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

  1. Thank-you Dottie and everyone who brought us Zenyatta’s Diary–I have learned so much and I will always be a fan of yours. I wish the best for Zenny and all of her years ahead– Thanks so much for letting her be “Everyones Horse”. Smiles, Janet Cutting in Edgerton,Wisconsin.

  2. How lucky were we all to share in the life and times of the Queen and her first born! Well done everyone and thank you all!

  3. Zenyatta you have given us all such a wonderful and exciting ride and your team has been so gracious in allowing us to be a part of the journey. I was sad at the Breeders Cup when I knew that chapter had ended but we all turned the page to find something as exciting as we followed your journey as a broodmare.
    Your contributions go beyond horse racing-there is something wonderful that everyone feels when they hear about you, or watch you or read about you. You have life and you give life.
    I personally will miss your daily comments-it has become part of my routine to see how you are doing. It’s another chapter and whatever the content, I know it will be extraordinary.
    Thank you Team Zenyatta for caring about her and allowing us to be part of her journey. Dottie and John: I am so impressed with your inclusiveness and your integrity. Barn 55-you are the wheels that make the whole thing turn. Jerry and Ann: Thank you so much for sharing her and Mike for guiding her on the track.
    It has been a privilege to be part of this-please find a way to keep us up to date. Hig HOOVES to all and Thank You

  4. After reading the DRF.com article on this website going on a hiatus , I more than ever feel somethings wrong. I hope Dottie and John are OK. The article at drf.com says that Ingordo-Sherriffs (Dottie) that the MOss’s haven’t figured out how they are going to get pictures and updates out on Zenyatta yet? Now to me, this is as much a surprise for them as it is for us. I hope and pray Dottie is fine and just needs a break. Now, I’m worried.

    • In the video the day after the birth the Mosses mentioned keeping in touch for the fans and Zenyatta. And in the pod cast today the LE team mentioned this site and it would be used for pictures and updates…they even mentioned the diary. Something must have happened to halt the diary at this time…but we remain convinced the site itself will be maintained. Dottie also commented last week how important it was to the Mosses and her and John to keep fans connected. They must be considering another way to do it.

  5. Thanks for who you are Zenyatta, the Queen. I appreciate all the time you have spent keeping in touch with all of us, your devoted fans forever. I will miss you but, always have you in my heart. Love you so much Zenyatta.

  6. The Moss’s could always hire someone from Lanes End that needs some extra pay to take over this website and keep it updated and maintained.

  7. DIANA S and JAG- I think it is a great idea to develop a blog so that all Z’sters can still interact.
    I think FB is not the answer. Surely someone knows how to set up a blog website.
    I certainly don’t – I am almost computer illiterate.
    Let me know if you come up with something.
    Will truly miss reading both of your wonderful entries.
    Mary

      • I have a FORUM with the capability to creating solely a Zenyatta forum with threads to cover every possible thing. I am MORE than happy to do that if we have enough Zsters here who are interested. Also Abigail has THE VAULT and has welcomed all of us there.
        This site is NOT shutting down…just a hiatus and Dottie’s focus will now be on more for the racing stable and less for being Z’s voice. I think it’s awesome that she has devoted so much time to us over the years to keep us posted. Trust me…I highly doubt Zenyatta’s site here is going away…just won’t be a daily diary like before. Even still we will be like kids in a candy store when those occasional updates, photos, etc do come through. The notice from the Mosses that I got in my email last night said they would still keep in touch but I think we also need to consider that they have given so much of Zenyatta and themselves to all of us that it is overwhelming to say the least. I honestly cannot blame them for wanting to take a break although it is heartwrenching to not have this every day.

        I am sure with all of us combined we will have MORE than enough outlets to keep our undying Zenyatta love alive and perhaps make even more friends while preserving this Z cricle of friends, along the way.

        Just my two cents.
        :-)
        http://www.HorseRacingMania.com/forums

      • Barb, anything we can do on equi-army-ndo? Or just have everyone blog there, like we can do already?
        Or not the right forum?

  8. Dear Dottie – Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you’ve done in keeping us up to date on Zenyatta. Your dedication is second to none. I will miss this diary more than I can say. It’s meant so much to me, including spiritually. I feel such a bond with Zenyatta that I would never have experienced had it not been for this diary. And even though I rarely posted I felt a friendship of sorts with those who did. They are all wonderful people full of joy and compassion. I know it is not goodbye forever and I already look forward to when you and Zenyatta come back. I also want to take this moment to thank Mr. and Mrs. Moss for sharing Zenyatta with us, Lane’s End for allowing us into her life on the farm and John and Sarah for all the wonderful photos which we all loved so much. You’ve taken us on a ride for which I will never be able to thank you enough.
    Dottie, you are one of the kindest people I will ever come across in my life and I thank you for that as well. God bless you. ~Dani

  9. Bye for now Zenny, your diary is where I always find myself when I’m away from my own horses at school and I’m in need of some horse therapy. I’ll miss catching up on the Thoroughbred world through your diary when I need a break from organic chemistry.

  10. thank you for EVERYTHING dear zenyatta! my husband and i were lucky to be at hollywood park for your very FIRST race during that thanksgiving holiday years ago – and other than the oaklawn and churchill races, we were at every race – and we have never stopped caring for you dear girl – you take care of yourself and your baby – thats all we care about because its always been about YOU dear girl – you are the one who brought the smiles and happiness all these years – you DESERVE the best of health and all the happiness in the world – your baby too – we will miss your diary but we will always CARE about you and LOVE you – forever – thanks again to you zenyatta, to dottie and to your entire team – its been the BEST of times!! with love always… monica in long beach , calif

  11. Thank you Dottie for all the time and effort you have devoted to this diary. We love Zenyatta, The Little Prince and you. I am going to take you at your word and that this is just a little break for you and her. Look forward to seeing more diary postings in awhile.

    Meantime, would like to encourage all to find time to check into Our Mims retirement farm for mares. You can read about it on their website and also in Barbara LIivingston’s book More Old Friends.

    Until late, So Long Friends.

    • I learned about Our Mims from this site. I donate monthly. My husband and I visited there last summer. What a beautiful place with lots of love. Jeanne really cares for the horses.

  12. Dottie, thank you so, so much for keeping us posted on Zenny for so long. You have given us such a gift. I understand that writing daily is a very time-consuming chore, but I wonder if it might be possible to do a simple post once a month? Even one paragraph and a photo would be great. I feel selfish asking for more than you’ve already given us, yet I hate to completely lose touch with Zenyatta’s world.

    Thanks again!

    Lori

  13. Please PLEASE take the time you need But do keep us posted with pictures from time to time I am crying a selfish cry as I dont know what I will read now :-( But you do deserve time away from all of us we LOVE you ZENNY and of course your wonderful baby :-)

  14. DOTTIE- What you have done for all of us is immeasurable. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your dedication to writing the diary was impressive and I know took a tremendous amount of time and effort.
    I still believe that you have done more to promote horseracing (not just Zenyatta) than
    any one else in the industry. You not only promote it, you do it with style and grace.
    We have all been blessed by your sacrifices.
    Thank you so much. Mary Copelin

  15. @ Judy Sims————-beautiful post

    Barbara Wood—-thanks, I will contact Equi-Army
    Deb———Isn’t Zendetta a girl’s name, the Prince is a boy
    lil bunny foo foo——-well said
    Stephanie in San Diego—–Lovely post, a lesson we could all take to heart!
    Terry Crow—You have loads of friends, & if you’re a redneck, you’re one everyone can love
    I miss your jokes BTW

    • Thanks, Lil. It was my pleasure to post those silly jokes and to bring a smile to most of the faces on this blog. I will tell my daughter to put that in her memories book.

      • Dear Terry,
        So really really love your jokes, they often made my day. Hope sometime to meet you at Santa Anita, the great race place.

      • Amen to what has been said Terry. And if I somehow make it all the way to California for the BC, you’d better BE there!!!!!!!
        Sandy

      • Terry,

        I’ve really never been a joiner and you got me to join the Redneck Club. I’ve been saving a joke I recently received until the time was more appropriate. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get some of that sillyness going again someplace. Take Care,
        Marty R.

      • I am truly overwhelmed by these responses. I never realized the affect that a little humor can have. It has been, indeed, my pleasure.

        • Terry,
          You are truly a treasure! You have brightened our Z-Corner. Never be far away, please. You have been our fount of archival horseracing information and our humor source. Love and Hugs!

  16. So what is really up? Rev up 100,000 people on your Facebook page and then drop a bomb on everyone? Really?

    Something is not right.

  17. Hi Zenny & Son, Love the pictures. You both look like you’re smiling. Sad this is your last diary post, for a while anyway. But glad you are having a great time and we have had great blessings in following you and your life. The letter “Z” and your favorite sayings as ….”Too cute…Blush, Blush…It’s ME…Wink, Wink, BARN 55, High Hoof and I’m a MOM” are memorable always!!! Also it’s wonderful to have so many pictures and videos of both of you… and Your Plushie!!!
    God bless you and your little prince and all your wonderful connections; and a BIG THANK YOU TO ALL. LOL, Arlene in Vermont

  18. Zenyatta, I’m really happy that you and your foal are doing so well. You get out together, run around, play, hang out, sleep, eat, and other things. He stays by your side every minute too. That’s normal for foals. For how long, I don’t know. Those are great pictures of you and your foal. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to stop looking at them as well as the videos, especially since I’ve heard that you won’t be writing the diary for a while. However, I completely understand that it is necessary in order for you to devote time to your baby and get an education right along with him. All the registrations and proofs of who he is are a lot of work, I’m sure, just like with humans. I will miss your diary terribly and I’m looking forward to the day that it resumes. I’m hoping that you won’t stop the diary for good. I’ll be checking to see if and when the diary resumes. If not, it’s been very nice and I will really really miss it a lot. If so, like I say, I will be very eager to see the diary resume.

  19. ”THANK YOU ZENYATTA” !!~!

    For sharing your ”Life” with us all in your” Diary” posts. I have loved reading it every day since you arrived in Ky. I know from my own experience with my mare and raising babies , it is a time consuming period in your life. Just remember we ”Love” you so very much !~! And you are in the very best place in the world to raise your beloved Prince,,, and any babies you may have in the future ! ”Lexington” KY,,,Will always be my favorite place in the world, I had my mare there for breeding and foaling, for 2 yrs. I travel there often to just take in the sights and feel the ”Horse” Love that is ”Lexington”. Congrats Again on your beautiful Baby !!!

    Take Care Queen ”Z”….And a ”High Hoof To Ya….

    Hugggzzzzzz !~!

    Jan In WV

    P.S….I do hope you will post when ”Tasty” has her foal ? and when you get to be with her and her baby ,,,raising your 2 foals together , Please post some pics ?

  20. I will miss all of you so…the ones who taught me so much about horses and horseracing….LauraJ, Signofthetimes, Julie, EspeciallyHorses, Ann Maree (I still have her on my FB, thank, God), Max…and so many, many more. The ones who make me laugh…Sharon, Karen, JAG (Judy, love the pet name JAG) and our very own RedNeck…Sweet Terry Crow. I will miss our very own handicapper, Gary Moulton, remember the babies? JB, I will miss all you taught me, horses, horseracing, and computers..and I will so miss all those wonderful hugs. Trina, your lovely BD poems, I do not know how you do it. There are so many talented and creative people here, in Zenyatta’s World, and it still amazes me. I am glad I got to know and love Our Kari, if not for Zenyatta….it would not have been. Our Teacher of the Universe, Shari, miss her kids as well. I hope the kids will be okay with this. There are so many of you that I have taken to my heart and I know my head is not clear right now and am forgetting important names to mention. Due to alot of people who make it their lives work to rescue horses, Marlene, Barbara Woods, to name a couple..Even tho I do not like to admit it, I no longer bury my head in the sand and go on like it does not exsist, The S/Houses. What would we do without you?

    I’ve my cable, with the Horseracing, but not the many to talk with or listen to, and learn from anymore. It will hurt worse now than before because I know what it is like to have all of you in my life, it was lonely before..but I did not know the difference. There is no one in Dallas to Talk Horses with, they are not interested.

    Zenyatta and The Prince, I will wake up every morning wondering what is new with her, how is The Prince coming around, wishing there were videos of them both running in the paddock. What is his name? Who will be The Queen’s next date? I really do not think I can handle this well. Will I get on the puter one morning and She will be gone? Will I sign in a work and She will be gone? Will I get on the puter to say “Good Night” will she be gone?

    When Ruffian passed away, I promised my self that I would never, ever, never, ever love a horse like that again, I was broken everywhere, then Zenyatta danced and raced into my heart, and I feel that same feeling…broken. I feel like there was a death in the family. I think this is all for now, as I am crying and I cannot see.

    I love you all, Lisag

    • So very lovely Lisa G, will also miss the sharing and eveything that has gone on on this site. We have had Zenny, 14 months more than we every would have had her. Now
      she is very focused on being a mom and has returned to her equine roots, with her
      horse pals.

      WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH, TOO.

    • LisaG thank you. I want you to know I fell in love with Mo because of YOU. You are one special lady. Thank you for all your sweet posts. Love, Shari

    • I cry along with you – what a beautiful post! We all loved hearing from you too! We’ll meet again, sometime …. keep in touch through e-mail!

    • Lisag, this is an amazing account of your time well spent on this site. I’m so impressed.

    • Lisag-I know what you mean by being lonely before. Hardly anybody has time for an old man’s horse stories but his friends, but mine are dying off. I had found a plethora of friends on this site and it made me happy. At least I have the memories.

    • I’m just catching up with postings – I just read this. Thank you for “thanking” me for making you laugh! My pet name is my initials, so I’m not too original. Before I got married they were JAM – sticky situation LOL

      Take care, Judy Ann G (JAG)

  21. SOMETHING’S GOT TO BE WRONG………………SOMEWHERE.. , We all know Dottie wouldn’t up and drop a bomb on us all like this. Something has happened within the past few days. It may not be Zenyatta and the foal but it’s something. This is not like our Dottie/Zen/ Mathea/ Sarah/ or whoever else is involved in our day to day blog updates here.

    Keeping you in my prayers, Dottie, John, Zen, Little Prince, Ann, Jerry…

  22. Zenyatta will return – I will keep the faith that I have always had for Zenyatta and her Team. This too shall pass!!!! Long Live The Queen!!!!!!

  23. Dottie, Thank you for opening the doors to a fascinating sport and industry to lay people like never before. There is always something special about getting the view from someone living that profession. Your posts were always fun and informative. Maybe there is a better schedule than daily for the blog. It sure would have been great to have you talk us through the growth of a foal into a yearling. While there isn’t something new to report every day, maybe there is something that should happen each month or two. Whatever you decide, I’ve enjoyed all you and everyone have put into making Zenyatta’s website so spectacular.

  24. Dearest Z,

    All I can say to you is THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You have given to your fans all your love and shared with us your journey through and through. Taking time off from your diary is such a bittersweet decision but I know it is the best decision for you and your new family member, your son! He is so handsome and I know I will be looking forward to watching him grow up…Too Cute! You are the best MOM!

    On a personal note: Thank you DOTTIE and JOHN for making a very special day for me when you posted my “Z in the Sky” picture! I shall never forget that day! You are so right that anytime we see a Z, we will think of Zenny! You have taught us so much and I thank you for all that you have done!

    To Ann and Jerry Moss: Thank so much for being so gracious in sharing Zenyatta with us! Can’t thank you enough. Everytime I think of you both, I see the LOVE in your beautiful smiles and it makes me so thankful that you have shared her with us! You are the BEST!

    Take care Zenny and 12 Zenyatta…we will be watching and smiling every step of the way!! Love and HIGH HOOVES to Team Zenyatta!

  25. Thank You Zennie & Dottie for all of the wonderful moments you have shared with us over the past few years. I will certainly miss the daily diary but do understand Zenny’s need for private bonding time with her precious colt & Dottie’s need for a break.

    And Dottie what a job you have done giving voice to our wonderful Zenyatta. Your posts were so cleverly written with humor, inspiration & interesting information about the racing industry.

    I look forward to Saturday’s baby shower at Santa Anita & another chance to see some of the Team Zenyatta group & fans.

  26. I am going to miss your diary entries. I hope you will continue to post pictures!

    Lotsa Love,
    Jan

    • Dear Jan,
      No diary no pictures. We will now have to rely on Bloodhorse, HRTV and no more inside scoop. Everyone (LE, TEAM Z, The Mosses) have all get back to business. And part of that business will be racing Zenny’s foals.

  28. I am so going to miss your Diary….I woke up every morning to read it…I think you are one amazing horse and now you are an amazing mom…High Hoofs to Team Z for all the special care they have given you and will continue to. I am so going to miss you, but I hope Lanes End Farm will continue to post pictures of you and your amazing Prince. I have your pictures everywhere in my home and on my computer….You were so amazing to watch on the race track..and now as a mom…I am crying tears of joy for you. You are so loved.. Love you Zenyatta and your little Prince…

  29. Hey, lighten up some of you people! The idea that there is “something sinister” behind this decision of Dottie’s!! Do you think this wonderful woman is OBLIGATED to take care of
    us & continue this site for the REST OF HER LIFE!!

    I think she has done plenty for us, for which we should be grateful & quit feeling SORRY for OURSELVES!!
    As for the decision being abrupt—-how would you know this, she could have had this in mind for awhile, & this seemed the proper time for her to do it
    There are several unselfish people who have posted regarding this matter, I suggest you read those posts, & go on & get a life.