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
tony
The post from Old Friends is especially welcomed. It just reinforces that the Mosses are class all the way and “our” awesome Zenyatta could not be in better hands.
Megan
No wonder we love you & your Team,Zenyatta.This doesn’t catch me off guard at all.Any owners/team that shares you with us regularly has to have a heart of gold,not only when it comes to you,but with other horses & charities.The more we learn about you & your team the more there is to love.So grateful that you are in good care Zenyatta & for your team’s constant commitment to go above & beyond.All of you are truly a DREAM TEAM.
Quarterhossgal
Michael B…..so happy to hear from you again, as you know I love to come visit all your retirees at Old Friends. You have the same look on your face as you talk about all your friends at the farm that Ann Moss has when she sees ZENYATTA!
A special love and caring that shines through your kind eyes. Those of us that are priviledged to be around horses on a daily basis know how fortunate we are.
The Breyer company unestimated the popularity of ZENYATTA, I have been waiting for a month and a half to get a Mini Z. I’m sure they will have some more made once they realize thousands want a Mini Z.
Maureen Feely
Congratulations Zenyatta for all your good works. Also, to your team. It’s horses like you that can get the word out about all the needy horses, and especially during these very difficult economic times.
Louise Bland
Zenyatta, ohh, I love the mini you! I’ve love to buy one. What do you think? — You know I’m not giving up that you might run again one day—if John, simply will not allow you to run, I’m sure he’s trying to take care of you so you’ll not get hurt. But the way you run…with your dancing up to the gate and with you waiting until all the horses get out of your way…then you pass like they’re all standing still! Just beautiful! Yes, I can’t forget!!! Love you. Hugs too!
Jan Doyle
Thanks so much Lou from TX for letting us know about Hotstuf. I am so thrilled, prayers are answered. Can’t wait to go see him this summer when we go to KY. I will be sending a donation in Zenyatta’s name for Hotstuf. Hope you are having a relaxing Sunday Zenny. Lou, I am also in TX and enjoying the snow. Hugs to all
Michelle
Thank you for the generosity of time and effort that goes into these posts.
Pamela J Hebert
Zenny what a giving horse you are. One organization I give to is HAHS The Hooved Animal Humane Society in Illinois. They have many rescued horses there & always need more funding to keep on providing homes for the rescued horses. I will look into the others you told us about. Again you always teach me something new everyday. Can’t wait till tomorrow to see what else you are going to say. Hugs & kisses
Michelle
I have this before but will say it again. This TEAM is CLASS CLASS CLASS and the MODEL of what every ownership team should be. Unfortunately, not every horse is as lucky as Zenyatta to be placed in such a loving environment. We can all do more to support the various charities and help as many beautiful horses as we can. Somebody asked above what happens to unwanted horses I really hate to even say it but the truth needs to be told. Thousands of unwanted horses end up at slaughter houses in Mexico and Canada. I realize we cannot save them all but I would sure like to try.
Gail - CANTER MI
Thank you Queen Z and Team Z for all the support you give to CANTER and the many other charities that you support. Anyone involved with TB’s coming off the track know how much help is needed to get them transitioned into new careers after racing. I gave you a big kiss on the nose the day after the Breeders Cup and I throw another huge one out to you now. You have given your heart to racing and continue to do so in your new career. Everyone from CANTER USA and all the affiliates thank you!!!
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
Big-Hearted Amazing Girl, The love you have shared from your heart has made many more aware & encouraged us all to “listen to our hearts” in our daily lives. There are not enough ways to Thank You, but I’ll keep trying. . . . . PEACE & LOVE
Liz
I have long supported wild horse charities and have added race horse charities to that support. I very much hope to be working with one soon, if only as a volunteer. Thank you Zenyatta for refocusing me on my first love and mission in life from some 40 years ago, to work for the betterment of horses everywhere. You are one of those rare individuals that make a huge difference just by being you.
S
Just got an email about Hotstuff. I had requested more info so I would know what to send and where…Good News is that they think he will be adopted by the end of the month. So glad to be able to send a litte something to help out with his rehab.
We should ask Dottie (on behalf of Zenyatta of course:), to suggest a Charity each month…then if we all (who can afford to ) donate as little as $5.00 a month or $60.00 a year…we could give close to $10,000.00 to help many horses to get a “New Home and Life”. (I am just using the low average of daily responses.) If you can’t afford to give…no problem…just send your prayers that those you can will and it will be used for good. Just a thought.
Shirley Nolan Al-mlaiti
What a great photo of you with your Breyer horse and Mario is with you so it was back when you were at Barn 55…What an expression on you beautiful face to see a mini you..That is a keeper…I also think it is great of you to try to help your fellow horses, there are so many deserving horses that could use help ..Not all race horses that are retired live a life like you and I know you understand this statment..I wish I could help them all …they work hard when they are racing and deserve a good life afterward…Keep up the good work ZENYATTA…LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU
Dani
@S – I think that is an excellent suggestion.
Nancy
Thank you Team Z for all of your generosity. I guess I have helped through you: I purchased a shirt from Canter while at Hollywood Park, gave a Breeders Cup Zenyatta hat as a present. Although an original Moneigh is way beyond my ability to pay, I discovered the ReRun note cards that included some made with your painting’s image.Not only do you support charities but you have made it easy for the rest of us to do so too!
Ali - CANTER California
Zenyatta and Zenyatta team, we are so honored you have chosen to support CANTER (www.canterusa.org). Thank you from all of us at CANTER and from every horse in our program. We are sending you lots of kisses and carrots:)
Sarah
Thank you queen Z for your continued support of Canter and Canter CA!!! We love you!!!
Margaret Murphy
Z you should be a model for how to take care of race horses when they finish racing. When you raced you were spectacular, beautiful, graceful and smart. I’m so happy you are working with other charities for horses that are not as lucky as you. They all should be respected with good care and love. Love you Z for all your team is doing. <3
Timmy Todd M.A,
Ladyship Zenyatta,,,,Zenny,,,,Z-Girl…..Goddesss!…. I have thanked you so many times for all that you do and have done,,,,, yet what I am most recently proud of is the paradigm shift and cultural swing that you are bringing to the arena….. People are talking horses,,people are interested. Dynamics that were only mentioned amoungst horse folk on the backside are now/again being talked about at the water cooler…. Your Impact On Racing and Life Is Garganguine’…. Keep talking you silly Big Mare!,,,,,we already now you “walk the walk….” Now teach us all that you can while your preparing for Spring…. Love You Lady Z…… Such a Good Girl! I’ll save my dessert from Nicci C’s for ya! :)
Prof Timmy
jim
JUSTAROUNDMIDNIGHT is now my little Z. she looks like and runs like Z. if anybody has a way to watch the replay of the ninth race at gulfstream park. check out this mighty 4yr old with her large body and white shadow roll come charging out of nowhere to win grade 3 race in only her 3rd start. she beat older horses. she will someday be a breeders cup winner just like Z. i now have a little Z. god bless you both.
Ann M
What a doll! (both of you)!!
Love you so much, sweet girl – you and your family are wonderful in every way!
If you put some links to those charities, I am sure many of us would love to support them as well – Love you –
Dawn Conrad
Michael Blowen – How fantastic to see your message in the diary. Zenny sure keeps special company. Just wanted to thank you for the loving care and hard work you and your fantastic volunteers give in support of these beautiful thoroughbred champions. You truly touch the hearts of visitors with their stories and allow everyone to experience their own personal connection. You are making such a difference one person and one horse at a time. Hopefully the experience translates to a greater understanding and involvement with charities when your guests get back home. To Canter and all of the other rescue and rehab groups touched by our beautiful Zenyatta and Team Z, we cannot thank you enough for all that you do! You have our support and admiration. Bless you all.
Gloria Jeanne
Love you!
Lanie
How cute!! I ordered that but they were sold out so have to find it elsewhere now!
Congrats to Hotstuff and Gifted..indeed you and all of your team have made such a difference in so many lives! It’s a great legacy girl and you represent it with class and style above and beyond.
Mike puts a monthly charity on his FB page too and is using his celebrity to help…course you know that’s the kind of guy he is!
Thanks to all of you for blessing others.
I love you..here under the moon..over Ky!
Linda (Canada)
Lovely Lady Z – I am so touched by all the horse charities and teaching foundations you have contributed to.
I saw the recent interview with John on “Equine VIP” I think, where he said that Team Z couldn’t have “shared” you with the public if it wasn’t for YOU, with your sweet, kind personality, and the way that you love people. I read Barbara Livingston’s article (Dec 2/10) about when the terminally ill lady came in a wheelchair just to see you and that you were cautiously led over, cause they didn’t know how you would react,cause here she was, all dressed in white and in a wheelchair, and you appraised the situation and stretched out your neck and put your nose on the lady’s cheek….well I just cried at that point…the lady “just beamed”.(said the article)She had asked for a “day-pass” because she wanted to see you!
I have the V foundation BC T shirt and will be wearing it ALL DAY on Jan 17…all of of us want so much for you to be recognized as what we KNOW you ARE: HOTY.
We in Canada are kind of over-looked for “stuff” to buy: what are these Breyer horses?….where do you order them? I have read some posts and understand that they are back-logged(cause they had no concept of how popular you are) but how do you get one? I got the T shirt thru’ DRF because any memorabilia of YOU was long gone before BC even ran! :)
Kim S
I was also glad to hear about Old Friends being able to “forever home” Hotstuf. How lucky!!! Thanks Team Z for this forum so we can stay informed through each other. Just like others have said, you are very special people. Have a good Sunday night Zenny, Team Z and New/Old Friends.
Emily
Zenny! I got the Zenyatta breyer! Shes my favorite breyer ever just as you are my favorite horse :)
I love you big girl! Have fun at Lanes End!
Mary Jane
Dear Team Z,
Thank you for the wonderful imagery of a Z in the sky, a mini- Zenyatta on the lawn. Most importantly, thank you for reminding everyone of the caring, generous spirit of a great horse and her incredible human repersentatives who demonstrate what charitble giving is all about. One of the reasons you have so many people coming to your site, is the positive energy and information you impart. In lieu of the tragic events this weekend in Tucson, I believe it is imperative for all of us to show one another the tolerance and civility you all embody.
Leslie
Hi dear Z! I’m so glad you keep sharing your life and your story with us. I sure do adore you. So nice to hear how you and your team help others. What a wonderful group of people you have around you… and they got just the right horse to fit into this kind circle… YOU!!