Today is a day of great adventure for me! I have been introduced to 2 more paddock friends…ALYS and SEA GULL! So now there are 4 of us who go out and play together. We get along very well. It is all working out splendidly!
Judy asked the other day if I FELT LIKE AN ALPHA HORSE—WHEN IN THE HERD WITH OTHERS. I spoke with John about this as he knows my behavior so well. John said NO…not really! He did not see ‘dominating personality traits’ in me while at the barn. I have always been a very mellow horse with a sweet nature. I do like to be ‘in charge’ of certain things…but I am not at all pushy and I am very kind to my peers!
Truthfully, I have always enjoyed having other horses around me…grazing and visiting with them. Now we get to ‘hang out together’ which is so much fun. While at Barn 55…I worked hard to be a very positive influence on the other horses. I was always striving to set a good example for them as a mentor, a teacher, and most importantly as a friend.
I always did LOVE to compete…and truly enjoyed the competition aspect of my SPORT. However, even when I was in a race, I never pushed others around, bounced into them, or tried to bother them in any manner. I always wanted to show respect to my opposition and support the effort each horse was putting into his or her career. Being an athlete is a great deal of hard work…and I never felt anything but admiration for my fellow horses.
In 2009, when LIFE IS SWEET won the BREEDERS’ CUP LADIES CLASSIC…I was there rooting her on every step of the way. When she returned to the barn after winning and cooling out, WE LITERALLY TOUCHED NOSES WITH JOY as she walked by me to enter her stall for the evening! I was SO PROUD OF HER, my friend, and what she had accomplished! It was our way of saying YIPPEE to each other…or doing a HORSE HIGH-FIVE! Also, at that exact moment when we did touch noses, I felt in some way she was passing the torch of encouragement on to me to win my race the next day. As you know, I DID!
To this day, Dottie feels this unique moment…observing the bonding between LIFE IS SWEET and MYSELF……is one of her most cherished memories. It was not captured on camera…but she says it will be in her thoughts and heart FOREVER!
Please enjoy your day! Mine is off to a fabulous start!
With Love,
Hugs to all~
Z
MaryAnn Donahue
Zenyatta, you are a dear heart with the sweetest nature. The way Dottie conveys your stories almost always puts a lump in my throat and tears of gratitude in my eyes. Thank you for sharing. Stay well and happy. You and Team Z are the greatest!
Pam
I love the photo of you girls in your matching blankets! It reminds me of 6th grade, when I went to the school picnic with my friend who wore a light blue mohair sweater and I wore a matching pink one. Every girl needs a BFF and I guess Life is Sweet is yours. I’m sure neither of you will ever forget Breeders’ Cup weekend 2009. I won’t either, because I was there and saw both of you win. Maybe you can be godmother to Life is Sweet’s foal, or “Kuma” as it’s said in the Serbian language. Kuma Zenyatta! That sounds good! Love and best wishes to both of you.
Debi Hamari
Beautiful Queen Zenyatta,
What a precious picture of an encouraging moment with YOU and Life is Sweet!
You are such an encourager not only to other horses but to your people friends. You convey the hope and strength and quiet peace that so many peole need now.
Keep loving and dancing and enjoying life.
Love and hugs!
Debbie Bassett
Z- I read your diary every day. I still check the web to see if there are any new articles about you. I love the videos! You and Team Z have such a special place in all of our hearts. I am amazed at the number of fans you have on Facebook and who write to you in this diary. You truly are a gift from God to all of us. You give us encouragement, joy, inspiration and awe! —With a little help from Dottie. (I know that your hearts are intertwined.) All of your fans hearts are intertwined in our love for YOU!!
Georgette
I so love that I’m able to be updated on all your latest activities. This site is great. Love all your videos and pictures.Wish you lots of fun, health, and happiness, and your occ. Guiness.