We particularly loved the angel on your browband to guide you safely home — what a special man your trainer is.
Sue Ann Wilson
It makes me want to believe when I read these diaries. Believe that Zenyatta is that human.
Gloria
Well THAT brought tears to my eyes, especially that last paragraph! That John! He’s something else! I remember reading that blog of Steve H’s. I love his blogs. He da man! There are some very lively conversations that go on there. I’ve never seen a horse that has as many fans as you, Zenyatta. Not even Mr. Ed. :-) Love to you, Big Mama Z and all of Team Zenyatta. Best of luck to all of you in 2011!
Kathy Beyers
Thank you so much for this wonderful post. Just when you think Zenyatta can’t possibly enrich life anymore she does! I think it’s so very special John had the angel put on her brow band. In this world where materialism apparently accounts for much, it is nice to see that compassion and caring is far more powerful than anything the rich and egotistical have to offer. Thank you for united all us caring individuals who are ridiculed elsewhere….just like horses we have “heart” too. I look forward to learning about the rest of the bridle parts, and hearing more about the great Zenyatta’s exploits for many years to come!
MaryAnn
Z, What a beautiful, heart touching story. You will always have an angel watching over you.
Thank you so much for sharing this lovely post.
Love you Z
Linda (Canada)
I love the angel on your browband…I too prayed for your safety most of all…especially your last race at the BC 2010 – I almost couldn’t watch – I was suddenly so worried for you.
The angel took care of you! :)
Janet Cutting
Zenny, enjoyed this diary post very very much- I certainly believe in Angels- and I bet you will always have them with you thru your life. You know something, money can buy alot of material stuff for us -but you cant get an Angel that way–hold tight to John,Dottie and your family Z–Smiles, Janet C