Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #457

Here WE are! All of today’s photos…Courtesy of Mathea Kelley and Team Zenyatta

Dear Beloved Friends,

Wouldn’t you know those EARS anywhere? I love looking at THEM and every single part of MY adorable colt! This entire experience is very precious to ME and to my entire TEAM!

On this day, I wanted to share a few more of my favorite photos with YOU. After all, I think this fortunate foal is blessed to have the most GODPARENTS of anyone in history. I truly can’t THANK YOU enough for the way you have embraced both of US….ME for so many years….and now my ‘Dumpling’.

Many of you have asked about HIS NAME. At this time, my colt does not have an official name. Per the standard practice in our industry, he is referred to as “12 Zenyatta”. His halter tag reads this way indicating year born…and Mom’s name. I know Ann and Jerry so well and can only imagine how many countless hours they will spend discussing this to make sure he has the perfect name. I trust their judgment completely!

The most fun he and I’ve shared so far is when he ‘takes off’ to run in the paddock. Just like in MY RACING CAREER, I give him a head start (on purpose)…and then I catch him in a FLASH! This is one FUN GAME we play…and I’m loving every single stride.


I must say, having been a MOM now for a few days, I’m already applying some of the basics of MOM 101. (A HIGH HOOF to my Lane’s End pals for tutoring ME with some special GREAT MOM TIPS.) I’m really doing very well at ‘my new career’ and am rather proud of myself. (Blush, Blush)

My baby is by my side every moment….and I am loving it! We walk together, eat together, cuddle together, and learn together. I’m getting a daily education on all of the right things to do for him…and I’m hoping in return he is learning to be ONE FINE COLT from ME!


In life, things go FULL CIRCLE. I have gone from being a foal…to now having one of my very own to care for each day. In between these 2 stages of life, I have been incredibly blessed to achieve countless amazing accomplishments, a great deal of success in my profession, and to meet and share MY LIFE with some of the finest people one could ever hope to call her FRIENDS!

I do feel at this time, it is extremely important for ME to take some time off from my daily DIARY writing and allow myself the opportunity to BOND EVEN MORE to MY NEW FOAL and FOCUS on being his MOM. (I think in human terms, this is called a child-rearing leave!)

From the bottom of MY HEART, I want to THANK YOU for the joy, support, and love you have brought to ME over these past years. As I’m putting my “writing hooves on the shelf for a bit,” I also want to thank the countless people who have submitted photos (Sarah, you have been so kind) and written so many treasured responses in relation to the Diary entries.

Dottie and I wrote the very first Diary entry on November 1, 2010. We have cherished every single moment of sharing all of these experiences and memories with you….OUR DEAR and TREASURED FRIENDS!

Again, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING! I will think of you often during my time off…and I hope you will do the same of ME….especially when you see the letter “Z” or hear any of my favorite sayings as ….”Too cute…Blush, Blush…It’s ME…Wink, Wink, BARN 55, High Hoof and I’m a MOM.”

WHAT A RIDE WE’VE ALL SHARED!

Until next time…

With Love,
Hugs to All~ (I so mean this from the bottom of MY HEART!)
Z

I’d respectfully like to add a SPECIAL NOTE OF THANKS and a HUGE GROUP HUG to all of the people who have done so much to orchestrate and guide my racing career…and now my life as a broodmare. It is such a large and loving group which would include but not be limited to: all of my dear pals at BARN 55, LANE’S END, MY ANN and JERRY, MY JOHN, MY MIKIE, MARIO, FRANK, CHEVA, MICHELLE, DAWN, STEVE, and so many others!

Then, of course, I’d like to send a very special HIGH HOOF and one very BIG HUG to my writing partner, DOTTIE!

Reader Interactions

1,307 Comments

    • Say it ain’t so!!! Oh we are going to miss your diary so much.

      There are going to be many people thrown into Zenyatta news withdrawals. Hopefully we can learn about your life elsewhere. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us all.

      THANK YOU SO MUCH DOTTIE. You have been absolutely marvelous and fulfilled our lives greatly.

      What a wonderful ride it has been.

      • Shannon from Cool~ This is going to be a difficult transition for ALL of US. We have been so blessed to have been included in this journey with OUR beloved ZENYATTA, and now with her handsome PRINCE.

        How will I ever get through my days…..

        I LOVE YOU ZENYATTA!

      • Lucky for us the colt has Zenyatta’s nose and muzzle features. We can look for a wonderful personality from him.

      • I will so miss your diary entries, Z. Thank you for all the smiles, and even some tears, happy, happy ones, when reading each morning. The very best to you and that “mini me” of yours! You will always have a very special place in all of our hearts. The time you have taken to spend with us has meant more than words can say. A big thank you to you, and all your connections!!! Enjoy, mama Z, until we meet up again!

      • Oh, Zenyatta, really going to miss those diary entries. Please post some updates and photos of your cute foal as he and you continue on your path together -it would be great to see this little guy turn into the mature “beefcake” he’s going to be.

        My special thanks to Dottie and all your connections for this diary – it’s been so informative as well as a wonderful way to stay in touch with all of you.

        Please check in from time-to-time, Z, so we can know that all is well with you and your “star-touched,” royal son. It is so interesting that he was born during a time of great solar activity as well as that huge full moon. It was a royal moon fit for a royal son!
        .

        • Definately; the last number one of 2012; it may be awhile; she really
          does need time to herself and with her foal;

          It was very evident on the way she looked at the camera as she was grazing with the foal his first day of life; she glanced at the camera went back to grazing as if to say; I am really very busy now, I need to make sure my
          foal knows how to graze.

          It has been a wonderful 14 months, but all good things must come to end
          and we are so very fortunate to have been on the ride this long.

          THANKS SO MUCH TO LANES END FOR KEEPING US ABREAST OF
          ZENNY’S FOALS BIRTH; BEING IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IT WAS A VERY BIG RISK ON YOUR PART; YOU ARE A WONDERFUL BREEDING
          OPERATION. THANKS TO DOTTIE, TEAM ZENYATTA AND OF COURSE THE WONDERFUL WONDERFUL MOSSES FOR TAKING US ON THIS LOVELY RIDE WITH ZENYATTA; SOMETHING WE WOULD NEVER HAVE
          EXPERIENCED.

          WILL DEFINATELY MISS ALL THE COMMERADERY DEVELOPED WITH ALL OF THE WONDERFUL EXPERIENCED PEOPLE ON THIS SITE.

          THANKS AGAIN FOR THIS WONDERFUL 14 MONTH RIDE !!!!!

        • ‎Wednesday, ‎14 ‎March, ‎2012

          FOR UPDATES AND NEW PHOTOS OF ZENYATTA & COLT,
          CLICK ON “NEWS” AT TOP RIGHT OF PAGE.

          ALSO, PLEASE READ THE LETTER FROM ANN & JERRY MOSS.

          THE WEB TEAM SAYS THAT A FORUM IS BEING DEVELOPED
          WHERE WE WILL BE ABLE TO RESUME OUR SHARING.

          SO CHECK THE NEWS SECTION FOR NEW HAPPENINGS.

          Team Zenyatta once again has done an outstanding job!
          We just had to do a little treasure hunting to find it.
          A big thank you for Karen for letting us know!!!

    • I have so enjoyed the diary and will miss the daily comments. You are the greatest and I look forward to more news of you and your cute colt with your ears! I will be following all news of you and him! Thank you!

    • Until today I’ve not posted to this forum and diary on the Legendary Lady Z. I’ve followed her racing career and then her steps into the broodmare ranks closely though. Let us hope that rather than a diary that once a month or so we can see some pictures of ‘Prince’ as he’s being called as he grows and starts down the path to being a race horse. In future seeing Lady Z’s other offspring as well.

      While I didn’t visit daily, I did visit often. Nothing brings back my memories more than seeing a foal romping in the grass. Yes as a former horse person these memories are all brought forth when seeing Z and her baby in the fields.

      Thank you for all the enjoyment and fun watching this site. Hope that you do return once Momma Z is further along and Prince is a weanling.

    • Queen Z…. please don’t take too long, to let us share in the growth of your beautiful colt, AND to find out about Tasty and her foal. Please take much needed time, but, don’t forget all those thousands of God Parents who are anxiously awaiting more pictures and details of your life as a Mom, and how OUR colt is doing! Bless you both!

    • ‎Wednesday, ‎14 ‎March, ‎2012

      FOR UPDATES AND NEW PHOTOS OF ZENYATTA & COLT,
      CLICK ON “NEWS” AT TOP RIGHT OF PAGE.

      ALSO, PLEASE READ THE LETTER FROM ANN & JERRY MOSS.

      THE WEB TEAM SAYS THAT A FORUM IS BEING DEVELOPED
      WHERE WE WILL BE ABLE TO RESUME OUR SHARING.

      SO CHECK THE NEWS SECTION FOR NEW HAPPENINGS.

      Team Zenyatta once again has done an outstanding job!
      We just had to do a little treasure hunting to find it.
      A big thank you for Karen for letting us know!!!

    • If you have read the diary page and are freaking out like we all did relax a bit. Look at the top again beside the word diary it says NEWS. That is our new source of information and some photos. They say more to come. It’s never going to be the same without Dottie. We are going to have to make due and be very happy the Moss’s love us too.
      Z and baby z you are so special a world apart for all other horses ever. lots of love and kisses

    • If you have read the diary page and are freaking out like we all did relax a bit. Look at the top again beside the word diary it says NEWS. That is our new source of information and some photos. They say more to come. It’s never going to be the same without Dottie. We are going to have to make due and be very happy the Moss’s love us too.
      Z and baby z you are so special a world apart for all other horses ever. lots of love and kisses

  5. Love, love, love you and the Little Prince. What a beautiful family you make! Zenny, you are a natural and adoring mother. He certainly takes after his darling mother. Thank you, Dottie, for making this experience so meaningful and positive to the world. Hugs, peppermint kisses, chucks, and nose nuzzles to both of you, and Tasty too. h+++

    • I am still misty eyed thinking about not having my daily Zenny fix. You have become so dear to me and have helped me through rough times. I’d love to volunteer helping out by being a ghost writer, to allow all of us stay together in the love of Zenny! h+++

  6. Good morning MAMA and BABY. Now my day can begin…I’ve had my FIX! Love to both of you and YOUR Team as well.

  7. Near the top today!!! Getting ready to listen to the Talkin’ Horses with staff at Lane’s End at BloodHorse!! Will be back soon. Hugs. Ann Maree

    • Oh, dear! Sounds like this is a goodbye Diary post! I don’t know what to say. I’m so thankful for all the wonderful times you have given us through your Diary, and a very HIGH HOOF to YOUR DOTTIE for devoting a big chunk of her time in this effort. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Hugs.

      • One more P.S.
        Since this is a kind of “So long for now” type of time, I thought the Zsters might enjoy re-reading an earlier diary post, just prior to Zenny leaving Hollywood Park for Lane’s End. This particular Diarty post, #123, December 5, 2010 — the day of her Farewell Party — has a paragraph about John’s “private goodbye” to Z. It is so touching and moving, and I have carried his words in my heart ever since, often quoting him, because he above all, must have had the most difficult time of “letting go”. Of course he knew he would see her again, just like we know we will “see” her again, but, changes are difficult, to say the least. So, here’s a link to that post, which I think, is appropriate now: https://staging.zenyatta.com/diary/diary-post-23

        Here is the excerpt:
        “Last night, before John and Dottie left the barn…John looked at me and gave me a big hug and the greatest compliment of all. He said that people really do love me…and they are really so appreciative of all I have tried to do. In his mind, he said, I am SPECTACULAR in so many ways. As a matter of fact, he hugged me again and said…’There is not one thing about me that is not exceptional…not one!’

        “I guess I am one very lucky horse to have people around me who give me so much love, confidence and respect! Yes, one very, very lucky girl!”

        Words really are inadequate to express the gratitude I feel towards Ann and Jerry Moss, Dottie, all of Barn 55, Mario, Carmen, Frank Leal, but most especially to John for his loving and caring hands. Ellen Parker, a writer and pedigree analyst, said: “This man is more than a horseman; he’s a horse whisperer, too. Whatever else one may be sure of it is that Zenyatta’s foals will be delivered into some of the best hands God ever made for any horse. ” Amen. Big hugs especially to YOUR JOHN!

        One last thank you, to Lane’s End, for taking such good care of our Queen, and to all who have been directly responsible for our girl, including Charles Campbell, Mr. Cline, Ms. Vowles, and of course, to Sarah Campion, and others who work to ensure her health, happiness and safety. And a big HIGH HOOF to David Ingordo! He is really responsible as much as anyone for giving us “the horse of a lifetime”!

        Z, we are the lucky ones, to have had you, and to still have you, in our lives. I love you forever, Z. Hugs and kisses, Ann Maree

        • Thank you, Lisag….I, too, am in tears….tears of joy as well as tinged with a bit of sadness. In a way, everyone, including the Mosses, is having to “let go” a little bit. I heard the wistfulness in Ann’s voice when she spoke about Zen’s new role, that, before, she would hang out at the fence, and now, she hangs out with her son. As Ann said, it is as it should be, but, it means she doesn’t need as much from humans anymore, except to see to her needs. Hugs.

        • THANK GOODNESS SHE IS FINALLY A FULL-TIME HORSE;

          ZENNY HAS GIVEN SO MUCH OF HERSELF TO PEOPLE; NOW SHE
          IS GIVING TO HER GOD GIVEN BREED THE THOROUGHBRED
          AND BEING ABLE TO BE A FULL-TIME HORSE; PEOPLE WERE ONLY A VESSICLE FOR HER TO WEAVE HER WONDERFUL WEB; NOW SHE IS BACK AS A CREATURE OF GOD RAISING ALL OF HER WONDERFUL CHILDREN.

          HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE ZENNY AT LANES END WITH 12ZENYATTA.
          HE IS SUCH A VERY SPECIAL BOY AND MAYBE OUR NEXT TRIPLE CROWN WINNER.

      • Thanks so much for posting the Lanes End Talk from Bloodhorse;
        I have downloaded it to keep forever.

        This diary is now on hiatus, hopefully we can keep in contact personal e-mails and I know Ann Maree you spent a lot of time on her facebook page. I am not a big
        facebook person, but may have to become one.

    • Enjoyed the broadcast for BloodHorse’s Talkin’ Horses from Lane’s End. For those who might have missed it, BloodHorse archives these broadcasts, so you can go to their web site for a replay. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/talkin-horses/archive/2012/03/12/special-edition-lane-s-end-staff-on-zenyatta-s-pregnancy-and-foal.aspx

      If a volunteer is needed to facilitate Zenyatta’s diary, I bet there would be plenty of applications! Me, included!!

      Several questions I was hoping would be answered they didn’t get to: one is, while we have information about Pirate Queen’s colt by Quality Road, and Seagull’s colt by Candy Ride, but still don’t know about Alys’ foal, what it was and by whom. Just wondering how her original BFFs from last summer are all doing now.

      So many questions and concerns about Zenyatta’s ongoing “community” of all of us, the Zensters, Zenyatta’s Dumplings, etc. Will her website stay up? What about her Facebook page, will that continue? I know we all will find a way to stay in touch…so many friends here I would like to stay in touch with.

      This truly has been a journey of the heart we have all shared. DOTTIE has been absolutely the BEST SCRIBE for Zenyatta. It would be ungrateful to begrudge her the opportunity to get back to her very busy life. Dottie, I hope both you and Ann will leave some room in your busy schedules to work on a book, or books! They would be instant best sellers!

      I do hope John will post his MobileMe updates when he goes to see Z and the foal. By the way, I bet the foal’s barn name is probably “Baby Z”…I didn’t hear what was said about that in the broadcast.

      In the, “looking on the bright side” department, we still have lots to look forward to: Eblouissante will likely be debuting soon…she has been working regularly, and she was gate schooling recently. I’m eagerly awaiting the many updates we will get on Zenyatta from the likes of Steve Haskin, Barbara Livingston, Mathea Kelley, BloodHorse, and others, who will all be making the trek to LE to see Baby Z and his Momma. Zenyatta is and always will be a beacon of light and an ambassador for the sport. High hopes for the colt and his racing future.

      Hugs to all! Ann Maree

        • Dear Zenny and Dottie, I will so miss having your updates and pictures. Ann Marie has said everything so well that I don’t know what to say now.

          I understand Dotie needs to take a break from being your scribe and I sure hope to keep informed through Steve Haskins and others.

        • Oh, Ingrid, bless your heart. One thing you can be very sure of, or rather, two things: Zenyatta will never leave the Mosses, and her colt will never see the inside of a sale ring. She and he will be protected always. Hugs to you, and God bless. Ann Maree

          (Thought I had posted this here earlier, but, somehow it wound up at the bottom.)

        • Dear Ingrid,
          I think all of her foals will never see the sales ring and The Mosses with forever own her.
          Really have enjoyed your posts, so glad you caught on to posting links.
          Great Job !!!!

      • Oh DITTO! The education that Zenyatta is giving us is second to none. It is evident that more than 100,000 people are enjoying the opportunity to learn more about thoroughbred horses. If we need to create a fund to help defray expenses. Let us know!!! Certainly, Z and Baby Z should take a little FMLA leave.

      • Everyone, this isn’t the “end of the Diary,” I’m sure… but the end of a phase. We’re all going to miss this delightful almost-daily get-together, but as Zenny and Dottie put it, it’s time to take some time away from it.

        Small idea— maybe one of the Zensters could start up a “friends of Zenny” Yahoo group or similar? It could be a way for all the friendships here to stay in close touch, and pass along news and information. Some of us are not on Facebook… Then when Zenny has some time and Dottie has caught her breath, they can send us the occasional Diary post when there is special news to report, and we won’t feel so left out. I don’t have the time this would entail (being a listmom), but surely someone—-???

        In the meantime, Zenny we are so happy for you and your very handsome and healthy son… Mr. & Mrs. Moss, Dottie and John, Barn 55 crew, and LE staff—- thank you all for sharing with us. And Zensters, Dumplings, et al, thanks for the friendship, laughs, tears, and just plain fun. We’ll all be back to check in here often… and our good wishes and love are always right here for you whenever you choose to look.

        Patricia in rainy, blustery far northern California, puppy snoozing under my desk.

        • I would love this. I did not post many comments here, I tended to interact more with the Facbook side, but I would love it if there was a place to gather for Zenyattaholics everywhere. :)

      • How beautifully you have said the things in my heart. Thank you for expressing what I believe so many of us must feel.

      • Ann Maree,
        Beautifully said! Many Blessings to you and everyone here on the site.

  8. Lots of love and luck to you and your sweet foal! Will look forward to hearing about you whenever you choose to return to your Diary! Enjoy your sabbatical!

  10. Zenny, Those ears are so adorable and so like his mommy’s. He’s SO CUTE and so is his mommy.

  11. Zenyatta, I love how you talk about your son’s ears and how you give him a head start when he runs! Oh, how like you! You deserve some “Mommy and Son” time, so enjoy, and thanks for these diary entries as well as these remarkable photos! You two are perfect together!

    • Dear Lisa, I have a bad hunch I think after she finish the time with baby prince she is going to be sold, I cannot stop my tears, hugs Ingrid my e-mail is iarnone31@gmail.com.

        • The Mosses will NOT sell Zenyatta. I think this “break” is simply because there really isn’t a need for daily updates anymore. After all, while Zenny was pregnant a lot of the daily posts were about “other things” just because we would have all freaked out if there wasn’t a daily message! I’m sure that Zenny/Dottie will post when there is news, but not every day.

          Again, don’t worry about Zenyatta being sold. One look at Ann Moss and Zen together tells me that even if they lost every penny they have, the Mosses would hang on to Zenny for the rest of her life.

        • The day Zenyatta is sold is the day Mrs. Moss goes to that country and burns it all down to get her back. She will not be sold, Zenyatta is like a child to them, like a daughter. Why would they sell a mare, the most popular mare America may have ever seen, to another country? That is just asking to become public enemy number one. Don’t worry a bit, she won’t be sold. :-) She is loved too much, and I bet if we had to, America as a whole would get together and raise the money to buy her back, IF (theoretically of course because she never will be) sold.

      • Dear Ingrid,
        Put your fears to rest, my friend. I promise you, as long as the Mosses have breath left in their bodies, Zenyatta will never be sold. I would stake my soul on it. ♥

  13. I will certainly miss your daily diary. It always made my day. I can totally understand and hope you will post often. Blessing to you, your baby and your whole team.

  14. Dear Z and Dottie: Enjoy your well deserved break. From the bottom of my heart, thank you beyond words for everything! Congrats again on your little one & please give Tasty a warm hug from me & best wishes to her as she foals. Loving you & your team for always! XO

  15. Your colt is beautiful just as you are! enjoy your time with you colt as they grow so fast. i look forward to when you decided to post again, until then stay safe sweet Zenyatta, and take great care of your son!!

  16. You have no idea how much your diary is going to be missed. But…I certainly do understand that it’s a huge job to do.

    I do hope that we’ll get updates on you and your baby from time to time since you both mean so very very much to all of us.

    Wishing you, your baby, your team nothing but the best!

    Until next time,

    Markay

  17. Thanks so much for the pictures……so adorable! You look great Z……I will miss reading your daily diary. Please let us know when Tasty has her baby. Thanks.

  18. I’ll sure miss your newsletter but, I understand! Please do ask them to post some pics once in awhile! Take care! Love ya! N.

  20. Thank you to Dottie for allowing us to share the experiences of this wonderful horse. We all truly love her and wish her (and you and the Moss’ and all the Z team) only the best!

  22. Thank you for all you’ve meant to ALL of us, Zenyatta. I wish you and baby Z nothing but the BEST from here on out….Please come back when you can….

  23. You are one beautiful Momma! Your little man is one of the most gorgeous colts I have ever seen. He will be just perfect. Enjoy your time as a brood mare and keep us posted with news on your little ones career and if and when he has siblings. I hope Tasty is doing well and will adjust to motherhood as well as you. Thank you so much for all the countless hours of time your Dottie has put in keeping us updated on how you were doing in your new career. Dottie and company are just the best!

  24. Will miss your diary entries, but hope there will still be pictures to follow of you and your wonderful colt. Thank you for sharing yourself and your life with all of us! God bless and keep you, dear Zenyatta and all your kind, gracious racehorse family.

  25. Hi Z, While I am sad that I won’t be getting my daily “Z” fix for awhile I am so thankful that we’ve been able to share this many of your thoughts and experiences. Please thank Dottie for the wonderful writing and enjoy your “maternity leave” . Hopefully soon we’ll see a picture of you and Tasty side by side in the paddock with your little foals. Your little boy is adorable and I too love those ears! Enjoy him! HUGs and KISSES all around!

  26. Thank you Zenyatta, through all of your races at Santa Anita to your fine 12 Zenyatta colt, thanks for the journey…

  27. Dear Z,
    We love you so much and wish you much happiness with the little prince! We will miss your postings, but want you to do what is best for you! We thank all of your team for sharing you with us through all these years. I am teary eyed right now as I post this. Please let us know when you will be able to post again!
    Love you so much and forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Blessings to you and your beautiful son!!!
    Please tell Tasty we all are praying for her!

  28. With the great intelligent combined with the kind nature that Z brought into motherhood, I knew she’s excel at it!

  29. I love both of them so much!!! Baby Z looks so much like his Mom. I am sure she will teach him how to dance.

  30. I’ll miss you, beloved Zenyatta. Your boy is adorable and I hope we get updated videos and pix of him and you. Talk to you when you’re rested and ready!

    Love you always, Z.