Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #449

HELLO ZENNIE! It's your pals from BARN 55! Photos by Michelle Jensen and John Shirreffs

Happy Friday!

The weather in Lexington has been quite ‘active’ lately and we’ve had several storm warnings. This part of my life is so different than anything I ever experienced in California. Lane’s End is exceptionally careful with us when this happens and our time outdoors is very structured and limited….if at all. Everything depends on the weather conditions and our safety.

Fortunately, TASTY and I love our stalls and are very comfy and cozy indoors. We do hope it clears up soon. This way we can get back into our ‘spending time outdoors routine’ …and things will be safer for everyone.

My days of ‘traveling alone…without a foal by my side’ are becoming more and more monitored. As of this morning, per the farm, my ‘bag’ is getting a bit larger. It is making all of the gradual changes necessary to increase in size…and I am ‘waxing a bit’. This all pertains to my udder and milk production levels which are consistently and carefully recorded all of the time now.

I must say, I never thought the words ‘bagging’ and ‘waxing’ would take on such great importance in my life! However, I have now learned when a mare is getting ready to foal…these terms become extremely significant!

From today’s report, it appears I am still on target to foal ‘sometime next week’…but nature is nature. I’ll keep you posted! As I’ve said so many times before, this is all so NEW TO ME! Thank you for your support!

This morning, my pals at BARN 55 wanted to send ME some fun….THINKING OF YOU…photos. They are wearing my NEW T-SHIRT and sending ME lots of hugs, warm greetings, and positive thoughts. They always do…but as it is getting closer and closer to my foaling experience….they really wanted to reinforce these thoughts and tell ME how much they care, think of ME, and MISS ME!

Michelle... dancing and sending ME a HIGH HOOF and hug!

I miss you guys too….all of you….more than I can say!

MY MARIO and CHEVA above... and now FRANK is also sending his regards!

So many stakes races are running the next few days…it is very busy! As always, I wish all of the horses running and their connections a wonderful time and lots of success! I’ll be really tuning into the Grade 1 races running at Santa Anita on Saturday and the Gotham for 3 year olds at Aqueduct. Focussing on racing over the weekend will not only be fun, but it will help to keep my mind busy!

With Love,
Hugs to All~(Thank you, everyone, for thinking of ME!)
Z

On a very serious note….. A special hug and prayer is needed for one of my other BARN 55 pals, Dr. Leslie… who checked in on ME often when I was in California. She had a skiing accident yesterday and all of our prayers are with her at this time!

Reader Interactions

915 Comments

  2. / Reply

    Dawn, Beautiful story by your friend Linda! Thanks so much for posting it. I tried to find photo of Strider on Z’s facebook page but not being much of a facebooker I couldn’t find it. It’s so wonderful that he’s still alive and loved!

    • / Reply

      Bonnie I am so glad you enjoyed the story! I think it is just amazing!! If you click on the small Facebook icon at the bottom of this page, it will take you to Zenny’s site. Then look to the left and you will see the word “Photos”. Click on that and it will take you to a photo page. If you run your curser arrow over the pictures, the titles will show. You should be able to pick out Strider as he resembles his sire and when your curser rests on the picture it will identify it as Strider aka Secret of the Sea. Hope that helps.

      • / Reply

        I loved the photo of Strider. It must be like “memory lane” every day for Linda. Did Penny Chenery ever acknowledge Linda’s letter?

    • / Reply

      @bonnie….it was the first one on the page when i looked…then i got hooked and scolled thru whole album

  3. / Reply

    Dear Diane in CA:

    You’re so welcome. I know, it’s a day to day now. Can’t wait to see this beautiful baby. Hugs, JB

  4. / Reply

    Dear Dawn C.:

    Thank you so much for that link of Gary Stevens. He’s quite a guy. Hugs, JB

  5. / Reply

    Well hello all pacing Aunties how are we doing today?
    I am praying for you all and hoping that the storms will pass and everyone will soon be safe! I hope we will get to maybe see a picture of Z in her stall or at least one last pregnancy photo before the foal is born. I would also like to see a picture of TT I know we haven’t really seen anything of her in a while and I have also grown to love her. Well it looks like you are getting close! I am sure all of us are going to be checking your website over the weekend to see if the news has broken yet! I can’t wait for you foal Zenny and I also can’t wait to see TT’s foal! Oh I also know that we have all been taking guess as to what Zenny’s foal is going to be but what do people think TT’s foal is going be? Personally I think that it is going to be a Filly but you never know they both could be fillies or they both could be boys. I can’t wait to hear other people’s ideas about TT’s foal I just love these two girls so much!
    Love Always,
    Sierra ( Who is pacing very nervously.)

  6. / Reply

    Stay safe and we know you will have the best of care….even if that does require not as much paddock time : ) Won’t be for long. So thankful for the daily updates…I always watch for them but during this special time I anxiously await news….You are doing great and it won’t be long now…..I know you are ready to be a mom, and what a great one you will be: ) Oh my goodness!!!!! Rest and relax sweet girl….!

  7. / Reply

    I wish there was a way to set my email to have an alarm go off if an email came from Zenyatta.com. We need a phone tree:))
    I was trying to guess the date…but I know from experience that no use!! I had a couple of mares that never did wax up before foaling and I had another that would start beading up 7 to 10 day before foaling. She did this for 3 foals then the 4th…I remember the surprise of walking in to feed one morning and surprise….there was a healthy little colt nursing. We thought she had at least a week left. Mother Nature.
    That was over 30 years ago….but there are somethings that don’t change…the miracle the birth of a baby. (2 or 4 legged).
    JAG you could still get your MARCH 9th, and I could still get March 8th……now is just the waiting and praying for a healthly mommy and baby.
    Trina…I can’t wait for you masterpiece “BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT” poem.

    Everyone going to Santa Anita tomorrow…have run.

    TO all of our dear friend and family in the horrible weather…praying it has passed and you are all safe and sound. Seeing the picture on the News and on line…heartbreaking.

    Sweet dreams everyone xoxo

    • / Reply

      Thanks for this info, Stephanie, which very much mirrors the variability of foaling “predictions” I found when I researched (posted much earlier above). I think the Full Moon is the 8th, which would be fun, if Z is inclined, as I’ve read mares tend to do.

    • / Reply

      Dear Stephanie in SD:

      Thank you so much for sharing your personal experiences with us. As someone who has never had the privilege of being around horses or witnessing an equine birth, your words make it possible to imagine what it’s like. So looking forward to seeing Little Z (and Little TT too). Hugs, JB

  8. / Reply

    I love you Queen Z. Please stay safe. I am glad that you and Tasty are staying indoor. Hugs and kisses to both of you.

  9. / Reply

    LOL…excuse the errors on previous post. Blame if on a long day at work :)
    Or maybe just sloppy typing.

  10. / Reply

    Cannot wait for baby Z, if he/she arrives on Monday the 5th that is my parents 35th wedding anniversary! Hope you are all safe from the bad weather I have seen on the news to think that we moan at the weather we have over here in England, that is nothing compared to what I have seen. Keep well Zenny and baby Z

    Loads of love

    Michelle

  11. / Reply

    Beautiful Zenny,
    Thanks for sharing the photos of your Barn 55 friends with us — very cute! The great day is almost here; it is SO exciting. Hope the stormy weather is over, totally! Take care, and both of you girls please sleep well and be safe. Hugs and kisses!

    @Dawn Conrad: Thank you so much for the Gary Stevens video! How touching to see how much he obviously cares for those wonderful horses! I always did like him. I enjoyed the letter to Mrs. Chenery from your friend relating how Secret/Strider came to his forever home with her, too. That is a beautiful story!

    To Everyone: Hope you all are safe and unharmed. Sweet dreams and goodnight!

    • / Reply

      Hi, Marshall. I thought Linda’s story and the video of Gary were both very special. I am glad you liked them!!

  12. / Reply

    Prayers to your friend from Barn 55, Z. Stay safe pretty girl and Tasty too! My prediction is that you will have your new baby on March 7th! Up here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we have some crazy weather too! We got over two feet of snow overnight! My horses are staying indoors today too, so they can relate! Best wishes to you and your pals in Kentucky! We love you. XOXO.

  13. / Reply

    It’s early Saturday morning, Zenny, and I hope you’re OK. We’ll be rooting for your friend Mr. Commons today, and for your MIKIE.
    I have poems for two birthday people today.

    A Birthday Poem for Jeanie Esajian
    (March 3, 2012)
    [Note to readers: Jeanie E’s last name, Esajian, is pronounced “Ee-saw-jun.” The horse rescue site referred to below is http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com/ ]

    Our dear Jeanie E
    Addresses the Queen
    As “Great One”
    And signs her comments to Z
    “Your humble J”
    As a way
    To pay her due respect.
    Jeanie also does never forget
    Those horses in need of rescuing,
    And herself for them has done
    Tons and tons.
    Jeanie, we want to thank you
    For all that you do
    To help horse rescue.
    Methinks
    It great
    That you post links
    To the site
    Of Valley View
    So that Marlene
    Might
    Save at least a few
    Every month from their plight
    In the Nevada feed lots–
    Horses who without Marlene and you,
    And other Z-sters too,
    Would be on their way
    To something yet worse,
    A fate which should befall none.
    Dear Jeanie Esajian,
    To you I send this birthday verse,
    And hope before day is done,
    You’ll be able to say
    You had great fun!
    Happy birthday, dear Jeanie, and many, many more!

    • / Reply

      HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEANIE!!!! I hope you had a wonderful day, you deserve the best!! Thank you for everything you do to help horses in need. I admire you so, you are a true blessing!!!!

      Love and hugs,
      Dawn

  14. / Reply

    The second “birthday person” is only a guess on my part–I could be wrong! Allen, since you’re in TN, I also hope that you and yours remain safe and sound in this horrendous weather.

    A (Birthday?) Poem for Allen in TN
    (March 3, 2012)

    Dear Allen in TN,
    Could it be
    That March 3
    Is the anniversary
    Of your birth?
    I saw you did agree
    With dearest Jeanie
    On Post #431
    That March 3
    Would be
    A great day to see
    Little ZB
    Come
    And set four feet
    On earth!
    Your two OTTBs,
    Shadow and Kobie,
    Will be eager to greet
    Their cousin ZB.
    To you we want to say
    “High hoof!”
    That you did opt
    These Thoroughbreds
    To adopt
    And gave them a (barn) roof
    Over their noble heads!

    Happy (birth?) day, Allen in TN, and many, many more!

    • / Reply

      HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALLEN!!! Hope you had a fanstastic birthday celebration. Shadow and Kobie are so lucky to have you in their lives!!! Way to go!!

      Love and hugs,
      Dawn

      Trina, the poems were both wonderful!!!!!

    • / Reply

      Great poems, Trina! You are our very own Poet Laureate.

      Happy Birthday, Jeanie! Many thanks for all you do to help rescue horses, too.

      Happy Birthday to you, Allen! Hope all is well and that the year will be good to you.

  15. / Reply

    Dear Allen and Jeanie:

    Hope you have very Happy Birthdays. Hugs, JB

    Dear Trina N:

    More wonderful poems. Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    Dear Z, TT and Z Fans:
    Thinking of you and hoping you are as comfortable as possible. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ

  17. / Reply

    Oh Z, I was thinking of you especially yesterday when reading about all the awful storms. The news so rarely reports on non-human casualties. I hope many horses were in the capable hands that you are!

    SO EXCITED for the foal. Seriously if you had a “foal watch” webcam half of us would probably take all of next week off work! Thinking of you always.

    Val

  18. / Reply

    @JEANIE ESAJAIN–Happy, Happy Birthday! Thank you for all you do to alert us to rescue efforts by Valley View. I don’t think there was one this month. I checked the website. Hope Marlene is ok.
    @ALLEN in TN–Happy Birthday. Hope you escaped the storm damage.
    @Trina–thanks again for sharing your wonderful gift.
    I’m going to be really busy the next 4 days, so I’ll bet I’ll be one of the last to hear the news about YOU, Z. Our dear Baylor Lady Bears play their last conference game today, and we have a party after. Wishing them a win to complete their undefeated season.
    Will check back later.

  19. / Reply

    Good Morning Zenny, I’ve checked everywhere and everything I can think of and there’s no news about YOU so I’m guessing you’re still in the foaling barn and waxing. I was awake a few times during the night listening to the wind and “things” blowing around. Winds have been gusting up to 60 mph, and I see this morning that some of my deck ornaments have been destroyed and a fence has blown down but nothing compared to the devastation in Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. Those people need lots of prayers.
    Safe trips to all today and extra wishes for Mikey, hope it’s a big day for him. Hugs and kisses to YOU and TASTY. xoxoxoxoxo

  20. / Reply

    Queen Z;

    Ever so exciting upon the new arrival You’ll do just fine w/foaling…….you have alot of great support……I even have thought of a great name for ‘baby z’.

    Racing today is awesome…..i must get on with my handicapping.

    Have a great day and stay safe from the storms.

    Julie in Bonsall,CA

  21. / Reply

    So glad to hear you and Tasty are safe. Thought of you often during the storms. Now it on to good weather and beautiful little new things in your life. God be by your side Zennie.

  22. / Reply

    Good morning, Zennie: Hope your weather clears up soon so that you and your friend can be outdoors more. I’m so looking forwared to seeing you and your baby together. Have you decided on a name–for sure? Shirley Donoho

  24. / Reply

    Happy YOU day Jeanie – here’s hoping you have a wonderful birthday!!

  25. / Reply

    Praying that all of you from the states devastated by the tornadoes are safe and sound. I kept an eye on Lexington yesterday – I was praying that all would be safe there. I live in Plainfield, IL (considered tornado alley)– the town and surrounding areas that had an F5 in 1990 where 21 people were killed. At the time I lived in a town about 15 miles away. My heart goes out to any one who has been touched by the devastation the past few days.
    On a happier note – I am so looking forward to finally meeting Zen’s big bundle of joy.
    Here’s to Mike and 9 safe and winning races.
    Keep safe everyone.
    Hale Mary (sorry — figured I would say it before someone noticed).

  26. / Reply

    Hi Z, Wow this weather is crazy…Thinking of all who are in the path of these dangerous storms. Hopefully everyone comes out safe and sound. So glad here in the Northeast we really don’t have to worry too much about these types of storms…very scary. Glad your family at Lanes End are keeping you as safe as possible.
    Wow next week!!!! :)—Very excited as I am sure you are too. In the meantime stay safe and have a relaxing and comfortable day..

  28. / Reply

    ‎Hi Everyone-

    We only need 497 more Facebook Fans to reach 100,000 fans before Zenyatta has her first foal – ONLY 497 to go – that’s really not a lot – Please make sure to like Zenyatta Facebook page and share this with everyone so we can get Zenyatta to 100,000 – we only have a few days left to reach this goal.

    Thanks – it would be super cool if Mike Smith got to 5000 wins around the same time Zenyatta gets to 100,000 fans and has her foal – we can do this.

    Again Thanks for your support!!! High Hoof

  29. / Reply

    Zenyatta, You’re 4th cousin “Sissy”, from Rabbit Hash, KY, wishes you an easy labor and successful delivery. I am retired, living on a small farm, with my buddy Mr. Higgins, a Sicilian miniature donkey. Life is great! Best wishes!

    • / Reply

      Thanks for that. I am not a PETA fan, because of some of their extremist stuff, but I also am not a fan of race-whipping. No matter how people (some here) have explained it to me, I find it difficult to believe the horse does not feel fear/hurt/pain from being hit with a whip or stick. Else why would there be laws to regulate it at all (like in the UK & Australia)? It is not just because animal-rights people believe whipping is wrong. The article says, ‘One horse trainer speaks from experience and says, “I agree, the present use of the whip in horse racing should be banned. The answer to a horse running out of gas during a race is better physical conditioning.”‘ Yet jockeys and others, have strongly disagreed with whipping bans, so they must believe they are not delivering any pain to the horse. But is that because their self-interest has made them insensitive to how the horse feels about it? And is it also the difference between a “tap on the shoulder” and a “whack”? I don’t mind someone tapping me on the shoulder, but would never tolerate a whack. I’m afraid some people are insensitive to the difference, and that is a problem.
      Anyway, thanks AJ, your link got me riled up again.

      • / Reply

        When your livelihood depends on where your horses end up in races, it is understandable that jockeys oppose limiting the use of the whip. However, just because I understand the position of the riders does not mean that I agree with it.

        • Thanks, Terry. I’m sure there are sacrifices the jockeys make, pains they tolerate, because they feel they must, as athletes. But it’s a different step, to think the horses feel the same way about racing. That’s where “I don’t know,” and it’s starts bothering me.

    • / Reply

      Hi Zenny, hope you are still feeling wonderful.

      So…the whipping issue…. Keep the topic up front to stop whipping.. Right Z?
      You don’t want your little z to get their tussy whipped ( you listening Mike Smith! ).
      I say we just keep talking about it and letting the tracks and all involved in racing world know it. Come on, it’s used for training and correcting.
      Bloodhorse magazine printed my complaint about whipping. They want your opinion about it! Then, Bloodhorse magazine printed someone’s comment that agreeded with me. They explained their opinion about it. I said it is a horse race not a Jockey race. If they only could restrict tapping or breezing the whip to a minimum of 2 or 3 would help.( Or NONE! )
      So ‘JOCKEYS’… let’s see which horse is willing to run faster than the others to win — without the whip — .
      … I was just thinking …. Wouldn’t it each the Jockeys a lession of their own if they receive the same number of whips that they just did in their last race! Ouch! … Boy, Calvin Borel would sure be sore!
      Geezz, now I’m on a role ranting… I must be wound-up for our beautiful Zenny! from waiting and pacing,

      • / Reply

        It may be a rant, but it is a good rant. If jockeys were no longer able to carry a whip. adjustments would be made. Jocks drop their whips all the time and some use their hands to slap their mounts to shake them up. I would think hat this would be acceptable.

      • / Reply

        Yeah, Lynn, I have more than once felt like wanting to see Borel get his butt whipped! Not much empathy there, for his ‘drive to win’, or whatever his problem is, that has been so “successful”.

        And it makes sense, Terry, that if such a change were made, even “tried”, it would be interesting to see what adjustments would happen. And how breeding, training, and overall physical conditioning, would be affected. Seems like it would be a positive change.

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