Happy January 2nd Everyone!
I hope all of you had a wonderful first day of the New Year. At Lane’s End, we had a great time and our birthday celebration was FABULOUS! P.Q. and I teased each other that we did not look a whole year older…maybe a DAY, but certainly not a YEAR. Too cute!
In this photo, I’m enjoying a bit of fun with a friend’s 2 boys. Great way to celebrate the holiday season! To quote their Mom…”Zenyatta is the sweetest mare ever!” So kind of her to say! I do love children…as you can see…and ALL people for that matter.
Here, I’m back indoors after paddock time…but as you know, I spend a great deal of time outside each day. Recently, Jahlgren asked about ‘my winter coat’. I had made a reference to ‘growing one’ in a previous Diary.
Horses’ coats do grow in the winter weather. What happens is the hair becomes thicker. It is part of nature. Now that I am in Kentucky, this is nature’s way to help me feel more comfortable in this colder climate. This also helps me to be happy and healthy while outdoors.
Often, at the race track, you may see a horse who is ‘CLIPPED’. This means that the horse did get a haircut. There are special people who work at the track who have a job ‘clipping horses’. The cost of this varies depending on what type of clipping style is requested. In CA, prices range from approximately $100-120 per horse. It varies. This is a baseline.
Basically, there are 2 reasons to CLIP a horse. ONE…in the winter, if the horse’s hair gets too thick, it can allow a great deal of mud/dirt to stick to the underneath portion of the body. The horse can then become more difficult to groom. If this is the case, you may want to clip him. SECONDLY, in the spring, when the winter coat is still a bit too thick and causing the horse to ‘sweat too much’ during exercise, you may also want to clip the horse. It all depends on the individual horse, the thickness of the hair, and the climate and training conditions.
Some trainers do a partial clipping (also called TRACE CLIPPING) on the ‘bottom/underneath part’ of the horse’s body. When you see this type of clipping on a horse…it looks like he/she has a design or pattern outlined on the body.
Other trainers may want their horse to have a full body clip…meaning all over the body.
Then some horses don’t need to be clipped. During the winter, they do not grow a great deal of thick hair. This varies per horse…just like humans have different types of hair.
As a result, if the hair does not get to be too thick, the groom is able to keep the coat looking good. THIS WAS ME! While at Barn 55, I never grew a very thick coat, and my dear MARIO groomed me perfectly all of the time. Per John, he used ‘good old-fashioned elbow grease’ to keep my coat looking slick and fabulous! Also, I was a horse with great inner health which helped.
Now that I am outside quite a bit in a colder climate, my hair is getting a bit thicker. Being able to grow a ‘winter coat’ with my dapples and all still there…is a very good thing for me!
Stay warm and enjoy your day!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Janet Cutting
Another note–@ Ensign– I think your A-OK—I see your answers very professional and honest– I dont find them offending or stepping on anyones toes. All are welcomed to post their comments –I enjoy all the comments that are posted. I am not experienced with horses and I learn alot from Z’s site. Smiles to all, Janet C
Nancy
What a precious picture. I always love photos of you with children.
A while back you mentioned the watch that John Shirreffs wears. Could you tell me what that watch was again?
Thanks so much for these updates. I always look forward to them.
Nancy
@Robin Farina
That nose piece was news to me serving other
than comfort or protection. It is used to prevent light
reflection which can cause problems with vision when
racing. I guess this problem is noticed by the trainers.
We are all learning a lot !!!!! Thanks so much Dottie for
all of the great information!!!!!
Jenna
How lucky are these two boys!? Z is just such a gentle horse. This is why every other comment I make I ask how much she’ll be bred. She should not have any other ‘job’ other than being a horse and free but she’d be so wonderful with the sick and children. She seems to be a very rare horse, temperament wise. ;>
Thank you, Dottie, for the explanation around a horse’s coat. I always wondered why some horses were fuzzy wuzzy in real life (I’ve been to barns in the Northeast) and the horses that race are sleek.
I hope Z had a wonderful January 1st-even though her real day is April 1 (I read Secretariat’s birthday is March 30-close).
Have a wonderful night, everyone. Z, too. Big kiss.
Pam Zacek,
I love the picture, just shows you how gentle you are, and how you, did say love kids, can see that in this picture, Stay Warm and hopefully spring will come early , so you can just run in the good old blue grass, I love the picture yesterday, of that beautiful barn your in, its like the Ritz, so your one lucky girl, who ever the pick , for your Husband, I sure, hope its a Settle Slew off spring, oh I can just see that, for sure, but there the breeders, choice, or your choice. Love and glad you don’t feel any older, thats a good start to a great new year. I Love the updates so much. thanks again Lanes end, for keeping us posted.
Fran
Z, you are just amazing; you love everyone and it seems especially children. You will make a good mommy! Our Doozey does not get much coat either so she gets cold easily. She loves her warm blankets and advises everyone when it is time to put it on! So, we never have to clip her. She is, otherwise, a high maintenance kind of girl; her feet grow fast so we have to change shoes often. But we love Doozey! I am so glad you get to visit with friends so often. You are having such fun! Have a good rest of the day Z. Love you!
Gloria Jeanne
Cute photo Zenny! Any word on who will be the Daddy of your foal? And the process we can expect?
Khara Covington
Zenyatta, would you be so sweet to ask John, Dottie, and Mr. and Mrs. Moss if there are horse organizations that they would suggest we support financially? Since I am new to the horse world (all because of you my sweet Z) I don’t want to give a gift to an organization that does not do good work. I want to support a group who reflects the values of Team Zenyatta, that really cares for the well being of horses and who depends on donations to survive. I sure would appreciate it! I love you Zenyatta!
Ingrid in MA
You and Dottie are great teachers,Zen! I’m learning so much about horses. If only ALL owners and trainers (and horses!) were as kind as all of Team Z is. Your sport would grow by leaps and bounds with new fans. I think you should be the Ambassador of Horse Racing! Thanks for all the information! I’m getting to know my second-favorite animal (after dogs!) so much better! You’re the BEST,Zenyatta!
Peg
We look forward to your posts, Zen. May they continue for a long time to come. I love your dapples. You have been taken care of extremely well. I hope they do the same good job at LE
Elaine
What other race horse could be trusted with kids like that? Not many! You are such an outstanding horse in so many ways. I love the updates on your diary.
Shannon
These kids are the just the beginning of the parade of people who will be coming to see you. You’re one popular gal, Queen Z.
Ann Maree
Hey, Z-girl, Sure is good to read your diary and find out about your routine, as well as learn more about thoroughbreds, and all that goes on in your world. Seeing your visitors makes me want to come see you. I am glad that you get to visit with the public, because you seem to always enjoy it so much. You are not only the “people’s horse” but you are also a “people horse”! There sure is a lot of speculation about who your baby daddy is going to be. The latest I heard that it might be Indian Charlie. I had not heard of him, but did look him up. I don’t know much about pedigrees, although I am trying to learn. I check out Ellen Parker’s site, and although I understand about every other word, I’m hanging in there! I’ve read a good bit about A.P. Indy, and he really seems like a pretty good catch! By the way, I watched the race yesterday of your old stablemate, Harmonious. She almost made it….she can really run, and did so well in a couple of her earlier races, so hope she will get back on track. She looks so much like you!! I love her shadow roll that she wears (like you), and her acceleration in the final stretch is so reminiscent of your races. I guess it will be ever thus…every race, I will be looking for the next Zenyatta…of course, there is only one “you”! Hugs! Your friend, Ann Maree
Donna
You are such a love bug!
Ingrid in MA
@Khara – One great organization is called Old Friends. They rescue/adopt retired racehorses (some names you might even recognize),all non-profit. I know that the Mosses retired a horse there – Ruhlman,I believe. And it’s right there in Ky! One thing I try to do every Christmas is “adopt a horse” – you donate $100 and can pick a horse from a list to own a share of for a year. That $100 goes for that horse. You get an 8×10 photo,a certificate stating your share ownership,and a biography of your horse. For someone who can’t afford a horse of my own,this is the next best thing! But I too am intersted in any other organizations that terrific people like the Mosses and Shirreffs think are the best.
Ingrid in MA
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, that picture of you and the boys is adorable!! You are so sweet and loving.
I’m glad you are enjoying your life at Lane’s End and that you and P.Q. had a fabulous birthday party! You don’t look a year older to me.
Thanks for the information on clipping. Your posts are not only fun but educational too!
Have a nice evening, sweet girl and thanks Dottie for helping Zenny with posting! These posts are always a bright spot in my day!
Love you,
Les
Joy
Just look at that sweet mare withose children,,,,she deserves all the adoration she gets.and again Dottie thank you so much for taking the time to keep us all in touch with Zenyatta
Jackie
Queen “Z” what a gentle giant you are. You have such kindness in your eyes. Hope you had a nice New Years Day and Birthday celebration. I do have a question. Will the Mosses keep your foal? I certainly hope so! Although there will never be another Zenyatta just maybe luck will have it and there will be a Baby “Z” just like you!
It is rainy and cold in California. A bit depressing, but only until I got on the internet and read your most recent post and reviewed my 100’s of pictures and vidoes I have saved. Thanks for all the memories. Dottie, again, thank you for taking the time to do these posts. You have no idea what they mean to some of us!
Hugs and kisses
Kari Bussell
I love reading your diary and knowing you had a great day. Zenyatta you get more precious and beautiful every single day. Stay warm tonight. Happy New Year to you and everyone who loves you!
sue w
Zenny…YOU are an absolute treasure. That pic just brought a HUGE smile to my face. Life at LE must be agreeing with you…you have the same sweet nature you showed us while you lived at Barn 55. How wonderful that John and his team made people such a priority for you. After you have a few babies I would LOVE for you to so come sort of therapy work with children. You are such a natural. Please let us know when we can visit you at the farm. So many of us want to see you up close and personal again. I’m so glad you had a great birthday. A million thanks to Dottie for the pic and this post.
Judy Sims
Hi Zenny:
Great picture. Boy, you are truly amazing. What a sweet temperment. Warms my heart to see you with children and being so gentle and giving nose kisses and little nibbles (you’re just as gentle with big people too). The care and attention and patience that John and Mario and the rest of your team paid to you as you matured into the fabulous horse you are today really paid off. I grew up with horses and really enjoy all the great information that your posts give to us all both informed and uninformed. You are a tonic for the soul. So glad you and P.Q. are bonding so well and you can romp and play and graze together.
Your daily posts make my day like they do for all your fans.
Stay happy and healthy, dear one.
Hugs & nose kisses.
Judy 8-)
Valerie Chase
Happy Day Zenny! Its a bit cold and wet out here in Cali today but racing is able to continue. Love your diary pic as always and thank you for sharing the information on horses coats and clipping for those who aren’t familiar with it. Most of my barn buddies grow pretty good coats for California, but a winter coat to behold is the mules’coats. We have to finally clip them in May for the shows as some of them will still have very thick coats like a donkey. After your done clipping them you can find those little hairs everywhere! I think they would do very well in the winter in Kentucky! Thing is, their coats aren’t near as beautiful as yours is grown out – your dapples are gorgeous! Big hugs to you and your family Z!
Carole
I have seen firsthand how gentle and interested you are with children — it was truly touching. Thank you for the information on horses’ winter coats. All very informative, interesting, Zenyatta. You are not only one of the all time greatest equine athletes, a superb dancer, an ambassador for your breed and sport, but also a great educator.
Jennifer Adelman
Dear Zenyatta, AAWWW!! That picture of you and the boys is just priceless! You are the sweetest horse. You have accomplished so much and to be this sweet and loving too!! I have to give credit to your family and barn 55 for your wonderful disposition.
I really enjoy the information from Dottie,,Thank You!!
Hugs!
Diana
you will always be the most beautiful horse I have ever put eyes on. everytime we see you and hear about how sweet you are it makes us love you more if that is possible. have fun with P.Q. you guys are too cute together.
Beth Deal
I love your posts, it is really neat to be able to educate the public on life at a breeding farm. Glad that you are “fuzzing up”, do you still get to wear your jammies in the barn?
Valeria P. Cannon
Hey Lady Z, great news! Harmonious has her very own facebook page, maybe you could stop by and say Hi every once in while. And she could update you on the buzztalk around the barn at Santa Anita, wouldn’t that be fun! Also, you could tell her all about PQ and your life in Kentucky. What a great way to stay in touch with one another! Say hi to PQ for me and the entire family, hugs and kisses.
Valeria
Dani
Now THAT is a precious photo. Kids and animals always steal the show. Put them together and it’s priceless. Zenyatta you never cease to amaze me with your goodness and your gentleness….(And you look fantastic as always. You’ve just got that ‘born with it’ Cover Girl face)…..Thank you for the clipping lesson. My own hair could use some clipping itself, but not at $100-$120. Ouch!…. Don’t want to forget to compliment your friend John on his lovely winter wonderland photograph. It could be next year’s Lane’s End christmas card.
Linda B
Love the picture Zen. My grand daughter will love it. She is about the same age as the boys shown.
These are the qualities I love about you Z. Thanks for the info on the horses coat. I learn so much when YOU teach us Zen, Thanks.
Say Hi to Dottie.
Still think she should write a children’ s book “TO KIDS FROM ZEN”.
nancy
Once again you gave a great explanation. I wish my students could write as clearly and concisely as you do! Have a great day.