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
Barb France
When giving, you find that you get so much back in return. So many happy stories and you get to meet many wonderful people along the way! Thank you for all you do Zenyatta, I’ll be getting a MINI-Z to add to my Z collection…but we can’t wait to see a “real” MINI-Z soon…hint, hint!!
jeanie langford
Going to look into some of these things. I want a zenyatta bobble head. Are these things on going. Love ya Z
Katie Clawson
You and Team Z are so amazing Zenny!!! You are all so charitable. I think Breyer needs to make another model for you. It needs to be you with your head down and right leg extended :) I have said before that this year the Eclipse Awards are on my birthday :D One of the best presents I could ask for is, seeing you being rightly honored with the HOTY award. I hope and pray that you FINALY recive the award. Have a great day!
Bridget
Awwwe sweetie… Giving baby Zenny a kiss!!!!!!
Sweetheart. What a generous girl you are. Giving feels ALMOST as good as eating that delicious yummy grass you get to graze on.
Sleep tight sweet one. xo!
Charlotte
What great information. I have a Tiznow Moneigh that I bought from CERF. Would love an original Zenyatta. You and your team are the best representatives of this sport. Thank you for these posts.
Sarah Powell
This post is just one more example of what makes you and your connections so amazing – that “care and share” attitude should be an example to everyone and hopefully will spread throughout. This economy has created hardships for many horses and their owners. A neighboring horsewoman went out to feed her horses the other morning and had a new horse that someone had just dropped off in her pasture during the night. For those of you desiring to help, check in your communities – I bet there are local organizations and needs ( not to take away from Zenny’s charities!).
Shannon
Too funny! Wonderful photo. Another good report from the classy Team Zenyatta outfit.
Sheri
Thanks for that Z! I will definately be looking into donating to those charities! Guess what! I ordered my very first Zenyatta t-shirt yesterday! I can’t wait untill it arrives! And my breyer of you is on its way to! love you Zenyatta and i can’t wait to read your next entry!! :D
Linda from Vermont
I am so glad to read that you are working with so many good charities. I will check these out. Thank you for helping retired race horses so they may have a happy life! The Z Team is a great example of how giving we should all be!
Stephanie Lambert
Our charity is Rosemary’s Farm in New York, she pulls from the kill pen and regimes them before they go to Canada for slaughter, we do this in your name Z because we love you xoxoxo
Stephanie Lambert
She re homes them , spell check is baaaaad on the IPad lol
victoria
once again you and your Team have set the bar. the world should take notice. thank you.
LauraJ
@Lou, so glad to hear that Old Friends will be taking Hotstuff. I read about him in BloodHorse–what a sad story.
Speaking of Old Friends, I have been there several times and everyone says wonderful things about Team Zenyatta.
Zenny dear, did you know that Little Silver Charm has a crush on you? He has your picture on the wall of his run-in shed. He is very cute. He has great hair too. I think you should give him a chance.
Roberta
Wonderful!
I’ll mention a couple of my favorites: The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and LOPE in Texas. The woman who founded and runs LOPE wrote a marvelous book BEYOND THE HOMESTRETCH about her experiences building her rescue organization, finding homes for retired racehorses, and developing her horsemanship.
Jane C
I love these corner photos so much Z. I think it would be wonderful for someone to put them all together in a book of some sort for us to purchase. The proceeds could go to one of your wonderful charities. It could be a yearly thing. I would buy one for sure. They are just so special. Hugs to you!
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. I love the Breyer Horse of you. It is gorgeous. I can’t wait to get one. You and your team have been so wonderful to all charitable organizations. I also was so happy to hear from one of your fans that Hotstufandthensome is going to be taken by Old Friends. We sent a donation to New Vocations to help with his expenses and I had also suggested Old Friends, either in Kentucky or the Bobby Frankel Division in New York. I am so thankful that Old Friends will take this wonderful champion. I have loved this horse for a long time, coming from New Jersey and retiring to Texas. He is a great horse and deserves the best in his retirement. Zenyatta, you and your team are the best and bring tears to my eyes how you help horses and people – Bless you all. Love you so Zenyatta. By the way, will you be making a visit to Old Friends? That would be awesome. Love you.
Jennifer Adelman
Dear Zenyatta, Your kind response to a plastic little horse and smooches that follow give us the the reason that you are the queen!!! Love you so much!!!
nina
You are a lucky girl Z other horses are not as lucky as you. I think it’s great that you help them overcome bad turns in their lives. I help them too.
Debbie
tooo cute, love you Z! xo
vicky
I have heard that the Mosses do a lot to help horses…could we maybe hear some examples of what they have done? I only know of one horse, that they used to own, and they bought him back, and placed him in rescue, with a big donation. Tks!
Lisa T
I am new to the world of horse racing….Zenyatta drew me in. What happens to most race horses when they retire? I’m almost afraid to hear the answer. Thanks for educating me and so many others who may also be new to this sport. Luv you Zenyatta!!!! XXOXX
Sharon
I’m thrilled to learn, via Lou from TX, that HotStuff will be given a home at Old Friends. I will donate to them in Zenyatta’s name — and in the name of the awesome people of Team Z.
Judy Gadwood Loves Zenny/California
Hey Z! I met Mary Lee and her daughter, Natasha, after your win last year at Del Mar! They were admiring my Zenny manicure and the rose I received from Ann!
I told Natasha I recognized her from the video John did of you and your “mini me”. She said that was a pro-type.
I got my Zenyatta Breyer and she stands right next to John Henry’s, however, you tower over him :-) but he doesn’t mind. I ONLY have the two of you in my collection… my girly girl horse and my little boy horse! XO
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, you are the greatest, you are changing the world! O, here come the tears. You are the Greatest. Wow, a Big Heart in a Beautiful Big Girl. Love you so much…Lisa g
Lisa g
@Lou from Texas: This is such wonderful news about Hotstuff, give him a kiss for me, please. I am more an animal person than a people person, I feel animals are more human…I love them so. I hope we hear more stories like yours, and Ms. Zenyatta is working hard to get the word out! Thanks, I just read your story again. Loving it, Lisa g
Judith Ochs
Since Barbaro, I have found out a lot about different rescues and charities. I live down the road from Barbaro’s owners – and they are the genuine article. I visited Old Friend’s in KY at the Breeder’s Cup and it was great. Just as great was Our Mims Retirement Haven for Mares in Paris, KY run by Jeanne Mirabito. “The Ladies” were broodmares as Z is about to become – and even the formerly great can fall on hard times. I count Jeanne M as one of the greatest in rescue today.
darlene sanner
wonderful orgs to be involved with Thanks for being so generous
Sharman Woll
Thanks so much Z for sharing about the groups you support, but also encouraging us to look into other ones also. An thank Dottie for her continued sharing, there are no words to explain how much it means, to hear about you every day, still!!! Her efforts are Much Appreciated!!!! Hugs for Dottie. :)
An please thank the Mosses, John and Lane’s End too, for still allowing us to be involved in your life. They are all such an inspiration, especially now, when this country is in such a complicated governmental MESS. You sweet girl, an your team DID IT RIGHT an have reminded us all HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE, and What’s Truly Important in LIFE!!!! Thank you for including us, an remembering all the other horses who leave the tracks without a family an team as wonderful as yours. People like the Jacksons, an the Mosses are few an far between – and should be held in high regaurds as ROLE MODELS for people all over the world, involved with any kind of animals, not only horses. Good people – WHO DID IT RIGHT, maybe the Mosses an the Jacksons should go to Washington – an teach some of those in our government now – the difference between Right and Wrong, and What Life is supposed to be like in this United States, as set up by our fore fathers long ago!!! Thank you Z, for being our Shinning Star the last 3 yrs, and giving us all HOPE for the future. God Bless you Sweet Z, an your family, and team, you guys are Truly The BEST of THE BEST GOD ever put on this earth !!!! And I KNOW HE smiles every day, watching YOU and your team and family – do what you do best – teaching us all about the Right Way to Do EVERYTHING in Life!!!! Love You Forever!!! BIG HUGS!!!! :)
sue w
Is it any wonder that the letter Z was seen emblazened in the western sky?
Her name has become a symbol of excellence on and off the track. I appreciate information on these charities and will make a donation in honor of the Queen. Like we’ve said so many times…Zenny is the gift that keeps on giving.
Michelle
Team Zenyatta has also been very generous in donating items for auction to a great organization in Southern California, Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sctbrescue.org%2F&h=e01b5