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
Tim
Every thing from start is just pure class act!!! Thanks. The big Z in the sky is a sighn
Tory
Your charitable work is another reason YOU ARE HORSE OF THE YEAR!
Carolyn Goerger
Queen Z, you are the best!!!
You have some awesome charities! It can be hard to narrow down to a few but one has to.
I’ll be looking for your mini me Breyer. It will get to be one of the few I’ll collect.
TZ
Dear Zenyatta and friends,
I just read about Hotstufandthensome on the Bloodhorse web page, and I was hoping perhaps a group of us could help him. I emailed Old Friends owner Michael Blowen and suggested a group of people get together and sponsor him. If anyone has any other ideas (including you Zenyatta) I’m open for suggestions. It’s sad such a horse is in the position he is in. I think if there ever was a need for the power of Zenyatta, this is it. Love you Zenyatta.
Peyton
I have 2 of your Breyer horses and I love them. You are the greatest racehorse ever both on the track and off. What you and your team has done will NEVER be outdone! You never cease to amaze me in what you can and will do. I love you Z!
Sharon in Ohio
Z and a Mini Z !! Wow !! They did a great job making the Breyer Zenyatta …looks just like the real Z !! Glad they got your approval !
I am so happy that you wrote and told us all about your causes…it is very touching to read all that you have done for others. Of course, you being the wonderful Zenyatta and the wonerful team that you have, you would do nothing less than the best for them all! Bless you for sharing with us !xxxoxoxox
dunie oneil
You are a precious gift to us all, Z!
Tracey Dryka - Ottawa, ON Canada
We are proud to have a mini Zenyatta in our Breyer collection. Being this far, we hope that we can come and visit you, and show of our T shirts of our biggest idol!! Keep up the videos as we love watching your progress and journey! Kisses to you fine lady!
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, Margaret has good advise about researching charities, and that all the charities you recommend are good. There is also the problem with retired Gray Hounds, these are such beautiful and loving creatures and many are suffering as retired horses are. Like I said, You are changing the world, soon, we will not have these kind of problems. All can live happy and healthy like Ms. Zenyatta, the leader in making this a better world for all animals. Good night, keep warm and cozy, sweet dreams of carrots and peppermints. I love ya, Lisa g.
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Lou in TX: Thank you for good news about ‘Old Friends’ & ‘Hotstuf.’ — & the follow-up on ‘Gifted.’ .. . POLISH NAVY* was recently euthanized at ‘OF’ because of his hip injury, *[his devoted human friend there wrote a dear tribute] and I so hoped they might be able to accept ‘Hotstuf’ — and they will!! . . .. ‘Gifted’ has a long way to go, but now is under good care at ‘Heart of Tucson,’ and winning hearts there. Sigh.
Mary Stanford
Seeing the photo with you and the Breyer horse of you once again shows us just how inquisitive you are and how intelligent you are….two of the things that makes us fans love you so much. Hugs to you Z…..
Catherine Uher
This is beautiful Zenyatta! I just wish that all horse owners, trainers, breeders, etc. that are in a position to do more to help these horses would step up to the plate and just do it! You are just such an inspiration to us all beautiful girl! Can’t wait to hear about your day tomorrow and I hope we get to see you rolling in some mud soon! :)
Paula Higgins
GREAT post Dottie/Zenny! I bought a Breyer Zenyatta and donated to Old Friends, which I will do again soon. Old Friends is a VERY worthy cause. I also donated to U. Penn Vet. Hospital in her honor and Barbaro’s. Also, the APSCA, which rescues horses who are mistreated as well as dogs and cats (they just rescued about 30 horses from a very bad situation). Zenyatta is a great inspiration and so are her connections. Just wonderful people.
Leslie
How are you and your pasture mates getting along? Glad to hear that there are four of you now. Wish I could be there to see you all hang out together — even better, I’d love to be your groom. I saw you at Keeneland when you first came to Kentucky and I was/am obscessed with wanting to touch you, pet you, groom you. I am a well-qualified groom — maybe I need to apply at Lanes End. Bet there are a lot of us who’d like that job. Thanks for all you and your team do to keep us up to date about you. Your team is the BEST — amazing what they’ve done for your fans. Thanks to all.
Lisa in Colorado
Z: You and your connections are a constant source of amazement and affirmation of how the world should be. I love you, big beautiful girl.
NancyJS
Dear Zenya,
Love the photo of you and lil’ Zen. So very cute. You look very
inquisitive. I love John’s photos. I hear the last two moneighs
you painted at Barn 55 are going to auction on e-bay Jan 13 to 17
before Eclipse awards. I am going to pick up my moneigh note cards
of your last two moneighs. Rerun might do prints of them also. I love
that you charity work. Like Princess Diana. Hope you meet Queen Elizabeth when she comes to Lanes End. Retired racing thoroughbreds
are the best. Mine is 25 and he was still jumping and at the top
of his game when he retired like you. The best way to retire. Glad John kept a good eye on your legs. Thoroughbreds have delicate
leg. Have a peaceful night with all of your friend. XXXXOOO
Mitchell
zi have donted
To the Barabio fund at at the U of Penn your gaining weight girlfitend
Lov
Ellle and Mitchell
Char
Thanks to all your human connections for their charitable giving. After seeing you win the Classic at Santa Anita, I began to make donations to Thoroughbred Charities of America, one of the charities supported by the Breeder’s Cup. We’re also blessed enough to have adopted our very own retired racehorse. She’s 25 years old now and still doing well. Keep up the good work Zenyatta!!!
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, what a wonderful post. I hope you had a wonderful Saturday too. I love the picture of you checking out your Mini-Me! I think you are so wise beyond your years. This is so great for you to donate not only your life to helping people but your finances as well. You are such a giving horse with amazing humans who help you direct your funds. The more I read about you the more I love you and I didn’t think that was possible because I love you so much already. I love the retraining and finding new homes for the other racehorses that aren’t as forunate as you. Zenyatta, you are always thinking how you can better someone else’s life. I know that comes from how you were raised. You have taken after The Mosses. I am so proud of you, Zenyatta. I love you, Zenyatta. Hugs & Kisses from Alabama With Love, Amanda
judith berube
Dear Z.
More reasons to love you. I can’t get over how aware and curious you are of anything new. Will be making a donation to Old Friends in your name.
I’m going to buy your “mini me”.
Love to you.
Maria
What a lovely picture. It’s funny the way you were looking at the MINI-YOU. You’re sooo adorable Queen Z and I love you!
Becky F
What a wonderful example you and your Z Team set for others! You live the Golden Rule and you always think about the needs of others who are less fortunate. And look at the community that is forming around you! I believe each one of your fans will be inspired to make a difference in their own way. What a wonderful living tribute to an amazing horse and her incredible family! Love you, Zenny, and thank you for all you do. Love your “peeps” too! It is not a coincidence that Team Z has come together the way it has — it is truly divine. And I am so proud to be a part of it! Blessings to all!!
Debbie Lynch
Dear Zenny:
I love that you are so happy in your new home and have friends to be turned out with and visit. Did you know that some show dogs are now named after you – not just in my breed, which is Keeshonds, but also in other breeds. I think their owners are hoping they will be as kind and successful as you have been. We are interested in your charity work and wondering if a few more items to purchase could be added to your store. We are thinking about a Hermes type scarf featuring a beautiful horse – YOU! And perhaps a pendent or pin. We would be first in line to purchase a keepsake and help our your charities. All the best from also snowy Northeast Ohio.
M2 + Little Bit & Ready Lady
Thank you – you and Team Z are outstanding. Ready Lady (one of two of our horse at the Little Bit Ranch here in Texas) in particular is pleased with all you are doing. You see, she is a retired race horse too. We love her and she is so willing and caring – just like you. TB’s are so special. All the best, from the Little Bit Ranch.
Ellen Robertson
Once again, the folks of Team Zenyatta are doing the Right Thing by helping out those who need it, both equine and human.
Thank you for the informative and inspiring post!
I made a small donation to TROTT last month, and have recently received a copy of “Second Chance Horses” which lists many racehorse retraining and rescue organizations in the back. I can’t afford to give much, but I do want to give back to the animals who give me such pleasure!
For those looking for the Breyer Zenyatta model; I got mine back in October, but it is still available. It is just really hard to find right now because it is very popular (no surprise there!). The model is quite nice and is a good choice for honoring the Queen (it even has lots of pretty dapples!).
Big hugs to all of Team Z!
Robin
Hi Zenny!! I have a mini Z with a custom halter in pink and teal!! One more time that you and your team just blow me away with your good and thoughtful deeds. You’re ALL just so amazing !! Hope u had a wonderful day big girl!! Stay safe and warm!! MUAH!! XOXO
Leslie R.
Thank you Zenny and Team Z for all of your charity work! You are all a class act!
Love,
Leslie
Tammy Larson
I have an OTTB who turns 24 this year who is my heart. (Officially he is all ready 24, but his real birthday is next month) Organizations who support off track horses and helping them ease into a second career are tops in my book. Much love to you, Zenny, and all of Team Z. :)
Lynn Warrender
You and your owners are indeed noble souls, Zen!! I’m so glad to hear of your charities! I wanted to ask, tho: how do they clean you up after you’ve been rolling in the mud when it’s soooo cold back there? If they give you a warm bath, how do they dry you quickly enough to keep you from becoming very cold? We Californians may not understand how they care for you in freezing temperatures!!! Perhaps you could tell us about that (for those of us who’re CA natives!) ;) :0
Jenna
Good morning, Dottie and Z.
The Mosses are much to be admired. That the Mosses (and other owners) care so much about their horses after their racing career ends is just a wonderful thing.
Have a great day. I hope it’s more mild down there but I’m sure Z is loving the cold weather.
Happy Sunday!