Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #432

So special to hear from all of you! Photo by Sarah Campion

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

It is so great to hear from ALL of you in your loving Diary responses. As you can see, I am really adapting quite well to my new environment. My pals here at Lane’s End want to give ME ample time to do so before my big day arrives.

Horses DO sense change! We are creatures of habit… schedules and patterns DO matter to us in our lives. The familiarity with the people we deal with on a daily basis is also extremely important. All of these things help create a strong ‘comfort zone’ for us to bond to as we enjoy each day!

I was on a very specific schedule when I was at Barn 55 and an in-training athlete. I ate, walked, trained, bathed, grazed, and took my naps on a very definite schedule. I depended on these things being done with and for ME on a regular basis and would literally know what was happening next in my daily routine.

I fondly remember that each afternoon I would literally sense when it was getting close to 3 o’clock. I’d actually wait with my head poking out of the stall door and check everything out waiting for Mario to ‘appear’ and take ME out to graze. I so loved spending this time outdoors…grazing, relaxing, and just looking around. I simply KNEW when it was time for ME to do this! It is all so interesting…..animal instincts are so STRONG!

The same concept applies to my life here at Lane’s End. My schedule is organized and very specific. I eat, get groomed, go out to my paddock to relax, exercise, and graze at the same time each day. Then when it is time to go back into the barn and eat and rest, I can sense it. TASTY and I literally walk over to the paddock gate to wait for our handlers to come and get us to bring us back into the barn!

My perfectly groomed stall....waiting for ME!

I really love all of this…and the comfort of knowing what is happening next in my life is exceptionally important to ME!

In the upcoming weeks, I am beginning to sense I will have many NEW EXPERIENCES ahead of ME! Nature is such an amazing thing! I can’t thank my pals here at Lane’s End enough for encouraging ME to be properly prepared for these moments in such a relaxed, happy and confident manner. Everyone is so thoughtful!

I’d also like to THANK YOU for your ‘cuddly’ comments about MY PLUSHIE! I must say, I think it is not only TOO CUTE, but it also has a rather ‘nurturing’ overall feel to it!

With Love,
Hugs to All~ 97,853 Face Book Friends & growing. Thank you!
Z

Reader Interactions

326 Comments

    • / Reply

      Oh Brenda – and you went through all of the crossing the border hassle! I’m so sorry you didn’t find Zen and baby at the post office, but I’m sure it WILL come. The delivery schedule seems a bit random, but others just are reporting getting theirs today so they must be “out there” somewhere. If you see this, congratulations to Vic (from yesterday’s post). Had to look up where you will (both) be on the map so that was my geography lesson for today.
      Sandy

      I’ll send a companion “howl” to you, too Abigail (although yours might be more understandable with the package having to go through customs, etc).

  2. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta. You look lovely my dear. I am sure routine is very important for you beautiful, especially at this time in your life. Everyone at Lane’s End is just wonderful, taking such remarkable care of our Zenny. We appreciate them so much and of course Dottie and Team Z are amazing for sharing you with us!!!! Your story about waiting for Mario was very special. Even though Matt is great, I know you think of your Mario and Barn 55 team often. Thank you for the picture of your stall, now we can picture you there, sleeping away and dreaming of Baby Z. You certainly will be having some new experiences soon, Zenny and we are all so happy for you!! I love you, forever!!! Sweet dreams to you and Tasty. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO

  3. / Reply

    Zenyatta,
    Will you sing to your little one? Nuzzle and breathe warm breath to say, welcome to the world….
    Prayers for you and baby.
    Hugs and Prayers

  4. / Reply

    Got my plushie :) I’m a collector so I know how speical this is. And Z were wacthing the days right along with you to baby comes. Barn 55 and Lanes End have done a wonderful job for you in all stages of your life. We are so thankful that you keep us informed on things, would be lost without this site, thank you. You are so loved and hugs out to Tasty as well.

  5. / Reply

    Del Mar submits Breeders’ Cup host site bid
    http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2012/02/07/del-mar-submits-breeders-cup-host-site-bid.aspx

    Quote: “One of the major stalling points for Del Mar’s Breeders’ Cup bid is the track’s turf course, which would need to be widened to host the event. At the moment, the turf course is built to suit a field of ten, but the Breeders’ Cup turf races require room for 14 starters”

    IMO they need to FIX the turf course NOW – widen it if they get the BC. That grass looked like dirt last year!! Poor turf horses running on THAT kind of surface :-(

    • / Reply

      I can’t imagine the BC races being held at Del Mar. Not only is the track surface one of the worst in the USA, the place is way too small. Traffic would be a nightmare and so would getting a bet down. Del Mar’s only chance is if either the committee does not tour the facilities or someone gets paid off.

      • / Reply

        Traffic is a nightmare every year for Opening Day. Z’s Clement Hirsch race in 2010 was also a nightmare getting out! I agree – not feasible to hold BC!

      • / Reply

        I agree 100% Terry that they will never run a Breeders Cup at the beach for those very same reasons. The backdrop would be nice but not practical.

        Sorry I didn’t get you a thank you for the birthday wish but I lost someone very close to me on Christmas Day and I’m moving South Dakota on April Fool’s Day so I have a lot on mine right now. I think Trina wrote me a poem too but I never could find it or the moderator didn’t post it. Either way THANKS for the thought and the efford.

        • They could come by boat and just lay it over on it’s side and build a ramp to get off. I don’t know how they would get home. LOL

          Getting shut out at the window is more important to me.

        • I’m sorry to read you lost someone close to you. My condolences…
          Judy G

        • Dear Gary Moulton:
          Sorry for your loss. Good luck with your move on April 1st. (That’s Z actual birth date). Hugs, JB

        • Dear Gary, I’m so sorry for the loss of someone special. I’m afraid I still owe you a “suitable” poem, just as I still owe Abigail in Montreal the same. It’s a little intimidating trying to come with something really good for people who are themselves such excellent writers, be it in poetry (you) or prose (Abigail). I haven’t really progressed far past my promise from back then:

          @Gary Moulton—
          Just a few words to say
          Happy Birthday,
          And I’ll be back in a bit
          With a poem that I hope will fit
          To celebrate your special day
          And your unique ways.

          I hope your transition to South Dakota goes well—will you be in Rapid City?

      • / Reply

        I agree with Terry. Getting in and out of Del Mar on a big race day is a nightmare. The last time I was down there (Zenny’s final Clement L. Hirsch win) my sister and I sat in our car for over a hour before even starting it, then spent another hour just getting out of the parking lot. Then we got stuck in the wrong lane and ended up driving south in the pitch dark until we finally found a street that had an onramp to the freeway (after driving through/around several lagoons). We didn’t get home until after 10 pm. I would not attend a BC at Del Mar. It’s just not worth the hassle.

  6. / Reply

    Got my plushie yesterday!! My very own Z and baby Z were waiting for me when I came home from work after a long and hectic day! What PERFECT timing!!! I LOVE IT!!!

    Thinking of you Big Z….Miss you more than anything and wish that electrifying feeling of a race with you in it would overcome me every weekend!!! Ah….those were the days! Now we all sit in anticipation of baby Z! SO EXCITING!!

    Hopefully that little cutie will learn the gift of dance from Mommy….we NEED another Dancing Queen of King on the track…..although there will NEVER be another quite like Z!!!!!!!!!!

  7. / Reply

    I’m so glad you are getting accustomed to your new home. It looks lovely! Your team is so very thoughtful and caring – they think of EVERYTHING you need to feel safe, secure, comfortable & LOVED. You are indeed one lucky lady. So glad you have Tasty there with you – please send her my love too. ♥♥♥ for you both.
    So, what do you think about Dr. Hansen’s suggestion of dying his (Hansen’s) mane/tail to match the silks for his next race & then (if all goes well) letting the fans choose the next color or maybe matching the color that goes w/ the post position? I suspect they would do the Kool-Aid type dye – it washes right out. Do you have an opinion on this? I am just silly enough to thing it would be kinda fun. Lots of folks braid their horses manes, etc. Kind of a fun twist – would look better on a girl, of course, but he’s got the right coloring for it. Yay or Neigh?

  8. / Reply

    I love Paulette’s suggestion of a camera for the big arrival – but I think we’d all understand if you decided that it’s too private to be shared (live or taped.) I’ve never seen a live foaling – I’m sure there’s one one youtube somewhere. I’d get up at 3am to watch yours if I got notification, though. :-D

  9. / Reply

    Dearest Z– you are so right! Horses (and other animals too) thrive on routine. Can you imagine how unsettling it would be to depend on others for everything (food, water, etc.) and never know if or when your next meal was coming? Our horse was like that at one time, and I’m so glad he know what to expect now.
    I would like to echo the earlier post about signing the petition to retire Star Plus. He deserves a better future.
    http://www.paulickreport.com:8080/news/ray-s-paddock/group-launches-petition-to-have-star-plus-retired/ere is the link.

  11. / Reply

    Goodness, Z, you are so beautiful! I know your foal will be, too. It has been great following you through your diary. Thank you so much to Dottie for keeping it up and to all of your connections for allowing us to keep up with you even after your racing career! Love you, Zenyatta!

  12. / Reply

    If we all stood around your paddock Z, I bet you’d be able to SENSE the greatest LOVE of ALL!!! (from your fan friends) I can picture you & Tasty waiting to be taken back to the barn. Too Cute! Comfort is important for you and I will never doubt the love and care at Lane’s End or at Barn 55. Love to see your picture; you are so beautiful to me.
    I wish I knew if my schedule today included receiving my plushie of you & baby z!!!!
    Thinking of you all the time. When I talk about you to my sister, she has remarked,”You sound like a child, going on and on about Zenyatta”. I reply, ” well I
    happen to have fallen in love with the greatest most beautiful horse”.
    I will love your baby too as she is from you.
    Not too much longer now. Bless you sweetie.
    love, with 2 kisses on your soft nose, 1 for baby z Auntie Sally

  13. / Reply

    Loved reading all the posts today and once again, Dottie, thanks for the updates!

    All of the talk about Mario got me thinking about how much HE must miss you, Queen Z. I know he has all of YOUR JOHN’s other horses keeping him busy but no one will ever replace YOU in his heart! I remember seeing the sadness on his face when you boarded that trailer to head to the airport destination Kentucky. I know how hard it must have been for him to turn your care over to others.

    Also enjoyed reading the info about 2012 being The Year of the Dragon and what that meant as well as the full moon and when it was going to be in early March. INTERESTING!

    Take good care Zenny; we are all nervously awaiting The Big Day! Love you!

  14. / Reply

    Loved the photo of YOUR stall, Z. It looks so cozy. Perfect for little Baby Z to arrive. We had a shetland mare that we had a cam on so we could watch the foal come, but during the short time we were not watching, she had him and by the time we got back he was already standing up. He’s 5 years old this year and we love him. He was our last foal, now we just have our saddle horses. Our neighbors have the mare now and will breed her this spring.

  15. / Reply

    Zenny, you new home looks very comfy…just the place for you and your little one. You have been blessed to have loving families at Barn 55 and at LE. The Mosses have made sure everything is perfect for you. Of course, the joy you returned to everyone spills over to those who have never touched you. The heavens smiled the day you were born. And so it is…..

  16. / Reply

    Zenny, after all these years, months, days you continue to bring smiles to us and all who love you. The picture of your new home is comforting to all those who only want the very best for you. So many lives have been touched by your kind soul and those of your gracious team in CA and at LE.

  17. / Reply

    Such a pretty picture of you out there in your paddock!!
    Routines are very important to all of us and so jealous of all those wonderful people who get to interact with you on a daily basis!! They are the best….
    These next few weeks I’m sure will be bringing lots of changes and especially after you get to meet your beautiful foal!! Such an exciting time for all of us.
    I’m sure Dottie and John will be on the first plane to Kentucky along with the Moss’s!!
    Love you………….

  18. / Reply

    I can so see you and Tastey waiting at the gate to come back to the barn. Your stall looks so inviting and am waiting each day now to hear any news about the little ones. I know it will be a little while now but just can’t wait, its like all your grandmothers, mothers, aunts all waiting for the baby’s arrival.
    Thank you Dottie for keeping us all informed on a daily basis it means so much .
    Hugs to all

  19. / Reply

    What a great post Zenny! A schedule is so important. My OTTBs enjoy a routine as well. In fact, if I’m late getting home to feed, they will go stand in the one corner of their pasture where they can see my driveway. They look like they are counting cars & wondering why no one has appeared from the house to feed them yet. :) Today my Charlie is celebrating his official 8th birthday so you know many carrots, cookies & peppermints will be served with dinner and I won’t be late.

    I got my Plushie yesterday so I no longer have Plushie envy (Don’t worry all, they are worth the wait). I just love them! Now I just have to convince the terriers that the Plushie is MINE. :)

    Have a wonderful afternoon everyone!
    Christine

  20. / Reply

    These next several weeks will seem like an eternity. Please, for those of us who have foaled out mares, please let us know when you start ‘waxing’, along with the other signs we looked for in our mares during the days prior to foaling.

  22. / Reply

    Dear Zenny, (and Abigail) I have just received an e-mail telling me that MY PLUSHIE has been shipped – after I went over the river today to check my mail box.
    Your comments today about routine have great meaning for me and I understand the importance. Routine is essential for Aspies ( people with Asperger’s Syndrome) and so I have come to know that things must be the same each and every day. Maybe Aspies and horses can sense this in each other and explains the almost instant connection Vic has with any horse she meets.
    @ Terry C – Vic’s college application responses came to our home address. I keep a US mail box for the convenience of shipping parcels back and forth between her mother and us. Cross border postal traffic is extremely slow and more expensive. I monitored a parcel sent to her Mom in Maine – from Fort Erie it cost almost $30 and took two weeks and from Buffalo it was $13 and took 4 days. I do a lot of grocery shopping in Buffalo as well as general household and clothing shopping, cheaper and usually better selection.
    Thank you again to all Zenny family members who have sent such encouraging comments to Vic and myself. Your support means so much to us.

    • / Reply

      Brenda-Thanks for the info. Never knew the problems and money involved. However, remember that a redneck plushie certificate is available via URS for the bargain price of $250.

  23. / Reply

    You are truly stunning Big Z. I will love you forever and ever. Looking SOOOOOO
    forward to this foal of yours. Those Bernardini’s are so nice and of course coming from you, well words are not needed. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Lori

  24. / Reply

    Thank you for sharing the new photos of your latest home! That paddock and the stall also look to be so spacious and comfy – perfectly fit for a Queen – our Queen!! Thank you for sharing all the news and details about your routine and how important it is and the effort that your friends at Lane’s End are putting into easing you comfortably into your new routine. It makes my heart happy that you are in such good hands. Thank you all!!

  25. / Reply

    I know the feeling of “acting like a child,” when it comes to Zenny! When we meet up with friends at the Tavern on weekends, the first thing they always ask is: Has she had the baby yet and how is she doing! LOL However, I have learned to “Tone it down a bit!”
    Routine is very important. I know that if my routine gets shaken up, I start to feel un-settled.

    So excited, can’t hardly contain myself. Soon, very soon, Zenny! Hugs for you and TT and both babies on board!

    • / Reply

      Heidi – I totally relate! I have a good friend who lovingly teases me when we’re at the pub about Zenny & constantly asking when her due date is. He knows…I’ve told him a dozen times. He just asks to play with me – and that’s why I adore him.
      He’s going to tease me even more when he sees the framed autographed picture I got at Zenny’s party at the Breeder’s Cup. The mat board is in the Moss’ silks colors – blue with a middle channel of the pink and the frame is Breeders Cup purple. It’s very obnoxious, absolutely perfect and will make me furiously happy. We thought about going with colors to match her coat & rustic “barn wood” looking frame, but it was just too boring for me. I should have it in a couple of weeks. I’ll post a link ;-)

  26. / Reply

    For those of you in South Florida and going to Gulfsteam Park on Saturday, a new Chapter of Thorofan is having it’s first meeting at 11am in the Tiki-Bar area. It is open to anyone interested in TB racing.

    By any chance does anyone remember a colt named Gourmet Dinner? Well, after being vanned out of Gulfstream last March, he is making his return in an allowance race this Thursday!!! He was on the rode to the Kentucky Derby last year but was injured. He has so much heart. Anyway, if anyone has wondered about him, I just “wanted to share”. I am just thrilled!

      • / Reply

        Mary Jo, I had just read about Gourmet Diner and was so glad he was back. He was undefeated when he raced at Calder and I had met his owner there.
        I’ll be seeing you at Gulfstream at the Thorofan meeting on Saturday morning.
        Thanks for the information. Incidentally, Nick Zito and Tim Ritvo will be there; Ritvo runs Gulfstream park and is a trainer.

  27. / Reply

    hi Z <3
    you look like you're enjoying your new paddock checking it all out.
    you're in good hands beautiful girl <3
    thats a nice roomy stall too :)

    i lost track of days & i thought today was mon so i left a post at the end of #431.

    hig hooves to you Z & TT <3

    maybe someday i can afford to buy a plushie.
    i'm happy for you all who've gotten them <3

    @Lisa in TN – thx for sharing. i love heraing about your horse stories.
    what wonderful memories for you :)

    @Susan Carothers – whats your FB pg?
    mine is http://www.facebook.com/vampressqueen
    its great you were able to rehab your horses <3.
    its always wonderful to see horses respond to love & caring.
    it makes it very special.

    @Jane Wade – that is so cool for you & madison. very awseome.

    @Gary Moulton – i'll keep you in my prayers <3

    hugs/prayers to all Zsters <3

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