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
Sherpa
I am curious about Alys. Is this the same Alys who was a resident of Barn 55, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Moss? Or is that one spelled Alice?
I really love your blog, Zendotti! Besides the obvious pleasure of knowing our Z is happy and healthy, it’s very educational. I look forward to every new post and hope there will be pictures of mud-rolling soon (or better yet, video). :-)
liz
Zenyatta, you are such a sweet girl! I love the story about after 2009 Breeders Cup with Life is Sweet. Thanks for sharing
Quarterhossgal
Great picture of two special mares!! This blog does bring so much joy to so many people. Catherine…you are in my prayers, I’m glad that Queen Z is able to lift your spirits. Horses have a special way of doing that for people especially Zen.
Debbie
Oh Z I’m so happy you get to hang out with your buddy, Life is Sweet and I so enjoy hearing from you daily, you make my day every day, thank you, love you! xo
Ann Maree
Hi, Z-girl, So happy for you with your new friends! How fun and wonderful for you. You are really learning to be a “regular” horse! Of course, you are always going to be extra special. Still waiting to see you do your “mud roll”…can’t wait! Hugs, your friend, Ann Maree
Jean
Thank you Dottie for all you do to keep us informed in the thoughts of Zenyatta. I truly beleive we can sence their thoughts after we have been with them for long periods of time. There is body language they show and we learn this and then we know. I always felt I could read my mare she was number 1 in the pecking order in her paddock. Had certain mare’s to befriend and others to shun. She was a very protective mother and loved caring for her babys. I miss her very much,so Iam living through Zenyatta right now and enjoying all you do. Thank you so much.
linda
Absolutely lovely.
Darlene
I was so glad to see that the whole team won the Eclipse Award. Mario and Carmen also. That is a true honor and it shows the teamwork that was fostered by the wonderful people at Barn 55. John is really a master.
Gloria Jeanne
Zenyatta- you are SO AWESOME!!! Life is Sweet was tagging you to do a great job and WIN the Breeders Cup in 2009 and YOU DID! It was always so much fun to watch the two of race and duke it out on the track… I’m so glad you always got to the line first. That’s a great picture of the you two standing with John, I know how proud he is of you both.
It would be great to get a video of you and your friends playing in the paddock together. I’m sure the everyone wants you to start being more of a “regular” horse without all of the fan fair that follows you around so much and with you being such a camera “ham”… but it would be really great footage to have on file… hint hint for the future movie/s that are sure to come.
The Zenyatta fans REALLY REALLY want to see how she’s doing on the farm and adjusting on a more regular basis. He have only seen her “free and playing” once. Thanks for the consideration.
Love and Hugs!
Dona
I see it now …..Zenyatta and “Z” Gang!
Bet the other mare’s owners are bragging their charge is now part of “Z” Gang.
You are such a trip, my love.
Michele B
Congrats to John for being nominated Trainer of the Year
Betty
You are a lovely lady inside and out. Thank you for continuing to share your views with us lowly humans. We have so much to learn from you.
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. What an absolutely great picture with Life is Sweet and isn’t that just the best name to match your years with Team Z and now at LE. The moment you described of touching noses and how Dottie holds that memory in her heart is just beautiful. Dottie, you and Ann are such wonderful woman, thank you for everything. We all need special friends in our lives to celebrate and support all the ups and downs. I am blessed to have some fantastic ones and they mean the world to me. Now you have two more great girls to spend the day with, Zenny, how exciting. You are so kind and gentle and yes, the absolute best role model, how can they not enjoy your company? I certainly join you in your admiration of your fellow horses. They touch our souls. The HOY nominations for you and John are fantastic! I keep positive thoughts that I will hear your names announced on TVG Eclipse night. Sweet dreams beautiful girl. Many, many hugs and kisses.
Catherine Uher – Miracles happen everyday and I pray you will get yours. Isn’t this a special place of love we share with Miss Z! Keep the faith and the smile.
darlene sanner
I understand that several farms including Lane’s End are having open houses next week If we come will we be able to see you?
Keith Strouhal
Awesome !! God Bless
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, Glad to hear you have two more friends to share the fun of playing around and exercising. You are the perfect example of living with a family who has only shown love to you. And so the circle of love continues in your attitude and respect of your fellow horses and your human contacts. This is one of the most touching diary posts yet, I feel that there is history in the making each time I read your words. And how blessed we are to be sharing your daily thoughts. Please thank Dottie for me and tell John congrats for being nominated for Trainer of the year. As if that was in question! MUCH LOVE FROM ME TO YOU.
Deborah
Dottie, I just had to tell you how much I love these Diary posts “written” by Zenyatta. They are such a delight, so uplifting and infomative! Thank you so much for keeping all of us fans posted and educated. I am new to horses and racing and look forward to the Diary every day :)
Thanks to all of Team Z for being so generous in sharing this beautiful, amazing mare…You have let us get to know her and she has become the horse of our hearts. Interestingly, the more I learn about Z, the more I want to get to know other horses as well! What wonderful animals!
Thank you Zenyatta and thank you Team Z!!
Dani
“We literally touched noses with joy.” Now that is a line I will never forget and I will think of you and Life Is Sweet and picture the moment in my own mind whenever I need a smile. That is my favorite Diary posting of all to date. …..I’m so thrilled to find out that you have two new friends, Alys and Sea Gull. I can just picture the four of you outside grazing lazily and keeping each other good and happy company. You sound so geniunely content Zenyatta. And that is how your life should be now. That your family and friends know how content you are these days must be of so much comfort to them since they are so far away and missing you so very much. It’s your bedtime about now so I wish you sweet dreams. :)
Jenna
I just checked Lane’s End Web site: The open house is a stallion open house. Go to the site and click on News.
Dawn Conrad
Oh my gosh! I left out Ann and Jerry’s name for the Eclipse owner’s of the year award. For everything that you have done you will own our hearts, forever. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, yep, still up and reading and watching you. I was looking for the Zenyatta/Steve videos that was mentioned on your last post. I cannot find it, I googled! Does anyone know? Cannot get enough of the videos. I hope we find out about you baby soon, I understand that a fee can be paid or co-ownership. I hope the Moss’ keep your baby…filly or colt..I cannot wait. When can we come see you? For sure, Sweet Dreams, Queen, our Horse of a Lifetime. Lisa g
Kimberly
Beautiful Queen, Thanks for all your thoughts. The Moss’ truly are blessed to have you, and you them….. Keep up your sweet nature. You are a gem!!!!
jane
Hey Big Mare!
How exciting! Two new girls to hang out with!
I’m very happy for you; I knew you were going to love retired life! :)
That picture of you & LIS – what a wonderful shot! John holding his two BC Classic champs in the same yr, both girls, nose to nose, in a “horsey high-five”!
I hope at some point you get to hang out with LIS again.
BTW, I would give $100 for an autographed copy of that pic!
Luv ya muchly, Beautiful!
M, LB & RL
Love the picture and your post. I look forward to it daily. It is all so special – as you are, our wonderful Zenyatta. I am so glad we can continue to stay close to you. As always thanks to you Dottie.
Little Bit and Ready Lady (our horses) send their best regards to you Lady Z! We have your picture right next to theirs in our barn/tack room!
tony
What a great picture! I would love to see John’s photo album and spend a few days looking at everything he has on you. Little by little we see more of your world before and now at LE. My family is hoping for great news next weekend. It’s a shame such a small number of people vote for HOY. You are loved by millions. Nuff said.
Megan S
Lovely Z,
It great to know you are good and I loved hearing about you and Life is Sweetie. You guys are just too cute!
Sarah Powell
What a neat picture! Horses are so wonderful and anyone who loves them understands that Queen Z just touches our souls! I love reading about her each day and love reading all of the responses. What a great way to end my day!!
Kimberly
Zenyatta, Dottie & Team Z, thanks for the spectacular ride, please don’t ever let it end. Your #1 fan in Montana!!
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta you would never be anything but kind and sweet to all. It just shows all around you. I have only seen you in pictures or video but it comes through. I received your thank you today and it made my day. Another thing to take to my students. I love you sweet girl and hope and pray I may see you in person some time in the future. Stay warm tonight and enjoy your new friends. Love, hugs and kisses, Shari from Ohio
Bridget
I LOVE YOU DOTTIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your posts are the best!!!!!!!!
Thanks for bringing so much joy!!!!
Z you are such a great sport! So supportive of your competitors. You are such a great example! You girls are so pretty in your blankies!!!!! So glad you won the next day! I didn’t think you would be an alpha. Nighty night sweetness!