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
Donna from Baltimore
I made a donation to The Heart of Tucson Horse Rescue in Zenyatta’s name. There was link to their site in a previous diary entry. It broke my heart to see what happens to so many former race horses – just abandoned in the desert to die. Again Team Z shows the industry how to carry on with class and responsibility.
Cathy P
Hello Zenyatta, what a great picture of you and your (mini me). It’s nice to hear what charities you have worked with, and inspiring us to help them also. You are such an inspiration to all of us and thank you for that. I hope you have a great Saturday with your friends, with aots of love and hugs.
Julie
Thank you for letting us know about these charities! Wanted to also make sure people know that on Mike Smith’s facebook page (search Mike Smith Jockey) that he is having a charity of the month that his facebook fans participate in. In preparation for the holiday season Mike Smith had a charity of the week and he has now changed that to a charity of the month! It’s a great way to learn about all these different organizations all over the country and be able to donate and help these organizations flourish!
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
You and your team have done marvelous work in helping with your contributions to help other horses and etc. It all is so heartwarming. Thanks for all that you and Team Zenyatta do for other horses and people.
You are so special Zenyatta-
Love & Blessings to you!
Lisa g
Just went to the website mentioned in Southern California. This is great. I have so much admiration and respect for the entire Z Team. Ann, you are the best, I have read some stories about you regarding Ms Zenyatta, I have seen the way you two look at each other..Ann, I just do not know what else to say..you are the BEST. Lisa g
Jon P
Thank you for the information on charity work, Z. Your generosity makes you all the more special–another reason why something “special” should happen on January 17th!
Kimberly
Queen Z, It doesn’t suprise me that you are associated with many charities… You have a HEART OF GOLD!!! Can’t wait to have my own mini-Z!!!
Gerrie P.
As I have said before, Zenyatta you are so blessed with wonderful owners, trainer, groom, and your new extended family. If only all horse could have the love and care you have been given. I can’t leave out your wonderful Mike Smith; your jockey who fans have come to admire for his love for you as well as his superb riding.
I read about the Mosses’ commitment to Old Friends a while back and it has become one of my favorite charities.
I will check out the Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue next.
I am thrilled Old Friends will be taking Hotstuff. How wonderful!
Snoprinz
Zenyatta, you’re the gift that keeps on giving. thanks to you and Team Z. My goal this year is to give to as many rescue organizations as I possibly can. Zenny, you and Team Z continue to inspire me.
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta thank you for all your giving. Your such a gift. The picture of you my husband bought me for Christmas ( of you and Mario) part of what he paid went to a Thoroughbred Rescue in CA. I kept the letter that explained about the organization. I loved that we helped in a small way. I do donate to a couple of organizations. One is North Shore Animal Shelter a no kill shelter. I love animals and since I don’t have any children of my own my 3 fur babies mean a lot to me. I bring in the magizine All Animals (from the Human Society)to my classroom. It has a lot of educational information on saving and helping animals. The children love this kind of thing. It is important to teach young children how to treat animals that are in their lives. I have dog, cat, and horse pictures all around my classroom. They also bring in pictures of their pets. This is something close to my heart. Well sweet girl I have gone on and on. Have a good night and thank you for all the info. I will read the diary to my students on Monday. I love you. Hugs and kisses from Shari in Ohio
Kim
Zenny-your team is awesome. What a wonderful group of people. So often people on top of the game don’t care much about the less fortunate. I am so glad you were blessed with Team Z. Class all the way.
Barbara Wood
Dearest Z–
What a wonderful girl you are. And your whole team inspires us all to do everything in our power to help those who need our help. One day we may need help ourselves.
I made my donation to Heart of Tucson for DynaKing in your name. Also, I’ve written to Michael Blowen thanking him for making a place for Hotstuff. God bless you all for being our hands and hearts.
Kasey
Dear Zenyatta, I really do think you are the best horse is the world. Even though you got beat by Blame you are still the Queen! I LOVE YOU QUEEN Z!!!
Grace Anderson
You are a wonderful horse Zenyatta with a big heart to help other people and horses. Thanks for telling us about these charities. Look forward to your next post. Have a great week-end. Take Care and God Bless you and your team.
Julie DuVall
Another great horse charity is The Second Race (www.thesecondrace.com) which is based in Southern California but works across the nation to help find new homes for horses who can no longer race. I do volunteer work for them, and right now we are selling a photo book all about Zenyatta (http://www.blurb.com/books/1877933) to raise money and there are other fundraisers throughout the year. The Second Race has received CARMA funds and last year found homes for over 50 horses. There are lots of similar charities across the country, some working locally and others working on a wider basis. I hope everyone is able to help one of these charities in some way this year!
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zee
Ha Ha had that model been carved out of a carrot, it’d been history!! Too funny.
I’ve worked in rescue for quite a few yrs., you really never stop. Not horses, but the smaller 4 legged kinds, and actually 2 legged kind, more volunteer work for mentally disabled, one of their summer camps has a therapy horse. And the mentally ill. Donations, volunteer work is all important. Sleep tight and nice big carrots in your dreams always.
Fran
Z, thank you so much for sharing with us. You and team Z have given us all so much. It is so nice that you also give back to several charities. That is so kind of you and Team Z. There are no words to express how impressed I am with all of your talent, kindness to others, and your contribution to others. If everyone would give to others; kindness and thoughtfulness it would be a better world. You stay warm Z, sleep well, and have sweet dreams! xxoo!
Kathleen Marsh
One of the biggest issues I had that made me not want to follow racing anymore was the increasing incidents of disregard for the horses. When champions were discarded like nonliving rubbish, it made me realize that the everyday horses suffered ever so much more. When I see how much the Mosses and all of Team Zenyatta care about the horses first and foremost it makes me want to follow racing again. When I see organizations like Old Friends who are rescuing horses, many that in all honesty ought to never have gotten into those situations in the first place, it restores my faith in the industry. Thank you for letting us know what some of Zenyatta’s favorite charities are so we can help support them too
Cathleen
Dear Z, what a great post and such wonderful ways to give back. You and your team are the best. Thanks for the suggestions for your fans. Also, your beloved Mike Smith also does a Charity of the Month on his Facebook page for all his fans to donate. For the two weeks before Christams he did a different charity each day. Fans get to suggest their charity of choice. You’ll have to email him and give him your suggestions! :)
Happy Saturday! XOXO
Sissy
You are the best! Can’t wait for more pictures and videos of you, Pirate Queen, Alys, and Sea Gull. LUV YA GIRL!
Rosanne Glynn
Hi Zenyatta! How’s my beautiful favorite girl doing? I just made a 12 month picture calendar of all your photos, I love it. I just bought a Tshirt, the Breeders Cup DVD, a DVD from someone who shot pictures of you, 2.5 hours worth and now I am getting the Breyer Horse. It’s Christmas time all over again! and a % goes to charity. Yippie! Hope you are having a ball and I love you more than you will ever know. Forever and always my love, there will never be another YOU! Hugs and nose kisses…xoxoxoxoxo
Stephanie Quilichini
Thanks for the great post! FYI I love The Second Race charity-Great Organization-I’m not a part of their team-I just support them.. Miss seeing the videos of you at Barn 55!!!
Alene
Oh Zenyatta!! I can`t say much more. Team “Z” is a group of extroidinary people. I have read about the Mosses involvement with “Old Friends” The Mosses are one of a kind. Just like you. You both deserve each other…God Bless you and them with long and healthy years ahead…PS,and wonderful babies… Thank you Dottie and Team “Z”…Love to all of you and Zenny, Big hugs and Kisses…Alene
Katie Ziberna
I am getting your breyer soon!!!
Margaret
Z you touched on some very valid charities. I’d also like to remind folks that giving is something YOU choose to do. YOU need to do your homework, are they reputable?, do they fit with your values?, have you heard good things about them?
I’m sorry to be such a bummer about this but many times since your cousin Barbaro I have heard of many folks taking advantage of folks. Currently there is another sad situation happening in Montana. Humans that have promised to sanctuary to animals (not just horses) and have walked off leaving many hungry and thirsty animals.
I suggest if you can to visit the charity you are thinking of donating too. If you can’t there are ways online to check out their past tax returns. Ask around.
The ones that Z has mentioned are good and VERY REPUTABLE. You won’t go wrong.
I really am sorry to be a bummer but I’ve seen alot of people hurt by the misdeeds fo some very greedy people.
Jan
Zenyatta,
Thank you for all that you do, and thank you Team Z for sharing all of your stories and Zenyatta with all of us. You are all truely dedicated, wonderful and gracious people. We love you here in Texas.
Sandra Ryan
I already have my Breyer of you on order, can’t wait for it to get here!
Love you, girlfriend, stay warm!
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. It was so wonderful to read about the various charities you are involved with. I visit Old Friends whenever I am in Kentucky and absolutely love them. They do speak very highly of Team Z and that Silver Charm is pretty cute. I think it’s the mane and tail, hair to swoon over. If you go to their website there is a blog connection that one of their volunteers, Val, writes keeping everyone up to date. The blog is great and Val’s writing really touches the heart. There are so many wonderful charities out there that need volunteers to work long and hard on behalf of those in need; human and otherwise. Many in our own backyards. The Moss’s and the Jackson’s are shining examples of the greatest expression of kindness. Also Miss Z, I have seen some of your Moneighs. Not only do you paint pictures in our memories, but you do a lovely job on canvas. Zenny, your talents never end! I have my Z Breyers on a table in the den, under the Fred Stone print of you. It is wonderful that the money raised went to such special organizations. It is certainly the best one I have ever seen (dapples and all), but then your such a beautiful model it just had to be. Your work with the V Foundation has been especially touching. Many of your fans diary postings mention cancer and other life threating illnesses (mine included) and how reading the words you and Dottie post raise our spirits immediately. That is the most special gift you give, Zenny; not only the financial support needed, but the emotional support graved. You have directly touched the hearts of so many, whether you knew it or not. Those hearts have very special stories, just like Abigail and Marjorie. Thank you Zenyatta and Team Z for always giving back the blessings you have received. Zenny, may you always be healthy, happy and surrounded by love. Good night and as always, hugs and kisses.
Judith – Thanks for the information on Our Mims, I will certainly stop by. It is so important that those beautiful mothers have someplace to care for them in difficult times.
Lou – Appreciate the update on Hotstuff, he will be enjoying lots of carrots, mints and pats on the back, soon. The best is how the childrens faces literally light up at Old Friends. What a great outcome.
Cindy, Peggy and Catherine – Hope you all have had a wonderful day and are doing well. Hugs from me to you.
Barbara Woods – Thank you always for the words of kindness you share.
Tory
John’s photo made me laugh.
Jennifer Hodell
Hey Zenny,
Love hearing all about your new adventures at Lanes End. Are you able to be outside in the paddock everyday? By yourself yet? Are you out long enough? I know you miss Team Z…. and they are missing you. I still worry about Mario…without you. That had to be so hard for him to let you go. I’m happy to hear all is going well for you but I still worry. As always kisses on that beautiful nose from me!!!