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
Catherine Uher
You are just precious Zenyatta! Those two little kids are so lucky! And no, you don’t look another year older! Lucky girl! We should all be so fortunate to have good genes like yours! I can’t wait to see some more video of you outside in your paddock just getting to play and have fun… please ask Sarah to post some more video of you soon! I think some of us are having Zenyatta withdrawals since we don’t get to see you in person as much anymore. We just all want you to be happy and it sounds like you are! Can’t wait to meet some of your other barn friends, too. And hopefully one day soon, you’ll get to see Life is Sweet and her new baby! I would love to hear something about her and how she is doing… I’m wondering if she’s even harder to get up in the mornings now that she’s carrying a foal! She must really like to sleep now! Okay, beautiful girl… keep having fun and I hope that new winter coat of yours is keeping you warm! You look gorgeous as always! :)
Max
Your comments about equine grooming are very interesting. It is great to learn about your life and activities. Stay well, beautiful Zenyatta.
Cammy Getschow
As so many have said, the education we are receiving is invaluable! You are all so special. It will be so very interesting to learn about the breeding process as we go on. I can’t believe that the Mosses would have to pay a fee to a stallions owner to be bred to our Zenyatta. Reading this board daily is a highlight. Just like many others I am most anxious to hear how and when visitors will be allowed to visit our queen in Kentucky. Thank you Zenyatta for being you!
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, Happy Sunday to you, probably lights out for you and your friends by now. I have enjoyed horseracing, including quarter horses, since the 70’s…Santa Anita, HP, Los Alamitos and even Del Mar for a long weekend, but I have never learned so much about horses in all those years….until YOU, Beautiful. Thank you for the education, and giving us a better understanding of your career, off and on the track…your retirement or next career I have heard it said. Wonderful and Blessed year for You, your family, the Z Team in CA and KY. I love ya, Girl, BTW, my canine child gave me an 11×14 pic of you dancing in the snow for Christmas…so beautiful. Thank you, all of you. Nighty Nite, Sweet Queen, Lisa g
Jan
Zenyatta
Great pic. Every body loves you and you love every one. Thanks for the education, I certainly am learning a lot about horses. Can’t wait to see the Moss’s accepting the HOTY award. Lots of love & kisses sweet heart.
Linda / NJ
To Khara Covington and Ingrid MA: If you are looking for a horse rescue organization, I would highly recommend checking out “Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue.” Jo Deibel is the founder. This is a wonderful, hardworking organization that is really doing great things to save Thoroughbred horses. Check out their website: http://www.angelacreshorsehavenrescue.com/
Anita in CA
Z, Happy New Year and Birthday to you and PQ! When I had the great privilege to meet you and touch you, you felt so silky smooth. So happy I got to do that and will remember it forever. You are one awesome girl. Yesterday I got a new frame for the picture I got of you from Bloodhorse. You look so pretty in silver. Love to see you looking back at me from the shelf in my living room. Love you Zenny. Enjoy the Kentucky weather in your new winter coat.
Pamela J Hebert
I’ve got my Zenyatta fix today. Thank you for the information today Z. You are quite the professor of horsedom for us all. You told us some things today I didn’t know. What a cute picture you posted today. What lucky kids they are to have spent time with you. Hugs & kisses beautiful girl.
Ellie Hamblen
I hate to admit it, but am jealous of those kids!! Z is such a “people horse”! She LOVES the attention :)
Cathleen
Oh Z, I’m so happy to see you with vistors. When can your fans come visit??? I’m dying to come meet you in KY! Do tell! (I’d like to meet your girlfried P.Q. if she takes visitors!) XOXO
Cheryl Denton
Yes, Zenyatta, Mario always did a super job keeping you looking fabulous! When I was lucky enough to pet your magnificent neck I had never felt anything so clean and soft. And I hope you always have your beautiful dappled-I never get tired of looking at photos and video of you! Hope you and your girlfriends had a happy new year and a happy birthday! XO
Elaine Valenzuela
We were @ Santa Anita yesterday and one of the horses was parading before the race. He reminded me of you, ’cause he had his tongue sticking out to the side! I called out to Mike Smith and he gave me the “thumbs up”; like the good ol’ days, Z! Glad to hear you’re continuing to make a smooth transition! Stay warm! Luv you, girl!
Peggy
In case some of you have ‘forgotten’……..Veteran writer Steve Haskin marvelled: “Big Brown’s accomplishments earlier in the year were unlike anything we’ve ever seen. No one has put together performances like the Florida Derby, Kentucky Derby, and Preakness with so little foundation and experienceÉthe fact that he returned after a physically and mentally demanding Triple Crown to win both his starts, in a Grade 1 and on the turf, shows what an extraordinary horse he was.”
Big Brown retired with seven wins from eight starts, at six tracks and five distances. He won the keynote races for three-year-olds with authority, while battling adversity. His tremendous presence and star quality transcended racing, and his Triple Crown bid helped draw the fourth largest crowd in history for the Belmont Stakes. Big Brown was overwhelmingly voted Champion three-year-old, and was a finalist for Horse of the Year.
Horsemen know the true measure of a champion lies not only in the races he won and the manner of victory, but in how he compares with the greats in racing history. Big Brown’s Derby Ragozin of -3/4 is superior to every other Derby winner, including Secretariat (1-), Affirmed (4-), Seattle Slew (7-), Barbaro (0+), Street Sense (3+), and Unbridled (2).
A handsome, imposing individual standing 16.1 hands, Big Brown has a fascinating sire’s pedigree. A clear two-turn runner, he is by the sprinter Boundary, who in turn is by sprint/mile influence Danzig. Inbred to breed-shaping sires Northern Dancer, Damascus, and Round Table, Big Brown carries four crosses of Selene, dam of six-time leading English sire Hyperion and influential American sires Sickle and Pharamond II.
Big Brown was bred to over 100 mares his first season, 71 stakes mares/stakes producers. His first foals arrive in 2010.
Hilltophorsewoman No Cal
Triple ditto to Julie Ann, Sharon and Barb. Watching Mario and Zenyatta walk down the track for the last time was heart wrenching!! What a gift this journey has been. Happy New Year to Zenyatta and all her connections. I too would love to see a Z/AP Indy foal. I saw him at Lanes End after the Breeder’s Cup. He is an elegant old gentleman!
It is difficult to imagine Zenyatta humbled by the breeding process. I pray that she is treated with as much kindness and respect as possible.
audreyc
Chinook Pass – the Washington state bred horse whose speed at 5 furlongs on dirt record still holds. Eclipse award winner; only Washington bred horse to get this . He was claimed Washington’s “Horse of the Century” . I read about this horse in “Old Friends” book. He had a wonderful retirement back in his home state, was ridden, well loved, and a sweet guy. Saddened to see he passed this year…However, he was 31 years old. He had a good long life….For all horses, never mind just racehorses – may they all receive the kind and loving pensions they justly deserve…
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. What a beautiful picture of you with the two children. You are so sweet, so gentle and absolutely gorgeous. It was so interesting learning about a horse’s coat. I just love seeing some horses with a partial clipping; remember Caracortada – I just loved his cut. It is just wonderful to know you are getting along so well with P.Q., you BBF. I also cannot wait to see the video of you rolling on your back. I was telling my daughter about that this evening. I am so glad I am able to get to your Facebook page without being a Facebook member. Just love to see you. Have a wonderful night, love you so. Look forward to reading your diary tomorrow.
Elena Erdman
I sweet Zenyatta. Just worked 9 hours at post parade for Tournament of Roses. Crowd great. Talked to people from around the world and they all knew about you, Indonesa, Auztralia, Italy and all over USA. It was freezing rain but lots of fun. Love you.
Rhonda Clements
Great photo, shows what a wonderful heart you have,
Congrats on being named top female horse of all time by Sports Illustrated!!
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1011/top-10-female-race-horses-all-time/content.10.html
of course we already knew that didnt we?
I am so glad you are happy and well, it makes me smile every time I see your beautiful face.
Celeste
Ah, the beauty that is Zenyatta!! What a wonderful photo of a Zennykiss. I sure do hope the little boy is aware of the significance of his being able to meet the great mare. Yes, ok, fine, I will admit it – I am jealous of a little kid – lol! At least I can say I saw you, or at least a few glimpses of you, in the Apple Blossom and one of these days my dream to meet you in person will be fulfilled – along with everyone else who is responding here and shares that dream. :) It is so nice to see familiar names day after day and develop the bond of caring so much for Zenyatta – the wonders she makes happen. Thank you, Team Z in CA and KY for sharing these moments with us.
maryann
Hi Z, What a sweet picture, you show so much love.!!!! I hope that I can come to LEF to see you someday. Have fun girl!!!!
Love you Z
Mary Alice Kier
Dear Zenyatta – I started the first day of this New Year off first wishing you Happy Birthday and then going off to Santa Anita to cheer your beautiful stable mate and girlfriend Harmonious in the Robert Frankel Stakes. It was such a great pleasure to bump into the Shirreffs and personal thank Dottie for doing such a terrfic job in helping you with your incredible Diary. You and Dottie are a dynamic duo and this is such a gift as well as an amazing precedent! The great reward is that many people are being introduced to extraordinary world of thoroughbred racing and the joy of it all. You are a transcendent mare and this special photo of you and the two young lads speaks volumes. What a journey to be on with you these last 4 and half years and now into the future! You are the gift that keeps on giving and certainly my horse of a lifetime! Thank You Queen Z.
Linda
What a loving horse you are, Z- you just exude gentleness and intelligence. Almost ethereal – you are just a wonder. We all love you right back, sweet girl. Stay warm and happy and of course, all the best to your connections.
Linda / Maryland
Love U Zenyatta~!!!!!
Dona
The best thing about your birthday is everybodys knows when it is, huh? lol
Love you photo, you look marvelous!
Ditto what someone said about Heart Rescue operations. I contributed for Dyna King when I heard the news about him and he is recovering wonderfully. This is a small operation and could use all the help they can get. Nearly broke my heart when I heard about a son of Dynaformer and although the racing industry doesn’t consider the offspring of stalions as related because of the sheer numbers generated, we fans know he is a half brother to Barbaro. Bless his heart, he is a fighter and is improving. So sad that everyone can’t have the love and care as you Big Girl. Your Team is the GREATEST!
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zetty,
yes, Mario always had you sleeked down, I think that’s why you ran so fast. The wind didn’t have athg to catch on, to slow you down. I saw Giacomo on the http://www.barn55.com/backside55.com, he is also at your old digs, and belongs to the Moss’ family. What a beautiful horse!! I don’t know about his dancing skills, but he runs fast.
Every now and then people on here mention horse rescues, short term approach I’m sure, wonder if communities were to consider employing horses in the tourist industries, amusement parks, National Park transportation, etc.,to where the surplus horse population could pay for itself, if that wouldn’t strengthen the existence of at risk horses. And if that wouldn’t also create offshoot industries. I think, sadly in order to be valued, capabilities of generating income will give these horses surer footing. May be a coming together of horse-people, city managers, ASPCA, Humane Society Of America. That’s where Zetty can smooch her way to the coldest hearts, she can be the ambassador. Go Zetty Go
Good night Zetty, sweet dreams for you filled with sweet potato muffins with raisin icing, carrot dumplings & apple fritters.
Nancy
@Peggy. I love your lobby for AP Indy. I have been
reading and watching his videos. He would add
predicted, great on dirt. Maybe a different running style.
It would be so awesome to carry on Secretariat and Seattle
Slew with Queen Z !!!!! I wish all of her foals would never
be sold. That is true fantasy. The whole thing is big business
but what a wonderful way to share it with all horse and racing lovers
and newbees.
I love all the awards you are getting Zenyatta. What a great time
before the Eclipse awards. The good ole boys are
not going to look very good if they don’t vote correctly.
The HOY award will definitely lose it’s meaning. Oh! Well!!!
You are The Greatest Female Horse of All Time !!!!!!!
And that is the truth!!!!
Hugs xxxxooooo. Thanks to all your connections for
developing your great inner and outer health. Sleep
Well in your warm and cozy barn.
Nancy
@Peggy
I meant precosity.
Cathy P
Hi Zenny, it sounds like you had a great Birthday with your pal P.Q. It’s so nice to hear that you are having so much fun at the farm. Zenyatta, you are such a gentle sol, and so kind to everyone you meet, you are just soooooooooo special, when god made you, he made the perfect horse. Stay warm. With lots of love and hugs.
Delrene
Dear Zenyatta – the first horse I thought about after reading your interesting article about haircuts/clips and general grooming. Brought me right back to a day at Santa Anita to watch you run and there was another horse, Caracortado!!!!What a great haircut he had. I love your dapples, but you have to admit, he was a headturner. Never as fast as you, but it was then I realized how a horse’s hair can be clipped. Thank you for all the information for those of us who don’t get the priviledge of being around horses all the time. Glad you had a great birthday celebration with all your lady friends.
Roberta
Show horses also get clipped so that they are more comfortable in the show ring when they’re working and then we have to make sure that they’re blanketed properly. The young lady who clips my horse and others at our barn sometimes will do little designs on the left hip – my Teddy got a heart (because he’s a sweetheart!) and one of the other horses got a four-leaf clover!