Good Morning,
I have been having so much fun! I am really starting to feel like I am one very POPULAR HORSE! Thank you for writing so many nice things about me!
Yesterday, in the morning, JOHN and MARIO called. I was able to visit with them via TANGO. It was great to HEAR THEIR VOICES. In the afternoon, MY OWNERS called and we got to TANGO. I’m just getting up to speed on my “tech skills’…and being able to see and hear my friends on the phone like this is a real thrill. Technology is totally amazing to me!
Earlier today, Sarah put some footage up on my FACEBOOK page. I had some special family visitors. The children were so much fun. They also wanted to share with me that MY DADDY, STREET CRY, literally lives right by them. Their DAD works with MY DAD…and they get to see him all of the time. The whole family came to visit and brought me lots of HUGS from my DEAR DAD. Sweetly, they also told me HOW PROUD HE IS OF ME! I am so honored.
I know in the video, I am really ‘woofing’ down the carrots they brought. I’ve done this in the past…and rest assured, I do chew my food carefully. I LOVE carrots! And yes, my other friends in the barn also had lots of treats! I am quite good at sharing!
Several of you have also asked for a video of me PLAYING in the MUD. Sarah is getting here early each day and trying to get this …but I’m teasing her right now. (She is a very good sport!) Every time I see her, I jump up (covered in mud) and run right over to her! I’m sure she will figure out a clever way to surprise me soon and get video of me rolling in the mud for you…and she is trying! But for now, this is a FUN GAME I am playing with her!
When we talked about the different bandages yesterday, Cathleen asked about the ‘red’ color on some of them. Dottie included a photo above to help illustrate this for you. The red color is red chili pepper. These big white bandages are called ‘standing bandages’. They are made out of a nice cotton fabric. The primary reason for wearing them is to protect a horse’s legs while in the stall.
Thus, when I’m in my stall, moving around, laying down, sleeping, or getting up again, the intention is for these bandages to keep me from hitting, nicking, or scratching myself. Mario would dilute the red pepper so he could smear the substance on the bandages as shown in the photo. He would put just enough pepper on the fabric to keep me from ‘amusing myself by playing with them or removing them’. Doing this can be a FUN GAME FOR ME…but not Mario. In truth, I did want to cooperate and keep them on for protection! So, I’d go along with Mario’s plan and NOT touch my bandages! I was a very good girl!
At Lane’s End, they often put standing bandages on me when I am back in my stall. Again…for protection. The just want me to be totally safe.
Elena asked about Mario’s Facebook page that someone started for him. John checked it out for you…and it is under: MARIO ESPINOZA, GROOM!
WOW…just heard DON ROBINSON…who foaled and raised me…is coming to visit. It will be great to see him again! I better get ready!
Have a splendid day!
With Love,
Hugs to all~
Z
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, Wow, two more great diary posts to enjoy and the cutest video of you with the children visiting. You have been one busy girl. Great photos again of you, have you considered a career in modeling? Perhaps for Steuben or Rambo? Thank Dottie for answering all our questions in such a clear manner, she really should be a writer. And Congratulations to TeamZ for the Eclipse Award, so justly deserved. The news of your father being so near and Mr. Robinson coming to visit is so endearing and you deserve every ounce of love that pours into your life. MUCH LOVE FROM ME TO YOU.
Kim Curtsinger
Did you have a good day Zenny? I hope so. Congrats for Team Zenyatta on the Special Eclipse award. Now for the reason for Team Z to win her award. Can’t wait to see you, hope it’s soon.
Love You
Ann Maree
Hi, Z-girl! Oh, I sure hope someone gets some video of when Don Robinson comes to visit you! When I come to Lexington to see you, hopefully soon, I do want to try to meet him. I was so impressed when Jennifer Wirth interviewed him a couple months back, for her blog, The Saturday Post. He loved you so much and you touched his heart, which he shared in that interview. I have wondered if it was him in the picture of you taken when you were just a foal about 6 months old! You were just too cute!
Can’t wait to see your mud-role videos! Take care. Big hugs! Your friend, Ann Maree
carolyn
Thanks for taking time to explain that the red smudges on standing wraps is chili powder — not blood! I have had to explain this to a lot of people! Thanks for educating people about all these little horsy details! Very cool!
nDfilly
I don’t want to put any extra pressure on on you but I would hope you would kindly consider doing a TANGO or SKYPE with your fans and we could make a small donation for other throughbreds that aren’t getting quite as much attention as you do or haven’t purchased the latest computer technology.
bill grubbs
Zenny, you , covered with mud, would be the most beautiful horse that ever lived. Roll in the mud if you want !!! Fly a 747 if you want !! Do what you want to do because you are the Queen !!!!I can’t wait to meet you !! I love you girl !!
Linda / NJ
Hi Zenny: Thanks for today’s post. You always have something interesting to talk about. The video was lots of fun! Yes indeed, you surely love your carrots. I am sure those children couldn’t wait to return to school so they could tell all their friends about their visit with you–the most famous racehorse in the whole world!! This TANGO communication sounds great! I tell you Zenny, your family members are adorable. They miss you girl!! And we can tell that they really want to be sure you’re happy and having fun. Thanks for the explanation on the standing bandages. Also, if you have a chance, would you tell us about the ice boots. People have snow boots, and you have ice boots. Did you wear them after every training session or just before a race day? Also that’s great news about Don Robinson coming to see you. I remember having read an article about him coming to CA to see one of your races. The article mentioned that he was so touched when you stopped in the paddock and looked right at him. He knew right then and there you recognized him. What joy he must have felt. Take care Zenny, and have a nice evening. Love, Linda
Darlene
Congrats on your Eclipse Award today….actually it is for Team Zenyatta and they mentioned all your dear friends. One more big award to go!! I read about Don Robinson in your book and he sounds like a wonderful horseman. You were so lucky to have him at the beginning of your career. Great job Team Zenyatta!!!
Gloria Jeanne
Thanks for letting us know about the red color on the bandages. The first time I was there to visit you- I paniced when I saw those on you – it was right after the Del Mar race this past summer.
Anyway- It’s great to hear that YOUR DAD is so proud of you. I think it would be cool if you were able to go visit your MOM and DAD some day and have a REAL FAMILY PHOTO with THEM … HINT HINT.
With LOVE AND HUGS- miss you my SWEET ZENYATTA until next time.
Joan
You mentioned my name yesterday about the bandages, i am so thrilled. From the photo
the white looked thick, that was the reason for my question. So glad it was just lil ole you.
The special recognition eclipse award is wonderful, maybe other owners might catch on and do right by their own horses, wouldn’t that be a great outcome!!!! I surely hope you get HOY, but you know Zen, you don’t need an award to signify what you have meant to the sport, your name will forever be in the record books and we all know you will be a first round inductee into the Hall of Fame. Even HOY does not begin to demonstrate your greatness or your contribution to the ‘Sport of Kings/Queens”. You are the horse of the decade, the best in the last 25 years. SO my girl, hold that head high, you are THE BEST and no man can diminish that. Love ya.
Gloria Jeanne
Oh yes- CONGRATS to THE TEAM and you ZENYATTA!!!! You and the Team are so deserving of that award and so many more. Until the 17th- YOU WILL ALWAYS BE HORSE OF THE TO ME and many others. IN MY EYES YOU SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN IT LAST YEAR TOO!!!!!
Ensign
@ LINDA/NJ,
Ice boots are used to keep a horse’s legs cool and tight. The stress of racing and training can occassionally cause a little heat & inflamation in ankles and tendons. Trainers routinely hose horses legs with cold water for the cooling and tightening effect. Other methods include standing a horse’s two front legs in a tub of cold water, or using ice boots.
The ice boots are usually knee high and velcro on the legs. They have pockets to place ice or cooling pads in them and serve the same purpose as hosing or ‘tubbing’ but are a bit simpler to employ : )
.
Just because a horse uses either method doesn’t indicate a problem. It’s mainly used as a precautionary & theraputic measure.
.
Hope that helps.
Abby
Hi Z!!! I’m so happy to hear your still a very happy girl at Lane’s End. I can’t wait to see your video of rolling in the mud, I saw the one on youtube with you playing in the snow and it brought happy tears to my eyes at your joy. Thank you Z for keeping us posted on how you’re doing, we all love you very much Zenny!!! Have a WONDERFUL day sweetie-pie!
Mary McQuire
Congratulations to your team, Zenyatta, for their Eclipse Award! You deserve another one, too!
Dona
Our Queen of Magic!……….Saw how you made those carrots disappear! How’d she do it? Must be magic, just like her.lol
EK
Zenyatta contributed to other horses through the sale of her Moneigh paintings and halters,etc. before she went to Lanes End. Hopefully she will be allowed to continue making donations. Know from personal experience what a twitch is and what it does. Endorphins are released in response to pain. Left on a twitch will cause a loss of circulation and numbness. People have been injured when twitches were pulled out of their hands and they were hit with the wooden handle attached to the chain and a horse could be injured by a swinginghandle also. Better to distract a horse with carrots. Having a chain twisted over ones nose and upper lip is not fun.
JR
Z are you getting all dolled up for Jan 17th? It will be your big night for you to be named the ” HOTY” HORSE OF THE YEAR!!! We love you and still relish you posts. Be good be dafe and BE HAPPY!
Astrid
Thank you Dottie for another great post!
Zenny, you are so cute teasing Sarah. Can’t wait for the video. Maybe Sarah needs to camouflage herself as a tree? :)
My, in the video you really do munch down those carrots but nice of you to share! Those kids must have been so excited to meet you and as always, you are so gentle.
Happy rolling tomorrow!!
P.S. My dog wants you to know she swallows bananas whole – don’t ask:) – but she does it safely:) She has an appetite like you.
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. I am so glad you cleared up the bandages for us. We were away and most of the time we talked about the bandages on your hind legs, even though I knew you also had white socks on your hind legs. I have so many pics of you on my walls, I went to each one and always saw your bandages on. Thank you. Yes, we can’t wait to see more videos of you, expecially rolling in the mud. You are so special. I just heard that Team Zenyatta will be honored at the Awards Ceremony; along with Horse of the Year Honors I am praying for. You so deserve this honor and have for the past 3 years!!! Love you.
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta I heard from Sarah tonight and she told me that you got my 5th grade class’s care package. When I go to school tomorrow and tell the children they will be so thrilled. You will be able to hear them cheering even in Kentucky. I am so honored that you liked everything. We all love you sweet girl. Your picture hangs in my classroom and we have you on both computers. I could go on and on but I must get ready for bed. I love you sweet girl. Big Hugs and Kisses from Shari in Ohio. PS I cried tonight when Sarah wrote to me. Happy tears :)
darlene sanner
Congrats on the special award Team Z will be getting I hope this award will become a permanent fixture so that other fans will do the same in opening up there barns to fans and dispensing much needed info on the behind the scenes of racing Some,like Winstar have already embraced there fan base Hopefully more will follow But you guys broke the ground Love to all
Quarterhossgal
Congrats to Team Z for the Eclipse Award, it is well deserved!! Now we just have to wait for HOY!! Thanks for all the great pictures and information about leg wraps. My geldings love to roll in the mud too, but my bay mare just looks at them covered with mud and doesn’t want any part of it. She loves being brushed but sees no need for a mud bath. Love you Z.
Cathleen
Zenny, thank you so much for answering my question about the standing bandages. I really appreciate it and finding out what that was all about. Mario took such good care of you! I’m so glad you got to Tango with him today. Do the Moss’ ever Tango with Giacomo? Can’t wait to see video of you rolling in the mud. Sarah may have to have a stake out high up in a tree where you can’t see her so she can zoom in and get video of you rolling around. Have fun and congratulations to you and Team Zenyatta on the Eclipse Award. You all are the best ever! XOXO
Cathleen
Zenny, thank you so much for answering my question about the standing bandages. I really appreciate it and finding out what that was all about. Mario took such good care of you! I’m so glad you got to Tango with him today. Do the Moss’ ever Tango with Giacomo? Can’t wait to see video of you rolling in the mud. Sarah may have to have a stake out high up in a tree where you can’t see her so she can zoom in and get video of you rolling around. Have fun and congratulations to you and Team Zenyatta on the Eclipse Award. You all are the best ever! XOXO
Nancy
@Jane
Google Steve Willard and see how much bucking
etc…. our wonderful Queen Z did. bucking and carrying on is fun and Steve was one of the only riders that could stay when the perpendicular bucking, running into the outside rail. Our
Queen is a wonderful mischievous horse. I thinks she
likes to walk over to the camera to say Hi!!! I think they are
to have to put a camera out there with out a person. Horses
have their own way of eating carrots. Some like them broken in
small pieces some like them whole with the small end first
like Z-girl.
Love the pic of you with bandages on. I’ve used them
to prevent swelling. Your stall at the track was pretty small
and it is very important to keep your legs safe. I don’t know
how you were able to lay down and sleep in such a small
stall. I love your room one at Lanes End. When you whirl around
it makes me think of my thoroughbred Gelding almost as big as you.
Taking his carrots and whirling around so no one would take them.
One day I walked out in the pasture thinking I could catch
him with a carrot. He tool the carrot and galloped all the way across
the pasture. You horses love to play fun games and often
fool us. I am so glad you are having soooo much fun with
everyone.
Sweet dreams Queen Z. !!!!! Run like the wind in the
morning. I love to watch your first run in your paddock
over and over. I know you were squealing for joy and
wondering why all the humans were not running with you.
XXXXOOOO. Hugs big Z
Margie
Dear Zeny, now that I’ve read your post for today, I can happily head on home from work. I love you, always, Horse of my Heart.
Linda Shull
Really love these updates. What exactly is TANGO?
Ensign
http://tango.me/
Barb France
Congrats on the Eclipse Award you and Team Zenyatta received. I do hope and pray that this will continue with the HOY Award that you SO deserve. The kids in the video were so happy and so were you and I’m sure all your friends enjoyed the treats that were shared. Enjoy your visit with Mr. Robinson..I’m sure it will be a wonderful visit for all!
DEBBIE GUSTAFSON
zen, you look so good ,,,,awesome you have so much love and so many fans, who are here for you,,wish i could see you at oaklawn this year,,,,,but you will be busy,, becomming a mom,,,,hugs and kisses, always….