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
Yvonne Splichal
I love the picture of you and Life is Sweet! How cute! Thanks for the insight into the 2009 Breeders Cup as well. I love you, Zenyatta!
Sharon
How nice to see these two girls together.
Thanks so much to team Zenyatta for being so generous and sharing everything with the fans.
Jane C
You two ladies look very sheek!!! Love to read all about you everyday. Hugs to you and all your new pals. What fun.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, this is beautiful. I just finished watching some more of your videos, limit 5 (last nite I did myself in). I found the Zenyatta/Life is Sweet video and Life is Sweet is Sleeping. Just to cute. After she has her baby will you be able to see her? I know you will remember her, our Princess. Love that picture, more videos, weekend is coming up. Sweet dreams of carrot and peppermints…Hugs and so much love, Lisa g
Lois Gillespie
What a gift, Z and Dottie! 2 posts in one day! And this was one of the best yet- that Dottie has given us further insight into that gracious heart of yours – in interactions with your peers, your family and your fans.
Jess
What, no more comments here? common people we need to support this great Thoroughbred.
Go Zenyatta, you’ve got one more race to win; Horse of the Year!!!!!
Sue Fredrick
Wow I can’t believe I’m second to post how did that happen. You two or should I say three look so sweet in that picture, isn’t wonderful that someone captured that pic before it was lost forever. I’m so glad you are forming a nice little “grass klutch” to be with everyday, I would give anything to know what you four are talking about. Enjoy your days, my beauty, because soon they will be announcing HOTY and we are going to be all over you with congratulations and adoration. Luv to all you girls
Judy Sims
Oh, Zenny, you touch my heart so. that picture of you and Life is Sweet is priceless. Dottie is such a good, devoted friend to you for keeping us all in your daily lives. Her connection with dogs and horses makes her the unique and caring person she is. Animals know which humans are their soul mates and respond to love and affection. So glad you are getting more friends to hang out with. Still waiting hopefully to see a video or at least a picture of you rolling in the snow & mud. Are you still playing games with Sarah?
Hugs & nose kisses.
Judy 8-)
max
You are a great role model. And you are incredibly beautiful. It is a pleasure to hear about your life. Congratulations to Team Z on the forthcoming award.
Patti and Don
WE LOVE LOOKING AT YOUR PICTURE WITH LIFE IS SWEET. AS YOU KNOW, ZENNY, LIFE IS SWEET HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF OUR FAVORITE HORSES, TOO.
SO YOU NOW HAVE TWO NEW FRIENDS…THAT IS SPECIAL! THE FOUR OF YOU CHARMING LADIES CAN HAVE A GREAT TIME RUNNING, PLAYING AND FROLICKING IN THE FIELDS. WE WOULD ASSUME ALYS AND SEA GULL SHARE LIVING QUARTERS WITH YOU AND PIRATE QUEEN AT YOUR LANE’S END BARN. WHAT A BALL…WE BET WHEN THEY TURN THE LIGHTS OFF FOR THE EVENING THE FOUR OF YOU ENJOY SHARING YOUR DAY’S EXPERIENCES. GIRL TALK!!! AWESOME :)
Fran
Hi Z: It was good to hear from you today. That is so great-you have more friends to play with in the paddock. That has to be so much fun for you! Dottie is so good to speak for you-it is so neat that she knows your every thought too. It is very cold here-no sun for the last two days! Enjoy your day z! Love you!
Terry
OH Girls, I’m balling again!!! What a lovely story about John’s girls on Breeders Cup Weekend! Also, I love that you have more friends to hang out with! A girl really needs her friends! Z you are the BEST!
Trish & Mike in Colorado
What a lovely experience to share with us, Dot-Zen, thank you. The other thing about you, Zenyatta, is that you always put in 120% effort in your races. We remember when Life is Sweet tried to beat you, Zenyatta . . . just couldn’t be done. We also have NO DOUBT that your TEAM Z and Dottie do know what is in your mind, as shown by your gestures. How can one be around horses as they are and NOT know what they are thinking . . .
Bobbie Graser
Hanging out with lots of friends is the best! I’m so glad that you have these opportunities. We girls need our girl time.
Tracy K
That’s a great picture. So happy to hear you’ve met new friends. I’m sure each day is full of fun for you Zenyatta.
Mary Stanford
What a sweet post today Z…. it is good you have made such great friends in CA and KY. You have such a kind heart and it has shown and still shows every day just how kind you truly are to people and other horses. Z …you bring us fans so much joy just knowing all about you and what your day is like. Love you to Z….and give Dottie a nose high five when you see her. :)
nancy
Who is Zenyatta’s wordsmith?
Carole K
I remember your 2009 Breeders’ Cup Champion blanket so well. John actually brought it out for me to throw over my shoulders. I have the photo — what an unforgettable, magical moment that was. So many great memories of you and your team.
S
You can never have to many friends. You girls have fun and no gossiping about the boys in the other barn :)
Love the picture and Thanks again for this wonderful forum.
Cindy
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to YOU, Zenyatta, for being nominated for Horse of the Year!!! I understand it’s Blame, Goldikova, and YOU!!! But the real story is that is it going to come down to Blame and YOU! I am rooting for you Zen!! And I know the whole world is, as well!!!
I’m thrilled you are doing so well at the farm. I hope we all get to meet you b4 you go off to the breeding shed!
Roxanne Cook
What a beautiful pair these two made: Best Friends Forever! When Zenyatta is found to be safe in foal, will she be moved to the barn with the other preggers, or do they stay in groups, sort of their own small herd, like the one she’s being turned out with now? I’m so glad to read that Z is not the Alpha Mare; much less stressful.
Linda B
Zenyatta,
I am aware that it is hard for some folks to accept that some of us as fans are anthropomorphizing you behaviors but that is who you are. Dottie and yourself tell it so well in your posts. It has made you the champion you are yet allowing you to be so very special. You are beautiful in actions both on the track and now at the farm. What a gift to be a strong athlete with character and grace.
Team Z and those you are with now allowed this to develop in you .It can be see now around the world. You are and always will be a treasure . Number 1 Thoroughbred.
Carole K
I love the vision of these two stablemates touching noses after Life Is Sweet’s winning the 2009 BC Ladies Classic. So touching. I remember that Life Is Sweet stayed at Santa Anita after her win to be with Zenyatta until after the BC Classic run the next day. And I will never forget that race — the best I will ever see.
Rosemary McCauley
I look forward to these posts every day and and enjoy them very much. Since we don’t have you to watch at the race track, the posts help combat the Zenyatta Withdrawl. Keep them coming.
sherry drish
Zenyatta we are so glad you have pasture pals. horses are herd animals so this is great. the alpha mare will be the number one in the picking order. I bet you girls will have your foals in the same pasture too. I once read dogs have owners…horses have STAFF. TOO true .love to everyone…..SHERRY.
Sally
Z; you wrote this so beautifully. This is who you are. I am with out words for you and Life is Sweet’s devotion. (Dottie this must have been the most “loving moment”.) I really truly have the deepest respect for all the thoroughbred race horses; they all are awesome, but I love, admire, adore, and respect you Zenyatta, and your Z team. And of course Mike Smith too. Somehow, God gave you a special gift.
Love always, Sally
Linda / Maryland
How wonderful to have someone there that you already know. You are so beautiful.
Stay Safe~
Love You Zenyatta~!!!!!
Nancy
I love the picture of you with Life is Sweet. Is there somewhere we can download a larger version of that photo?
Linda / Maryland
It is so nice to hear each day from the 2010 Horse of the Year~!!!
Barbara Wood
Precious Z-
What an adorable picture of you and Life Is Sweet. Just too sweet for words. What would we do without our daily “Z fix” to brighten our days?
You have fun with your new buddies. I think it’s going to be getting really cold again up there, so you snuggle in and stay warm. Hope your coat is growing! Love you always.