Happy Saturday, Everyone!
Thank you for the kind comments about yesterday’s ‘Z SKY’ photo. I think the image of ‘Z’ DANCING in the CLOUDS is simply magical!
In the responses, quite a few of you have asked about the different charities we have in our industry. From a very early point in my career, my Team felt it was quite important for me to be philanthropic. Life often presents so many different types of challenges. This is true for people as well as my fellow horses. It is the belief of MY TEAM that when one is in a position to offer a ‘helping hoof’…one should do so! Thus, I DID!
There are MANY, MANY wonderful charities. It is such an individual thing. It all depends on what type of charitable giving is special and most meaningful to you. Please listen to your own heart on these issues!
With me, I wanted to focus on 3 different areas.
1) I wanted to work with programs which helped to RETRAIN horses leaving the racetrack and prepare them for a SECOND CAREER. A percentage of ALL of my CA purse earnings went directly to CARMA for this purpose. I also worked with CANTER and TROTT to help them with their fund raising activities through T-shirt sales, donating my shoes, halters and signed photos. Additionally, I painted MONEIGHS for Re-Run. This is to give you a few examples…but please remember there are many wonderful organizations who work towards the goal of helping horses to be retrained for a post-racing career. I have worked with several of them and will do so in the future. Daily, we owe GREAT THANKS to a large number of hard working, devoted people who strive to improve the quality of life for countless horses!
2) I also felt a need to help older horses have a dignified retirement. OLD FRIENDS is very, very special to me. My Team has worked with Michael and his staff on this project from the beginning. So many wonderful, older, class horses have found a home with Michael. Old Friends…is very dear to my heart!
3) Additionally, I felt the need to help people! I did this in several different ways. RACE FOR EDUCATION works to provide college scholarships for students who need financial assistance while trying to reach their academic goals. I donated halters and shoes to them and various Chaplaincy programs which assist backside workers. I also supported the V FOUNDATION and its’ work to fund cancer research and related programs. Breeders’ Cup, in my name, contributed $5.00 for every T-shirt, hat, and photo of mine they sold to this organization.
The Breyer Horse photo above is a sweet reminder to me of this part of my life. When originally designed, the Breyer Company sent the prototype for ‘approval’. They wanted to be sure John felt comfortable with ‘how I looked and that the model represented ME well’. Mary Lee and her daughter, Natasha, who worked with us on this project, visited the barn to assist with this evaluation.
They put my BREYER model on the grass for me to ‘check out’. HMMMM…my own MINI-ME! (Look at the expression on my face in this picture! It’s like I’m saying…what’s this???? I know this grass very well…and this is something very different here.) I really examined it, sniffed it and ultimately tried to lick it. I was very interested in investigating “ME”! I finally granted APPROVAL! They did a great job!
I am so fond of all of the aforementioned charities that I eventually decided MY proceeds from the Zenyatta Breyer Sales would be split 3 ways: CANTER, OLD FRIENDS and RACE FOR EDUCATION. I simply could not decide on one. Thus, I was hoping this project would be able to touch all 3 areas of my charitable giving equally.
One’s thoughts on different charities is such a personal choice. You can also go on-line and read about the different organizations and their mission statements. The ones mentioned above are just a few of the charities I have worked with to date. I just wanted to let you know the variety of organizations that are available for your consideration. I must say, during the past 3 years, I’ve been extremely fortunate to meet many wonderful, loving, and giving people……all trying to work to make a difference in our sport and in our lives!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Tom
Love that image :D:D
Megan S
Aww Z!
Thanks for all your giving, you are a truley amazing horse!
Love Megan
Ps: I’m am absolutley going to get me a Mini-Zenyatta! <3
Lisa
So glad that you are supporting these charities Z. I have a horse that was on the track, I will have owned him for 11 years in Febuary, he has become an amazing boy! He raced until he was 8 now he is going to be 20 and he is still going strong and I would love to have another one day, when I can afford two.
They all deserve another life after racing.
Toi
Hi Zenny!
You and your team are such an inspiration. I knew that you were very involved in charity work but had no idea you donated a percentage of all of your CA earnings to CARMA. That is fantastic! Bless you all!
Judy Sims
Dear Zenny:
Happy Saturday. Good informative post and I know all of us fans appreciate all that you and your team of have done for various organizations and would like to help out too when we can.
Still waiting to see a picture or video of you rolling in the snow and mud.
Hugs & nose kisses.
Judy 8-)
Joy
And a happy Saturday to you, my love! I just love the picture of you and “Little Z”. Could you ask John when Breyer is going to release it? Old Friends is such a wonderful place. My daughter and I are going to make a contribution in your name! Have a wonderful Sunday! We love you very much…
laura roeder
charity is a true gift of the heart….you have a big one!
Trish & Mike in Colorado
Generous as always, what an inspiration you all are. The Zenyatta Breyer was, we thought, the best Breyer they ever did. Mike received the Zenyatta Christmas tree ornament this year . . . he loves it.
AdmiringFan
Love the “…I know this grass very well…and this is something very different here…” comment. That is probably what you really thought of your little likeness.
My Breyer Zenyatta is in her box displayed on a shelf. She’s beautiful, like the original–only wanting a racing outfit complete with shadow roll. Oh, and maybe a BC stable blanket…eh? And perhaps in time, a sassy foal to go with with her? What do you think?
Cheryl Heath
What a wonderful post today. Love you Zenyatta and team….you are so great to pass on this information.
We, from time to time, have contributed to Old Friends. And it is so nice to know that Team Z continues to give back in so very, very many ways. Thank you.
Nena Winand, DVM
Well Z you (and your team) made good choices :~).
I will go invest in a few!
Helen & Guido
Thanks for all this information Z. We knew of Rerun but the others are new to us and welcome information. Helping all of the horses who have given so much is important. You’ve done so much more than what you listed because you’ve given a voice and an image to horses for people who were not involved. That is invaluable.
Mary
I am so glad the Ann and Jerry Moss picked YOU as they are such class people. Also glad you ended up with your Team who were willing to give you the time you needed to become you, and who are still supporting you and racing so well. Their class has made me a fan of your whole TEAM, more than I was before (and I was before).
Joan Walls
I hope that you have had a nice Saturday, “Zenny”. I just love that – “”ZENNY” As you said there are so many people and of course, animals that need our help. I am pleased that you are being a spokes “Women” for those in need. You are such a classy person. I love you very much!
Jenna
Since I discovered Zenyatta, I’ve made the effort to do a great deal of research on animal/horse charities. These gorgeous animals should not be tossed aside when they can no longer provide their services. I was aware of the charity work that the Mosses and the team have contributed to. Old Friends is such a great organization. I was just reading a sad story about a gelding through New Vocations who needs our help[http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/archive/2011/01/06/graded-stakes-winner-needs-a-home.aspx]
Hotstuff is one of many many horses that needs help. I love that Team Z is so involved – this makes us horse lovers very happy. Animals don’t ask for the life they’re given – owners need to step up for their horses in retirement.
Thank you SO much for the great information, Dottie. As always, you’ve really enlightened us all. It all starts with Z :)
J Smith
Thank you Z, no more gift receiving for me. I will ask anyone thinking of getting me something to donate to one of your fav. charities. You and your team set such a wonderful example, I am reminding myself each day to be kinder, more caring, a better friend, and an example to those around me. You are such a positive inspiration.
Anita in CA
Hmmm. Z, you have given me a lot of ‘food’ for thought. I will have to think carefully about which organization(s) to support. You are so special to encourage us to be philanthropic. Another way that you inspire. I love you today, as every day. Bye for now. Much love. A.
Lynette Lucas
I think your charities that you have chosen are great!!! Also I have a mini you it took me some doing but I found one!! I have the mini you where I can see you everyday!!! Love you big girl!!!
Victoria Hill
Zenyatta, you never cease to amaze me with your wonderful words and the kindness you show towards everything. YOU truly are an inspiration to so many people. You have a wonderful team and many thanks to them for bringing you to all of us! Everyday, I look forward to your diary posts and the happiness that shines in your eyes!
Have a great day big girl and know that you are loved so much!
Debbie
Z, you and your team are so special. Thank you for sharing your feelings on your different charities, very inspirational. Your team is extraordinary.
Alysse Jacobs
My Zenyatta Breyer was my most cherished Christmas gift this year. :)
Vicki B.
Thanks — nice to find out that so much of “what you’re about”, Zenny, has to do with giving to others in concrete ways — “putting your money where your mouth is”, LoL, so to speak. And I did love the Z in the sky, yesterday.
Carolyn
It is definitely the best Breyer they ever did…I have the Cigar one also, and it doesn’t look like him much…the Zenyatta one is perfect! I am no spring chicken, and it was what I asked my daughter to get me for Christmas..lol. I love it!..and I love Zenyatta more than Secretariat..and I loved him a lot! :)
sherry drish
Who would ever think that a beautiful mare named ZENYATTA would help other horses have a better life? all of us who own or just enjoy the beauty of horses can make a big difference in this world. Z shows love and interest in lots of things. let us , in our own way be kind to others in this world, Z would she and TEAM Z started something so wonderful.. love to all. SHERRY
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, That is a wonderfull thing with the giveing to the many charities that you do. I’m not surprised because of your precious nature. I like the way you share all of the goodies that are sent to you with all of your stable friends. I know why everyone loves you so, it is no surprise to me. I think most all of your fans feel the same way about you as I do. Everything good should go your way Zenyatta because you earned it in many ways. Love you sweet Zenny.
Susan
Hi Z,
You have wonderfully generous owners…ones that very much deserve the success they have achieved because they are so willing to give back and share their blessings! I have the utmost admiration for them.
Joan
Z you are all class as well as your family.Charities are a wonderful way to support these wonderful animals.It is with regret though that unfortunately some horseowners, etc are once again trying to operate slaughter houses in the USA. Congress outlawed this practice a couple of years ago, and with the turnover in the house and senate after recent elections it is important that we contact them to keep this law in place. That never again will the practice of horse slaughter be allowed in this country again. SO everyone, write, email telephone your congressional reps and voice your oppositon to allowing this horrendous practice to begin again.
Again Z, we all love you and we also love all those of your kind.
Lou from TX
Hi Queen Z…Old Friends has agreed to take a horse called Hotstuff(short name) in March. He’s very lucky to go to such a wonderful place. I can see why you like that charitie. They take wonderful care of their horses. You are so thoughtful and caring about choosing your charities. I would expect notheing less of you and your Team Z. You have set the standard very high for all of us.
Don’t know if you have heard but a half brother to Barbaro was found wondering in the Arizona desert. His name was Dyna King when he raced. They now call him Gifted. He had been let out to starve to death. The last owner was an illigal Mexican who was sent back to Mexico. Someone from Heart of Tuscon found him and is trying very hard to bring him back to good health. He has alot of health problems but he is doing better than expected so far. Has a long way to go though. So you are right about there being alot of places out there that are doing wonderful work for horses. Not all horses are as fortunate as you who have wonderful people that love and care for their horses after their racing days are over. If all owners could be like the Mosse’s and Roy and Gretchen Jackson, we wouldn’t have the horse problem that we have to deal with everyday. Some owners just won’t take responsibility for their retired race horses.
I am soooo glad you are happy in your new home and have such loving people to care for you. Bothe Team Z and your new caregivers at Lane End’s. Can’t wait to see more pictures of you having fun there. Would like to see a picture of you with all your new lady friends. Now you have 3 friends with which to play and eat grass with daily. You are so special to all your fans and are loved soo much by many.
Thank you Dottie for letting us be a part of Zenyatta’s world. You take care Z and we will look forward to all your new adventures. Love you soo much….Lou
Oh, I forgot. Oaklawn Park is giving away for the first comers on Jan. 17th, a Zenyatta bobblehead. Didn’t know if you knew this or not. Have talked to their gift shop and they can not sell them. If you by any chance know where I could get one that would be wonderful. Love you big girl!
Ann Maree
Hi, Zen, just want to say I love you, am happy that you seem to be enjoying your retirement, and can’t wait to see some more videos of you…. Hugs, Your friend, Ann Maree
Laurie
I love all of your charities and I especially love Old Friends too! What a wonderful way to honor all of the beautiful horses that have done so much for us!! But I may have to get a Zenyatta Breyer – too cute!!! Thanks Z!!