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
Michele Munguia
Dear Zenyatta,
I love reading your posts everyday. I especially loved this one as it brought tears to my eyes because it was so sweet. You are awesome Zenyatta, and I am so glad that you have loving people around you who care about you so much. I wish that all humans would treat horses (and all animals) as lovingly as they do you. Hugs and Kisses!
Mary Stanford
I know the decision of who will be your boyfriend is being made next month..of course none of us think anyone is worthy of you….but I know you will make a great mom. I was looking at the stallions and wow..that Lemon Drop Kid sure looks good. I saw a picture of him on the Lane’s End site…but the one that struck me most was Lemon Drop Kid winning the 1999 Travers Stakes. He has that same intense look you have Z when you were crossing that line…same strong physique like putting every muscle you have into it with all your heart. I thought…wow these two together might be great. Now I know it takes a lot in deciding this and I have no experience whatsoever….but was fun to look at the stallions and see if I could play match maker for the Queen!!!
Jackie
Good evening Queen “Z”. Congrats to Team Zenyatta for the Eclipse Award. Well deserved! One down and one to go HOTY!
Dottie once again what a beautifully written post. Reading these posts daily have become a part of my daily lifes lesson. Not only are they uplifting , but reflect what is truly good in this world. Kindness, generosity, good will, appreciation for all. Thank you Team Zenyantta for all the wonderful memories.
Hope you get to visit with Life is Sweet real soon! Maybe once her foal arrives you will be allowed to visit and give him/her big hugs from auntie Zenyatta! Ha! Ha!
Stay warm.
Hugs and Kisses
Shannon
Dottie = Saint!!!
Bob Rose
Zenyatta and Dottie, I look forward to your dairy postings each evening as much as I looked forward to ‘Mail Call’ when I was a kid serving overseas as a Soldier. If you’re unsure of how much that meant, just ask John, he’ll explain it to you ;)
P.S. Catherine, I hope the morale boost Zenyatta has given us all helps your health as much as it has mine! She’s reminded me that nothing is impossible! You will be in my prayers. Hang in there like a human Zenyatta hun.
Megan
Awesome Dottie,thanks for sharing your memory,just so sweet.And yes Zenyatta we all know you are the perfect lady & very respectful,you have always carried yourself so well,just like the Queen you are.Have fun playing with your new friends,I’m so happy for you.Hugs back to you.Megan.
Carrie
Dear Z. Thank you for sharing with me on the true meaning of what a great athlete you are. Respect, dignity, and the love of your sport. You deserve horse of the year…and horse of the decade. It has been since Secretariat that a horse has not earned the respect that you have obtained. I am truely greatful for having you in my life. Good night Z…love you.
Debbie
i just read the newest post and just loved it!! i always end my evening with my Z fix. i don’t usually read all the comments, but one tonight caught my eye. alex bowdoin had an excellent idea about selling zen’s videos and donating the proceeds to help other horses. i am all for that idea and i am sure that i am not the only one. and i would also buy any photos that would be made available. zen, i think you and your family should make this available if possible. just think of all the horses that would be helped all in the queen’s name. i love you, queen z, you and all of your family, both the california and lane’s end families!!
Melissa
Two great ladies!!
Tory
I understand how this was the sweetest moment for Dottie.
Helen
Awww, Zennie you are such a sweet heart these days since your begining who would have thought!
sue
Zenyatta, you’re so sweet and kind; I wish you were human and my special friend. Have a wonderful rest of the day. I hope someday soon you get to meet up with Life Is Sweet although I realize she is a bit ahead of you in the momma department.
Helen
Just want to send a special thank you to Dottie! You are marvelous at putting these posts together and I truly appreciate all your efforts in this! We all need our Zennie fix daily!
Scott Ashley
M luvin’ it!! Thx for the posts and comments on how Z is doing. SOUNDS WONDERFUL
Morgan
Zenny that is good you were a mentor to the other horses at barn 55 and i love you like nothing other. I luv ya girly and i will cheer your babies on in their races i am team Zenyatta all the way. Go baby girl Go. I even have a horse that looks almost exactly like you on my favorite racing game Gallop Racer 2006 9the best racing game ever!) and she is as good as you and i dont know who would win in a race between the 2 of you. Most likely a nose to nose stride for stride race between you 2 but lol that horse is on a game I so luv you girl
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, that is a very cute picture of you and Life Is Sweet. I hope you’ll eventually be able to renew your friendship though I know she’s now expecting so it won’t happen any time soon. When she has her baby, you’ll have to let us know. I wish her the best. That unique moment you shared with her is very touching. You truly are a special, sweet soul, dear one.
I’m glad you have two new paddock friends. It is nice that you have so many girlfriends to hang out with.
Have a good night!
Love you,
Leslie
Leslie R.
Catherine, you are in my thoughts and I hope you are feeling better very soon.
Hugs,
Leslie
Jan
Can’t wait for the kids site to be up for my three grandsons. Introducing them to you was one of my greatest joys.
siraero
Please be assured that even though we are not all replying daily that WE ALL VERY MUCH APPRECIATE the regular updates on Queen Z’s progress and the informational horse racing industry posts. I personally can not thank you enough for everything Team Z has done for my number one beloved sport/industry. I save/record each and every post, and reread them often. I will NEVER forget Queen Z…long live the Queen!
judith berube
Dear Z,
Great photo of you and Life is Sweet. Thanks to you and Dottie, each day’s diary post is so wonderful to read and so informative. Love to you.
Dottie Combest
Yes Zen ~ Life is Sweet ~ glad you two can be together again !!! Love the fact that you get to play everyday now that your wonderful career is behind you and of course NO ONE WILL EVER FORGET YOU !!! I don’t always get to visit your website every day cause of my many duties but you are always in my thoughts and prayers ~ I wish I were able to finance ALL horses for a happy retirement ~ I am so happy for you that you have wonderful caring owners and handlers ~ such a pity that there are owners and breeders that really don’t give a hoot about the horses they force bred and then don’t want the foals because of small imperfections or such ~ guess it was a God-sent that you developed that rash which got you into the hands of the Mosses, your wonderful caring owners :) God bless them !
Anita in CA
What a touching moment that was between you and your BFF, Zenny, and also a special memory for Dottie. I hope to hear that Zenyatta and Life Is Sweet are reunited and can touch noses again soon. Glad you have more girlfriends to hang out with now, too. i have been reading ‘Horses Never Lie: The Heart of Passive Leadership,’ by Mark Rashid. It seems that you fit what he is saying about the horse who is the passive leader in a herd – one that other horses naturally gravitate to because of her quiet confidence, rather than to be bullied by an alpha. I am learning so much about horses because of you! Thank you for your post today, Z, Dottie & John. You are so good to us who love you. Tomorrow I am going to the barn to see my lesson horses. I have been grounded with a sprained ankle, so i am excited to see them again. I look forward to your next post. Much love and hugs!
Gerrie P.
Zenyatta always makes my day.
What a great photo!
Snoprinz
Zen, your picture with Life is Sweet is priceless. I pray that you two see each other and touch noses again after the arrival of LIS’s foal. I do think you are an ALPHA horse when it comes to competing at the tracks but you are by nature sweet, kind, gentle and respectful of both your peers and humans alike.
Dottie, thanks so much for translating Zenny’s thoughts and feelings into words.
Maria
Zenny I love reading your posts. Every day I don’t go to bed without checking your website. Thanks for the updates. What a nice picture of you and Life is Sweet. You’re so sweet and adorable. You have a great charisma that is why so many people adore you. I love you :)
Nancy/Ca.
Have to admit I loved the competitive warrior Zenyatta even more than the gentle soul she is now.(Didn’t Mike mention a few times she wasn’t that ladylike in every race?LOL) I was just so damn proud of our California girl’s undefeated record!! And she still showed the world what an awesome racehorse she was in the Classic! Love seeing her so happy and thanks so much for such generous and charming updates,it helps my still fresh withdrawal of all things Z! :)
Nancy McNaul Applegate
Zenny, you’re so lucky to have Dottie. she expresses your sentiments so well. you both have grace and class, instinctively knowing how others should be treated, equine or human.
Diana
Sweet Z, you are such an ambassador no matter where you are. We love you and all your connections that let us share in your life.
Dottie-these posts are absolutely the best. We fans can’t thank you enough.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, Good, wonderful, beautiful morning to you and your new girlfriends. Hope Life Is Sweet will join you soon, cannot wait to see the reunion on video. You are so beautiful and such a bright star in my life. Have a great day..Talk with you later…Lisa g
rosemarie bandura
Keep the posts coming Zenyatta, love reading about your life there at Lane’s End….