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
lizzy
@Ensign
I’m afraid it was me who asked the question and therefore feel bad that some on here have taken offense to your explanation. That was not my intention. I did in my original post inject my emotion in the question…knowing enough about the breeding process that the mare’s experience is more stressful. That being said, I’m thankful for reading in your post that the entire process appears to be quick, therefore restraints are not used for a long duration. In a perfect world, I think we all would rather picture a more natural experience for our beautiful Z….courting, romps in the paddock, etc. BUT even I, a non-horse person knows that will not happen. The chances of injury are too great for such a priceless mare (& stallion). A perfect example can be found on Bloodhorse 2010 Memorial site (those lost during 2010 –horses & horse people)….the horses who simply slipped in their stable or paddock. This site, Bloodhorse, Dottie and others have given me a greater appreciation of what is involved in caring for these beautiful animals….a lot of work, knowledge and foresight. Even though the mating process isn’t ideal to many, I believe it is the safest option for Z. She is as big (or bigger) than many stallions. I think we can all imagine what a romp in the meadow with an unwilling Z would look like. I just hope & pray that the ‘mating process’ does not break her spirit or trust in people, though it’s been said many times on here how forgiving even abused rescue horses are.
I beg everybody on here not to personalize this..the breeding process. Let’s not displace our discomfort onto Z. I have faith in her owners that she is in the right environment. Good positive thoughts coming your way Z….
Kimberly
Good night Queen. Sweet dreams…
Sally L. Hopkins
Always enjoyed hearing from you Zenyatta. Lots of xxxoooxooxo
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zetty,
swell to read updates about your new life daily.
Just hope all the discord between some posters that’s been showing up here lately, doesn’t discourage your Dottie to write anymore. I for sure would miss it, I know horses don’t take life sooo serious, not you anyway, you’d never be a mudhog:) I hope a transcript is posted of John’s& your interview. This is a BIGGY: Will there be a FOAL SHOWER for you? And what does one send for a foal shower?
Sleep tight and dreams of Honeycrisp Apples in Porridge, glazed carrots with mint icing for you tonight.
Kathryn Cogswell
In Zenyatta`s Commemorative from BloodHorse.com, one article quotes David Ingordo and an early esteem he gained for John Shirreffs — John`s willingness just to visit with David, as opposed to most trainers, who either would not share their thinking, or were concerned their conversations might be spread to competitors. John spoke under his own name. On his authority, from personal experience, it benefited David, someone wanting to learn from him, and trusting he could quote him, a named authority, his identity well-known to David. Unsigned, comments do reference informative data, but when the writer is named and connected to a given, known standard, his words, candor and opinions, seems to resonate more nearly with the intention of this gathering, and less as an exercise of some personal dispersal of data. ~ Zenyatta`s reputation began picking up speed, and it was those closest to her who spoke the least, the most humbly and remained farthest from the limelight, focusing most on their great mare, and her work. Perhaps the more comments focus on the writer, the less they serve that intent and rather serve different objectives, purposes and goals. Although this second category of information does address inquiries some have requested, rather than being willing to absorb answers by unnamed others, for me it is ‘Z`s’ alter ego, Dottie, the core of this page, who speaks with the least guile, the most love and the best intentions for the greater good and longevity of zenyatta.com. Khc.
Robin Barnhill
I just acquired an OT TB – she is wonderful, if all goes well she will do a little jumping if she likes it. Have you thought of a second career – dressage perhaps, will you ever under saddle to go out for a hack?? I just love diary :)
Sunny Boyd
PS:
According to Dottie/Zetty in this diary post,
on FUTURE BREEDING PLANS, THE MOSSES will ANNOUNCE them SOON,and FURTHER DETAILS will be GIVEN THEN, QUESTIONS will be ANSWERED THEN!!!
Robin
Team Zenyatta and others: CHECK OUT JENNIE REES’ LOUISVILLE COURIER-JOURNAL BLOG: http://blogs.courier-journal.com/racing/2011/01/02/zenyatta-shows-possibilities-for-racing-using-social-media/
Jennie quotes two emails from me as well as some other more eloquent folks re: Zenyatta. She had invited comments after posting her entry “Voting for Blame, Hoping for Zenyatta”. We gave her our votes and the reasons for them! I highlighted the power of social media and the racing brand called Zenyatta. GREAT JOB, TEAM ZENYATTA!
Barbara Wood
lizzy–Well said!
Mary Stanford
It was a great interview John did with equinevip….you can pass that on Z. It is exciting to see who will help you become a mom Z…I just hope your foal will be as sweet as you. But I have a feeling you are one of a kind and no one can ever be as wonderful, sweet, and smart as you Z…they might be good on the track…but no one will bring the excitement that you have brought to all your fans…on and off the track. I loved watching you race but seeing you at the farm is as much fun or if not more fun. Hugs to you Z….
Quarterhossgal
Perhaps it is time to leave the breeding shed to Zenyatta and the professionals at Lane’s End and not all of Z’s fans. As I mentioned we will probably not know until Zenyatta is safely in foal who the sire is. Dottie has been especially kind in giving us information about Zen and we should be happy to hear the details she provides. Ensign had given us the way mares are handled at many barns, many non horse people may not be ready for all the detail, let’s not fault him for the information. People that enjoy Zenyatta
want to hear all they can about this great mare and I for one am grateful for this website. The reason I post is because I admire all the people that are a part of Zen’s life and are willing to share with her admirers.
tony
Zenyatta and Dottie…my family loves to read this blog. Thank you for being so diligent with it…the information and lighthearted approach you take is much appreciated. So many of us have become horse people at heart because of you and all of Team Z. We are so anxious to see Zennie as a mom. It’s the natural progression of life. Her bloodlines are rich and should be passed on to future generations. Imagine a world with no Zenyatta. How sad THAT would be. Thank goodness the owners of her mom and dad wanted to continue their bloodlines. We certianly got the best of the best with Queen Z. We believe she will be an awesome mother… she is so loving and gentle at heart. As for mario and Steve…they did an outstanding job with her and no doubt miss her terribly. This site kind of binds us ALL together and that’s a truly wonderful thing. Thank you, again for providing this site where we can celebrate our common love for the horse of a lifetime…Zenyatta.
Dani
Thank you Quarterhossgal.
Patti
Zenyatta, you look beautiful in your latest picture. I enjoy your posts very much…it is a joy to be able to learn more about you. Thank you!
Fran Stotler
Hello Zenny and Dottie,
Thanks so much for keeping us all posted about happenings at Lanes End Farm and thanks to Lanes End for the beautiful video of Zenyatta in her paddock.
This is my first post and Z I just want to thank you for including your fans in your racing career and new life as a broodmare. I was fortunate to see you in person once and will never forget the day. You’ve been an inspiration in so many ways.
I do have just one question. Was the Street Cry-Vertigineux breeding ever repeated? Z, do you have a full brother or sister?
Having had horses for the past 20 years I know how much fun it is for you to roll in the mud and snow, especially just after someone has groomed you to perfection. Enjoy your new, well-deserved life. Happy New Year!
Lanie Johnson
Thanks Dottie and Zen for answering all those questions! Wow…a lot of excitement going on!! You have always been the #1 Female Race Horse of All Time for me anyway!!!
Hey…keep on rollin in the Ky mud…it’s good for us girl’s complexions!!:))))
So proud of John and have always known that he is a man of honor. I know Dottie and all are proud of him also! All of team “Z’ will go down in history together!
I thought little Ella’s post up there was so sweet…the one her grandmother did for her…hugs and kisses…out of the mouth of babes!
So glad you have your new friend and all is well there at Lane’s End…that’s all that matters. Knowing daily that all is well is no. one for me. I know everyone is sooo busy..I haven’t had a chance yet to go to Mario’s FB page..will have to wait until tom. Harmonious ran 2nd yest…ran a great race! Sure would like to see her have a FB page through connections so we could all keep up with her and support her too. Souper is taking a little time out and will be back in 2011…looking forward to their next year.
Dating??? Wow…glad that’s you and not me…hahaha..but at least you get to have some of the “cream of the crop”…humans aren’t always so lucky! :))))) I like Curlin but that’s just my opinion. I’m not worried about awards either…history will have it’s say in all of this and..you..great Lady will take center stage without any doubt. I think you would be just as happy to have been known as the “most loved horse” as the Best one…wonderfully…you are both.
Give my love to all those who keep us up to date and who spend their days taking the best of care of my Oueen. I am so grateful that you have all of them…Spring’s around the corner somewhere…as always!! Say ‘Hi” to PQ for me and I’m still getting that gift ready for ya! I just received a Zenyatta coloring book I purchased off ebay..thought that was rather unique..don’t see those every day. I also purchased the program of War Pass’ 2007 win..wanted to have something to honor him by…so many left too soon…I won’t forget!
Have a wonderful time with all your close-ups…don’t worry about polls or cynics..or awards…none take the place of the invincible YOU! Matters not what anyone says…generations will KNOW and HONOR respectively.Have a peaceful night with dreams of friends and good times past and yet to come! I love you..here..under the moon..over Kentucky!
Lora Powell
Keep the updates coming Lady Z. Love to hear how you are doing, and cant wait to hear who the lucky stud is! To bad artificial insem. isnt allowed in instances like these. Can you imagine a cross between the greatest female racehorse and one of the past great males…
Jackie
Good Evening Queen “Z” Interesting reading tonight. I am sure the Mosses took have pondered their decision many times to breed Zenyatta and to select the best place for her. In as much as we may not like what we hear about the breeding sheds let’s face it we all would like to see here bloodline continue. Stop the bickering!
I was hopeful Lane’s End would allow visitors soon. I cancelled my NY trip scheduled for December 2-6 with my girlfriends just to attend your retirement party at Hollywood Park. Not the first time I gave up doing something to see you! Holding my ticket to re-book to Kentucky to visit you.
See you Made # 1 in the SI Top Female Horses! Not bad although I think you are # 1 of all Horses male and females!
You look wonderful and happy in the photo. Stay warm and dry.
Hugs and kisses
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, it was great to hear that you were picked # 1 Female horse of all time by Sports Illustrated. I can say that I surely agreed with them. You are the Queen forever. Glad that you are still enjoying yourself and you new friend. I watched the video of John being interviewed about you. I like the picture he took of you at Lanes End. We still have a long winter to get through and I hope it stays good enough there for you to be able to go out with your friend and enjoy some of the day. We miss you alot Zenny. I am looking forward to the HOY awards coming up soon. Be happy, stay warm and I think of you always.
Melissa
As someone who has also worked in the thoroughbred industry, I believe Ensign’s description was very well-written and accurate. Considering the topic at hand, he did a good job of explaining the facts, without being over-the-top graphic. On the other hand, I understand that many who read Z’s site probably don’t want/need too many details on the actual breeding process. I can see how this may have offended some folks, especially those with children or grandchildren who read the site. But I honestly believe Ensign had the best intentions (and nope, I don’t know him either). For those who do want to learn more about the process (and many other fascinating details about the breeding side of horse racing), I recommend the book “Stud: Adventures in Breeding” by Kevin Conley. From my understanding, the process is fairly standardized in the thoroughbred industry. In other words, there are no wild variations on how one farm does things compared to another in the breeding shed. Things have to be standardized for the safety of everyone involved: people and horses (in fact, I would say the horses’ safety comes first, when it really comes down to it). Farms that are competitors are basically coming together during this process, but there is an amazing amount of mutual respect and seriousness. I cannot stress enough how much of a priority safety is in the shed. It’s such a well-honed process, year after year, that things really do run quite smoothly for the most part. Even so, I am sure that in Zenyatta’s case, safety measures will be ratcheted into a higher gear (however possible), like the girl herself. Triple checking things that have been quadruple-checked, which were double checked after the original triple check, etc. :) I know some fans are worried — I can’t help but be a bit nervous myself, BUT…knowing what I know, I am fully confident Team Z will make sure “our” girl never has one minute of distress. Also (this might ease some worries as well) that from my knowledge, if a stallion or mare doesn’t “take” to breeding in the shed on a particular day for whatever reason, they are not forced to continue. While there is some encouragement (depends on the horse’s personality/age/temperament), if things don’t mesh, the session is rescheduled. Though it’s rare, if two horses just don’t like each other, or a mare doesn’t get in foal after a few attempts, etc., contracts can be canceled by both sides. I, too, often wonder how many times the humans get matches wrong and who the horses would pick if they had their say! I have heard first-hand stories of stallions preferring a certain color mare, or steadfastly refusing to breed to one particular mare. I actually commented to a co-worker “I wonder if they sense something we don’t?” I would not be surprised! I am looking forward to Dottie and Z’s comments on the process in the near future. Peace & hugs to everyone.
Naomi
Robin – I really enjoyed reading your comment on Jennie Ree’s blog “Voting for blame, hoping for Zenyatta” Too bad she didn’t have the courage to vote her heart instead of caving in to peer pressure though. I also liked Jill Bafferts'(Bob Baffert’s wife) comments in favor of Zenyatta – that was very nice of her to speak out.
Reb
Great update! thanks once again.
Kim Noble
To Ensign-thank you for a basic look at what happens in the breeding shed. I appreciate the info. Very happy that Mike is going to visit. Two stallions to keep in mind- Afleet Alex and Tapit!
emmy
@ensign…hope you don’t get your feelings hurt by some of the negative comments…thanks to astrid,the kennedys,lizzy,deana,quarterhossgal and others who have expressed their appreciation of your sharing of knowledge and experience !!! I hope, along with most of the posters, that we can keep this an informative and positive site.
emmy
@EK…twitching acts on pressure points in the horse’s nose and lip area….it doesn’t hurt them…it kind of tranquilizes them!!!
S
Hi everyone .,,, usually I address my post to Z or Dottie, but tonight it is to all fellow Z friends and fans. I believe we are a diverse group, from all over, different ages, different levels
of experiences with horses. However we have one thing in common! A love and appreciation of Zenyatta. Her connection have shown us so much kindness and access in their world. I am sure we have been an intrution at times, demanding questions and questioning Their decision to send out previous Z to KY in the cold! Not once had Dottie written back telling us to back off or keep our thoughts to ourselves. So please stop the disrespect to each other! On a positive note….I want the Z team to know there are new racing fans going to Santa Anita this week! After years of tring to get my daughter,nieces and nephew to go with me to del mar. Santa anita or Hollywood park …,thanks to Zenny, utube and this blog..they want to go!
emmy
@Ensign…forgot to ask you in previous post…how do the powers that be decide what are handicap or stake races…and what is difference between Grade 1,Grade 2 etc.? I know a lot about horses{dressage and eventing and breeding} but precious little about racing !! I have an awaking interest thanks to Zenyatta and her connections.Super writing,Dottie and great pix,John!!!
Melissa
@Emmy – Excellent point on twitching. I’ve been told the same thing. It’s supposedly a pleasant, relaxing sensation.
To all – seems we’re coming back around the bend! Heck, all families argue sometimes. In the immortal words of whoever came up with this quote, “families are like peanut brittle. It takes a lot of sweetness to hold all the nuts together.” haha! (please take that in the humorous spirit it was meant, gang) No name calling or finger pointing guys! Let’s face it, we’re all a little nutty when it comes to Z! {Group hug!} Peace to my fellow goofballs. :)
S
Well said Melissa! For anyone who does not love horses or know Zenyatta…, we do look like a bunch of nuts!
Melissa
@Emmy – here’s a link to some general information on how thoroughbred races are graded: http://horseracing.about.com/od/helpfornewfans/a/aaracetypes.htm
Seems to be a nice broad overview. Can’t vouch for the accuracy. For some “inside” and more detailed info, I’d check out bloodhorse.com, drf.com, throughbredtimes.com for starters. Have fun!