Photo taken by John Shirreffs
Hello Everyone!
It sounds like all of you are off to a busy 2011! Mine has started out wonderfully.
Dottie has been telling me about all of the questions you have. We will do our best to address as many of them as possible often in the Diary. We’ll start with these:
1) YES, Mario does know I’m playing in the MUD…and he is so happy for me. He knows I’ve wanted to roll in the mud for quite sometime. NOW I CAN REALLY GET PLAYFUL OUTSIDE! Very cute! Also, thanks for letting me know Mario has his own Facebook page now. I can’t wait to tell him! SURPRISE!
2) Steve is fine. He is working away at the barn and all is A-OK with him. Obviously, he misses me a whole bunch…as does Mario and the rest of Barn 55…but they are so happy for me. John does his best to keep them posted on my activities. All videos and photos are shared with them constantly!
3) John’s watch…is the IPOD Nano. It is a great tool and also a fun new ‘toy’ for John. Lucky guy, I can still be with him 24/7!
4) My future breeding plans. The Moss’ will announce them soon. Many different things will go into this decision. Everything will be finalized sometime in January. With the holiday, many people have been out of town. It is also fun for ME to ponder who my first date will be. Gotta’ love it!
5) Other breeding questions will be addressed when breeding season begins. The breeding sheds in KY do not open until mid-February. I probably will not be bred until late February. Believe me, I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED!
6) A Jockey question was asked…what does ‘throwing a cross mean’? Dottie has called my guy, MIKE SMITH, for this answer. Mike’s quotes will be used for this answer. They are touching base later today. FYI…Many have asked…and Mike is doing very well. Dottie and John saw him last night at dinner. He is planning a trip to come see me soon. Can’t wait!
7) Video of an interview…John did an interview with Susan Ashbrook of Equine Vip. She granted permission for Dottie to mention it in the Diary. You may find this interview by going to www.equinevip.com. It is the first interview that comes up. My JOHN will be standing there with Susan. (He says so many fabulous things about me and my heritage. He also notes how amazing the entire thoroughbred breed is and his love for the HORSE.) Very special! Please enjoy!
8) Rhonda pointed out that I was recognized as the #1 Female Race Horse of All Time…in a recent Sports Illustrated Article. You may find this piece by: 1) going to my web-page 2) clicking on the Facebook symbol in the right corner 3) that will take you directly to the page you need 4) scroll down the left hand column until you see the term LINKS 5) approximately 3 down is the story TOP FEMALE RACE HORSES OF ALL TIME. 6) Click on this title and YIPPEE…there I am with my owners! What an honor! There are some really amazing historical horses being honored in this piece….and they recognized me with the distinction of being #1! I can’t tell you how PROUD this makes me feel!
9) P.Q…many have asked about her breeding plans and things relating to her. From the beginning, I did ask permission to discuss her name in the Diary. Her owners were so gracious and said of course! Any other additional information, I will need to be polite and ask if I can discuss it. As she is not owned by my owners, we must respect her privacy at this time.
P.Q. and I are great friends…and we do get along beautifully. We have BONDED nicely!
Oh, I’m getting a phone call! Someone in my family is calling to TANGO with me! (Gotta’ get ready for my close-up!) Sending BIG HUGS!
With Love,
Z
Christy
Oh Z, I can’t wait to see who gets to be the lucky guy for your first date. But actually, in my opinion, there isn’t a stallion alive worthy of your greatness!
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Dear Zenyatta: Today, I read an article from The Guardian, a highly regarded British newspaper. The writer clearly shows that the human/animal boundary is highly contested terrain:
“ESPN makes mare’s nest of women in sport: A major US sports site has sparked controversy – by listing a horse at No 4 among a list of top women’s sports stories” Jennifer Doyle, guardian.co.uk, Monday 3 January 2011 16.00 GMT
Jennifer Doyle does not accept mixing species when it comes to selecting top athletes. She also raises gender as an issue w/n the equine world and between human men and women:
“It is true that Zenyatta is female and her accomplishments are impressive. Like many women in sports, Zenyatta was working in a male-dominated field. As is the case for many women athletes, the fact that she won 19 races in a row was nearly as big a story as the fact that she is female – her gender is presumed to be a handicap. Fans wonder if she is the best horse or the best mare. . . . While one should embrace species diversity and celebrate the unique character of our equine friends, it is jarring to see an animal appear in a top ten list of women’s sports stories – with so little “real estate” allotted to the woman athletes, it’s frustrating to see that space taken up by horse, magnificent as she may be.”
Horseracing is a male-dominated field, just as are other sports in which humans compete. Gender bias is Jennifer Doyle’s largest objection to crossing the human/animal boundary. Why should a horse crowd out a woman when so few women athletes receive the recognition they deserve? She calls your recognition “jarring.”
I and most likely all of your fans (to say nothing of Team Z and the new Zenyatta community at Lane’s End Farm) disagree. As I’ve said in a number of posts, the human/animal boundary is shifting, blurring, being transgressed. Your life story is a perfect example of the change. I believe that Jennifer Doyle is rightly affected by male-dominated realities in sports (and elsewhere throughout society). If human women athletes received equal recognition as male athletes, I doubt that Ms. Doyle would find ESPNs choice of you “jarring.” She could afford to think more universally—leaving species-specifics out of it.
Regarding gender issues within the horseracing world, I have been troubled by a number of incidents that show gender bias in favor of male horses. First, one newsman claimed that the Breeders Classic decided Horse of the Year. He said something to the effect that Blame beat the “great Zenyatta”—this victory added panache to Blame’s win. Why is that triumph more significant than the fact that you won the 2009 Breeders Classic—the first female horse to ever win that race? Rachel Alexandra was a fine racehorse, but if the Breeders Classic determines the award, why didn’t it go to you? Commentators have referred to east/west loyalties, but I wonder if Rachel won b/c she more than you raced against “the boys.”
Then there are instances of gendered language that deserve mention. You are too young to remember a time when “men” and “mankind” stood for all humans. Thanks to the Women’s Liberation Movement of the 1960s and beyond, man and mankind became viewed as “genderic” language rather than “generic” language. All citation books now instruct writers about how to avoid using genderic language. For instance, in my second book I referred to “fishermen.” The copy editor changed the word to “fishers” because increasingly both men and women fish.
Why are you called the greatest “female” racehorse of all time? Was “Secretariat” called the greatest “stallion” racehorse of all time? No, he was called the greatest “racehorse” of all time. Do you see? “Horse” it turns out is a genderic term, not a generic term. Gender relations between humans spill right over into the horse world. I’d call that spillage an unfortunate example of the blurring of the human/animal boundary. In my opinion, you should be called one of the greatest “racehorses” of all time!
Another instance of gendered language and perspective came when someone at Churchill Downs referred to you as an “aging Amazon.” Do you know that ancient Athens, the seat of democracy (except for women and slaves), was said to have been built upon the graves of the Amazons whom men defeated in battle? Male domination prevailed historically. I was never taught that history in school. Numerous commentators referred to how you were headed for the “breeding shed” as if it were a place of containment for the extravagant magnificence of YOU. You are a formidable female (yet so friendly and kind); you stand a hand taller than Secretariat or Man of War. This breeding shed began to seem like a place to put you in your place so that male-domination could continue unperturbed. You are as tall as a “DRAFT-HORSE.”
When I was in grammar school, for some reason we children had to lineup in “size places.” As the second to tallest, I was at the very back (the tallest was also a girl). All my life I’ve struggled with feeling “too tall,” an affliction that doesn’t seem to bother you. Finally, in my late ‘60s I’ve come to enjoy being tall just as I begin to lose a ¼ of an inch here, a ½ an inch there. My son’s dad is 6’3”, as is my son. I sought out tall men so that I could feel smaller. In fact, one later partner called me a “heightest.”
In any event, I’ve wondered at the signs many fans made referring to “girl power.” Zenyatta, you are a mare, not a filly—you emanate “woman power!” Yet, I did not see one sign that said “woman power” much less “power to women.” To me, the signs spoke of cuteness, of being diminutive, of not posing a threat to male-domination.
I guess today or tomorrow the votes for Horse of the Year 2010 will be cast. You deserve to win, not by a nostril, but by many, many lengths. May there be enough ungender-biased voters in the mix for your candidacy to prevail!
Much love and respect–Robbie
Alex
I love you, Zenyatta!
Krystle
I love these updates! I wonder about Life is Sweet, your old running/barn mate. She’s also there too, right? How has she been? Do you get to see her?
Lise BC, Canada
Love hearing from you Z hugs
Jan Mitchell
I’m so glad that I came across Mario’s FB page by surprise. I did everything I could to get a message to him to let him know. Now he knows and that’s great. Mario deserves his FB page where we can visit with him too. Have a great day. I would love to see the video of you rolling in the mud and really having fun fun fun! XO!
mary petrecz
You look like you are enjoying the good life and are putting some pounds on. YAA!! Good girl….keep the pounds coming. I can’t wait to see you heavy in foal. I love broodies…..the best animals on earth!
Susan
Dear Z- please whisper in your peoples ears, the following name, every chance you get- AP Indy.
I know they will do what it is best in the end- as they have always done. But the poor ole guy is just waiting around the corner for you :)
Maureen Feely
Glad to hear about you and your thoughts every day Zenyatta. I can just picture you and your surroundings in my mind. Keeping fingers and toes crossed for “Horse of the Year” award. I can’t imagine them choosing anyone but you.
teresa
Such exciting things coming up for you Z. I am eager to read your new article about being #1 mare. I have posted to a few sites they should do a story on you. I thought John or the Moss Family would have made an awesome guest on Jay Leno, and I told him so. When you were still in Cali….I posted to Jay….you were too big for his show, but maybe John or the Mosses. I wasn’t referring to your height and weight, but your amazing presence. You totally eclipsed all the human stars. You were the biggest star in Hollywood, and now your bright light is shining in Kentucky. :)
Sarah Powell
I can’t believe I get to leave the first post!!Usually I can’t check until I have put my horses to bed! I also can’t believe how much time and effort Dottie and Queen Z put into her diary posts – answering questions, teaching, etc. It is so wonderful for all of us. Hope to see more video and maybe some of John’s pictures from the past soon. I have to go to youtube to get my “Zenyattaholic fix.” I also appreciate the links to articles – so enjoy reading about her. Thanks for being such sharing, caring folks!
melanie
loving all the diary posts,and look forward to reading them..Are we going to see video of of her rolling in the snow? I know we are all eager to see this.
Sarah Powell
Oh well, so much for being first – by the time I finished and posted there were 10 ahead of me – gotta be fast to be #1!!
Samantha, Lilly & P'nut
Remmember what we said Z. You ain’t rolled in the mud till it is in between your ears, Hee Hee Hee.
Judy Sims
Hi Zenny:
You and Dottie are the best. I can hardly wait each day to get your post (I’m in Florida and 3 hours ahead of California time). I can’t believe you and Dottie, I assume, read all your fan blogs on your website. How great is that and to take the time to answer all the questions is remarkable.
My “Z” hat arrived in the mail today and I am thrilled to have it and will wear it proudly (I got the turquoise Z with the pink circle and your name in turquoise on the back).
I’m so happy that technology lets you and the Moss’s, and John and Dottie stay in constant communication. I bet Barn 55 is having a great time watching you adjust to just being free and mud rolling and charming all the people in Kentucky at Lane’s End. Glad that Mario doesn’t mind that your beautiful coat is now gathering mud! You are a marvel and truly a shoe-in for the Race Horse Hall of Fame. Stay warm and “fuzzy” in your new coat of hair with those beautiful dapples.
Hugs & nose kisses.
Judy 8-)
jan bellet
Dottie…you have brought such a sweet and caring voice to Zenny. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into her daily diary. We are learning so much about her and lots of other info regarding horses and racing that we would have never known.
Nancy
Zenyatta….That’s it girl…go ahead and get good and muddy. You earned it. As for the as-yet-to-be determined breeding plans…you know, some things are best kept private. It’s not necessary to give us a blow by blow description when that time comes. Just say…”I went out on a date!” and leave it at that. Good eough for me.
Gloria Jeanne
Zen- Love you so much. I think it’s great that you don’t discuss other people’s pony plans without permission first. Love the repect that shows.
Thanks for sharing so much of your plans with us. It’s great you keep in touch – it helps me/us stay in touch with THE greatest horse ever.
I would like to know when we can see a video of you playing in the snow and the MUD! lol I bet Mario is glad in a way he does not have to give you a bath after all that mud… Zenny, not too much mud, you are so beautiful all nice and clean. It would be cool to see a close up of you and your new winter coat.
Happy New Year to You, Dottie, John,The Moss’, Charles and Eveyone who cares for you.
Love and Hugs!!
jane
Hi Zen!
Oh how I wish the Eclipse Awards had a Quote of The Year Award, cuz you just gave us the winner!
“Yes, Mario DOES know I’m playing in the mud!”
I love it!
I cant wait to find out who your first date is. And I’m thinking your first baby will be a girl..a dark bay statuesque beauty just like her Mama!
BTW, the alfalfa your munching on in that pic looks good enough for a people to eat; I figure all I need is some Ranch dressing and a fork! You would share it with me, wouldnt you?
Luv ya, Big Mama! <3
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I love reading your posts. I’ve learned so much from you about yourself and your family. I can’t wait to hear who your 1st date will be! That is so exciting! I’m glad you can tell us some about your friend P.Q. That will be great to go through motherhood with a friend and you two can chat away. It is so cool that you get to chat & see your family from Barn 55. I know you will be a wonderful mother and have a beautiful baby. I love you, Zenyatta! Sending Hugs & Kises from Alabama with Love, Amanda
Gerrie P.
I watch your racing videos often. They are exciting and your glory exudes like no other horse I’ve ever seen. You are a wonder.
I surely hope your fans will be allowed to visit you Zenyatta.
Your family is a model for all horse families. If only all owners, trainers, grooms, riders, jockeys, and all of racing people could reach just a tenth of the bar that is set by your team, what a difference it would make for all thoroughbreds and the sport of racing.
rosemarie bandura
I miss seeing you race, but am happy you are settling in nicely there in Kentucky! Look forward to more posts from you! You forever fan!
livey
Did anybody notice in recent video of Z, how she walked up to camera person. I wished they hadn’t turned off camera..those are the moments I WANT TO SEE!!! Her interaction with camera person, horses, rolling on ground etc.
Cheryl Smith
Enjoy your posts and am so glad that we can keep up with you this way. Sure hope that we can see you soon. I know whoever is picked for you will have to be someone special ( maybe a king since you are the queen)! I hope this new year brings you much happiness and I just know that you will be a wonderful mommy! You are so kind and gentle. You have touched us all and so many of us love you so much!
Thanks again for being so special!!!!!!!!
Cheryl Heath
This is a great post. I have learned so much. Thank you Team Z. You are the very best. I want you to have the honor of HOY. You deserve it more than any horse I can think of. What a tremendous impact you have had for the sport of Queens!!!! You raced in 20 races, did not get hurt, you danced! I was at Churchill Downs watching the classic and have never, ever seen an effort like you made to be at the finish in the end and what cheers you got coming into the race and going back to the barns. Like nothing I have ever seen. All of Churchill Downs LOVED you. You are magic to all of us.
LizC
Dottie – do you know if there is a DVD of all of Z’s races (and maybe “backstage” footage) for sale? And if not, are there any plans to put such a DVD together?? You KNOW it would be a HUGE seller! Also, any news on when/if fans will be able to come visit Z? Thanks for all you are doing to keep us informed!! I also LOVE hearing about how John, Mario, Steve and Mike are doing – we love you guys!!
Jenna
Happy Monday!!! I hope your day is going well. My internal ‘record’ skips when I hear the words ‘breeding shed.’ I think it’s just me. I know she’s a horse but it just makes me feel bad. I think she is such a classy horse, unlike all the others. I’m not very knowledgeable about horse breeding so when I hear ‘shed’ and ‘broodmare’ I feel a little bad.
Thank you again, Dottie, for the updates and all of this great information.
brian zeman
come on afleet alex would be a great first date.
Megan S
Thanmks for awnsering all our questions Z!! We love hereing about you!
Ellen Robertson
Thank you Zenny and Dottie (and all the LE & Team Z folks) for keeping us updated on all the changes!
I am so pleased that everything is going so smoothly. I am glad Zen has friends to visit with, both human and equine, and that everyone loves her so much.
I have a question about Zen’s Hollywood Park retirement attire. I could not make it out either from being there live or seeing the fooage on TV afterwards; but it appeared to me that was a very special saddle she was wearing that day.
Could you please tell us about it?
Thank you! (and a big smooch on the nose for Zenny and anyone who wants one! ;))