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
Kendra
How is Life is Sweet? I thought she was there at Lane’s End also.
NorCalFan#1
In its “Year in Review 2010, BloodHorse.com says this about you, sweetie: “The year indeed belonged to Zenyatta and her fans.” No doubt here about Horse of the Year! And thank you for all the updates. I hope that Steve makes it out to see you soon! Regarding PQ’s privacy, I so admire your consideration and respect, qualities we 2-legged beings sometimes forget. It’s sunny but chilly here in NorCal–I hope the “sun shines bright on your ol’ Kentucky home” today, Z!
NorCalFan#1
In its “Year in Review 2010,” BloodHorse.com says this about you, sweetie: “The year indeed belonged to Zenyatta and her fans.” No doubt here about Horse of the Year! And thank you for all the updates. I hope that Steve makes it out to see you soon! Regarding PQ’s privacy, I so admire your consideration and respect, qualities we 2-legged beings sometimes forget. It’s sunny but chilly here in NorCal–I hope the “sun shines bright on your ol’ Kentucky home” today, Z!
Fran
Hi Z: Can’t wait to read your blog. You are too precious! I know everyone is going to check out the boys top to bottom. I am confident the boy they pick will be a very special one. Can’t wait to see a video of you rolling in the mud. It must feel really good! Z, your family loves you so much-you are a very lucky girl!
Susan
Thanks Z for the updates
While I know your new apartment is at Lanes End, I just wanted you to know that there are some good equine hunks at Ashford and Win Star also.
Happy mud rolling girl!
Donna May
I would have to vote for either A.P. Indy or After Market….They are both pretty special guys!
Marilyn Hill-Russell
Love this picture. Keep the info coming.
Fran
Just a question about your picture today. Is that a wrap on your left rear leg?
dunie oneil
Great post, dear Queen!
DEBBIE GUSTAFSON
hugs and kisses, ZENYATTA,,,,You will make a great mommy,,,,,,,,but be picky, i know they will pick the best of the best for you,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and i want your first born,,,,,,lol….like many others,,,
Barbara Wood
Dearest Z– You are TOO much! You get way more phone calls than I get. And I’ve never had a TANGO!!
Love the picture! I see you found a little grass there.
Thank you for the update on the breeding schedule. I had thought maybe Valentine’s Day, but I see it will be a little later.
Tell Dottie she has our most fervent thanks for taking down your words to send to us. Love you always.
The Kennedys in San Diego
A nice interview with John on equinevip.com and a beautiful photo by John — he is a great guy who can teach this industry so much.
Gloria Jeanne
Fran- both of Z’s hind legs are white.
Ingrid in MA
Make sure you get plenty of pictures of the 2 of you when Mike comes to visit, and PLEASE post them for us! I know there’s always a connection between a horse and their jockey,but there was something EXTRA-SPECIAL between you and Mike,and it really showed. It was fantastic to watch the 2 of you together. And Mike was SO right,when asked in the 60 Minutes interview,who he thought would be a great mate for you,and he said-with tears in his eyes- “No one. No one’s good enough for her.” Truer words never spoken. But I trust the Mosses,so I’m sure it will be someone CLOSE to being worthy of you! If it were up to YOU,Zenny,who would YOU choose?? You’ve hung out with some great stallions at the track – you’ve beaten most of them,too! Who would YOU pick? LOL
Dona
Hi Miss Z, love your picture but it does look cold! BURRRRRRR
I know you’re adjusting to your new life but California is not the same without you.
Ann Maree
Hi, Z-girl, It really is very remarkable at the care and concern you and your connections all have for your fans. It really is an honor to be in the universe with you and with all of them. A huge request: more videos, please! Can’t wait to see you roll in the snow and the mud! I’m making this short, as I want to go view the interview with John and also, check out the SI article. Hugs! Your friend, Ann Maree
Barbara
Thank you for this latest diary! This is wonderful and I love the photo! Love you Zenyatta!!!
Allen
Z ,I just viewed the interview with John. It was excelent, GOD knew what he was doing when he placed you with Team Zenyatta. You were blessed to have them and they were blessed to have you. Have fun at Lanes End, and hope to see you soon.
Horse Racing Newsletter
Good to hear from you again Zenny! Can’t wait for your next diary post!
DJ
Dearest Zenyatta,
Thank you for sharing the beautiful interview with John…his humility is palpable and the reason we are all so blessed with the many graces of our connectedness. It is rare to witness only the ‘positive’ without touching upon the ‘negative’ which is already known. To seek only virtue and overlook faults is a sign of true humility. There is nothing more beautiful to witness in this word filled with vanity.
Margaret
Oh Z thanks for that wonderful link to that video. That was just wonderful seeing you back at Barn 55. That’s where we met so it means alot to me.
Happy New Year sweet girl.
Patti and Don
WATCHED THE TOP FEMALE RACE HORSE OF ALL TIME VIDEO…UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE :)
DJ
For humility is “to walk in truth.”
Maureen
I read that… Secretariat ,Zenyatta , and John Henry top 3 horses of all time. how come that doesnt surprise us?
Were all so proud of you.
Tom
Have fun playing in the mud
Ollie
I just love this daily dairy, keep up
the good work! I’m also so so happy
to know that “The Queen” is doing oh so fine.
Love,hugs and lots of carrot cakes to Z.
sue
Goodness, gracious, Z, you are more popular than me. LOL You sound very happy, and that is always what I want for you: pure health and happiness….way to go!
Chhris
Thanks for the update Z; I am so very happy you are doing so well. I knew you’d be great. I’ve had many opportunities to see those beautiful fields there in KY and I knew you’d love it once you were free to run in them. I have a feeling your first date might be with the great AP Indy. That is just my guess. I’ll always love you Z!! You are forever the queen of the track!!!
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, you sure look happy in that pic. Thanks to John for sharing it with us!
Thanks also to you and Dottie for answering so many of our questions. We all appreciate it!
I’m glad Mike is doing well and planning a trip soon to visit you. I’m sure that will be a sweet reunion.
I know the Moss’ will pick the best possible match for you when it comes to your first date.
Have a nice evening, sweet girl.
Love you,
Leslie
lizzy
I feel the same way–no man is good enough for you Z. BUT I’m confident that the Moss’s will choose wisely. Dottie, as a non-horse person, i’d really would like to know the process of breeding. From what I’ve read on here, it sounds forced and stressful for the mare. I hope that I am wrong, you deserve better. :(